GROWTH in the water market has flowed into SA business Waterfind, which successfully overhauled its approach to water trading by introducing the first online water exchange system with 24/7 access to live market information and the ability to trade online.
The company relocated its Adelaide head office to modern premises last month to accommodate an expanding team.
Premier Jay Weatherill, who spoke at length about the importance of successful small to medium business for the state's economy, officially opened the new office.
"Waterfind demonstrates the aspirations for our state - thriving, successful and inspiring," he said.
"We need companies like Waterfind that will inspire young people to want to live and work in our state, to contribute to its wealth and growth."
It has experienced sustained growth since its foundation in 2003 and employs more than 40 people across the Adelaide head office and three regional offices at Mildura, Griffith, NSW, and Brisbane, Qld.
The online trading service was used by more than 7000 customers in 2014.
Founder Tom Rooney said the next step in the company's evolution was to continue leading and contributing towards maturing national water markets and to explore international opportunities.
He believed demand for skills in drought and water management would increase and Waterfind was well placed to share its knowledge and experience with countries such as the United States and China.
"Waterfind remains committed to supporting not only the state's economy but also Australia's agricultural sustainability," he said.
Chief executive officer Alister Walsh said water markets sustained Australian irrigators through five to six years of record low rainfall.
"Water trading will be one of the most important tools that will support agriculture productivity and help deliver against present and future federal trade agreements' expectations," he said.
Karina Natt
Journalist at Stock Journal.
Journalist at Stock Journal.
