NEWS & EVENTS

Advocating for the Australian irrigated agriculture industries.

NIC Media Releases

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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 […] …


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 […] …


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 […] …


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 […] …


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 […] …


The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) has today acknowledged the release of the Integrated Systems Plan 2022 by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO). NIC Chief Executive Officer Isaac Jeffrey said: “AEMO has released its Integrated Systems Plan for the National Energy Market which outlines the agency’s views on the shape of the energy market and […] …


The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) has welcomed the new Ministry, sworn in today in a ceremony at Government House in Canberra. NIC Chief Executive Officer Isaac Jeffrey said: “On behalf of the National Irrigators’ Council, I welcome the appointment of the new Ministers in the Albanese Federal Government. It is an incredible honour and privilege […] …


The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) has welcomed the announcement of the One Basin Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) and congratulated the proponents of the proposal. NIC Chief Executive Officer Isaac Jeffrey said: “The collaboration culminating in this week’s announcement is a demonstration of the capacity and drive of a range of sectors working together across five […] …


The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) has welcomed the election of the Albanese Government and looks forward to working with the new government and parliament. NIC Chief Executive Officer Isaac Jeffrey said: “The 2022 Federal Election will be one for the record books with remarkable swings and a changing of the guard in numerous electorates around […] …


The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) has today asked both major parties and all candidates at the upcoming Federal Election to put aside partisan fighting over the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and water policy. NIC Chief Executive Officer Isaac Jeffrey said: “NIC wants to see the Basin Plan completed and I’m happy to say we are nearly […] …


The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) has today cautioned the Australian Labor Party (ALP) against rushing to commit to water policy decisions which will have adverse effects on food and fibre producers, the environment, local communities and water regulation. NIC Chief Executive Officer Isaac Jeffrey said: “Today, the Leader of the Opposition has announced a number […] …


The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) has welcomed the appointments made to the Executive and Board of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA), and to the new Modernising Murray River Systems Technical Panel. NIC Chief Executive Office Isaac Jeffrey said: “Minister Pitt has announced the appointment of Andrew McConville to the role of Chief Executive Officer of […] …


The National Irrigators Council (NIC) has today welcomed the Federal Government’s commitment to building Hells Gates Dam in Queensland. NIC Chief Executive Officer Isaac Jeffrey said: “Water infrastructure which is built in the right locations at the right time can secure Australia’s food security while helping to protect the environment. What people often forget is […] …


The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) has welcomed the announcement made by the Federal Government to improve Murray Irrigation’s network to deliver water for the environment. NIC Chief Executive Officer Isaac Jeffrey said: “Irrigators are passionate locals who love seeing healthy rivers and enjoying them with their families and friends. They understand local issues and want […] …


The National Irrigators Council (NIC) has today called on the Australian Labor Party to reconsider its election water policy with indications the party will reverse the bipartisan clauses of protecting socio-economic conditions and caps to buybacks in the Murray-Darling Basin Plan. NIC Chief Executive Officer Isaac Jeffrey said: “Without irrigation, we don’t have food on […] …


National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) welcomes the Australian Government’s announcement of $66 million to modernise and integrate Basin River modelling to provide more timely and accurate information about water availability. The Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) currently uses 24 individual river system models linked together to describe the surface water resources of the Basin. The upgrade […] …

News & Media from Member Organisations


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. …


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. …


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. …


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. …


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.  …


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. 
…

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Upcoming Events

Past Member Events 

DCCEEW NIC info session on International Agreements and the Water Act

Teams Meeting - RSVP for Link

NIC General Meeting

The Pullman, O'Riordan St

DCCEEW Basin Plan Webinar

NIC Member only General Meeting - October

Griffith, NSW

NIC Members Annual General Meeting

Griffith, NSW

NIC Networking Dinner

Belvedere Resturant


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