why water
A scarce resource, a growing opportunity
Water is one of the most essential and constrained inputs in global food and fibre production. In the face of rising population, climate variability, and increased competition for land and resources, water rights in Australia have become a critical asset class. Argyle focuses exclusively on water entitlements, which are permanent legal rights to access a share of water from specific rivers or aquifers. These entitlements are not just the foundation of irrigation supply; they also underpin the long-term productivity of land, support regional economic resilience, and offer investors access to a stable, real asset with strong long-term fundamentals.
Australia’s Regulated Water Markets
Australia leads the world in the regulation of water. Through a robust ‘cap and trade’ system, the volume of water available for consumptive use is limited to ensure the sustainability of river systems and aquifers. Within this structure, water entitlements can be bought, sold, or leased between users, creating a transparent and competitive market. Argyle operates within this framework to deliver long-term water solutions for irrigators and resilient outcomes for investors. The governance is clear, the system is well-established, and demand for water continues to grow.
Why Water Makes Sense for Investors
Scarcity supports long-term value
Government buybacks and environmental policies continue to reduce the availability of consumptive water. As supply tightens, high-quality water entitlements are increasingly valuable.
Productivity growth drives higher values
Irrigation farmers focus on optimising water-use efficiency to produce ‘more crop per drop’ of water applied. Over time, farmers are able to pay more to secure the water needed to maintain permanent crops or expand their cropping enterprise.
Low correlation to financial markets
Returns from water entitlements have historically moved independently from equity and property markets, offering portfolio diversification and downside protection.
Investing in Impact and Regional Futures
At Argyle, investing in water is not only about generating returns. It is also about contributing to long-term environmental and social outcomes. Our approach supports resilient and productive farming systems while strengthening the rural communities and ecosystems that rely on them. By improving water security and enabling sustainable land use, we help irrigators make informed, future-focused decisions that benefit both their businesses and the regions they support. This commitment is a core part of our ESG approach and reflects our belief that well-managed investment can create lasting value across economic, social and environmental outcomes.
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