Advocating for the Australian irrigated agriculture industries.
Media Release - Enough is enough, the NIC message from the Bush Summit
The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) sent a clear message at the National Bush Summit: ‘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. [...]
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Joint Media Release - Water policy must be on the food security menu
Australia's food security strategy cannot ignore water as a critical input, according to irrigation industry leaders in Canberra attending the National Farmers Federation Summit today.
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. [...]
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A lot is changing in water and water-related businesses and National Irrigators' Council is changing too.
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?
Read More…
Media Release - Perfect score for Murray-Darling Basin levels of water use
A new report has found levels of water use across the Murray-Darling Basin are fully compliant with the Basin Plan’s Sustainable Diversion
Limits (SDLs), which irrigators say shows ‘the job is done’.
“Water use across the Basin is fully compliant with the Sustainable Diversion Limits set by the Basin Plan,” said Zara Lowien, CEO of the
National Irrigators’ Council (NIC).
“It’s very clear that over-extraction is no longer the issue for the Murray-Darling Basin.”
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Media Release -SunRice cuts show water recovery has gone beyond the tipping point
13 July 2026, Canberra ACT: Communities in the Murray-Darling Basin are calling on the Federal Government to stop, after
SunRice attributed major changes to Australian milling sites directly to slashed water for farming under the Basin Plan, putting hundreds of
jobs at risk.
“The industry has been warning the Federal Government of this exact risk for years, and now the worst-case scenario is unfolding,” said Zara
Lowien, CEO of the National Irrigators’ Council (NIC).
[continued]
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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
Read More…
Joint Media Release - Water policy must be on the food security menu
Australia's food security strategy cannot ignore water as a critical input, according to irrigation industry leaders in Canberra attending the National Farmers Federation Summit today.
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. [...]
Read More…
Cotton Australia is looking for a Water Policy Officer
Cotton Australia is looking for a Water Policy Officer to join their team. The role works closely with the General Manager, the CEO and other members of the Policy Team to ensure the cotton industry’s interests are well represented across water policy, planning and regulatory processes — engaging with stakeholders including the National Farmers’ Federation Water Committee, National Irrigators Council, Queensland Farmers’ Federation Water and Energy Policy Committee, New South Wales Irrigators Council, valley-based irrigator groups and Cotton Grower Associations. Read More…
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Teams Meeting - RSVP for Link |
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Online meeting - via teams, register for link |
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Teams Meeting - RSVP for Link |
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The Pullman, O'Riordan St
Gweagal room, Mascot, Sydney, NSW |
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Griffith, NSW
Yoogali Club, Card Room |
Find out more about our community, and join our mission advocating for the Australian irrigated
agriculture industry.