'This book has been written to give farmers a voice. Their farm peak bodies and their political representatives have failed them badly in the debate on water policy. This book is written to awake policy makers and their advisors to the impending agricultural disaster if they continue to pursue open water trading markets. This book arose out of the concern of the authors, as well as many farmers and rural and regional community leaders, who have been dismayed at the path taken by governments under the National Water Initiative.' - from the Preface At a time when the debate about water use has become one of the most prominent and passionate debates in Australia, this book provides a important and well-argued perspective.