NATIONAL IRRIGATORS’ COUNCIL

MEDIA RELEASES

Advocating for the Australian irrigated agriculture industry

Following a quick presentation from the PC and our Member Policy Discussion yesterday, please see the first draft of NIC's Submission into the Productivity Commissions Inquiry into National Water Reform.  This is due to be lodged tomorrow, however given the timeframes we can hold off until Monday for feedback and lodge Monday evening. 

We hope that little bit more time allows you time for feedback and review.  Please reach out for a word document if you want to provide tracked changes. 

Following feedback from Members and the discussion at the Member Policy Session yesterday, please see an updated version of the NIC Menindee Submission attached. This is due to be lodged tomorrow, so please review for final checks. 

Changes included adding clear statements on boundaries on what the vision for the Lakes must recognise, as well as including the final agreed principles as recommendations.  We included reference to the shepherding trial and clarity around the exiting multi jurisdictional arrangements now within the Water Act.

The draft NIC Submission for the Menindee Lakes Review is now available for member feedback. You will find the draft submission on our members area > policy & strategy > Menindee Lakes.

We will discuss the draft submission at next weeks Drop-In, which is an opportunity to provide feedback. 

Note: NIC received an extension to May 8th. 

Thank you to all our Members who have provided input prior to and during the 12-weeks of consultation.

Our submission has now been lodged. 

NIC Media Release: Now Is The Time For Stability - Irrigators Submit To Basin Plan Review

23 April 2026, Sydney, NSW: The National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) met in Sydney today to finalise a response to the Murray-Darling Basin Plan Review, issuing a sneak peek.

“The balance has been struck when it comes to sharing water, with three-decades of reforms shrinking the share for farmers by one-third,” said NIC CEO, Zara Lowien.

“The Government’s own science says there’s no need to further reduce water from farming, showing 92% of environmental indicators across the Basin’s rivers would not change.”

As we prepared to get ready for our April General Meeting, the final Agenda and Papers are now available for review prior to the Thursday.  These include two new updated papers to help guide discussions on Climate Uncertainty and Menindee Lakes, as well as a background brief for the Water Act discussion.

We look forward to welcoming you to Sydney. Reminder, a casual breakfast will start from 7:30am prior to the meeting. 

Show More

Join Our Community

Find out more about our community, and join our mission advocating for the Australian irrigated agriculture industry.

Our Community
 Our Community


Website Disclaimer |  Privacy Policy |  Terms & Conditions