Gwydir Valley Irrigators Association Inc

News | Mon 24 February

Irrigators question recent efforts by Minister Plibersek to consider socio-economic impacts of buybacks

Irrigators question recent efforts by Minister Plibersek to consider socio-economic impacts of buybacks

25 February 2025, Canberra, ACT – Irrigators call out Minister Plibersek’s decision to sign off[ on purchasing another 100 GL of water in the southern Basin with questionable procurement processes and deliberately narrow evidence to support the decision.

“The advice before the Minister to inform the decision is flawed,” said Zara Lowien, CEO of National Irrigators’ Council.

“The additional 170 GL of water (from a 2024 round and this new one), will cause a significant increase in water allocation price of around 7.2% in the southern Murray Darling, and impact some industries particularly hard, such as rice, with an estimated 6.48% drop in water use.”

“The narrow assessment only looked at buying back 170 GL/y of water and apportioned $84 million annual production losses, ignoring that more than 2,100 GL/y is now recovered with an estimated annual farm-gate production loss between $602 million - $914 million.”

“Can the Minister really say she has considered socio-economic impacts, if the impact assessment is designed to not capture the full impacts?” said Ms Lowien.

“Worse still, the evidence highlighted the range of government programs aimed at mitigating the known socio-economic impacts but failed to mention the minimal progress of these other strategies”.

“Updates show there are no ‘new’ efficiency alternatives contracted, no land and water partnerships, and only NSW has signed up to their flagship program: Sustaining Basin Communities.”

News | Mon 24 February

170 GL in unnecessary water recovery to win city votes

In a clearly political move to win city votes at the expense of regional Australia, the Commonwealth has today kicked off a second buyback tender in the southern Murray-Darling Basin in 2024-25. NSW Irrigators’ Council CEO Claire Miller said with an election due any moment, “today’s announcement is clearly intended to try to win city votes while throwing regional communities, farmers and even the environment under the bus. “Today we learn the Government is full steam ahead to buy up to another 100 billion litres in 2025, on top of the 70 billion litres from its first tender opened last year. “The minister claims she considers social and economic impacts before approving buybacks. Considers maybe, but clearly ignores when ABARES says past and planned water recovery wipes $602 million – $914 million every year from what the farmgate value of irrigated agriculture would otherwise be.
“The one-off $300 million assistance package will not even touch the sides of what irrigation-dependent communities need when the Government is stripping hundreds of millions of dollars in income from their economies every year.
“We also know that while more than 3000 GL recovered to date is delivering important, localised environmental benefits, more water will not deliver the Basin-wide step change needed to reverse declining native fish and static waterbird populations, and improve water quality.

News | Fri 21 February

Auditor General report of buybacks shows a well-paved road, but to where?

19 February 2025, Canberra, ACT – The release of the Auditor General’s report of the Federal Government’s water buybacks finds the Government implemented a well-paved road of effective process but struggled to find the link between the buyback program and the intended policy objectives for the Murray Darling Basin Plan.

“Many will glance at the key findings of effective process and give the Government a pat on the back, but the devil is in the detail when the report goes on to question the link between the buyback program and the intended policy objectives for the environment” said National Irrigators’ Council CEO, Ms Lowien.

“It found that the buyback program, designed to bridge the gap between current diversions and the Basin Plan’s Sustainable Diversion Limits (SDLs), was a well-paved road but questions, to where?”, said Ms Lowien.

“Achieving Sustainable Diversion Limits in the Basin was the centrepiece of the Basin Plan, but achieving the broader environmental objectives requires going beyond just adding water,”

“Government reporting indicates that SDLs are enforced and being achieved– so it’s fair to ask the question, as the Auditor General infers, why is the Government buying more water and not investing in other solutions?” said Ms Lowien.

News | Fri 21 February

Media

Media snippets (not endorsements):

Water allocations face potential shake-up with climate review under way [HERE]
Minister Plibersek concedes that the accreditation of water resource plan is unlawful [HERE]
These Traditional Owners are demanding that First Nations voices are heard on water [HERE]
Buybacks inquiry launched [HERE]
Landholders want to see changes to water basin plan [HERE]
Farmers fear forced flood easements [HERE]
MDBA plans for year ahead [HERE]
Research confirms environmental water supports “nerve system” of Narran Lakes (Dharriwaa) [HERE]

News | Mon 10 February

Water bill increases proposed

Proposals by Water NSW and WAMC would result in water prices to increase by 170% within five years. “Here in the Gwydir valley, we grow pecans, oranges for fruit juice, as well as cotton, all of which is at risk due to these exorbitant proposed price hikes,” Mr Cush said.

