Advocating for the Australian irrigated agriculture industries.
Office Closure
We're taking a short break to refuel and get ready for 2026.
The NIC Office will be closed from Monday, 22nd December 2025 until Monday 5th January 2026.
Analysis finds Governments additional water buyback spree is flawed
NIC report reviewed the Federal Government’s purchases and found most have low environmental utility and cannot directly contribute to today’s environmental priorities in the Basin – despite costing taxpayers billions.“These additional water buybacks go beyond what was required to ‘bridge the gap’ to get Sustainable Diversion Limits in place for the Basin Plan,” said NIC CEO Zara Lowien “most of this additional water will not be able to be used as intended and unlikely to contribute to desired environmental outcomes”. [...] Read More…
Basin Plan blowout continues as failed projects open gap in Southern MDB
The amount of water that can be used in the Southern Murray-Darling Basin may need to drop by a further 255 to 355 gigalitres (GL) after
2026, as States remain behind on vital environmental projects, a new report finds
“Water use has drastically declined since the Basin Plan,” said NIC CEO, Zara Lowien “with one in three litres of irrigation water, now out
of production and new Sustainable Diversion Limits (SDLs) set by the Basin Plan in force". [...]
Read More…
Water security for farming must be a focus
Farmers in the Basin are calling on the Federal Government to escalate water security for agriculture as a priority, following the findings
of the Basin Outlook, published today which echoed findings from the National Climate Risk Assessment.
“All climate change scenarios will have significant risks on water security for Australian agriculture,” said NIC CEO, Zara Lowien “farmers
are adapting every day to changing climate, but can only adapt so far, water security is critical” [...]
Read More…
WESA Outcome Review needed as $1.3 billion buyback blowout looms
The National Irrigators’ Council is calling for an independent review of program outcomes, after a statutory review on the Water for the
Environment Special Account (WESA) found an additional $1.3 billion would be needed to buy an additional 450 gigalitres, beyond what is
required to achieve Sustainable Diversion Limits (SDLs) in the Murray Darling Basin.
“The report findings call into question the Government focus on just water, with a $1.3 billion blowout, and their own science saying
priorities have shifted” said NIC CEO Zara Lowien [...]
Read More…
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
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
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…
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Teams Meeting - RSVP for Link |
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Online meeting - via teams, register for link |
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Teams Meeting - RSVP for Link |
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The Pullman, O'Riordan St
Gweagal room, Mascot, Sydney, NSW |
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Griffith, NSW
Yoogali Club, Card Room |
Find out more about our community, and join our mission advocating for the Australian irrigated
agriculture industry.