Policy in practice – a grower’s perspective

Paul McLaughlin, Chairman of Melons Australia and a Director of NT Farmers

Paul McLaughlin grows watermelons 370km north of Alice Springs, in the Northern Territory. Paul saw first-hand how differing perspectives and shifting processes create confusion, distrust, and frustration. What changed? A different approach – one based on listening, consistency, and neutrality. 

Paul found new hope working with Watertrust. In this short video, he shares how Watertrust helped steady the process underpinning the Western Davenport Water Advisory Committee and brought people back to the table. “That was the real benefit,” he says. “You had someone neutral, someone who took the time to understand all sides and who we trusted to keep the process on track.”