1015 415 https://www.irrigators.org.au/media/website_posts/1015/Member-new-resource.png url https://www.mdba.gov.au/sites/default/files/publications/SDL-supply-measure-contribution-comparison-2017-and-2026.pdf 2026-10-06 00:09:00 1014 415
Gusts confirmed include the Hon. Murray Watt, Minister for the Environment and Water, David Farley,MP the Member for Farrer and One Nation spokesperson for water and agriculture, and the Hon. Micahel McCormack, MP Member for Riverina and Shadow Minister for Water.

Please do not forget to RSVP in person or online via the event link. ]]> https://www.irrigators.org.au/media/website_posts/1014/Member-General-Meetnig-.png page https://www.irrigators.org.au/members-area/meeting-documents/ 2026-10-02 00:17:04 1013 415
These can be accessed via the Members Area of the website under Meeting Document/Annual General Meeting information. Reminder you will need to log in to access this area.

Please do not forget to RSVP - in person or online.]]> https://www.irrigators.org.au/media/website_posts/1013/Member-General-Meetnig-.png page https://www.irrigators.org.au/members-area/meeting-documents/annual-general-meeting-information/ 2026-10-01 23:58:08 1012 415
A session at the General Meeting has been scheduled to discuss project alternatives to provide a solution to the SDLAM shortfall. ]]> https://www.irrigators.org.au/media/website_posts/1012/Member-update.png page https://www.irrigators.org.au/members-area/member-update/sdlam-draft-determination/ 2026-10-01 20:58:40 1011 403
The Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism (SDLAM) reconciliation is a statutory requirement under the Basin Plan (2012) (the Basin Plan). The MDBA are asking for feedback on the draft determination and the Authority’s proposed Sustainable Diversion Limit (SDL) adjustments.]]> https://www.irrigators.org.au/media/website_posts/1011/MDBA-SDLAM-consultation.png url https://getinvolved.mdba.gov.au/sdlam 2026-10-01 20:50:03 1010 405 “These communities have endured 30 years of reform, already losing 1 in 3 litres of water from farming, who are now hearing they risk a further 265 GL, on top of the 450 GL the Federal Government is already out purchasing,” NIC CEO Zara Lowien said. “It’s time to move beyond ‘just adding water’ to the environment, today’s environmental challenges need the right tools, and farmers and communities need stability.” [...]]]> https://www.irrigators.org.au/media/website_posts/1010/Media-Release.png page https://www.irrigators.org.au/news/media-releases/media-release-new-evidence-old-solutions-basin-communities-at-risk/ 2026-10-01 20:42:31 1009 403

environmental water management

climate adaptation

native fish recovery

water quality

northern Basin issues

sustainable diversion limits.

Speakers will outline areas where evidence suggests there may be opportunities to improve Basin water management and identify options that warrant further discussion and testing. The rountable materials will be the basis for the webinar as a broad consultation opportunity following the Rountables in Sydney. ]]> https://www.irrigators.org.au/media/website_posts/1009/MDBA-logo.jpg url https://www.mdba.gov.au/news-and-events/webinars 2026-09-29 02:22:33 1008 415
The consultation topics speciically include sustainable water use.

Consitlation commences today, with submissions due by Friday 9 October 2026.
]]> https://www.irrigators.org.au/media/website_posts/1008/News.png url https://www.pmc.gov.au/news/have-your-say-future-ai-training-and-infrastructure-australia 2026-09-18 05:21:58 1007 415
This report aims to provide evidence of the existing climate mechanisms, to avoid needing further change and puts a number of key recommendations on the Basin Plan, Water Act and within drafted NIC Policy Position Statements in one document. The report also raises a clear case about the role of water policy and other levers, in helping to achieve water security as a policy objective - walking the line of why international definitions are not appropriate.

