NEWS & EVENTS

Which Grinch Is Under Resourcing the Basin Plan?
21 Dec '12

The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) has warned repeatedly that the future of the Nations’ food bowl was resting on the implementation of Murray Darling Basin Plan and unless it was properly resourced it would become a complete shambles. “Over $12 billion of taxpayers funding has been allocated to recover water, yet funding to implement and […] Read More…

The Fish Don’t Care Who Funds Them
12 Dec '12

The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) said the future of the Nations’ food bowl was resting on the implementation of Murray Darling Basin Plan and unless it was properly resourced it could become a complete shambles. “Today Senior Murray Darling Basin Officials are meeting in Canberra to discuss the future of the Murray Darling Basin Authority, […] Read More…

No Rest for the Wicked
30 Nov '12

The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) said the future of the Nations’ food bowl was resting on the implementation of Murray Darling Basin Plan and unless it was properly resourced it could become a complete shambles. “Today the MDB Ministers are meeting in Canberra to discuss the finer details of the Intergovernmental Agreement, including funding,” NIC […] Read More…

Time to Make a Bad Plan Better
27 Nov '12

The National Irrigators’ Council said the river doesn’t care how water is recovered and capping water buy – backs in legislation will go a long way to delivering a better basin plan. NIC CEO, Tom Chesson today welcomed the fact that some Members of Parliament are prepared to put their communities first. Mr Chesson said […] Read More…

The Basin Plan is now about Trust
22 Nov '12

The Basin Plan has failed to legally protect communities from the ‘downsides’ of water back – backs, and communities will have to put their trust in the goodwill of politicians, the CEO of the National Irrigators’ Council, (NIC) Tom Chesson said today. “NIC has repeatedly asked the Government to back up its own acknowledgement ‘you […] Read More…

MDBA releases consultation material on Basin Plan Review
18 Sep

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

Call for papers OzWater 2027
4 Sep

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
18 Aug

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
10 Aug

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…

PCT2027 Leadership Program webinar
10 Aug

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. Read More…

AWA NSW State Conference
10 Aug

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. Read More…