“But this is not just about farmers – households in Moree and other towns will also be hit through council water utilities, as well as other water licence holders like local golf clubs, rugby and cricket grounds and children’s parks.”

News | Mon 10 February

Telemetry uplift program

The Telemetry Uplift Program aims to assist eligible water users in the Murray-Darling Basin with compliance to the metering rules, to ensure water taken from inland regional water sources is extracted fairly, equitably and according to the rules.
By opting in to the program, eligible water users will be offered free telemetry devices, including a local intelligence device (LID) and data logger.
The $10.5 million Australian Government funded program will benefit over 2,500 eligible water users.

Register your interest by 31 March 2025 to receive further information and make sure you don’t miss out.

News | Mon 3 February

National Water Grid Fund

The NSW Government is calling for expressions of interest to participate in the Australian Government’s next round of National Water Grid funding applications, likely in June 2025.

The National Water Grid initiative makes funding available for priority water infrastructure projects to improve the reliability and security of water for Australia’s regional and remote towns, agriculture and primary industry sectors.
Expressions of interest for the next funding round must be submitted no later than 11:00 pm (AEDT) on Thursday 27 February 2025, to allow sufficient time to prepare proposals and for the Water Group to have further discussions with proponents.

News | Fri 31 January

Water NSW, DCCEEW and NRAR pricing proposal

The pricing proposals put to IPART for review by Water NSW and Water Administration Ministerial Corporation (WAMC) in November 2024 are we believe excessive. The GVIA have made submissions on both proposals and have had a one on one meeting with the IPART WAMC and WaterNSW regional and rural water price review teams to discuss our concerns. The team at NSWIC have also prepared a submission and held a meeting with IPART.
Submissions to the IPART Issues paper are available here

News | Fri 31 January

NSWIC Monthly Newsletter

Please find included a link to the January newsletter from the NSWIC.

Federal election
Basin Plan is working
Proposed wetlands in inland WSPs
National Water Agreement
Review of rural water pricing

News | Fri 24 January

CA Meeting with Qld Govt on NAW

Meeting with Qld Water Minister Ann Leahy

Cotton Australia, National Irrigators' Council and Border Rivers Food and Fibre, met with the Hon Ann Leahy, QLD Minister for Local Government and Water, to discuss the proposed National Water Agreement (NWA) and provide insights into matters of concern.

Cotton Australia General Manager Michael Murray acknowledged that the current public draft of the agreement was much improved on previous versions released throughout last year, but there were still matters of significant concern and an overriding question as to what benefit signing the agreement would bring to a state like Queensland.

“Given the states are being asked to sign this agreement, but no money has been put on the table, it is hard to see why a state would voluntarily limit some of its decision-making capacity and commit significant resources to developing implementation plans, even if the proposed NWA was a good document that could be supported by stakeholders,” Mr Murray said.

Key areas of concern include:

The inclusion of the statement giving Indigenous Australians a concept of “Free, Prior and Informed Consent,” but no clarity on what this actually means within the context of water management, despite the glossary section assuring that it does not mean a right of veto.
The retention of the Risk Assignment framework (currently in the National Water Initiative) that allows, under some circumstances, the recovery of water from entitlement holders without compensation, where industry holds that if water recovery is required, it should be through market-based mechanisms.
A lack of recognition of the importance of irrigated agriculture in the draft.
Inclusion of a clause encouraging jurisdictions to move towards “Upper Bound” pricing, fortunately something Queensland rejects.

Cotton Australia will continue to work with the National Irrigators' Council, National Farmers Federation, Queensland Farmers Federation, and NSW Irrigators' Council to provide feedback to the federal and state governments on how this draft agreement can be improved.

