NATIONAL IRRIGATORS’ COUNCIL

POLICY PORTFOLIO - CLIMATE RISK AND OPPORTUNITIES

Advocating for the Australian irrigated agriculture industry

Australia is the driest inhabited continent on earth. It has the most variable water flows and requires water storages four times bigger than those found throughout Europe to mitigate drought – for productive, community and environmental water delivery.

Farmers understand these challenges and directly experience any changes in seasons and climate, more so than most. They work their land every day and see the effects of these changes, and they have long been adapting. Farmers are embracing new technologies, are contributing to research and development, and are investing in efficiency projects to do more with less. They are adopting best practices in land and water management and are engaging in environmental management practices and partnerships boosting not only their properties but community wetlands, waterways and land.

Farmers are at the front lines of climate change and are doing their part to help address it. As our nation continues to develop responses to climate change, it is important that farmers are included in discussions to contribute to policy solutions.

KEY MESSAGE

The National Irrigators' Council recognises that water allocation systems adjust to climate variability and that a transparent and equitable framework to share the risk of lower and higher water availability must be maintained, as changes in climate are uncertain and will bring risk and opportunity. 

We support policies that encourage innovation to adapt to changing climate that do not unfairly burden agriculture by imposing unreasonable and unsustainable costs or regulatory restrictions. The risks and opportunities must be shared.  

Position Statements

Climate Change

Policy Position under review

Transitioning to Net Zero

Policy Position under review



Key Related NIC Resources on Climate Risks and Opportunities


“Holding Ground in Uncertainty: Insights for Australian Agriculture in 2050” is a deep and wide-ranging exploration of the futures that might await our sector—and the strategic choices we can make today to shape them.

This expanded edition includes 19 contributions from leading researchers and practitioners, exploring themes such as:

  • Landscapes, livelihoods and innovation: Future land use, water management, adaptation to climate extremes, and the role of innovation and agtech.
  • Diverse futures: Four scenario narratives — Regional Ag Capitals, Landscape Stewardship, Climate Survival, and System Decline — mapped out through the Ag2050 initiative.
  • Resilience through change: Case studies on livestock and aquaculture, AI in agriculture, and strategies for workforce renewal and circular economies.
New voices and perspectives: Reflections from industry leaders and thinkers on sustainability, decarbonisation, education, resource pressures, and how to foster long-term resilience …


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