We welcome feedback and comment on this report by 5th October to allow time to incorporate and release in and around our General Meeting if needed.]]> https://www.irrigators.org.au/media/website_posts/1007/Member-new-resource.png file https://www.irrigators.org.au/media/website_posts/1007/20260918-NIC-Water-Security-and-Climate-Change-Report-_for-comment.pdf 2026-09-18 05:15:34 1006 411
This purpose of this pack outlines the emerging policy directions for the Basin Plan Review. It is intended to support further engagement and does not represent settled positions or decisions. There will be six Rountable discussions on:

Optimising outcomes from environmental water (including constraints)
Water resource planning and regulation
At-risk SDL assessments and potential responses
Northern Basin water management
Water quality and native fish
Climate risk and adaptive responses

]]> https://www.irrigators.org.au/media/website_posts/1006/MDBA-logo.jpg url https://www.mdba.gov.au/sites/default/files/publications/basin-plan-review-discussion-materials-september-2026.pdf 2026-09-18 04:58:14 1005 415
The engagement principles, we are working into a Guideline for more general use.

We intend to present this as a Special Resolution at the General Meeting, which has a deadline for communication next week. Final comments are due ASAP.]]> https://www.irrigators.org.au/media/website_posts/1005/Member-Policy-update.png file https://www.irrigators.org.au/media/website_posts/1005/20260917-Draft-Postion-Statement-Menindee-Principles.docx 2026-09-18 03:23:37 1004 415
Please see the updated version here which has the amended text in red (new or ~~removed~~). Key is the new position on "Australia’s unique climate and highly variable water availability requires a uniquely Australian approach to water security...]]> https://www.irrigators.org.au/media/website_posts/1004/Member-Policy-update.png file https://www.irrigators.org.au/media/website_posts/1004/260325-Draft-Postion-Statement-Climate-V3-and-FINAL.docx 2026-09-18 03:18:37 1003 415 2026-27 Trading Strategy Addendum for the Bridging the Gap program. It lists the catchments with a remaining gap to be bridged and includes key dates for upcoming tenders.

As of 30 June 2026, 9.0 GL/y remains to bridge the gap in full across five catchments: surface water in the NSW Border Rivers, NSW Murray, Lower Darling and Lachlan, and groundwater in the Queensland Condamine-Balonne. Gaps in the NSW Murray, Lower Darling and Lachlan have only occurred due to changes in NSW LTDLEs.]]> https://www.irrigators.org.au/media/website_posts/1003/Member-new-resource.png url https://www.dcceew.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/strategic-water-purchasing-framework-addendum-2026-27.pdf 2026-09-11 06:14:00 1002 403
You can submit an abstract, case study, video pitch, workshop or panel idea across 13 diverse sub-themes.

Whether you have new research to share, lessons from a project, an innovative approach or a conversation you think the sector needs to have, now is the time to get your submission in.

A great opportunity to showcase the wonder work of the industry, your programs and irrigation effeciency. Reach out to Zara or Christine, if interested to discuss.

Due 18 September 2026
]]> https://www.irrigators.org.au/media/website_posts/1002/OzWater-27.png url https://www.ozwater.org/about/themes?_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_FeL-Wxda0wkieQVbd_u9N-56ZEvvrQPCb2R5wiaIi8qVVZzGwtcOsnO6eyyN7dQKAYlfBuezhaD-PCGOyAkb9WJYaRA&_hsmi=436943386 2026-09-03 21:24:21 1001 406
Key points included ensuring the Water Act reflects the constitutional arrangements for water, reshaping the Act to reflect the changed roles of the Murray Darling Basin Plan from a plan of recovery to management and ensuring the froundations of water management framework, agreed in 2004 are reflected in legislation.]]> https://www.irrigators.org.au/media/website_posts/1001/Submission.png file https://www.irrigators.org.au/media/website_posts/1001/20260831-Water-Act-Review-NIC-Submission-FINAL.pdf 2026-09-03 21:18:26 1000 415
A massive efffort today by the team to pull this together.

Feedback is welcome but must be early Monday to allow the submission to be lodged. There are no extensions.