Events | Wed 22 January

NSW workshops on National Water Agreement

NSW online workshop invitation

The NSW Government invites NSW stakeholders who have participated in the Australian Government’s consultations on a new national water agreement to join one of three online workshops to discuss the updated draft agreement.
The NSW-hosted workshops are an opportunity to:

discuss how feedback from NSW stakeholders has been incorporated into the updated draft agreement published by the Australian Government in December 2024
share any outstanding concerns ahead of the National Water Committee meeting in early February 2025.

To register for a workshop, please select one of the links below:

Monday 3 February, 10:00am to 12:00pm
Monday 3 February, 1:30pm to 3:30pm
Tuesday 4 February, 10:00am to 12:00pm

News | Mon 13 January

NSWIC December Newsletter

Please find included the link to the NSWIC December newsletter.
The GVIA work closely with the NSWIC to ensure we are able to advocate as strongly as possible for our members. This partnership will continue into 2025, and we thank our members for supporting the NSWIC through their levees.
Issues covered in the newsletter include: Water pricing, the National Water Agreement, WSP and MDBA Constraints roadmap.

News | Fri 10 January

7News story on wetland classification

Included is the link to the 7 News regional from Thursday 9th January, where NSW National Party leader Dougal Saunders and Macquarie Food and Fibre Executive Officer Michael Drum talk about the implications from the proposals to add hundreds of newly prescribed wetlands into unregulated Water Sharing Plans across the state.
The media talks about lack of consultation with landholders, implications for property sales and valuations and the use of remote sensing to identify the sites in question. It raises the need for compensation where there are impacts to landholders ability to run their businesses.

News | Wed 8 January

Temporary Ground Water Tender Available

1 x 38 ML (megalitres) of Lower Gwydir Groundwater allocation for sale. You can bid in price/megalitre by emailing gvia@gvia.org.au before 5pm Friday 28th February 2025. The buyer will be required to cover the WaterNSW application and dealing fees and the GVIA transaction fee of $55.00 (Inc GST). Please note as of July 2024, there have been changes to the process for tiaging and assessing groundwater temporary trades. More information is available here.

News | Mon 6 January

Lower Gwydir Channel Capacity Constraints

Gwydir Valley Channel Capacity Constraints

6 January 2025: WaterNSW advises customers on the Gwydir River below Tyreel Weir that demand may exceed channel capacity in mid-January and throughout the remainder of the irrigation season.
Water demand on the Lower Gwydir recently exceeded delivery capacity, resulting in temporary water delivery shortfalls in lower reaches of the Gwydir.
Customers are encouraged to extract water only at ordered rates and only ordered volumes.
Whilst current water orders and subsequent delivery forecast does not indicate a return to demand exceeding delivery capacity in the immediate future, it is anticipated that delivery constraints will occur throughout late January and early February 2025.
Rostering of available channel capacity will occur if a return to demand exceeding available capacity occurs as was last experienced in January 2018.

Water orders can be placed by accessing iWAS at waternsw.com.au/iwas
Water ordering information can be found at the WaterNSW website Ordering water - WaterNSW

For account enquiries please contact 1300 662 077.

More information: Visit WaterInsights to view announcements and sign up for notifications at waterinsights.waternsw.com.au.
Issued by: Water Operations North

News | Tue 17 December

MDBA Constraints Relaxation Implementation Roadmap

Today the MDBA have released the Constraints Relaxation Implementation Roadmap. Constraints relaxation were identified as a necessary component to enhance environmental outcomes from water recovery in the original Basin Plan. They were the driving force behind schedule 5 Enhanced environmental outcomes to increase the volume of water resources available for environmental use by 450 GL per year. There will be challenges for producers in our region. The roadmap states:
"New South Wales is also at an advanced stage in the planning of constraints relaxation implementation in the Gwydir. Engagement with stakeholders and landholders has identified key issues to delivery that mean full implementation will likely extend beyond December 2026. The Australian and NSW governments are working together to rescope the Reconnecting Watercourse Country Program to ensure tangible outcomes are delivered to relax system constraints in the Gwydir by December 2026. In April 2025, NSW will provide an options assessment report to the Commonwealth identifying the preferred delivery option for a rescoped program."

