[ { "post_id": "952", "post_category_id": "416", "post_title": "PC National Water Reform Inquiry Facts", "post_content_short": "The Productivity Commission has updated a FAQ document to be clear on the definition of 'water services' and whether or not the inquiry will\nconsider the NWA. ", "post_icon": "https:\/\/www.irrigators.org.au\/media\/website_posts\/952\/PC-logo.png", "post_content_type": "url", "post_content_url": "https:\/\/www.pc.gov.au\/inquiries-and-research\/water-reform-2026\/faq\/", "post_date": "2026-04-10 01:11:55" }, { "post_id": "951", "post_category_id": "415", "post_title": "Draft Position Statement - Climate", "post_content_short": "Following last week's Member Policy discussion, a Draft Position Statement on Climate Uncertainty is available for review and feedback.  Feedback\nis welcome by Friday 10th April.  We intend to finalise this Position Statement at our April General Meeting. 
\n
\nREMINDER - the Blue box is the text that is agreed or voted on by Members and should be the focus of feedback.  The remaining text is\nbackground and can be updated as needed with new information without Member approval. ", "post_icon": "https:\/\/www.irrigators.org.au\/media\/website_posts\/951\/Member-Policy-update.png", "post_content_type": "file", "post_content_url": "https:\/\/www.irrigators.org.au\/media\/website_posts\/951\/260325-Draft-Postion-Statement-Climate.docx", "post_date": "2026-04-02 07:02:20" }, { "post_id": "950", "post_category_id": "418", "post_title": "Basin Plan snapshot", "post_content_short": "Following feedback and discussion, we have updated the Basin Plan snapshot document to include climate as well as, more detail on the Basin Plan 2.0 and 1.0.
\n
\nVisit the Members Area to see the web version of the attached PDF.", "post_icon": "https:\/\/www.irrigators.org.au\/media\/website_posts\/950\/Member-new-resource.png", "post_content_type": "page", "post_content_url": "https:\/\/www.irrigators.org.au\/members-area\/strategy-and-policy-documents\/basin-plan-discussion-paper-response\/", "post_date": "2026-04-02 00:41:59" }, { "post_id": "949", "post_category_id": "416", "post_title": "National Water Reform review", "post_content_short": "The Productivity Commission has released the terms of reference for the tree-yearly review into National Water Reform - this inquiry is into\nthe National Water Initiative and its progress.  The review also includes terms to look at urban water infrastructure and pricing, and\nthus presents an opportunity to raise concerns with bulk water infrastructure and pricing. This is a tight timeframe, with a two-step\nprocess for an initial submission and a final submission deadline, which is similar to the usual process, it will mean we will not see a draft report rather an initial summary.  The intention is this information is available to the Minister prior to the end of 2026, to\nhelp inform the legislative program for 2027.
\n
\nNIC has requested a direct meeting with the inquiry team and we will let you know when.", "post_icon": "https:\/\/www.irrigators.org.au\/media\/website_posts\/949\/News.png", "post_content_type": "url", "post_content_url": "https:\/\/www.pc.gov.au\/inquiries-and-research\/water-reform-2026\/", "post_date": "2026-03-31 00:33:00" }, { "post_id": "948", "post_category_id": "418", "post_title": "NIC Draft Options Table", "post_content_short": "Part 3 of our Submission to the MDBA's Basin Plan Review Discussion paper is the full list of MDBA options, our NIC response and our own options.  This is available as a stand alone document. ", "post_icon": "https:\/\/www.irrigators.org.au\/media\/website_posts\/948\/Draft-Submission.png", "post_content_type": "file", "post_content_url": "https:\/\/www.irrigators.org.au\/media\/website_posts\/948\/DRAFT-NIC-Options-Table-v1.pdf", "post_date": "2026-03-24 00:27:57" }, { "post_id": "947", "post_category_id": "418", "post_title": "Draft Submission on Basin Plan Review", "post_content_short": "The first draft of our NIC Submission to the MDBA's Basin Plan Review Discussion Paper is now available.  Attached is the one document,\nwhich includes a brief one-pager on the review. The one-pager is designed as a stand alone document for decision makers, and hence its\nlanguage is tailored accordingly.  The options table is also available separately on the Members Page. 
