Canberra, ACT, 5 July 2024: Six months since the Water Amendment (Restoring our Rivers) Bill ascended and despite assurances that all tools are in the toolbox, the Federal Water Minister, Tanya Plibersek is opting only for one, to fund buybacks1. The first communities...

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...

Insights Paper on Murray Darling Basin Plan Review flips the focus to outcomes 20 June 2024, Caberra, ACT: The National Irrigators’ Council welcomes the release of the Murray Darling Basin Authority’s early insights paper as positive shift in thinking on how...

Government’s amendment to Basin Plan impacts keeps communities in the dark 12 June 2024, Caberra, ACT: The Australian Government is attempting to use the $300 million Sustainable Communities Program to divert attention from their addendum to the Murray Darling Basin...

A renewed National Water Agreement Zara Lowien*, Caberra, 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...

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...

ACT Basin Plan deal seeks to close the gap but triggers the need for more transparency Canberra, ACT – The National Irrigators Council (NIC) welcomes the recent announcement by the Federal Water Minister regarding the finalisation of bridging the gap in the...

New National Irrigators Council CEO Zara Lowien to Participate in ABARES Outlook Conference The National Irrigators Council is pleased to announce that its newly appointed CEO, Zara Lowien, is looking forward to engaging in the upcoming annual ABARES Outlook...

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...

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...