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SunRice job cuts and Riverina water policy tensions

Updated 1 time since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-24 02:35 UTC → 2026-08-25 03:41 UTC · added removed

SunRice Group announced significant job cuts across its operations in Deniliquin, Leeton, and Australian Grain Storage, resulting in 78 redundancies and 14 redeployments. Local leaders attributed these cuts to dry conditions and structural changes in water availability caused by the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, specifically noting that federal government water buybacks have a “devastating flow-on impact” on irrigation-dependent industries. In response to the restructuring, the Australian federal government is considering a multimillion-dollar support package for SunRice operations in the Riverina region. One Nation MP David Farley indicated that a deal to secure jobs is progressing, noting that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed a commitment to resolving the issue. Discussions involve potential government co-investment to match a $15 million industry proposal for facility upgrades. The Environment Minister’s office indicated that the government will consider co-investment once a formal proposal for new packaging facility investments is received. Recent reports suggest the proposed federal package may specifically target manufacturing capacity, such as a rice cakes production facility, where SunRice would match the investment to upgrade machinery. SunRice has expressed cautious optimism regarding these discussions but noted that any deal is not yet finalized. The company emphasized that while engagement is constructive, such assistance will not address the underlying water availability issues. SunRice maintained that a viable future for the industry requires a multifaceted approach, including more balanced water allocations and increased support for value-added manufacturing.

Versions

  1. 2026-08-25 03:41 UTC SunRice job cuts and Riverina water policy tensions
  2. 2026-08-24 02:35 UTC SunRice job cuts and Riverina water policy tensions

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