NEWS & EVENTS

NIC membership continues to grow
16 Nov '10

The National Irrigators’ Council has continued its recent growth, with the Council welcoming two new members at its AGM in Canberra today. Southern Riverina Irrigators (NSW) and Sunraysia Citrus Growers (Vic) were both admitted as new members on top of the recent addition of Renmark Irrigation Trust (SA) and a further three corporate observer members. […] Read More…

Irrigators welcome Victorian food bowl funds
6 Nov '10

The National Irrigators’ Council has welcomed the Commonwealth Government’s announcement confirming its $1 billion commitment to the upgrade of northern Victoria’s irrigation infrastructure. NIC CEO, Danny O’Brien said investments of this type were critical to enabling a strong future for irrigation districts and would help in achieving the balance necessary in the proposed Murray Darling […] Read More…

Basin Plan won’t help with food trade deficit
27 Oct '10

The revelation today that Australia now has a trade deficit in food and grocery manufacturing should be a warning sign to the Federal Government that it cannot afford to needlessly slash food production in the Murray Darling Basin. The National Irrigators’ Council said the release of the Australian Food and Grocery Council’s “State of the […] Read More…

Path clear now to consider the impacts on people
25 Oct '10

The National Irrigators’ Council says the path is now clear for a triple bottom line approach to the proposed Murray Darling Basin Plan. Commenting on the release of government legal advice on the Water Act 2007,NIC CEO Danny O’Brien said it was now up to the MDBA or Water Minister Tony Burke to put some […] Read More…

MDBA confirms it again – people don’t count under the Water Act
19 Oct '10

The Murray Darling Basin Authority has confirmed again today that it has no power to give equal consideration to the needs of the environment, food production and regional communities when setting new sustainable diversion limits. The National Irrigators’ Council said no further evidence was needed now that the Water Act is ill – equipped to […] Read More…

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…

Water Act Review Webinar
22 Jul

DCCEEW are hosting an online webinar  at 10:30am AEST on 28 July 2026 - you can register here.

The webinar will provide information to support participation in the current review of The Water Act 2007 (Cth) with the release of a Review Discussion Paper.

This webinar will be recorded and will be available on our website following the event. Read More…

MDB Leadership Opportunity
1 Jun

Applications soon close for the first cohort's of the ARLF and MDBA Murray-Darling Leadership Program (MDBLP).  The program aims to bring together people from across the Basin who are ready to work beyond their own interests and contribute to something shared — including strengthening understanding of how the Basin’s water resources are managed and why they matter.

This is a leadership experience designed for people who care deeply about the future of the Basin and the communities, industries and water dependent ecosystems it supports.  To find our more - visit the webpage and lodge an expression of interest.  Read More…

New Basin Community Committee Members Wanted
1 Jun

The MDBA is seeking expression of interest applications for Basin Community Committee (BCC) Members that provide input to the MDBA on their activities.  

New tenures and reappointments will begin in April 2027 for a 3-year term and nominations will undergo an extensive selection process involving all Basin governments.

The Basin Community Committee, established under the Water Act 2007 (Cth), is chaired by Ms Rachel Kelly and includes irrigation, environmental water and Indigenous water subcommittees. 
Read More…

Integrating Basin-Scale and Onsite Water Systems Webinar
18 May

In One Basin CRC up-coming webinar series explores integrating Basin-scale and onsite water systems with a joint partnership with One Basin CRC and One Water Program at Texas A&M University in the United States. In response to increasing water scarcity, climate variability, and growing agricultural and municipal water demands, integrated “One Water” approaches are gaining global traction.Hear more at the Webinar Thursday, 21 May 2026, at 10:00am. Read More…