NEWS & EVENTS

Advocating for the Australian irrigated agriculture industries.

NIC Media Releases

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Australia’s climate is changing and farmers are at the frontlines, which is why we need net zero by 2050, writes Isaac Jeffrey, Chief Executive Officer, National Irrigators’ Council.   Our climate is changing. The dry areas of our country are getting drier and we are already experiencing less rain and inflows into our river systems. We are seeing more extreme and frequent weather events brought on by our changing climate. These trends are set to continue, coupled with rising […] …


The National Irrigators Council (NIC) has welcomed the release of the Productivity Commission’s final report on the National Water Initiative (NWI), recognising that it will form the basis for an examination of Australia’s future water security challenges now and into the future. NIC CEO, Isaac Jeffrey said: “The Commission’s report sets out a process for […] …


The National Irrigators’ Council today welcomed the release of the Energy Security Board’s final advice to Energy Ministers for a post 2025 market design for the National Energy Market. Chief Executive Isaac Jeffrey said: “As the energy market undergoes transition, agriculture food and fibre producers need to be assured that, as part of the mix […] …


A feasibility study considering options to address issues with the Barmah Choke has been announced by the Federal Government and welcomed by the National Irrigators’ Council says Chief Executive Officer Isaac Jeffrey. “The Murray-Darling Basin is a connected and complex system which stores and moves water throughout the Eastern States. The water goes to local […] …


The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) has today welcomed the announcement of the longawaited Agriculture Visa. NIC Chief Executive Officer Isaac Jeffrey said: “Industry has been calling for a visa for agricultural workers for many years to support our primary industries by addressing critical workforce shortages. “The Federal Government has listened to industry and has today […] …


The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) has today questioned the transparency andpredictability of water allocations decisions. NIC Chief Executive Officer Isaac Jeffrey said: “We have seen good rainfall in the last fewmonths in many areas of the country, which is a welcomed change after years ofdevastating droughts and low or zero allocations for our food and […] …


The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) has today acknowledged the release of the first MurrayDarling Basin Authority Sustainable Diversion Limits Compliance Report. NIC Chief Executive Officer Isaac Jeffrey said: “Water is one of the most regulated areas in Australia. Today’s report showing a ninety-seven percent compliance level demonstrates the commitment our farmers have to complying with […] …


National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) has today welcomed the Australian Government’s announcement of a suite of outcomes-focused environmental projects under the first round of the Murray-Darling Healthy Rivers Program. NIC Chief Executive Officer Isaac Jeffrey said: “The National Irrigators’ Council has long advocated for practical projects which improve the health of our rivers and wetlands. “The […] …


The Agriculture Energy Taskforce met this week to hear from key leaders as part of energytransition in Australia and to work through opportunities for agriculture industries relating tothe roll out of technologies, with a focus on regulatory costs for the agriculture sector. The cost of energy over recent years has caused significant impacts on the […] …


The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) has expressed its disappointment the water portfolio hasbeen relegated from Cabinet in the recent ministerial reshuffle. Chief Executive Officer Isaac Jeffrey said: “Water is our most precious resource and we needeffective decision making which underpins existing property rights, supports resilientcommunities and the environment, and gets the balance right for all […] …


The National Irrigators’ Council has welcomed the release of details of a new free tradeagreement between Australia and the United Kingdom. Chief Executive Officer, Isaac Jeffrey said: “Australia’s farmers, including some of our greatirrigated agriculture industries, will have access to new, lucrative markets thanks to the freetrade agreement being negotiated between Australia and the United […] …


The Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council (MinCo) is meeting this week and who knowswhat they will be talking about, says Isaac Jeffrey, Chief Executive Officer of the NationalIrrigators’ Council (NIC). “The Ministerial Council is one of the deepest information blackholes in Australian politics,”NIC CEO Isaac Jeffrey said. “It is not clear which issues will be listed […] …


The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) has acknowledged the release of the AustralianCompetition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) Water Markets Inquiry Final Report. NIC Chief Executive Officer Isaac Jeffrey said: “The NIC welcomes the long-awaitedrelease of the ACCC’s final report, noting while we support a number of therecommendations, we remain hesitant on others. “The water market has […] …


National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) has welcomed the Australian Government’sannouncement of a suite of environmental projects as part of the Northern Basin Toolkitpackage. Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia, Keith Pitt has announced $90 million (ofthe $180 million) for ten environmental projects in Queensland and New South Wales whichwill provide benefit through measures to deliver […] …


National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) has today welcomed the Australian Government’sannouncement on pursuing off-farm water savings to deliver environmental water in theMurray-Darling Basin. Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia, the Hon. Keith Pitt MP, has announced theGovernment will scrap the Water Efficiency Program (WEP) and replace it with a system whichdoes not impact farmers’ water […] …


The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) welcomed the release of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan2020 Evaluation, noting while goals are broadly being met, there is still work to be done. NIC Chairman Jeremy Morton acknowledged the work to date on implementing the Plan, butstated there were missed opportunities for the Evaluation to reinforce the triple bottom lineobjectives […] …


