Advocating for the Australian irrigated agriculture industries.
Not much for Christmas lunch without Australian Irrigators
Christmas lunch would be a bit of a sad affair without the work of Australia’s irrigators says National Irrigators Council (NIC) CEO, Steve Whan. “Like many people I look forward to this time of year, to fresh summer fruit, crispy fresh vegies and those delicious Christmas extras the fruit mince pies, ice cream, custard and […] Read More…
Better than expected? Basin Water Ministers
Threats to walk away from the Basin Plan sensibly didn’t come to pass and there was progress down the path of addressing key recommendations from the Productivity Commission, perhaps better outcomes than might have been expected – says National Irrigators Council (NIC) CEO, Steve Whan. Steve Whan said “the one thing that is abundantly clear […] Read More…
Irrigators tell Basin Ministers to deliver not quiver
Murray Darling Basin water Ministers face a crucial test when they meet in Brisbane on Tue 17 December says the National Irrigators’ Council (NIC). NIC CEO, Steve Whan says “the meeting will be a real test for Ministers, they can either choose parochialism and short-term electoral gain, or they can commit to work together to […] Read More…
Irrigators Council says, fix don’t ditch, on Basin Plan
The National Irrigators Council (NIC) says that while it understands the hardship driving the anger of irrigators protesting in Canberra this week, its members feel that the problems would be made worse by ditching, rather than fixing, the Basin Plan. NIC represents irrigators across the Basin states, members want to see problems addressed, but do […] Read More…
Irrigators welcome release of additional water for agriculture
The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) today welcomed the Federal Government’s step up in drought support measures with the once-off provision of 100 gigalitres (GL) of water in the southern connected Murray-Darling Basin. NIC Chairman, Gavin McMahon said “The announcement by the Government of 100GL as part of its drought relief package will be warmly welcomed […] Read More…
Irrigators welcome NSW/Vic flow review, but warn supply projects must be delivered
The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) welcomes the NSW and Victorian Government independent expert panel on Basin river flows, saying it is important to focus on achieving real environmental outcomes not just ticking off flow targets. CEO, Steve Whan, said “Victoria and NSW have started a process which should involve all Basin Governments and one, importantly, […] Read More…
2017-18 stats show irrigation doing its job, securing food and fibre
Irrigation infrastructure is designed to help Australia keep growing food and fibre in a variable climate and, Australian Bureau of Statistics (gross value of irrigated production) figures for 2017-18 show, that is exactly the job it was doing . ABS figures for 2017-18 show the proportion of Australia’s fruit and nuts (by value) produced by […] Read More…
NIC welcomes water market inquiry
The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) has welcomed the announcement of the terms of reference for an ACCC inquiry into the water market. CEO Steve Whan said “NIC has been highlighting concerns and advocating an inquiry into the water market for some time. We are pleased to see the announcement by the Treasurer and Water Minister […] Read More…
Irrigators’ ask for Ministerial action on river operations and five-year Basin Plan review
The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) has written to Murray Darling Basin water Ministers ahead of their meeting this weekend, calling for action on deliverability issues, losses and a focus on implementing the Productivity Commission’s five-year review of the Basin Plan. CEO Steve Whan said “with the Murray Darling Basin experiencing a severe drought we have […] Read More…
Water recovery must consider country communities – NIC responds to 4Corners
NIC CEO, Steve Whan, says “Irrigators make absolutely no apology for wanting to ensure country towns and our farmers have a future. “That’s why when Government decides it is going to acquire water for the environment, we will always actively work to try to ensure that water is acquired through water saving rather than buyback. […] Read More…
“In a country with such variable rainfall, irrigation is the reason we have fresh food on our tables. “That’s why, when the Basin Plan was developed, the then Labor Government decided that a key part of how water would be retrieved for the environment would be via programs that made irrigation more efficient and productive. […] Read More…
Butler and Butler congratulated as shadows by NIC
The National Irrigators Council (NIC) says it looks forward to working with a new Shadow Minister for Water as Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese announces his Shadow Ministry. CEO Steve Whan said “after a very long engagement with the Murray Darling Basin Plan, former Minister and Shadow Minister, Tony Burke, has moved on to a new […] Read More…
Scathing report shows need for water market registry reform
An MDBA and Deloitte report on water trade price reporting in the Murray Darling confirms concerns that the National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) has been expressing for some time about lack of transparency, confusion and inconsistency in State water trading registers. NIC CEO, Steve Whan says “this report shows that the water market has run way […] Read More…
Irrigators welcome new Morrison / McCormack Government Ministry
The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) has congratulated the newly appointed Morrison / McCormack Government Ministers saying it looks forward to working with them as they tackle difficult tasks. CEO, Steve Whan says “key Ministerial appointments for the irrigation sector include the welcome re-appointment of David Littleproud as Minister for Water, and with new roles on […] Read More…
A 73% reduction in electricity costs for pumping irrigation water would not just be music to the ears of producers but would also put Australia back on the map as a competitive producer of food and fibre, says National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) CEO, Steve Whan. Steve Whan was commenting as part of an open day […] Read More…
Ambitious women urged to join ag leadership program
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
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
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…
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Sydney, NSW |
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Sydney, NSW |
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Cotton Australia Board room |
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Online meeting |
Find out more about our community, and join our mission advocating for the Australian irrigated
agriculture industry.