News | Sat 7 December

Template to help with Wetland submissions

The Draft Gwydir unregulated Water Sharing Plan includes 327 newly prescribed wetlands. If you have one of these on your property, or neighbouring your property you may wish to put in a submission to the NSW government raising your concerns.
The included template is an example of what you might like to use in your submission to the NSW Government. Please replace the text highlighted yellow with your thoughts for the wetland you are concerned about. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact the GVIA on 02 6752 1399.
Anyone can put in a submission, these are due on the 2nd of February 2025.
The following link provides a number of documents, including an interactive map regarding the water sharing plan and the wetlands.
The department are hosting a webinar on the wetlands on Monday 9th December, You can register here.

Events | Fri 8 November

Gwydir unregulated WSP webinar and meeting

The DCCEEW will be hosting a webinar on the draft Water Sharing Plan for the Gwydir Unregulated River Water Sources 2025.

This webinar on Tuesday 19th November 2024 from 12 noon will cover the following topics:

the draft water sharing plan
the public exhibition details, and
how to make a submission.

A question-and-answer session will be held at the end of the webinar. Please include your questions when you register at the link below.
Alternatively email your questions to wspconsultation@dpie.nsw.gov.au.

There will also be a meeting in Bingara on Wednesday 27th November 2024. Register here

News | Fri 1 November

NSWIC Media on WaterNSW Pricing

WaterNSW pricing proposal to double cost of rural water

Rural water users in NSW could see their costs more than double over the next five years if IPART accepts the WaterNSW pricing proposal released today.
NSW Irrigators’ Council CEO Claire Miller said pricing proposal recommends hiking water bills by 21-24% every year for five years, adding up to $40,000 to a ‘typical’ farmer’s water bill by 2030.
“NSWIC is alarmed by this proposal and urges stakeholders across industries to understand the implications. Many stakeholders are not fully informed about the proposed prices, leaving them at risk of being unprepared until it is too late,” Ms Miller said.

Events | Thu 3 October

Water Sharing Plan Webinar

This month’s focus is on Water Sharing Plans, what they are and why we need them. The presentation will cover how water sharing plans are remade and outline which inland plans are due to be remade by 1 July, 2025 and how you can comment on the proposed changes.
Speakers from the Water Group at the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water include:

Peter Hyde, Director Inland Water Planning
Antonia Morrow, Senior Advisor, Water Engagement team

Wednesday 16th October 2004, at 11am -

Register Here

News | Mon 30 September

NSWIC Newsletter

Included is the NSW Irrigators Council September Newsletter. This includes commentary on;
Concerns raised by the Inspector-General for Water Compliance in an audit of DCCEEW, (federal) protocols to prevent insider trading on its Bridging the Gap (BTG) water buyback.
The release of the latest round of water buybacks under Bridging the Gap, aimed at recovering water to meet Sustainable Diversion Limits (SDLs) in the Condamine-Balonne and NSW Border Rivers.
The National Water Agreement which introducers a range of concerning proposals under the 302 principles that the federal government is trying to rush though before the next election.
The National Ag Rally - and the complete lack of consultation with farmers in areas which are critical to the sustainability of the industry - our Chair Jim Cush joins the 1-2,000 at the front of parliament house.

Events | Tue 3 September

National Ag Rally Truck Convoy

The National Farmers Federation (NFF) is holding a farmer rally in Canberra to highlight the key issues impacting on Australian agriculture and its communities -- including the Murray-Darling Basin Plan. If you cannot make the rally NFF have a petition going.

The Rally in front of Parliament House will begin at 11am on Tuesday, September 10. Further details can be found here - https://nff.org.au/national-farmer-rally/ .

News | Fri 16 August

MDBA Sustainable Diversion Limit Account 2022-23

The MDBA published the 2022-23 Sustainable Diversion Limit Accounts on 2 August. It shows water use across the Basin was 23 per cent below the 2022-23 SDLs, continuing the pattern of chronic and persistent water underuse since the 1994 Cap.