The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) has appointed Isaac Jeffrey as ​its new Chief Executive Officer. “NIC is delighted to have Isaac Jeffrey join the Council as CEO. Isaac brings extensive private and public sector leadership experience with skills in government relations and complex policy development which are critical to navigating the challenging issues of water management […] …


The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) has written to Basin Water Ministers ahead of their meeting on Friday calling for a focus on flexibility for ‘supply’ measures projects and an end to ‘black box’ decision making from Basin Governments. NIC CEO Steve Whan said “when we wrote to Ministers before their meeting in June we pointed […] …


More than 90% of Australia’s fruit, nuts and grapes; more 76% of vegetables, 100% of rice and more than 50% of dairy and sugar, came from irrigation in 2018-19 according to the latest release from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The figures are based on gross value of farm gate product and come from […] …


The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) has elected Moulamein rice farmer, Jeremy Morton, as its new chairman. Jeremy Morton steps into the role after long term Chairman, Gavin McMahon, from the Riverland in South Australia retired.  NIC CEO Steve Whan said “Gavin has been NIC chair for eight years and under his leadership the organisation has […] …


The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) has joined other agricultural peak groups welcoming the federal budget commitment to growing and processing food and fibre in Australia. NIC CEO, Steve Whan said “Australia’s irrigators produce more than 84% of our vegetables, fruit and nuts, along with rice, sugar, dairy and cotton, among other things.  Growing those products […] …


The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC), convenors of the Ag Energy Taskforce, says the Government’s first low emissions technologies statement is an important cog in the wheel of offering agriculture the opportunity to benefit from, and contribute to, achieving Australia’s emissions goals. NIC CEO, Steve Whan said “Minister Taylor was absolutely right about two key things […] …


National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) has welcomed the federal government’s $1.9 billion investment in new and emerging technologies focused on jobs, energy reliability and supporting industry capability to be part of Australia’s effort in reducing emissions.   NIC CEO Steve Whan said “We see the $1.62 billion injection of funding to the Australian Renewable Energy Agency […] …


The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) has welcomed the announcements on implementation of recommendations from the “Sefton” panel and other reports, saying they will help to get frustrated elements of the Basin Plan back on track. NIC CEO, Steve Whan, said “when Minister Pitt took on the water portfolio, he promised us that he recognised the […] …


Transparency, more consistent information and streamlined administration. All worthy goals for Murray Darling Basin water markets, but goals that, over two decades, have proved difficult, says National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) CEO, Steve Whan. Steve Whan was commenting on the release of the interim report into water markets from the ACCC, which foreshadows recommendations on improving […] …


Murray Darling Basin water ministers meet on Friday, and the National Irrigators Council (NIC) is saying they need to focus on getting critical ‘supply’ projects on track. NIC CEO Steve Whan said “irrigators have been expressing concern for some years about the possibility of missing the Basin Plan deadlines for implementing supply projects.  “These are […] …


The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) says comment in media today, saying more water is being taken from the Murray Darling, are assertion, without factual support. NIC CEO Steve Whan said “the joint report talking about a so-called ‘rebound effect on water extraction’, makes an heroic leap from fact on individual farm water use, to unsubstantiated […] …


The report from the Interim Murray Darling Basin Inspector General on state water shares will disappoint some, but reveals hard reality, says Steve Whan, CEO of the National Irrigators Council (NIC). Steve Whan said “the report tells us there is no new water – no miracle cure for a tortuous, and hard to understand, interstate […] …


The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) says the Australian Energy Market Operator’s (AEMO) allocation of charges is inequitable, after infrastructure failures in Victoria left a South Australian Irrigation company with a 26,000% increase in, so-called, ‘ancillary charges’ between July 2019 and March 2020. The latest increased charges were passed through to customers after infrastructure failures in […] …


The National Irrigators Council (NIC) submission to the Senate Select committee on the ‘Multi-Jurisdictional Management and Execution of the Murray Darling Basin Plan’  says the committee should focus its outcomes on urging full implementation of Productivity Commission recommendations; and should not seek to move boundaries of responsibility on Basin rivers. NIC CEO, Steve Whan said […] …


The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) has congratulated new Minister for Water, Keith Pitt, on his appointment to a very challenging portfolio and thanked deputy Nationals leader David Littleproud for his contribution to water policy.  NIC CEO, Steve Whan, said “water minister is a very difficult job and it can be a delicate task trying to […] …


Christmas lunch would be a bit of a sad affair without the work of Australia’s irrigators says National Irrigators Council (NIC) CEO, Steve Whan. “Like many people I look forward to this time of year, to fresh summer fruit, crispy fresh vegies and those delicious Christmas extras the fruit mince pies, ice cream, custard and […] …


Threats to walk away from the Basin Plan sensibly didn’t come to pass and there was progress down the path of addressing key recommendations from the Productivity Commission, perhaps better outcomes than might have been expected – says National Irrigators Council (NIC) CEO, Steve Whan. Steve Whan said “the one thing that is abundantly clear […] …


