NATIONAL IRRIGATORS’ COUNCIL
Advocating for the Australian irrigated agriculture industry
A brief snapshot of the MDBA's Basin Plan Review discussion paper is available on the Members webpage.
A more detailed brief will be prepared for your information.
A first look at the Murray Darling Basin Authority’s Basin Plan Review discussion paper, reveals again that more is needed than “just adding water” to improve the environments of the Basin. “The discussion paper should serve as an important wake up call to the Federal Government who continue to use old tools, for today’s challenges”, said NIC CEO, Zara Lowien.[...]
The MDBA have opened registrations for a series of webinars to support their consultation approach on the Basin Plan Review. The initial topics being how to make a submission, Menindee and SDL assessments. The webinars will be recorded and start from Monday next
week.
A link on these webinars is not yet available on their website but is available by clicking here.
We have set up a new Members only page on our website with all the information you need on the Basin Plan Review.
Reminder, you will need to have set up your Member sign in to access the page and all the information.
The Department are reviewing the role of the Inspector-General of Water Compliance, to ensure it continues to add value to the management
of the Murray Darling Basin.
This review is a requirement of the Water Act 2007 and must be completed by 30 June 2026.
Independent reviewers have been appointed. A survey and or submissions are due by 25 February 2026.
The NIC Board are wanting to undertake a mid-term review of the performance and value of NIC, since the adoption of the new Strategic Plan
and membership changes. To inform this process, the Board are seeking views from Members and other targeted stakeholders on NIC performance, and how we represent the industry to Members and external stakeholders.
A brief survey has been set up providing you and your organisation an opportunity to provide input and feedback to the Board. It should take up to 10 minutes depending on your desired level of input. The Survey will be open until 6th February 2026.
As always, please feel free to reach out to any of the Directors or Zara with feedback and input.
“Today’s announcement is just smoke and mirrors by the Albanese Government,” said National Irrigators’ Council CEO, Zara Lowien. “Listing these areas [parts of Murray Basin floodplain] only adds complexity, creates uncertainty for new developments, overlooks the progress of the Basin Plan and offers no new solutions.” [...]
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.
On the 12th December, a national Water Minister's meeting and Murray Darling Basin Water Minister's meeting were held - these are known as MinCo meetings.
The national meeting, discussed the preparation and next steps of a renewed National Water Initiative and progress on water efficiency standards, as well as, risks pertaining to increased demands on water including water for data centres (in our view any new demands for
water should be found from new sources, or through existing markets). The communique is available here.
The MDB meeting, discussed progress on the Basin Plan and concerns regarding SDLAM projects. There was no direction mention of constraints,
however some discussion on a strategic approach to SDLAM projects. The communiqué is available here.
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agriculture industry.