POLICY PORTFOLIO - CLIMATE RISK AND OPPORTUNITIES

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 MESSAGES

We need stable water policy for an uncertain climate.

Australia's highly variable climate demands a practical, uniquely Australian approach to water security. While water policy cannot make more water available, maintaining stable and transparent rules are essential to managing climate risk, protecting water property rights and providing certainty for investment.

Water security for agriculture is fundamental to Australia's food security, regional economies and thriving communities. Building resilience requires shared responsibility for climate risk, better understanding of future water availability, and continued investment in water-use efficiency, research and climate-smart, fit-for-purpose infrastructure.

Our focus is on building on the water management frameworks that already respond to climate variability, rather than undermining them, and working together to achieve more with less.

Position Statement

Key Related NIC Resources on Climate Risks and Opportunities

Climate Resilience and Water Security Position Statement
14 Oct

NIC Members agreed to a Climate Resilience and Water Security Position Statement following on-going work program into climate risk, and water security for Australia as part of the Murray Darling Basin Plan and Water Act review.

This position statement was prepared in conjunction with our Position Statement on Reliability of Water Access Entitlements, Position Statement on the Murray Darling Basin Plan and our guiding principles. 

Approved14 October 2026. Read More…

AFI Farm Journal Special - Holding Ground in Uncertainty Australian Ag 2050
10 Jun '25

“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 Read More…