NEWS & EVENTS

Advocating for the Australian irrigated agriculture industries.

NIC Media Releases

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A renewed National Water Agreement Zara Lowien*, Canberra, ACT: Over two decades the National Water Initiative (2004) has played a crucial role in shaping the future of water management in Australia and it remains world leading. It has supported the growth and sustainability of the irrigation industry but in doing so, it has also reshaped […] …


VIC Basin deal must reignite old and new win-win projects for all states Canberra, ACT – The National Irrigators Council (NIC) is relieved that the stalemate between the Australian Government and Victoria appears broken with agreement to fund Victoria’s stalled Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism (SDLAM) projects. This crucial step is a win-win for Victoria […] …


ACT Basin Plan deal seeks to close the gap but triggers the need for more transparency Canberra, ACT – The National Irrigators Council (NIC) welcomes the recent announcement by the Federal Water Minister regarding the finalisation of bridging the gap in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), signalling further progress towards Basin Plan implementation. The deal, […] …


Productivity Commission warns Basin Governments – don’t waste time, do your job The Productivity Commission’s Final Report into the 5-year Implementation Review of the Murray Dalring Basin Plan has highlighted significant concerns about Basin Plan governance, saying governments must shape up or fail said Zara Lowien, CEO of National Irrigators Council. “The final report has […] …


NSW Confirms Buyback not the Answer. The NSW Government release of their ‘Alternatives to Buybacks Plan’ as part of their commitment to implement the Murray Darling Basin Plan has been welcomed by National Irrigators Council CEO, Zara Lowien. “It was a show of cards by NSW to reinforce their commitment to avoid buybacks”. “The focus […] …


National Irrigators Council welcomes new CEO The National Irrigators Council welcomes Mrs. Zara Lowien as their new Chief Executive Officer, as the organisation prepares for members to visit Canberra for their first meeting of the year and the first, with Zara in the role as CEO. Jeremy Morton, Chair of National Irrigators Council said “We […] …


Basin communities’ fate sealed during Senate debate National Irrigators Council (NIC) is disheartened to see Minister Tanya Plibersek’s Restoring our Rivers Bill passed in the Senate today without bipartisan support, as the Government sought deals with individual cross benchers, driving a wedge into the heart of Basin communities. Thirty-three Senators voted to pass the bill, […] …


Peak body opposes last minute water Bill deal ahead of Senate debate. National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) is disappointed about the last-minute deal struck between the Albanese Government and the Australian Greens to apparently ‘strengthen’ the Restoring Our Rivers Bill with the addition of new amendments – none of which reflect any socio-economic consideration of Basin […] …


Productivity Commission warns the Government, you risk being seen as just chasing a volumetric target. The Productivity Commission released its Interim 5-year Review into the Implementation of the Murray Darling Basin Plan and was scathing of the lack of progress and planning by Government’s in the lead up to the Plan’s initial deadline of June […] …


Government Withholds Vital Information from Senate on Murray-Darling Basin Bill The Federal Government is attempting to blindside the Senate on its Murray-Darling Basin Bill by refusing to release crucial information on how it will affect farmers, regional communities, the environment and the water market. The National Farmers Federation, National Irrigators’ Council and NSW Irrigators’ Council […] …


The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) has appeared before today’s Senate inquiry into the Federal Government’s Restoring Our Rivers Bill 2023, which proposes a range of amendments to the Murray-Darling Basin Plan. The peak body, which was among 27 individual and stakeholder groups to present at the public hearing in Canberra today, cited its strong opposition […] …


Ensuring the viability and sustainability of Australian irrigated agriculture and the security and reliability of water entitlements The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) is seeking an experienced Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the organisation and support industry through national water reforms. NIC is the national peak body representing the interests of irrigators across Australia. This […] …


The National Irrigators’ Council welcomed the release of the consultation outcomes paper of summarising community led ideas to finalise the Murray Darling Basin Plan. NIC Chair Jeremy Morton said: “We’ve always suggested there were better ways to finalise the Plan without the need to buy more water from production. “Communities have again, stood up and […] …


The National Irrigators’ Council has today welcomed Minister Plibersek’s announcement that the timelines will be extended to finalise the Murray-Darling Basin Plan. NIC CEO Isaac Jeffrey said: “Today’s announcement is a credit to Minister Plibersek and her pragmatic approach to finalising the Basin Plan. NIC has been calling for this timeline extension and we are […] …


The National Irrigators’ Council has released its submission to the finalising the Basin Plan ideas consultation process and it comes as the Federal Water Minister has today asked the Basin Authority to report on whether the Plan can be achieved by its mid-2024 deadline. NIC CEO Isaac Jeffrey said: “Minister Plibersek called for ideas on […] …


The National Irrigators’ Council acknowledges and welcomes the Murray-Darling Basin Plan Review Roadmap released today at River Reflections by Sir Angus Houston, MDBA Chair. NIC CEO Isaac Jeffrey said: “All Australians are connected to the Murray-Darling Basin, whether they know it or not. Forty percent of our farms, over $22 billion is economic activity at […] …


This World Environment Day is a great opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and consider how we finalise the Plan to get real outcomes for our environment. NIC CEO Isaac Jeffrey said: “Over the last few years, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder has been able to deliver fish and bird breeding […] …


The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) has acknowledged the release of the Federal Budget, noting it leaves open a number of unanswered questions particularly on food security, cost of living and water management. NIC CEO Isaac Jeffrey said: “The Federal Budget listed over $872 million of savings from abandoned water infrastructure projects, while pausing an additional […] …