Minor checking and AI analysis of messaging will occur Monday before lodging, so there maybe minor changes. ]]> https://www.irrigators.org.au/media/website_posts/1000/Draft-Submission.png file https://www.irrigators.org.au/media/website_posts/1000/20260828-Water-Act-Review-NIC-Submission-V2-FINAL-DRAFT.pdf 2026-08-28 08:41:06 999 415
Either use this as a letter template or use the key headings as the core key messages to convey.

An updated draft of our full submission is due today. ]]> https://www.irrigators.org.au/media/website_posts/999/Member-new-resource.png file https://www.irrigators.org.au/media/website_posts/999/20260828_Points-for-Water-Act-Submission.docx 2026-08-28 02:23:07 998 405 enough is enough’ of taking water away from farmers.

“Communities are at tipping point right around the Basin,” said Zara Lowien, CEO of NIC, after 1 in 3 litres of water has been removed from farming over more than 30 years of reform. [...]

]]> https://www.irrigators.org.au/media/website_posts/998/Media-Release.png page https://www.irrigators.org.au/news/media-releases/media-release-nic-at-the-national-bush-summit/ 2026-08-26 22:44:00 997 415
Only one session needs to be attended, but you are welcome to both.

Session 1 - Monday 24th August 1:30pm-2:30pm
Session 2 - Thursday 27th August 10am-11am

Click this link to RSVP and receive the Teams link for Session 2.]]> https://www.irrigators.org.au/media/website_posts/997/Member-Policy-update.png event https://www.irrigators.org.au/event-rsvp/water-act-review-submission-feedback-session-2026/ 2026-08-21 04:13:01 996 415
Only one session needs to be attended, but you are welcome to both.

Session 1 - Monday 24th August 1:30pm-2:30pm
Session 2 - Thursday 27th August 10am-11am

Click this link to RSVP and receive the Teams link for Session 1.
]]> https://www.irrigators.org.au/media/website_posts/996/Member-policy-drop-in.png event https://www.irrigators.org.au/event-rsvp/water-act-review-submission-feedback-session/ 2026-08-21 04:12:19 995 415
The position is voluntary but offers the opportunity to provide your voice and experience in the direction of one of NIC Partner organisations.

EOI close 25 September 2026. More information is available by clicking the link.
]]> https://www.irrigators.org.au/media/website_posts/995/PCT.png url https://www.petercullentrust.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-EOI-Board-Directors.pdf 2026-08-21 03:48:41 994 409 https://www.irrigators.org.au/media/website_posts/994/Member-new-resource.png url https://www.dcceew.gov.au/water/policy/publications/national-water-agreement 2026-08-21 03:36:43 993 405
National Irrigators' Council, NSW Irrigators' Council, Ricegrowers' Association, Citrus Australia and Cotton Australia were united in their call that water policy belongs in Australia's food security conversation. [...]]]> https://www.irrigators.org.au/media/website_posts/993/Media-Release.png page https://www.irrigators.org.au/news/media-releases/joint-media-release-water-policy-must-be-on-the-food-security-menu/ 2026-08-18 05:31:00 992 406 first Draft following initial Member discussions has been preared for the Water Act Review Dicussion Paper response. Please review and consider feedback, preferably in tracked changes. A Policy drop in session will be held to work through feedback also.

This is a frist Draft, we expect further additional work in a few areas including the inclusion of data from our proposed survey on water information. We will also be cross checking our Basin Plan submission table to the recommendations to ensure we have captured everything. ]]> https://www.irrigators.org.au/media/website_posts/992/Draft-Submission.png file https://www.irrigators.org.au/media/website_posts/992/20260721-Water-Act-Review-NIC-Submission.docx 2026-08-16 23:30:48 991 405
We have introduced new membership options recognising that organisations are structured differently and may already contribute to NIC through local or valley representation. Our structure also provides options for organisations with operations outside the Murray–Darling Basin, making direct national representation more accessible while recognising existing contributions.

Is now the time to explore our options?
]]> https://www.irrigators.org.au/media/website_posts/991/News.png page https://www.irrigators.org.au/our-community/ 2026-08-11 04:02:02