SunRice is reducing its workforce due to water management policies.

SunRice has confirmed plans to cut 78 jobs at facilities in the towns of Leeton and Deniliquin in southern New South Wales. Another 92 positions within the company structure will undergo changes. The management of SunRice intends to continue informing the public about how government-mandated water allocation rules affect the rice industry in the Riverina region.

The federal government noted that it had been notified by the company of the decision taken. A government spokesperson emphasized that authorities continue to provide support to the Murray-Darling Basin regions as part of the "Sustainable Communities" program. This year, New South Wales was allocated 50 million dollars, which complements the 85 million provided earlier. Furthermore, a review of the basin management plan is currently underway, during which public submissions are being considered.

According to the 2024 ABARES report, rice production is most susceptible to the negative impact of voluntary water entitlement sales. Last summer, the harvest volume was approximately 180,000 tonnes, which became the lowest figure since the 2019–2020 drought period.

Federal Member of Parliament for the electorate of Farrer, Sussan Ley (David Farley in the original text context), criticized the Murray-Darling Basin plan in her speech, describing it as a costly and ideologically driven project. According to the parliamentarian, environmental initiatives must be considered in conjunction with issues of food security, the well-being of regional communities, and national resilience.