NATIONAL IRRIGATORS’ COUNCIL

MEDIA RELEASES

Advocating for the Australian irrigated agriculture industry

We are currently seeking member feedback on our draft NIC Submission to the Federal Government consultation on developing regulations for the announcement of water market decisions (requirements in the new Part 5A of the Water Act 2007, following the Restoring our Rivers Bill last year). Thank you to those who attended our drop-in session this week, for preliminary discussions to inform this work. 

You can read the DCCEEW Discussion Paper here: Water Markets Decisions Regulations Discussion Paper 

DCCEEW will also be holding a webinar on Thursday 14 November 2024 from 11am–12pm (AEST), register here : Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams

Submissions close on 29 November 2024. Please provide feedback to NIC as early as possible, as we may be providing this submission early. 

NIC provided an overview of the current discussion paper on Water Market data and notification proposals by DCCEEW as part of the water market reforms and received initial feedback from members on the key discussion questions. Key to the discussion was for greater clarity to be provided on the purpose, timing and value of the proposal.  NIC will also be looking into the inequity of some water owners and users, having very different market responsibilities than others and if this is consistent with National Water Initiative market principles. 

The power point slides are attached here. 

More information on the reform and to register for the public webinar visis the Department website.

Water entitlements as a property right is a key component of our organisation's Objects and Mission.  Recently, as part of our regular drop in sessions, Zara and Christine provided a presentation of the current social and legal representation of water property rights and discussed opportunities within the current negotiations to strengthen our position. The paper and presentation is available via the Members Area of the website and is considered sensitive material and not for distribution.  If you would like your board or committee to be updated, please reach out to Zara to discuss an opportunity. . 

National Irrigators' Council CEO, Zara Lowien writes "after decades of difficult reforms implementing Australia's best-practice water management blueprint - the National Water Initiative (NWI) - the federal government is negotiating to water it down, in the National Water Agreement (NWA).

If the NWI is the architecturally designed blueprint, the NWA is the flatpack version with unclear instructions and a few missing pieces"...

Briefing note to Members: A new draft NWA is expected to be published next week as part of the ‘what we heard report’.  States are expected to agree thereafter. DCCEEW continues to insist it is not a binding document and are downplaying the significance. We are concerned that States are falling for this and may like the discretionary and non-binding approach as it enables them to opt out as they like and reduces their ‘signing’ risk.  However, this ignores the future expectation risk of stakeholders and the potential for Government to later enforce the agreement.[...]

Click link to see more (you will need to set up a password) or download the document.

25 October Report - highlighted a slower week on media this week for water which was focussed on the visit of the King and Queen and the Queensland State Election. You can use this link to view the report via our monitoring service with the password Irrigators, or download the powerpoint. 

National Irrigators' Council  is concerned that these proposed listings are being rushed prior to the Federal election (reminiscent of a previous disallowed attempt prior to the 2013 election) and that little additional work since 2013 has been provided to support the nomination despite significant improvements and other measures being taken since that previous attempt (namely the implementation of the Murray Darling Basin Plan and evolution of environmental water management in these specific regions). [...]

The National Irrigators’ Council proudly announces the election of a new leadership team at its Annual General Meeting in Canberra last week. This transition includes the appointment of Ms Jenny McLeod as the first female chair and Ms Rosalie Auricht as vice-chair, alongside two new board members, Ms Jenna Bell and Mr Ben Fessey. [...]

he Federal Government continue their pre-election rush, with a flawed buyback tender process designed to over-estimate irrigator interest in selling water to the Government as part of the Government’s relentless pursuit of buybacks to achieve the additional 450 GL of water under the Basin Plan. This is despite Minister Plibersek’s assurances that all other options, other than buybacks, were on the table. [...]

The Federal Government is again being called out for rushing through risky and untested reforms that seek to gain more power for themselves, prior to the upcoming election.  Consultation soon closes on their recent grab, to list two new areas as “endangered” under national environment law, replicating a controversial and subsequently, disallowed move by the former Labor Government in 2013. [...]

National Irrigators are calling on states and territories, the future signatories to an updated National Water Agreement, to say “no way to the draft NWA”. The Federal Government’s rushed NWA is tipped to be our nations next water management blueprint[i] but risks major changes to water management frameworks in its current form. Zara Lowien, CEO of the National Irrigators’ Council said, “States cannot sign the current draft NWA" [...]

The NIC is deeply concerned by the draft principles proposed for the National Water Agreement (NWA) and is of the position, it is not fit-for-purpose to be signed in its current form.

The original National Water Initiative (NWI) set the blueprint for water reform in Australia over the past two decades and is a fundamental underpinning of Australia’s water management. It is a document that needs to be taken seriously by all stakeholders and jurisdictions, and its content upheld to be a first-class and best-practice approach to water management. [...]

National Irrigators Council are calling on the Australian Government for answers, as they continue to pursue additional water purchases when water usage is well below the Basin Plan limits.  National Irrigators’ Council CEO, Zara Lowien said “the recently released data from the Murray Darling Basin Authority[i] confirms the core objectives of the Basin Plan are being achieved with water take 23 percent below the Basin Plan limit [...]

National Irrigators warn collaboration is needed on key reforms Canberra, ACT, 27 June 2024: On the eve of the National Water Ministers meeting, the National Irrigators’ Council is calling on state Water Ministers to demand accountability from the Federal Government for a more inclusive and effective approach to National and Basin water issues. The Council’s […]

The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback into the Australian Government’s National Water Agreement Discussion Paper. The opportunity to submit our voice into this critical agreement for ongoing national water planning and management, has been considered with much consternation on the part of our members. We are frustrated at the current urgency to undertake this discussion process, right now. We are frustrated at the opaque and minimalist engagement process now and during the agreement development stages. We are frustrated that 20-years of difficult reforms for many across Australia, are seemingly being disregarded.

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 […]

The Murray Darling Basin Plan has been a vital tool in balancing the needs of our communities, our environment and our productive sector. It hasn’t always got it right, but it has achieved a great deal since its inception. Ensuring balance is needed so we can keep our rivers and communities healthy and thriving, while feeding and clothing Australia and the world. Whilst we didn’t agree with all elements of the Restoring our Rivers bill such as the lifting of the cap on buybacks and the ability to use direct water purchases towards the 450 GL efficiency measure program. We remain committed to finalizing the Basin Plan and ensuring all the tools, not just buybacks, are utilized in its implementation to maintain and protect the prosperity of our regional communities and agricultural businesses. [...]

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 […]

The National Water Initiative (NWI) has played a crucial role in shaping the future of water management in Australia and supporting the growth of the irrigation industry. In doing so, it has also reshaped many regional communities and irrigation industries, particularly when considering the impacts experienced to achieve sustainable levels of take and establishing the water market. Nonetheless, it is imperative that any updates to the NWI uphold the fundamental principles that are now the backbone of the industry. We must also recognize that the objective to achieve environmentally sustainable level of take has been or is near completion, in all developed water sources and consideration how this objective applies for remaining regions should be a future 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 […]

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