Australian cotton production has fluctuated dramatically over the last five years. The industry’s capacity to respond to these rapid and extreme fluctuations is largely attributable to the strength of its people, their networks and the effectiveness of these relationships. Trusted relationships and networks have been the basis for industry innovation, collaboration and effective change and are of critical

importance as the industry continues to grow and new people enter the industry. Vital to the industry’s on-going success in a future of increasing complexity and uncertainty are strong and durable networks, both throughout the industry and with other sectors. This theme creates opportunities for these relationships to be developed and continue being supported. (CRDC, 2013)

The Central Highlands Cotton Growers and Irrigators Association has been an active and highly functioning local growers association. It was incorporated in 1991 and has operated under its current constitution since then. Given recent changes by the regulator in relation to constitutions, this project funding supported the CHCG&IA to revise their constitution and adopt the model rules as recommended by the Office of Fair Trading. The CHCG&IA needed to develop a policy and procedure manual to support their constitution and ensure they meet any regulatory requirements.