New Government, New Leaders, New Opportunities
14th May 2025, Canberra, ACT: The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) congratulates Murray Watt on his appointment as the Minister for the Environment and Water, saying this is an opportunity for new leadership to put policy above politics and partnerships over partisanship.
“Until recently, water management in Australia has had a long history of bipartisanship across politics. We hope under new leadership of Minister Watt and the Coalition Leader Sussan Ley in partnership with David Littleproud of the Nationals, and a new leader of the Greens, means that we can see a return to respectful and constructive water policy solutions, that can once again rise above politics,” said NIC CEO, Zara Lowien.
“We seek the leadership of the new Minister to bring people together for common goals with sensible solutions in reforms like the Basin Plan that have been contentious and polarised.”
“Our reform journey hasn’t been easy, but it means the Australian irrigation industry is world leading. Now, we are well positioned to meet the future demands for clean, green and reasonably priced food and fibre but the industry needs secure and sustainable water to drive-up national productivity to fulfil our responsibilities.”
“Minister Watt’s experience means he is well positioned to balance in the needs for agriculture, communities and the environment in the nation’s interest to safeguard our water future,” said Ms Lowien.
Minister Watt takes on the portfolio as major reforms like the Murray Darling Basin Plan are largely complete – with one in three litres of irrigation water now available to the environment and full compliance with the new Sustainable Diversion Limits (SDLs).
“A large part the Minister’s new portfolio will be to review the Basin Plan, just as farmers, environmental scientists, communities and others all agree that it's time to make investments in measures to directly address environmental issues – like invasive species (carp), barriers to fish movement, fish entrainment, and riparian habitat degradation.”
“Now, is the time for these practical solutions which move away from just adding water to the environment but take the next step, to maximise environmental outcomes to improve the health of our rivers to be actioned,” said Ms Lowien.
NIC invites the Minister, and the new Parliament, to come and visit our farmers and see some great examples of what can be achieved on the
ground when people work together.
Ends.
Media Contact: Zara Lowien, CEO
0427 521 399 ceo@irrigators.org.au
Click here to download a PDF document of the Media Release.