NATIONAL IRRIGATORS’ COUNCIL
Advocating for the Australian irrigated agriculture industry
Today's release of the National Climate Risk Assessment and National Adaptation Plan exposes the risks to Australia’s agriculture sector from climate change, particularly water security for irrigation to grow food and fibre. “Climate change poses a very real risk to irrigated agriculture,” said NIC CEO, Zara Lowien. [...]
Irrigation Australia Limited's Spring Journal features our CEO, Zara Lowien's comments on the 2025 Basin Plan Evaluation (on page 32-35) indicating there were plenty of first the MDBA's 'game changing' 2025 evaluation but what does it mean for the irrigation industry. Zara highlighted the opportunity before Minister Watt has to work collaboratively with communities and industry on a much-needed reset, that looks to refocus the Basin Plan on outcomes rather than numbers.
Australian Farm Institute, Executive Director Katie McRobert says "Much of Australia’s agricultural policy is caught in a loop. When a crisis erupts – be it drought, market disruption, or community outrage – political and media attention surges. Decisions are demanded, headlines written, levers pulled. But as the immediate threat subsides, so too does the will to implement lasting solutions...This edition of the Farm Policy Journal explores that cycle – and asks what we can do to break it. ....The opening article by Christine Freak and Zara Lowien examines the long and often reactive trajectory of water policy reform in the Murray–Darling Basin (MDB)...[They] offer offer an original contribution to this challenge in the form of the Triple Crown of Water Reform Framework, which conceptualises reform as a three-pronged effort: water-sharing (Flows), watermanagement (Functions), and integrated resource initiatives (Further)."
Director nominations for the National Irrigators' Council board are due by 10th September 2025.
There are three positions vacant this Annual General Meeting information, with one director not considering re-election.
Please visit the Meeting Documentation - Annual General Meeting page for more information.
NIC and our local Murrumbidgee region Members, are helping coordinate the study tour component of the MDA's 81st Conference which is in Griffith, NSW this year. The study tour will be on 30th September via a bus tour and includes:
- Murrumbidgee Irrigation Ltd, including their control room and looking at their recent efficiency projects including urban channels.
- One Basin CRC hub
- One of the local fish farms
- Sunrice in Leeton
The tour include lunch at Whitton Malthouse.
Tickets for the tour are to be book at the 'Member Price' via the MDA conference website.
NIC is hosting a Member Networking dinner with guest speaker Matt Linegar from the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation on 30th September at Belvedere Restaurant, Griffith. This event is a great opportunity to hear Matt's leadership story, which no doubt will include a few laughs, and consider industry's next steps as we embark on the review of the Murray Darling Basin Plan. Tickets for this event are via the event link using Try Booking - an Italian feast has been organised to celebrate the evening. Drinks are at your own cost.
On 1st October, Day 1 speakers include The Hon. Murray Watt, Minister for Water and Environment, Troy Grant the Inspector General Water
Compliance, Dr Simon Banks, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and there is a panel session on Basin Governance. These speakers and
others provide a foundation to inform discussions at NIC General Meeting on Thursday, 2nd October. The Conference also provides an
opportunity to Members to network with Murray Darling Association Members.
We encourage consideration of attending, however it is up to Members. Tickets must be purchased from the MDA website
using the Member rate for Day 1.
On 1st October, the National Irrigators' Council is holding its Annual General Meeting from 3pm at the Yoogali Club Griffith. Please
use to link to RSVP.
This event is after the Day 1 Conference proceedings.
NIC General Meeting Administration will occur thereafter until 5pm.
On the evening of 1st October from 6:30pm - celebrate and socialise at the Piccolo Family Farm, situated in the heart of Griffith.
Enjoy the ambience and view of Griffith and it’s surrounds while you network over local wines and drinks.
Dine with the MDA and enjoy an incredible, seasonally prepared 3-course meal.
Tickets purchased via the MDA webstie using the 'Member Price'.
Find out more about our community, and join our mission advocating for the Australian irrigated
agriculture industry.