NEWS & EVENTS

Basin Ministers must agree genuine community test
11 Dec '18

The need to agree a genuine test of socio-economic neutrality for efficiency programs is one of the big challenges of this Friday’s Murray Darling Basin Ministers’ meeting (in Melbourne), says Steve Whan, CEO of the National Irrigators’ Council (NIC). Steve Whan said “Basin Ministers’ meetings are always important because the Basin Plan will not succeed […] Read More…

Irrigators welcome McCormack announcement of funds to boost food and fibre production
19 Nov '18

A $500 million boost to federal funding for irrigation infrastructure is a welcome investment in Australia’s future food and fibre producing capacity says the National Irrigators’ Council (NIC). NIC CEO, Steve Whan, said “Australia would have empty shelves in our fresh fruit and veg markets and we’d be drinking imported milk and wine, if it […] Read More…

Complaint to ABC Background Briefing – full decision and complaints
15 Nov '18

ABC AUDIENCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS INVESTIGATION REPORT Background Briefing 3-part series Best laid plans: The Murray-Darling Basin in crisis 29 April, 6 May and 11 May 2018 ABC News Facebook Return Flows video post 26 April 2018 Complaints and scope of review Audience and Consumer Affairs received a total of five editorial complaints regarding Background […] Read More…

Vested interests trying to justify electricity profit at our expense
13 Nov '18

The status quo just won’t do – that’s the message from irrigators to the Australian Energy Council (AEC) as they seek to justify cosy regulatory arrangements that see their industry rake in monopoly profits. National Irrigators’ Council CEO, Steve Whan said “a couple of weeks ago we released a report from Sapere Research group which […] Read More…

ABC upholds complaint on Basin Plan reporting
8 Nov '18

National Irrigators’ Council CEO, Steve Whan says a ruling by the ABC’s Audience and Consumer Affairs unit upholding a complaint about coverage of the Murray Darling Basin plan by ABC’s Background Briefing is welcome and reinforces the need for balance in coverage. Steve Whan said, “NIC among others made complaints about a Background Briefing story […] Read More…

Ambitious women urged to join ag leadership program
21 Feb

Women with leadership ambitions are urged to apply to the popular Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program (DiALP).  The initiative is run by the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) and is now entering its eighth year. Twelve women will be selected for the 2025 program.  Applications open Monday, 24 February and will remain open for one month. 

For more information visit https://nff.org.au/programs/diversity-in-agriculture-leadership/  Read More…

Churchill Fellowship information session for ag hort and food sectors - February 25
17 Feb

Registrations are now open for a free online information session being hosted by former head of ABC Rural Leigh Radford on Tuesday, February 25 2025, specifically for people involved in any aspect of agriculture, horticulture and food production. Starting at 6 pm (AEDT), the session will run for about an hour, with the opportunity to ask questions, gain helpful advice and be inspired by Churchill Fellows sharing their experiences and insights. The speakers include Tim Roache who travelled overseas in 2017 to investigate milk pricing models and ways to manage price risk in the Australian market.

A series of regional information sessions is also currently being rolled out at select locations across Australia, including Newcastle and Launceston (Feb 20), Toowoomba (Feb 27), Geelong (March 4), Bendigo (March 5), Cairns (March 6), and Broome and Bunbury (March 15).  Read More…

Training opportunities with IAL
22 Jan

Irrigation Australia Limited has released is new training calendar providing nationally accredited, industry qualifications and certifications and for future irrigation professionals that wish to join this ever-growing industry. We provide a unique blending learning experience, with courses running face-to-face and virtual classrooms. 

IF you have new staff or identify a skills gap yourself, check out what they have on offer with courses Australia wide.  Read More…