\n
\nFeedback is welcomed, and I note we haven't specifically discussed northern connectivity or Menindee yet as a Membership group which will\nfurther shape this submission (although we anticipate a separate submission for Menindee Review).  We will have a Specific Member Drop\nin session scheduled for this in coming weeks, to give you time to read through the submission.  The submission has been written to\nprovide an overarching key recommendations, with a number of specific recommendations within the report - the key list is the option table\nin Part 3.  We aimed to have it structured to allow, local views and regional examples, to be provided. ", "post_icon": "https:\/\/www.irrigators.org.au\/media\/website_posts\/947\/Draft-Submission.png", "post_content_type": "file", "post_content_url": "https:\/\/www.irrigators.org.au\/media\/website_posts\/947\/20260205-DRAFT-NIC-Submission-Basin-Plan-Review-Discussion-Paper-V1.pdf", "post_date": "2026-03-24 00:17:00" }, { "post_id": "945", "post_category_id": "418", "post_title": "Issues list with SDL analysis and options uploaded", "post_content_short": "The NIC team have uploaded and embedded a "live document" to help inform our submission development.  This includes overview of issues, SDL assessment and technical issues, options analysis.
\n
\nThe approach aims to be transparent with the key issues for the BP Review, proposed solutions and actions. The document will be updated as\nwe progress through our analysis adn thinking.  
\n
\nThe MDBA options from the discussion paper, are also presented with draft comments outlining our potential responses for the submission.  In\nthe options tab, we have also included previously recommended NIC positions for reference. ", "post_icon": "https:\/\/www.irrigators.org.au\/media\/website_posts\/945\/Member-new-resource.png", "post_content_type": "page", "post_content_url": "https:\/\/www.irrigators.org.au\/members-area\/strategy-and-policy-documents\/basin-plan-discussion-paper-response\/", "post_date": "2026-03-06 06:24:05" }, { "post_id": "944", "post_category_id": "415", "post_title": "Water Act Review commences", "post_content_short": "This week, the statutory review of the Water Act 2007 (Cth) commenced. You can read the Terms of Reference and an Introductory Paper on the DCCEEW website. Consultation is now underway until July. We will discuss more at our next member drop-in session. ", "post_icon": "https:\/\/www.irrigators.org.au\/media\/website_posts\/944\/News.png", "post_content_type": "url", "post_content_url": "https:\/\/www.dcceew.gov.au\/water\/policy\/policy\/legislation\/water-act-review", "post_date": "2026-03-05 22:59:41" }, { "post_id": "943", "post_category_id": "418", "post_title": "MDBP Member Discussion 25 Feb", "post_content_short": "Following the Member policy discussion on 25 February, please see the slides from this meeting. Key discussion points were reaffirming our\npositions, providing insights into our work program including our journal article on evidence to priorisation for the Basin Plan next steps a follow on from our triple crown framework, as well as our engagement and communications planing -internal and external. ", "post_icon": "https:\/\/www.irrigators.org.au\/media\/website_posts\/943\/Member-policy-drop-in.png", "post_content_type": "file", "post_content_url": "https:\/\/www.irrigators.org.au\/media\/website_posts\/943\/National-Irrigators-Council-Feb-25-Drop-in.pptx", "post_date": "2026-02-25 22:40:57" }, { "post_id": "946", "post_category_id": "406", "post_title": "NIC Submission into IGWC", "post_content_short": "The NIC provided a written, public submission into the Review into the Inspector General Water Compliance saying: "Reviewing how the\nrole is functioning towards these key principles