NEWS & EVENTS

Finalising the Murray-Darling Basin Plan
6 Dec '22

The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) has released its new position statement on finalising the Murray-Darling Basin Plan with a renewed commitment to implementing the Plan in the best interests of regional communities. NIC CEO Isaac Jeffrey said: “The Murray-Darling Basin Plan has been a success. It has provided balance between the needs of the productive […] Read More…

10 Years of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan & State of the Climate Report
6 Dec '22

The National Irrigators’ Council acknowledges the release of the State of the Climate report which timely coincides with the 10 year anniversary of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan. NIC CEO Isaac Jeffrey said: “The Murray-Darling Basin Plan has delivered ninety-eight percent of its surface water targets and over ninety percent of its groundwater targets. It has […] Read More…

Cost of Living to Increase: Minister Confirms Buybacks in Budget
28 Oct '22

Minister Plibersek has confirmed water buybacks are part of the undisclosed ‘significant funds’ allocated to finalising the Basin Plan in this week’s Federal Budget. NIC CEO Isaac Jeffrey said: “The Minister has confirmed Canberra’s worst kept secret that the Government intends to enter the water market and buyback water used to grow our food and […] Read More…

Budget 2022: Secret Funds, Missed Opportunities and Energy Headaches
27 Oct '22

Wednesday 26 October 2022 Budget 2022: Secret Funds, Missed Opportunities and Energy Headaches The new Federal Government has delivered its first budget with a few surprises, including ‘significant funding’ which has been set aside for finalising the Murray-Darling Basin Plan – the problem is only the Government knows how much is allocated and what the […] Read More…

MinCo: Time to back our regions and our future
11 Oct '22

Eighteen months, four new Ministers and rising uncertainty oh to be a fly on the wall at the Ministerial Council (MinCo) meeting to be held in Canberra this week between Basin Water Ministers. NIC Chief Executive Officer Isaac Jeffrey said: “Even with four new ministers sitting around the table and eighteen months to prepare, MinCo […] 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…