NEWS & EVENTS

Common Sense and Common Decency return to Canberra
11 Dec '13

The National Irrigators’ Council today welcomed a return of common sense and common decency with the disallowance of two sneaky critically endangered listings. NIC CEO, Tom Chesson said the decision to list as ‘critically endangered’ the ‘River Murray and associated wetlands, floodplains and groundwater systems, from the junction of the Darling River to the sea’ […] Read More…

Worried about how you are going to pay your electricity bill? So are We
2 Dec '13

Many farmers are dreading a visit to the mail box with out of control electricity bills soon due to land on kitchen tables around the country. The CEO of the National Irrigators’ Council, Tom Chesson said one of the biggest issues facing NIC Members was escalating electricity prices.” “We need cheaper electricity. We need it […] Read More…

Draft Constraints Management Strategy Lacking
9 Oct '13

The National Irrigators’ Council said it was disappointed that after six years and millions of dollars the MDBA was only able to produce a ‘work in progress’ as its draft Constraints Management Strategy (CMS). NIC CEO, Tom Chesson said the draft document released today was grossly inadequate especially given it was meant to provide guidance […] Read More…

Worried about how you are going to pay your September electricity bill? So are we
27 Aug '13

Many farmers are dreading a visit to the mail box with out of control electricity bills now due to land on kitchen tables around the country. The CEO of the National Irrigators’ Council, Tom Chesson said one of the biggest issues facing NIC Members this election was escalating electricity prices.” “We need cheaper electricity. We […] Read More…

Common Sense Lacking In Critically Endangered Listings
21 Aug '13

The National Irrigators’ Council said it was extremely disappointed about the lack of consultation surrounding the Government’s decision to burden communities in the Basin with more green tape. NIC CEO, Tom Chesson said the decision to list as ‘critically endangered’ the ‘River Murray and associated wetlands, floodplains and groundwater systems, from the junction of the […] 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…

Ambitious women urged to join ag leadership program
21 Feb '25

Women with leadership ambitions are urged to apply to the popular Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program (DiALP).  The initiative is run by the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) and is now entering its eighth year. Twelve women will be selected for the 2025 program.  Applications open Monday, 24 February and will remain open for one month. 

For more information visit https://nff.org.au/programs/diversity-in-agriculture-leadership/  Read More…

NIC launches 'The Current' a monthly free newsletter
30 Oct

National Irrigator's Council has launched a new free monthly 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.  Read More…

Weekly Times: Irrigators reveal77 percent of Murray-Darling water returns to the environment
21 Oct

Irrigators say just 23 per cent of the 37,828 gigalitres of average inflows into the Murray-Darling Basin’s rivers and storages each year is being diverted for human use, with 77 per cent left in rivers, wetlands, and flood plains to support the environment.

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)
Read More…

ABC: Government considers more buybacks
16 Oct

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) Read More…