In NSW Basin valleys, water use was 16.6 per cent, or 1105 GL, under the state's SDLs for 2022-23. The Gwydir diverted 26%, or 214.5GL less than its 2022-23 SDL.
Several other valleys were also well under, including:

Barwon-Darling diverted 34 per cent, or 155 GL, less than its 2022-23 SDL.
NSW Murray diverted 25 per cent, or 342.6 GL, less than its 2022-23 SDL.
Macquarie-Castlereagh diverted 27 per cent, or 231 GL, less than its 2022-23 SDL

Since accounting began on 1 July 2019, water use across the Basin has consistently remained below the SDLs, accumulating a 5076 GL credit in unused water

Events | Fri 16 August

Water engagement roundup - Hydrometric Networks and Remote Sensing Program

The Water Engagement Roundup is a live monthly webinar about all ongoing and upcoming engagements and consultation on important water policy, reforms and programs for New South Wales, and includes a guest presentation topic each month. This month’s focus topic is a deep dive into some of our work under the Hydrometric Networks and Remote Sensing Program, following with an open question and answer session.
Speakers from the Water Group at the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water include:

Mustak Shaikh, Principal Remote Sensing/Geospatial, Water Knowledge
Kilian Vos, Senior Remote Sensing Analyst, Water Knowledge
Antonia Morrow, Senior Advisor, Water Engagement team

News | Fri 2 August

NSWIC July Newsletter

The most recent NSWIC newsletter provides details of some of the challenges being faced by water entitlement holders across NSW. The GVIA are working with NSWIC on the issues that will directly impact our region. Most critical at present is the Connectivity Panel report. Over the next few weeks we will provide you more insight into how or what actions we can progress.

Buybacks begin
Cumulative threats to water access
Northern Basin Connectivity Expert Panel report
Coastal metering
Fish passage news update
Upper Murrumbidgee River Health Strategy
Coastal Sustainable Extraction Project

News | Thu 1 August

Gwydir environmental water priorities 24–25

Moderate rainfall and constant river flows were experienced across the Gwydir catchment during 2023–24. Major flooding occurred across the Gwydir River floodplain during March and April 2023.
Water managers used water for the environment during the 2023–24 water year to support fish communities in rivers and create connections to the Barwon River, the Mallowa Creek, and low flows into the Gingham Watercourse to fill waterholes by season’s end.
In planning for 2024–25, water managers have applied:

a set of principles and triggers to guide the watering of key water-dependent assets
an adaptive approach to support fish and downstream ecological connectivity.

As of June 2024, the El Niño–Southern Oscillation outlook is neutral. That is, neither La Niña nor El Niño conditions are favoured as oceanic and atmospheric indicators have returned to neutral levels. International climate models suggest neutral El Niño–Southern Oscillation conditions will persist through the southern winter, but there are some signs that La Niña conditions could form later in the 2024–25 water year.

News | Wed 10 July

New meter on Gurley Creek

WaterNSW has recently installed a new Hydrometric gauging station on Gurley creek at Tyrone road. This gauge will be able to provide river height data as soon as there is water in Gurley creek. There may be a delay in it's ability to provide accurate flow information.

Events | Wed 10 July

DCCEEW Webinar on 450GL program

On 4 July 2024, the Australian Government released the Framework for delivering the 450 GL of additional environmental water.
The Framework sets out how the government will recover 450 GL of water for enhanced environmental outcomes.
There are three programs:

The Resilient Rivers Program comprising infrastructure projects and non-purchase water recovery options
The Sustainable Communities Program providing adjustment assistance for Basin communities impacted by water recovery
Voluntary Water Purchase Program for the purchase of water entitlements from willing sellers.

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) is hosting a 60 minute an online public webinar to provide an update at 12:00pm (AEST) on 17 July 2024, including representatives from DCCEEW and the Murray-Darling Basin Authority. More details and resources can be found here: https://linktr.ee/dcceew_water

News | Wed 10 July

Water allocation Statement 30 June 2024

General security (GS) licences and the Environmental Water Allowance (EWA) in the Gwydir regulated river water source have received an allocation of 1% of their entitlement. Since the last assessment, rainfall has continued to elevate inflows above minimums and losses remain lower than the budgeted volume resulting in the 1% allocation increment. Inflows into Copeton Dam in June were 18.1 gigalitre (GL) and downstream tributary inflows added about another 3.0 GL to the system. Total essential supply demand was about 1 GL, and general security usage was approximately 1 GL. There were no EWA orders in June. Water currently available to GS water users totals 469.7 GL, or an average 92% of entitlement. The Environmental Water Allowance (EWA) account balance is about 89 GL or about 199% full.

