General News & Media

National Irrigator's Council has launched a new monthly free newsletter called 'The Current'. 



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. 

A draft Murray-Darling Basin report shows a massive water efficiency project will fall short of its target.

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)

The MDBA release the draft Determination for the SDLAM Reconcilation and has now opened consultation period until 1 November 2026. 

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.

NIC CEO, Zara Lowien attended the National Bush Summit in Dubbo, NSW on the Water Under Pressure: Are we ready for the next drought? 

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”.

Wednesday, 30th September between 10-11am MDBA presenters will bring together evidence, stakeholder feedback and emerging policy directions across a range of topics being examined through the review, including:

  • 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. 

The MDBA have released consultation materials ahead of the upcoming Roundtable in Sydney - NIC will be attending.  

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

Australian Water Association is calling for Abstracts for OzWater 2027.

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

Every organisation has someone with the potential to lead through complexity, inspire others and make a lasting difference.  Who comes to mind for you?

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.

Water professionals from across New South Wales will come together in Wollongong to explore practical solutions, fresh thinking and the partnerships needed to tackle today's biggest water challenges.

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.

DCCEEW are hosting an online webinar  at 10:30am AEST on 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.

Applications soon close for the first cohort's of the ARLF and MDBA Murray-Darling Leadership Program (MDBLP).  The program aims to bring together people from across the Basin who are ready to work beyond their own interests and contribute to something shared — including strengthening understanding of how the Basin’s water resources are managed and why they matter.

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. 

The MDBA is seeking expression of interest applications for Basin Community Committee (BCC) Members that provide input to the MDBA on their activities.  

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. 

In One Basin CRC up-coming webinar series explores integrating Basin-scale and onsite water systems with a joint partnership with One Basin CRC and One Water Program at Texas A&M University in the United States. In response to increasing water scarcity, climate variability, and growing agricultural and municipal water demands, integrated “One Water” approaches are gaining global traction.Hear more at the Webinar Thursday, 21 May 2026, at 10:00am.

Legalwise is again holding their annual Water Law Symposium in Sydney.
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. 

The Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) has recently opened applications for their Not-for-Profit Scholarship programme for 2025-2026.  This program will allow up to 375 NFP leaders the opportunity to deepen their understanding of governance principles. Scholarship recipients will be invited to enrol in scheduled 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.

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). 

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