NATIONAL IRRIGATORS’ COUNCIL

MEDIA RELEASES

Advocating for the Australian irrigated agriculture industry

A lot is changing in water and water-related businesses and National Irrigators' Council is changing too. 

We have introduced new membership options recognising that organisations are structured differently and may already contribute to NIC through local or valley representation. Our structure also provides options for organisations with operations outside the Murray–Darling Basin, making direct national representation more accessible while recognising existing contributions. 

Is now the time to explore our options?

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.

We are preparing for our Annual General Meeting and General Meeting for the 13th and 14th October in Canberra.

The event will be at Old Parliament House from 2pm 13th October through to 1pm on 14th October, with a dinner at Hotel Kurrajong on Tuesday evening. 

As these dates are a sitting week, please book flights and accomodation. 

NIC provided a submission into the Snowy Water Inquiry Outcomes Implementation Deed Draft Report following a review of the recommendations.

NIC recognised that a modernised, transparent and evidence-based Deed framework is needed. NIC also welcomed the Panel’s stated intent that improved environmental outcomes should be pursued without compromising the reliability of water supply for irrigation. NIC has identified several areas where the draft recommendations, create material risk to the reliability of downstream consumptive entitlements, extend to shared interstate water resources, and sit uneasily with the risk-allocation and compensation principles of the National Water Initiative (NWI) and with the Review Framework’s own stated principles.

NIC provided a submission into the Productivity Commissions National Water Reform Interim update. 

The submission reinterated our key points from our initial submission but also explored a number of topics where the interim update was seeking information, covering intitial assessments, sustainable water limits, managing climate change and metering. 

Every organisation has someone with the potential to lead through complexity, inspire others and make a lasting difference.  Who comes to mind for you?

The Peter Cullen Trust is looking for the next cohort of emerging and established leaders to join our 2027 Leadership Program.

A webinar is being held on 25 Aug 2026 12:30 PM to find out more.

Water professionals from across New South Wales will come together in Wollongong to explore practical solutions, fresh thinking and the partnerships needed to tackle today's biggest water challenges.

Under this year's theme, Squeezing Every Last Drop: From Survival to Strength: No Excuses, No Waste. Do More with Less, the program brings together government, utilities, local councils and industry leaders to share real-world insights you can take back to your organisation. 17 - 19 August 2026.

We are running a bit behind schedule but attached is a brief DRAFT submission into the PC Interim Report on National Water Reform.  Please review and provide comments no later than Tuesday 5pm, as the submission is over-due.  Comments to Zara.

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