The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) welcomes the election of the new New South Wales Government following Saturday’s election. NIC CEO Isaac Jeffrey said: “NIC congratulates the Minns Government on its election at this weekend’s state poll and looks forward to working with the new government and new parliament. “The Government-elect takes the reins at a […] …


The Government’s water buyback program tender documents, with the misnomer “strategic purchasing of 44.3GL/y of water rights”, have been released and they raise some significant questions. NIC CEO Isaac Jeffrey said: “The only thing ‘strategic’ about this ‘strategic purchasing of 44.3GL/y of water rights’ is the name. It is an open tender – throwing a […] …


The Federal Water Minister has today confirmed the Government will seek to buyback water across the Murray-Darling Basin in what will be devastating news for farmers and their local communities. NIC CEO Isaac Jeffrey said: “Today the Minister has confirmed what communities, businesses and workers across the Murray-Darling Basin have been fearing – the return […] …


The Federal Government has today refused to give New South Wales and Victoria more time to deliver their Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism (SDLAM) projects, while flagging more buybacks are likely to fill shortfalls. NIC CEO Isaac Jeffrey said: “The Federal Minister Tanya Plibersek has repeatedly said all options are on the table for finalising […] …


The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) this week released its update to the optimistically named Electricity Statement of Opportunities (ESOO) and the news isn’t good. NIC CEO Isaac Jeffrey said: “NIC supports the transition of our national energy market to incorporate renewables, helping to move the country towards net zero emissions by 2050. As a […] …


The Basin Water Ministers Council (MinCo) meets this week and Basin communities and stakeholders are in the dark (yet again) on what’s on the agenda. NIC CEO Isaac Jeffrey said: “$22 billion worth of food & fibre is grown in the Murray-Darling Basin with a multiplier in economic activity taking that up to around $80 […] …


The Basin Water Ministers Council (MinCo) meets this week to discuss finalising the Basin Plan and it must deliver on its promises to regional communities, businesses, workers and the environment. NIC CEO Isaac Jeffrey said: “Businesses need certainty to invest and employ workers. Changing goalposts creates uncertainty, fosters distrust and heightens sensitivities. MinCo can’t go […] …


The National Irrigators’ Council acknowledges the release of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan Report Card for 2022 and is pleased to note the progress being made on implementing the Basin Plan. NIC CEO Isaac Jeffrey said: “The Basin Plan Report Card for 2022 is full of good news, but you wouldn’t know it if you only […] …


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 […] …


The National Irrigators Council (NIC) welcomes the appointment of The Hon. Kevin Anderson MP as the new Minister for Land and Water, and acknowledges the outgoing Minister, The Hon. Melinda Pavey MLC. NIC CEO Isaac Jeffrey said: “NIC congratulates Kevin Anderson on his appointment to the new Perrottet Government as the Minister for Land and […] …


The National Irrigators Council (NIC) welcomes the long-awaited appointment of a new member to the Murray Darling Basin Authority. NIC CEO, Isaac Jeffrey said: “The appointment of Ms Roseanne Healy to the Authority is an important step to enable the Authority to be equipped with the skills and knowledge required over the coming years to […] …


National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) acknowledges and thanks Phillip Glyde for his service as Chief Executive of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) over the past six years, following the announcement of his intention to retire. NIC Chief Executive Officer Isaac Jeffrey said: “The Council thanks Phillip Glyde for his service to the very challenging water reform […] …


National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) has welcomed the Australian Government’s announcement of $6.6million to Queensland to ensure native fish species in Northern Basin Murray Darling Rivers have thegreatest opportunity to breed and to thrive. The project is one of the ten Northern Basin Toolkit package of projects that is keeping 70GL of water inproductive use in […] …


The National Irrigators Council (NIC) has welcomed the announcement of a new Federal Government grants program to fund off-farm efficiency projects under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan. NIC Chief Executive Officer Isaac Jeffrey said: “The Murray-Darling Basin Plan is one of the most complex pieces of water regulation in the world. Since its inception, a great […] …


The National Irrigators Council (NIC) acknowledges and welcomes the appointment of the advisory group on water markets in the Murray-Darling Basin announced today by Minister for Resources and Water, The Hon. Keith Pitt MP. NIC Chief Executive Officer Isaac Jeffrey said: “The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission earlier in the year released its extensive water […] …


The National Irrigators Council (NIC) acknowledges the Government’s ambition to reach net zero emissions by 2050 and welcomes its commitment to achieving this important goal. NIC CEO Isaac Jeffrey said: “NIC recently announced our commitment to net zero by 2050, emphasising the need for governments, opposition, industry and communities to come together to plan and […] …

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News & Media from Member Organisations


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. …


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.  …


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
…


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
…


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. [...] …


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. …

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Upcoming Events

Past Member Events 

NIC Networking and Thank You Dinner

Hotel Kurrajong
Barton, Canberra

NIC Member AGM and General Meeting

-
Old Parliament House
Barton, Canberra

Water Act Review Submission Feedback session 2

Teams Meeting - RSVP for Link

Water Act Review Submission Feedback session 1

Online meeting - via teams, register for link

DCCEEW NIC info session on International Agreements and the Water Act

Teams Meeting - RSVP for Link

NIC General Meeting

The Pullman, O'Riordan St
Gweagal room, Mascot, Sydney, NSW


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