NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro believes the path to water reform has clear air following the return of the Coalition federal government.
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Mr Barilaro and state water minister Melinda Pavey toured Lake Hume on Monday as part of a tour of irrigation areas including Deniliquin, Coleambally and Griffith.
They met with representatives from local government, NSW Farmers and irrigators in Albury and agreed rural communities had avoided a more dire outcome with the Coalition winning the election compared to Labor's increased buybacks push.
"It allows us to get rid of the politics and take the emotion out of this very important issue," Mr Barilaro said.
"There is no question there are communities struggling with the decision making of both state and federal governments.
"But they want to make sure decisions of the future are ones underpinned by transparency, trust and local delivery."
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Ms Pavey, who replaced Niall Blair as water minister after the March state election, promised a more transparent approach to water management.
"What I've heard from many communities is they are sick of the secret deals and don't feel as though they have been involved in decisions in a way they deserve," she said.
"I give 100 per cent guarantee that as a minister, as part of the Murray Darling Basin, I will ensure all our agendas and minutes post our ministerial council meetings will be available directly to all communities along this river.
"I understand how vital water is to sustaining, growing and enabling communities to thrive, which is why I'm particularly excited that we had an election result on Saturday that we did."