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…

National Irrigators’ Council Welcomes New Irrigation Efficiency Program Funding Round
29 Jul '13

The National Irrigators’ Council has welcomed today’s announcement of the opening of the $100 million fourth funding round of the On – Farm Irrigation Efficiency Program. NIC CEO, Tom Chesson said a recent Dairy Australia report highlighted the value for money taxpayers received from investing in on – farm water efficiency programs. “Whilst any program […] Read More…

The Coalition’s draft Water Plan is a Dam Good Idea
14 Feb '13

The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) today welcomed the Coalition’s draft Water Plan and said if we are to meet future food security challenges both here and abroad it is time we had a sensible discussion on what our future needs are and how they can be delivered in a sustainable way. NIC CEO, Tom Chesson […] 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…