is paramount as the new role matures over time, to ensure that these principles are being\nmet, but also that this is occurring in an effective, efficient, fit-for-purpose and proportional manner. Nothing in this submission is to question or belittle the importance of these principles – rather – to examine how they can be most effectively and efficiently served."", "post_icon": "https:\/\/www.irrigators.org.au\/media\/website_posts\/946\/Submission.png", "post_content_type": "file", "post_content_url": "https:\/\/www.irrigators.org.au\/media\/website_posts\/946\/20260225-NIC-Submission-IGWC-Review.pdf", "post_date": "2026-02-25 06:25:00" }, { "post_id": "942", "post_category_id": "415", "post_title": "NIC General Meeting - April 2026", "post_content_short": "The NIC General Meeting is rescheduled to be on 23 April 2026, replacing the planned trip to the SA Riverland. This regional visit will be\nscheduled next year. ", "post_icon": "https:\/\/www.irrigators.org.au\/media\/website_posts\/942\/Events.png", "post_content_type": "event", "post_content_url": "https:\/\/www.irrigators.org.au\/event-rsvp\/nic-general-meeting-2026\/", "post_date": "2026-02-20 03:45:55" }, { "post_id": "940", "post_category_id": "415", "post_title": "Working draft Review into IGWC", "post_content_short": "A working draft of our proposed submission to the Independent Review of the Inspector General of Water Compliance, is available here. During\nthis weeks Policy Discussion, feedback was received but not yet fully incorporated.  This is at the end of the submission and will be\nincorporated next week. 
\n
\nPlease review the working draft and provide any feedback to Christine by the end of next week, a further draft will then be circulated prior\nto finalising for submission on 25 February 2026.", "post_icon": "https:\/\/www.irrigators.org.au\/media\/website_posts\/940\/Draft-Submission.png", "post_content_type": "file", "post_content_url": "https:\/\/www.irrigators.org.au\/media\/website_posts\/940\/20260209-NIC-Submission-IGWC-Review.docx", "post_date": "2026-02-13 05:31:49" }, { "post_id": "939", "post_category_id": "415", "post_title": "Briefing note on issues and discussion points", "post_content_short": "NIC team have prepared an updated briefing note for Members on the MDBA Discussion Paper and provided some guidance on key areas to question\nfrom the MDBA during consultation roundtables next week.
\nConsideration of additional messages is underway, pending feedback following the consultation sessions. ", "post_icon": "https:\/\/www.irrigators.org.au\/media\/website_posts\/939\/Member-update.png", "post_content_type": "page", "post_content_url": "https:\/\/www.irrigators.org.au\/members-area\/strategy-and-policy-documents\/basin-plan-discussion-paper-response\/", "post_date": "2026-02-13 05:24:00" }, { "post_id": "938", "post_category_id": "415", "post_title": "Slides from Member Policy Discussion", "post_content_short": "The powerpoint slides from the 11 February NIC Member Policy Discussion on the Review of the Inspector General of Water Compliance role\nand the initial analysis of the Basin Plan Review Discussion paper are available here.", "post_icon": "https:\/\/www.irrigators.org.au\/media\/website_posts\/938\/Member-policy-drop-in.png", "post_content_type": "file", "post_content_url": "https:\/\/www.irrigators.org.au\/media\/website_posts\/938\/National-Irrigators-Council-Feb-11-Drop-in.pptx", "post_date": "2026-02-11 05:05:00" }, { "post_id": "937", "post_category_id": "418", "post_title": "Slides from Member Q&A", "post_content_short": "As part of Basin Plan Review communication and information sharing, our first of our weekly Q&A sessions were held today.  These\nsession are held every Tuesday at 1pm. See attached the slides.