News | Mon 24 June

Aboriginal Water Entitlement Program

The program outlines the proposed strategic purchasing framework for the $100mill available to purchase aboriginal water. It will be delivered under an interim governance arrangement. The Commonwealth will hold entitlements until an enduring governance mechanism is designed. This governance mechanism will eventually take over the management of water entitlements acquired during the interim period. The Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water will commence purchasing entitlements under an interim governance structure that includes an Advisory Group and a Directorate composed of aboriginal People. The structure aims to ensure decision-making is culturally and commercially informed

News | Tue 11 June

Government Consultation on 450GL Framework

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) has published the What We Heard Report from recent consultation on delivering the 450 GL.

The report is the departments summary of feedback received on the Draft framework for delivering the 450 GL of additional environmental water. It forms part of the department consultation.
For a more detailed assessment the department website includes their: 

The full What We Heard report 
Individual submissions (unless nominated otherwise).

News | Tue 11 June

North West Strategic Pest Animal Management Plan

The North West Regional Strategic Pest Animal Management Plan was developed through consultation with a range of stakeholders. This plan covers 10 established pest species such as deer, pigs and rabbits. The NSW Governments are looking for your input through a survey or via a submission.

Read the North West Strategic Pest Animal Management Plan and share your insights and feedback by completing the survey, answering the quick poll and/or uploading a submission by Monday 8 July 2024.

News | Tue 4 June

NSWIC Monthly Newsletter

Please find included the May newsletter from NSW Irrigators Council. The newsletter provides updates on the Connectivity Panel Interim report, the National Water reform, the federal budget and metering.

News | Tue 4 June

Murray Darling Basin Community Committee

Expressions of interest open for the Murray–Darling Basin Community Committee

The Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) is seeking expressions of interest from individuals to serve as members of the Basin Community Committee (BCC). Established under the Water Act 2007, the BCC plays a vital role in advising the MDBA and the Murray–Darling Basin Ministerial Council on issues relating to water management in one of Australia’s largest river systems. MDBA Chief Executive Andrew McConville said members of this Committee will provide essential input to governments as full implementation of the Basin Plan progresses and the Authority prepares for the 2026 Basin Plan Review. “We need people with diverse views and experiences from right across the Basin to lend their voice on water and environmental management,” Mr McConville said.
Up to 6 vacancies will be appointed by the Authority for this round. They will commence in April 2025 for up to 3 years, offering a rewarding opportunity to contribute meaningfully to Basin-scale water management decision-making.

Nominations close 11:30 pm on Sunday 14 July 2024. Information is available from The MDBA Careers page

Events | Mon 27 May

Moree AgTech Breakfast

The Moree AgTech Breakfast will be on Wednesday 19^th June from 7:30 - 9:30am
Supported by UNE SRI and Cicada Innovations, the breakfast will delve into the future of agriculture, showcasing the power of technology and innovation in transforming Moree's and Australia's agricultural landscape.
Panellists include Oscar Pearse (Director of NSW Farmers Association), Lachlan Elworthy (Agronomist McGregor Gourlay), Jack Rickers (Hiringa Energy, green hydrogen), Sophie Venz (President of Young Aggies) facilitated by Brooke Sauer (owner & director of IntellectAg). Following the TED-style talks will be interactive discussions, Q&A and breakfast.

Cost: $20

Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/moree-ag-tech-breakfast-tickets-895726230267?aff=oddtdtcreator

Events | Thu 16 May

Workplace and Industrial relations laws

Business NSW are conducting a re-run of the Workplace Law Training for Business Zoom webinar this Friday 17th May at 10am. It is free to register as a member of Moree Chamber of Commerce.
This is the 'blurb' to intro the webinar: Due to overwhelming popularity, we are excited to announce that we will run the Expert Industrial Relations Guidance: Workplace Law Training for Business webinar again, in partnership with Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors. Learn invaluable insights into the recent changes in workplace and industrial relations laws following the passing of the Closing Loopholes Bills.

You can register here:

https://businessnsw.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Vb226DQxTGKZnZUYN8iCdQ#/registration

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