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Why the name? Because current is what we’re all about: water, current affairs, and staying ahead of the flow. And right now, a lot is moving — the Basin Plan and Water Act reviews, water security, and the future of the communities that grow our food and fibre. 'The Current' is our way of cutting through the noise: the news, insights and connections that matter, delivered straight to your inbox.  Sign up on our 'Contact Us' page.  ]]> https://www.irrigators.org.au/media/website_posts/1029/The-Current-Banner.png page https://www.irrigators.org.au/contact-us/ 2026-10-30 10:26:22 1032 419
The National Irrigators Council analysis of national water accounts, compiled by the Bureau of Meteorology from 2011 to 2025, show consumptive use has declined since the Basin plan was signed into law in 2012, when 28 per cent of the water was diverted by towns, agriculture and other industries.

“With more than three-quarters of the Basin’s available water remaining in rivers, the focus must shift from simply recovering more water to addressing the threats that are holding back river health,” NIC chief executive Zara Lowien said. (Source: The Weekly Times, by Peter Hunt)
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The federal government has not ruled out more water buybacks to try to deliver the water it promised for the environment.

Irrigators say further water buybacks would be devastating for agriculture and basin communities. (Source: ABC News, photo by Callum Flinn) ]]> https://www.irrigators.org.au/media/website_posts/1031/Murray-Watt-ABC-News-Callum-Flinn.avif url https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-06/government-weighs-more-murray-darling-basin-water-buybacks/107228660 2026-10-16 11:02:00 1011 419
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 1030 419
Watch the panel session here, moderated by Pete Stefanovic with The Hon. Barnaby Joyce, MP,  Andrew McConville from the MDBA and Zara. 

“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.

“Removing water from farming by any means is a problem – enough is enough,” said Ms Lowien, “farmers can’t continue to absorb the change”.
]]> https://www.irrigators.org.au/media/website_posts/1030/IMG_0076.jpg url https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/bush-summit-2026-water-under-pressure-are-we-ready-for-the-next-drought/video/623f74ab620d05587eaaba5a68a7d0cf 2026-10-01 11:35:00 1009 419
  • 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     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     1002 419
    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     986 419
    The Peter Cullen Trust is looking for the next cohort of emerging and established leaders to join our 2027 Leadership Program.

    A webinar is being held on 25 Aug 2026 12:30 PM to find out more.]]>     https://www.irrigators.org.au/media/website_posts/986/PCT.png url https://petercullentrust.wildapricot.org/event-6765598 2026-08-09 21:50:49     985 419
    Under this year's theme, Squeezing Every Last Drop: From Survival to Strength: No Excuses, No Waste. Do More with Less, the program brings together government, utilities, local councils and industry leaders to share real-world insights you can take back to your organisation. 17 - 19 August 2026. ]]>     https://www.irrigators.org.au/media/website_posts/985/AWA-State-Conference-2026.png url https://www.awa.asn.au/upcoming-events/nsw-state-conference-2026?_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_zJmJywsPgmNashLaXUBeiTbTMfmiH7Y9plpwVYnby0SnAqFu2tlV4Ctyf6ygppe03Now94xVLn2oPTeRnIWF5tyy2dg&_hsmi=431841482 2026-08-09 21:47:36     980 419 28 July 2026 - you can register here.

    The webinar will provide information to support participation in the current review of The Water Act 2007 (Cth) with the release of a Review Discussion Paper.

    This webinar will be recorded and will be available on our website following the event.]]>     https://www.irrigators.org.au/media/website_posts/980/dcceew.jpg url https://consult.dcceew.gov.au/water-act-review 2026-07-22 11:58:09     969 419
    This is a leadership experience designed for people who care deeply about the future of the Basin and the communities, industries and water dependent ecosystems it supports.  To find our more - visit the webpage and lodge an expression of interest.  ]]>     https://www.irrigators.org.au/media/website_posts/969/MDBA-ARLF-leadership.png url https://rural-leaders.org.au/murray-darling-basin-leadership-program/?msdynmkt_trackingcontext=04a29b62-03db-4843-b31f-817316c20100#registerinterest 2026-06-01 02:10:26     968 419
    New tenures and reappointments will begin in April 2027 for a 3-year term and nominations will undergo an extensive selection process involving all Basin governments.

    The Basin Community Committee, established under the Water Act 2007 (Cth), is chaired by Ms Rachel Kelly and includes irrigation, environmental water and Indigenous water subcommittees. 
    ]]>     https://www.irrigators.org.au/media/website_posts/968/MDBA-logo.jpg url https://www.mdba.gov.au/news-and-events/newsroom/basin-community-committee-seeks-new-members 2026-06-01 01:56:59     963 419 Thursday, 21 May 2026, at 10:00am.]]> https://www.irrigators.org.au/media/website_posts/963/One-Basin-AWS-and-ATM.png url https://awschool.com.au/training/integrating-basin-scale-water-systems/ 2026-05-18 00:42:18 941 409 As water law continues to evolve in response to environmental challenges, policy reform and heightened regulatory scrutiny, secure expert guidance on key legal and strategic issues shaping Australia’s water governance framework. You will gain insights into the lessons of the past decade in water reform, the intersection of Indigenous rights and governance, and the design of the Basin Plan Review. ]]> https://www.irrigators.org.au/media/website_posts/941/Legalwise.png url https://legalwiseseminars.com.au/seminar-details?event=31691629578 2026-02-09 05:34:00 867 419 Governance Foundations for Not-for-Profit Directors courses available in capital cities across Australia or courses taking place in these seven regional locations.  For more information, see their website with applications due 15 June 2025. ]]> https://www.irrigators.org.au/media/website_posts/867/AICD-logo.png url https://www.aicd.com.au/news-media/media-releases/2025/scholarship-opportunity-for-not-for-profit-leaders.html 2025-05-12 05:27:00 839 419 Registrations are now open for a free online information session being hosted by former head of ABC Rural Leigh Radford on Tuesday, February 25 2025, specifically for people involved in any aspect of agriculture, horticulture and food production. Starting at 6 pm (AEDT), the session will run for about an hour, with the opportunity to ask questions, gain helpful advice and be inspired by Churchill Fellows sharing their experiences and insights. The speakers include Tim Roache who travelled overseas in 2017 to investigate milk pricing models and ways to manage price risk in the Australian market.

    A series of regional information sessions is also currently being rolled out at select locations across Australia, including Newcastle and Launceston (Feb 20), Toowoomba (Feb 27), Geelong (March 4), Bendigo (March 5), Cairns (March 6), and Broome and Bunbury (March 15).  ]]>     https://www.irrigators.org.au/media/website_posts/839/header__logo.png url https://www.churchilltrust.com.au/event/?id=EV000391 2025-02-17 00:38:11