\n
\nQuestion and themes asked, will be generated into the live issues list and discussed in Policy Sessions, as scheduled every second\nWednesday. ", "post_icon": "https:\/\/www.irrigators.org.au\/media\/website_posts\/937\/Member-Policy-update.png", "post_content_type": "file", "post_content_url": "https:\/\/www.irrigators.org.au\/media\/website_posts\/937\/National-Irrigators-Council-10-Feb-BPR-QA.pptx", "post_date": "2026-02-10 22:45:55" }, { "post_id": "936", "post_category_id": "416", "post_title": "Menindee Review Technical Papers released", "post_content_short": "The MDBA has been working with River Murray governments to collate and prepare background information on the historical and current\noperation and management arrangements for Menindee Lakes and the associated challenges and opportunities in operating and managing the\nMenindee Lakes into the future.  A technical review and issues paper have been released for information to inform the Basin Plan\nReview. ", "post_icon": "https:\/\/www.irrigators.org.au\/media\/website_posts\/936\/Murray-Darling-Basin-Authority.jpg", "post_content_type": "url", "post_content_url": "https:\/\/www.mdba.gov.au\/publications-and-data\/publications\/menindee-review", "post_date": "2026-02-10 22:40:00" }, { "post_id": "941", "post_category_id": "403", "post_title": "Water Law Symposium", "post_content_short": "Legalwise is again holding their annual Water Law Symposium in Sydney.
\nAs water law continues to evolve in response to environmental challenges, policy reform and heightened regulatory scrutiny, secure expert\nguidance on key legal and strategic issues shaping Australia’s water governance framework. You will gain insights into the lessons of\nthe past decade in water reform, the intersection of Indigenous rights and governance, and the design of the Basin Plan Review. ", "post_icon": "https:\/\/www.irrigators.org.au\/media\/website_posts\/941\/Legalwise.png", "post_content_type": "url", "post_content_url": "https:\/\/legalwiseseminars.com.au\/seminar-details?event=31691629578", "post_date": "2026-02-09 05:34:00" }, { "post_id": "935", "post_category_id": "418", "post_title": "Discussion paper quick snapshot", "post_content_short": "A brief snapshot of the MDBA's Basin Plan Review discussion paper is available on the Members webpage.
\n
\nA more detailed brief will be prepared for your information. ", "post_icon": "https:\/\/www.irrigators.org.au\/media\/website_posts\/935\/Member-update.png", "post_content_type": "page", "post_content_url": "https:\/\/www.irrigators.org.au\/members-area\/strategy-and-policy-documents\/basin-plan-discussion-paper-response\/", "post_date": "2026-02-04 20:27:39" }, { "post_id": "934", "post_category_id": "405", "post_title": "MDBA Paper finds it's time to move beyond 'just adding water'", "post_content_short": "A first look at the Murray Darling Basin Authority’s Basin Plan Review discussion paper, reveals again that more is needed than “just adding\n\twater” to improve the environments of the Basin. “The discussion paper should serve as an important wake up call to the Federal Government\n\twho continue to use old tools, for today’s challenges”, said NIC CEO, Zara Lowien.[...]\n", "post_icon": "https:\/\/www.irrigators.org.au\/media\/website_posts\/934\/Media-Release.png", "post_content_type": "page", "post_content_url": "https:\/\/www.irrigators.org.au\/news\/media-releases\/review-finds-its-time-to-move-beyond-just-adding-water-to-the-basin\/", "post_date": "2026-02-04 18:30:00" }, { "post_id": "933", "post_category_id": "418", "post_title": "MDBA Webinar Series on the Basin Plan Review", "post_content_short": "The MDBA have opened registrations for a series of webinars to support their consultation approach on the Basin Plan Review. The initial topics being how to make a submission, Menindee and SDL assessments. The webinars will be recorded and start from Monday next\nweek. 
