NEWS & EVENTS

National Irrigators Council Appoints New CEO
13 Dec '16

National Irrigators Council (NIC) has today welcomed the appointment of former NSW Primary Industry Minister Steve Whan as CEO of Australia’s peak irrigator representative organisation. NIC Chairman Gavin McMahon said Mr Whan will bring to NIC a breadth of experience in the area of government, policy and advocacy. “Mr Whan’s 12 years in NSW Parliament, […] Read More…

2016 – November – Northern Basin Review Recommendations – Enough is Enough
22 Nov '16

Today’s release of the Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) recommendations from the Northern Basin Review makes it clear that the promised ‘triple bottom line’ outcomes under the Murray Darling Basin Plan cannot be realised with the ‘just add water’ methodology currently in place. The National Irrigators’ Council CEO, Tom Chesson said the MDBA’s own research […] Read More…

Bipartisan Approach Means No More Productive Water Needs to be Recovered from the Southern Murray Darling Basin
9 Nov '16

The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) today welcomed the bipartisan passage of the Water Legislation Amendment (Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment) Bill 2016 which means that no more productive water needs to be recovered from the Southern Basin. NIC CEO, Tom Chesson said the Deputy Prime Minister’s comments that the passing of the Bill “… will eliminate […] Read More…

NIC Searches for a New CEO
2 Nov '16

National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) is searching for a new CEO following the decision by CEO, Tom Chesson to move on. NIC Chair Gavin McMahon told Members of the organisation: “Tom has been a great advocate for the irrigation industry in both water and energy policy and I thank him for his dedication and commitment to […] Read More…

Key Northern Basin MDBA Reports Finally Released
10 Oct '16

The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) today expressed its extreme disappointment that two key reports underpinning the Northern Basin Review have been released just days before the Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) Board is due to make a decision on whether it’ll recommend changes to the Basin Plan. NIC CEO, Tom Chesson said the process to […] 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…