NEWS & EVENTS

Advocating for the Australian irrigated agriculture industries.

NIC Media Releases

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The need to agree a genuine test of socio-economic neutrality for efficiency programs is one of the big challenges of this Friday’s Murray Darling Basin Ministers’ meeting (in Melbourne), says Steve Whan, CEO of the National Irrigators’ Council (NIC). Steve Whan said “Basin Ministers’ meetings are always important because the Basin Plan will not succeed […] …


ABC AUDIENCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS INVESTIGATION REPORT Background Briefing 3-part series Best laid plans: The Murray-Darling Basin in crisis 29 April, 6 May and 11 May 2018 ABC News Facebook Return Flows video post 26 April 2018 Complaints and scope of review Audience and Consumer Affairs received a total of five editorial complaints regarding Background […] …


The status quo just won’t do – that’s the message from irrigators to the Australian Energy Council (AEC) as they seek to justify cosy regulatory arrangements that see their industry rake in monopoly profits. National Irrigators’ Council CEO, Steve Whan said “a couple of weeks ago we released a report from Sapere Research group which […] …


National Irrigators’ Council CEO, Steve Whan says a ruling by the ABC’s Audience and Consumer Affairs unit upholding a complaint about coverage of the Murray Darling Basin plan by ABC’s Background Briefing is welcome and reinforces the need for balance in coverage. Steve Whan said, “NIC among others made complaints about a Background Briefing story […] …


Our energy network owners must be living in a parallel universe if they think Australia’s job generating agricultural sector should be pleased to be paying unjustified profits says National Irrigators’ Council CEO, Steve Whan. Steve Whan said “last week NIC on behalf of the Agricultural Industries Energy Taskforce released a report that showed the energy […] …


The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) on behalf of the Agricultural Industries Energy Taskforce (the Taskforce) has released a damning independent report showing that profits made by electricity networks are more than $2.6 billion higher than they should be – meaning electricity bills are much higher than is justified, just with network costs. The independent report […] …


The National Irrigators’ Council has welcomed strong action by Government to give regulators more teeth to crack down on excessive profits by electricity companies and ensure a genuine competitive market. CEO Steve Whan said, “the announcement by the Prime Minister, Treasurer and Energy Minister is a very welcome commitment to a strong follow-up on the […] …


The National Irrigators’ Council says its members support Government exploring all options to assist irrigators and other farmers affected by drought – within the current water rules. NIC CEO Steve Whan said “many irrigators are on zero allocations and that is very tough, we certainly appreciate local MPs and the Deputy Prime Minister being strong […] …


The Productivity Commission’s draft report following itsfive-year review of the Murray Darling Basin Plan provides a wake up call on some of the challenges regardingthe practical implementation of the Basin Plan, says National Irrigators’ Council CEO, Steve Whan. Steve Whan said “it would be hard to argue with the draft report’s statement that the next […] …


National Irrigators Council CEO, Steve Whan, says the appointment of former AFP Commissioner Mick Keelty as the Murray Darling Basin “Northern Basin Commissioner”,is welcome. Steve Whan said “creating this oversight position was an important part of the agreement between the Government and the Opposition, that put the Basin Plan back on track, earlier this year. […] …


Locally grown, fresh and brought to you by an Australian irrigator – that’s the story of most fresh vegetables, fruit and nuts in your local market says National Irrigators’ Council CEO, Steve Whan. “In fact” says Steve Whan “more than 84% of Australian vegetables (by $ value) are grown by irrigators, 84% of fruit and […] …


Argument and blame shifting must come to an end when energy Ministers meet this Friday to discuss the design of the National Energy Guarantee (NEG). National Irrigators’ Council CEO, Steve Whan said “Friday’s meeting must mark the end of years of bickering over energy policy, which is undermining the nation’s agricultural competitiveness and putting at […] …


Jerilderie farmer, Louis Kelly, has sold his entire stock of 7,000 large bales of hay since May and he isn’t the only one if the huge number of trucks heading north from the Riverina and Murray are any indication. Louis Kelly’s fodder has gone to graziers in the Tamworth and Armidale areas. But Kelly is […] …


An independent report has confirmed that our food and fibre producers are paying up to $6,000 a year more than the real cost of supplying them power. The report, by Sapere research group, was commissioned by the Agriculture Industries Energy Taskforce with funding from Energy Consumers Australia. It is based on a survey of irrigators […] …

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News & Media from Member Organisations


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. …


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/  …

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Upcoming Events

NIC General Meeting

Past Member Events 

DCCEEW Basin Plan Webinar

NIC Member only General Meeting - October

Griffith, NSW

NIC Members Annual General Meeting

Griffith, NSW

NIC Networking Dinner

Belvedere Resturant

Climate, risk and water policy presentation

Microsoft Teams Meeting

NIC Members General Meeting - July

Old Parliament House


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