\n
\nA link on these webinars is not yet available on their website but is available by clicking here. ", "post_icon": "https:\/\/www.irrigators.org.au\/media\/website_posts\/933\/News.png", "post_content_type": "url", "post_content_url": "https:\/\/assets-oce.mkt.dynamics.com\/18c6513d-1927-4d09-8c8e-8974068ea7ab\/digitalassets\/standaloneforms\/b9386aa7-c9de-f011-8544-6045bdc26750?readableEventId=MDBA_Webinar_1_Discussion_Paper243542520", "post_date": "2026-02-04 03:13:00" }, { "post_id": "931", "post_category_id": "418", "post_title": "New Page for Members", "post_content_short": "We have set up a new  Members only page on our website with all the information you need on the Basin Plan Review.
\n
\nReminder, you will need to have set up your Member sign in to access the page and all the information. 
\n
", "post_icon": "https:\/\/www.irrigators.org.au\/media\/website_posts\/931\/Member-new-resource.png", "post_content_type": "page", "post_content_url": "https:\/\/www.irrigators.org.au\/members-area\/strategy-and-policy-documents\/basin-plan-discussion-paper-response\/", "post_date": "2026-02-03 22:52:17" }, { "post_id": "930", "post_category_id": "416", "post_title": "IGWC - Statutory Review underway", "post_content_short": "The Department are reviewing the role of the Inspector-General of Water Compliance, to ensure it continues to add value to the management\n\tof the Murray Darling Basin.\n\n

This review is a requirement of the Water Act 2007<\/em> and must be completed by 30 June 2026.\n

Independent reviewers have been appointed.  A survey and or submissions are due by 25 February 2026.", "post_icon": "https:\/\/www.irrigators.org.au\/media\/website_posts\/930\/dcceew.jpg", "post_content_type": "url", "post_content_url": "https:\/\/consult.dcceew.gov.au\/statutory-review-igwc-role", "post_date": "2026-02-02 02:35:05" }, { "post_id": "929", "post_category_id": "415", "post_title": "Member Survey - we need your help!", "post_content_short": "The NIC Board are wanting to undertake a mid-term review of the performance and value of NIC, since the adoption of the new Strategic Plan\nand membership changes.  To inform this process, the Board are seeking views from Members and other targeted stakeholders on NIC performance, and how we represent the industry to Members and external stakeholders. 
\n
\nA brief survey has been set up providing you and your organisation an opportunity to provide input and feedback to the Board.  It should take up to 10 minutes depending on your desired level of input.  The Survey will be open until 6th February 2026.
\n
\nAs always, please feel free to reach out to any of the Directors or Zara with feedback and input. ", "post_icon": "https:\/\/www.irrigators.org.au\/media\/website_posts\/929\/Strategic-plan.png", "post_content_type": "url", "post_content_url": "https:\/\/www.surveymonkey.com\/r\/VJHRS83", "post_date": "2026-01-16 05:15:18" }, { "post_id": "928", "post_category_id": "405", "post_title": "National EPBC listing in MDB, just words not action", "post_content_short": "“Today’s announcement is just smoke and mirrors by the Albanese Government,” said National Irrigators’ Council CEO, Zara Lowien. “Listing\n\tthese areas [parts of Murray Basin floodplain] only adds complexity, creates uncertainty for new developments, overlooks the progress of the\n\tBasin Plan and offers no new solutions.” [...]\n", "post_icon": "https:\/\/www.irrigators.org.au\/media\/website_posts\/928\/Media-Release.png", "post_content_type": "page", "post_content_url": "https:\/\/www.irrigators.org.au\/news\/media-releases\/national-epbc-listing-in-mdb-just-words-not-action\/", "post_date": "2026-01-15 03:10:04" }, { "post_id": "927", "post_category_id": "405", "post_title": "Office Closure", "post_content_short": "We're taking a short break to refuel and get ready for 2026.
\n
\nThe NIC Office will be closed from Monday, 22nd December 2025 until Monday 5th January 2026.", "post_icon": "https:\/\/www.irrigators.org.au\/media\/website_posts\/927\/Office-Closure-2025.png", "post_content_type": "none", "post_content_url": null, "post_date": "2025-12-19 05:25:02" } ]