NEWS & EVENTS

Water reform needs to get back on track
9 Oct '09

The National Irrigators’ Council has urged all Australian governments to recommit to the water reform process to ensure a sustainable future for irrigation and food and fibre production across the country. NIC CEO, Danny O’Brien, was commenting after the release of the National Water Commission’s biennial assessment of progress in implementing the National Water Initiative. […] Read More…

Irrigators eager to get rolling with on-farm efficiency works
6 Oct '09

The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) has welcomed the release of guidelines for the Commonwealth’s $300 million On – farm Irrigation Efficiency program saying it was time the Commonwealth started to focus more on infrastructure upgrades. NIC CEO Danny O’Brien said the On – farm Irrigation Efficiency Program would help irrigators improve their farms while providing […] Read More…

Irrigators welcome Commonwealth-NSW deal
24 Sep '09

The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) has welcomed the announcement of a deal that will see the lifting of the embargo on sales of water from NSW to the Commonwealth. NIC Chief Executive Officer, Danny O’Brien, said while the deal was a “second – best” option, it would be a relief to the many irrigators in […] Read More…

National Irrigators’ Council board visits South Australia
8 Sep '09

The board of the peak national body for irrigators will visit South Australia this week for a tour of the Lower Lakes and meetings with local irrigators and politicians. The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) was formed last year to represent the interests of irrigators across the nation and recently appointed its first CEO, Danny O’Brien. […] Read More…

National Irrigators’ Council CEO to tour Murrumbidgee region
1 Sep '09

The new CEO of the National Irrigators’ Council, Danny O’Brien, will tour the Murrumbidgee irrigation area this week. Mr O’Brien was recently appointed to the NIC, which is the peak national body for irrigators. The NIC’s objective is to develop projects and policies to ensure the efficiency, viability and sustainability of Australian irrigated agriculture and […] Read More…

MDBA opens consultation on SDLAM
2 Oct

The MDBA release the draft Determination for the SDLAM Reconcilation and has now opened consultation period until 1 November 2026. 

The Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism (SDLAM) reconciliation is a statutory requirement under the Basin Plan (2012) (the Basin Plan). The MDBA are asking for feedback on the draft determination and the Authority’s proposed Sustainable Diversion Limit (SDL) adjustments. Read More…

MDBA Emerging Issues Webinar
29 Sep

Wednesday, 30th September between 10-11am MDBA presenters will bring together evidence, stakeholder feedback and emerging policy directions across a range of topics being examined through the review, including:

• environmental water management
• climate adaptation
• native fish recovery
• water quality
• northern Basin issues
• sustainable diversion limits.

Speakers will outline areas where evidence suggests there may be opportunities to improve Basin water management and identify options that warrant further discussion and testing.  The rountable materials will be the basis for the webinar as a broad consultation opportunity following the Rountables in Sydney.  Read More…

MDBA releases consultation material on Basin Plan Review
18 Sep

The MDBA have released consultation materials ahead of the upcoming Roundtable in Sydney - NIC will be attending.  

This purpose of this pack outlines the emerging policy directions for the Basin Plan Review. It is intended to support further engagement and does not represent settled positions or decisions. There will be six Rountable discussions  on:

• Optimising outcomes from environmental water (including constraints)
• Water resource planning and regulation
• At-risk SDL assessments and potential responses
• Northern Basin water management
• Water quality and native fish
• Climate risk and adaptive responses

Read More…

Call for papers OzWater 2027
4 Sep

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
18 Aug

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
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…