Murray Darling Basin water Ministers face a crucial test when they meet in Brisbane on Tue 17 December says the National Irrigators’ Council (NIC). NIC CEO, Steve Whan says “the meeting will be a real test for Ministers, they can either choose parochialism and short-term electoral gain, or they can commit to work together to […] …


The National Irrigators Council (NIC) says that while it understands the hardship driving the anger of irrigators protesting in Canberra this week, its members feel that the problems would be made worse by ditching, rather than fixing, the Basin Plan. NIC represents irrigators across the Basin states, members want to see problems addressed, but do […] …


The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) today welcomed the Federal Government’s step up in drought support measures with the once-off provision of 100 gigalitres (GL) of water in the southern connected Murray-Darling Basin. NIC Chairman, Gavin McMahon said “The announcement by the Government of 100GL as part of its drought relief package will be warmly welcomed […] …


The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) welcomes the NSW and Victorian Government independent expert panel on Basin river flows, saying it is important to focus on achieving real environmental outcomes not just ticking off flow targets.  CEO, Steve Whan, said “Victoria and NSW have started a process which should involve all Basin Governments and one, importantly, […] …


Irrigation infrastructure is designed to help Australia keep growing food and fibre in a variable climate and, Australian Bureau of Statistics (gross value of irrigated production) figures for 2017-18 show, that is exactly the job it was doing . ABS figures for 2017-18 show the proportion of Australia’s fruit and nuts (by value) produced by […] …


The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) has welcomed the announcement of the terms of reference for an ACCC inquiry into the water market. CEO Steve Whan said “NIC has been highlighting concerns and advocating an inquiry into the water market for some time.  We are pleased to see the announcement by the Treasurer and Water Minister […] …


NIC CEO, Steve Whan, says “Irrigators make absolutely no apology for wanting to ensure country towns and our farmers have a future.  “That’s why when Government decides it is going to acquire water for the environment, we will always actively work to try to ensure that water is acquired through water saving rather than buyback. […] …


The National Irrigators Council (NIC) says it looks forward to working with a new Shadow Minister for Water as Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese announces his Shadow Ministry. CEO Steve Whan said “after a very long engagement with the Murray Darling Basin Plan, former Minister and Shadow Minister, Tony Burke, has moved on to a new […] …


An MDBA and Deloitte report on water trade price reporting in the Murray Darling confirms concerns that the National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) has been expressing for some time about lack of transparency, confusion and inconsistency in State water trading registers. NIC CEO, Steve Whan says “this report shows that the water market has run way […] …


The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) has congratulated the newly appointed Morrison / McCormack Government Ministers saying it looks forward to working with them as they tackle difficult tasks. CEO, Steve Whan says “key Ministerial appointments for the irrigation sector include the welcome re-appointment of David Littleproud as Minister for Water, and with new roles on […] …


The National Irrigators’ Council says Labor’s Basin Plan policy, announced on Monday, could end up punishing communities and industry for failure to achieve projects that are completely beyond their control. CEO, Steve Whan, says “Labor needs to be very clear about whether it wants the best possible environmental outcomes, or if it thinks deadlines are […] …


The National Irrigators’ Council says the Coalition announcement of an ACCC inquiry into the water market is welcome and it would like to see bipartisan support. NIC CEO Steve Whan said “our election policy asked for Government action to make the water market more transparent. We welcome the announcement, though Government needs to ensure irrigators […] …


The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) has released its Federal election water policy calling for the next Parliament to stick with the Basin Plan; but do more to improve river habitat.  CEO Steve Whan says “we need to ensure that environmental benefits of providing additional water are maximised. The Basin Plan will increase flow, but flow […] …

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News & Media from Member Organisations


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. 
…


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. …


Legalwise is again holding their annual Water Law Symposium in Sydney.
As water law continues to evolve in response to environmental challenges, policy reform and heightened regulatory scrutiny, secure expert guidance on key legal and strategic issues shaping Australia’s water governance framework. You will gain insights into the lessons of the past decade in water reform, the intersection of Indigenous rights and governance, and the design of the Basin Plan Review.  …


The Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) has recently opened applications for their Not-for-Profit Scholarship programme for 2025-2026.  This program will allow up to 375 NFP leaders the opportunity to deepen their understanding of governance principles. Scholarship recipients will be invited to enrol in scheduled Governance Foundations for Not-for-Profit Directors courses available in capital cities across Australia or courses taking place in these seven regional locations.  For more information, see their website with applications due 15 June 2025. …


Women with leadership ambitions are urged to apply to the popular Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program (DiALP).  The initiative is run by the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) and is now entering its eighth year. Twelve women will be selected for the 2025 program.  Applications open Monday, 24 February and will remain open for one month. 

For more information visit https://nff.org.au/programs/diversity-in-agriculture-leadership/  …

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Upcoming Events

Past Member Events 

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

Climate, risk and water policy presentation

Microsoft Teams Meeting


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