NATIONAL IRRIGATORS’ COUNCIL
Advocating for the Australian irrigated agriculture industry
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:
The Australian Government is seeking feedback on the future of artificial intelligence (AI) training and large data centres in
Australia.
The consultation topics speciically include sustainable water use.
Consitlation commences today, with submissions due by Friday 9 October 2026.
NIC have been working on a Water Security and Climate report which is now available to review titled 'Certainly uncertain: A report on water
security in a variable and changing climate in the MDB'.
This report aims to provide evidence of the existing climate mechanisms, to avoid needing further change and puts a number of key
recommendations on the Basin Plan, Water Act and within drafted NIC Policy Position Statements in one document. The report also raises a
clear case about the role of water policy and other levers, in helping to achieve water security as a policy objective - walking the line of
why international definitions are not appropriate.
We welcome feedback and comment on this report by 5th October to allow time to incorporate and release in and around our General Meeting if needed.
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:
Please see the updated Menindee Statement for FINAL review. This Position Statement are the key Menindee specific elements from our
Menindee Principles used for our Submission earlier this year.
The engagement principles, we are working into a Guideline for more general use.
We intend to present this as a Special Resolution at the General Meeting, which has a deadline for communication next week. Final comments are due ASAP.
Following our Water Act Submission and in support of our previously drafted Climate Uncertainty Position Statement, we prepared a draft
Water Security and Climate Change report. To stregthen this report, we are proposing some minor amendments to the draft NIC Climate
Ressilience and Water Security Position Statement (previously Climate Uncertainty) to be discussed at the General Meeting. We would
like to here FINAL feedback ASAP, as we will decide to finalise this as a Special Resolution for approval that has a deadline next week.
Please see the updated version here which has the amended text in red (new or removed).
Key is the new position on "Australia’s unique climate and highly variable water availability requires a uniquely Australian approach
to water security...
DCCEEW has released an updated 2026-27
Trading Strategy Addendum for the Bridging the Gap program. It lists the catchments with a remaining gap to be bridged and includes key dates for upcoming tenders.
As of 30 June 2026, 9.0 GL/y remains to bridge the gap in full across five catchments: surface water in the NSW Border Rivers, NSW Murray,
Lower Darling and Lachlan, and groundwater in the Queensland Condamine-Balonne. Gaps in the NSW Murray, Lower Darling and Lachlan have only
occurred due to changes in NSW LTDLEs.
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
NIC provided their final submission into the Indepedant Reviewer for the Statutory Review of the Water Act.
Key points included ensuring the Water Act reflects the constitutional arrangements for water, reshaping the Act to reflect the changed roles of the Murray Darling Basin Plan from a plan of recovery to management and ensuring the froundations of water management framework, agreed in 2004 are reflected in legislation.
Find out more about our community, and join our mission advocating for the Australian irrigated
agriculture industry.