e-News Edition #55 New

Date: 06-Nov-2025

Hot Topics

1. Queensland Industry Feedback – Metrological Assurance Framework (MAF2)

2. Policy Update: Environment Reforms, Complementary Measures and the National Water Agreement

3. Have Your Say: Feedback Closing Soon on New Training Product Reviews

4. Pioneer Valley Draft Water Plan: Consultation Open Until 19 December 2025

5. Waterwise Albany schools to save millions of litres of water

6. Upcoming WIOA Conference – Victoria 2026

7. Wrap Up 2025 with Training – Open 2026 with Opportunity

8. The Irrigation Australia Talent Hub – Employers Wanted!

1. Queensland Industry Feedback – Metrological Assurance Framework (MAF2)

The Metrological Assurance Framework (MAF2) is the guiding document for each jurisdiction to set its metering and telemetry policies. The states and territories and the Commonwealth have been collaborating to update the MAF2.

Access MAF2 Draft

Why Update MAF2

There are several reasons to update the MAF2. These include:

AS4747:2025 standards are published. Part 8 standard of the previous AS4747:2013 was discontinued and other parts of the AS4747 standards were changed in the AS4747:2025. Essentially, the AS4747:2025 covers the technical requirements for the manufacture of conforming meters and up to installation and commissioning processes. In-service compliance for metering is now described within MAF2 only.
The National Water Agreement (NWA) is in final draft and will be in force once signed by a jurisdiction. The relevant NWA principles are included in MAF2.
MDB governments have agreed to thresholds for metering and telemetry for the Basin. These are included in MAF2.
Competency requirements for meter installers and validators have been updated to mitigate some real-world risks in accessing people holding necessary qualifications.

Your Input

The attached draft of the updated MAF2 is provided for your review and comments by Friday 28 November 2025 to naomi.carragher@irrigation.org.au. We are seeking input from you to suggest if Rules or Guidelines in the document will lead to unintended or perverse outcomes.

Next Steps

The states and territories and the Commonwealth will review comments received and may make changes to the daft MAF2. The MAF2:2026 will then be finalised, approved, and published in 2026.

Access MAF2 Draft

2. Policy Update: Environment Reforms, Complementary Measures and the National Water Agreement

This week marked significant movement in national environment and water policy, with the introduction of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 2025 Reforms to Parliament. The package of six bills was promptly referred to the Senate Environment and Communications Committee for review.

The reforms, described by Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt as “a chance to protect our treasured natural environment while driving productivity,” are now open for public submission until 4 December 2025, with the Committee due to report in March 2026.

In his address introducing the bills, Minister Watt said,

“Today we’ve introduced a package of reforms that delivers stronger environmental protections, faster project approvals and more transparency… This is not a zero-sum game. We can and are delivering legislation that is better for the environment, and better for business.”

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, however, criticised the proposal, claiming it “takes protections backwards while fast-tracking approvals for business.”

Members are encouraged to follow the Minister’s strategy and process closely, along with the positions of key political players including the Greens and the Coalition. Observing how the Minister negotiates on this legislation will offer valuable lessons for the sector when attention turns to future water reform, expected to begin in 2027.

In South Australia, Minister Watt also highlighted the completion of the Bookmark Creek Project in the Riverland as a model of complementary measures that enhance environmental outcomes with existing water assets.

“This project is a great example of how water infrastructure can benefit the environment and the community. Turtles and native fish can travel upstream and downstream for the first time in decades, and canoeists and kayakers can easily paddle the entire creek,” he said.

Meanwhile, discussions around a new National Water Agreement are also gathering momentum. A draft agreement has been circulated to States and Territories ahead of the Ministerial Council meeting in December. The Minister’s office confirmed that jurisdictions wish to first settle funding arrangements before progressing through their respective Cabinet processes, suggesting a final agreement is still some way off.

The Current Debates:

Environmental Law Reform – It’s Now or Never – Minister Murray Watt, National Press Club
Labor’s Big Business Approval Deal Leaves Nature for Dead – Senator Sarah Hanson-Young
Murray–Darling Water Buybacks: $606 Million Snapped Up Since May – Weekly Times
Bookmark Creek Upgrade Completed – SA Premier Media Release
Murray Cod and Turtles Set Free in Multi-Million-Dollar Fix – InDaily
Australian Murray Cod Wallops Swim Record – MSN

Following the recent General Meeting and National Irrigators’ Council policy session, members can now access two new communication resources:

3. Have Your Say: Feedback Closing Soon on New Training Product Reviews

There is still time to provide feedback on several important national training reviews now underway through BuildSkills Australia.

We are currently in Step 2: Public and Government Consultation, and members are invited to review the proposed changes to key training products and share insights on their potential impact. Your input will help shape the next generation of nationally recognised qualifications that support safety, compliance and professional standards across the water and construction sectors.

Engineered Stone

In response to the prohibition of the use, supply and manufacture of engineered stone products from 1 July 2024, BuildSkills Australia is reviewing and updating training products associated with crystalline silica.

Review the draft training products and provide feedback

Insulation Installation and Inspection

BuildSkills Australia is developing nationally recognised training products to support the insulation industry in the areas of insulation installation and the inspection of installed insulation products.

View and comment on the proposed training products

Utility Locating

Safe operation around underground infrastructure such as power, water, gas and telecommunications is critical to protecting workers, the environment and the community. BuildSkills Australia is seeking feedback on proposed training products that support safe and accurate utility locating practices.

Access the consultation and share your feedback

If you have any comments or questions about these training products, please contact training@buildskills.com.au

About BuildSkills Australia

BuildSkills Australia is the national Jobs and Skills Council for the built environment, established by the Commonwealth Government to work with industry in addressing workforce challenges across the construction, property and water industries.

4. Pioneer Valley Draft Water Plan: Consultation Open Until 19 December 2025

The Minister for Local Government, Water and Volunteers has released the draft Pioneer Valley water plan and supporting documents for public consultation, and stakeholders are invited to have their say before 19 December 2025.

A review found the current plan is largely effective in meeting its outcomes; the draft incorporates learnings from the best available science and feedback from preliminary consultation to further improve arrangements. The intent is sustainable management of water that balances agricultural, industrial, urban, environmental and cultural requirements across the Pioneer Valley.

To support the draft plan, the department has also produced a draft water management protocol and a draft water entitlement notice, with a statement of intent summarising key aspects and proposed changes.

Access the current and draft plans and all supporting documents

For questions, email NorthWPS@dlgwv.qld.gov.au or phone 1800 822 100.

5. Waterwise Albany schools to save millions of litres of water

Seven Albany schools are leading the way in water conservation, aiming to save 2.6 million litres of drinking water each year, equivalent to 62 backyard pools.

Coinciding with National Water Week, the initiative is part of the Water Corporation’s Waterwise Towns Program, supporting regional schools to upgrade fixtures and adopt water-efficient practices.

Through targeted audits and the installation of dual-flush toilets and time-flow taps, the schools are setting an example for their communities.

The program also extends to regional Water Corporation customers, offering free water-saving products and rebates until 31 May 2026. Depending on location, these include showerheads, rainwater tank rebates, toilet replacements, and irrigation system repairs.

With winter rainfall down 16 % since 1968 and projections of a further 21 % decline by 2050, being waterwise has never been more critical in the Great Southern. To secure future supply, the Cook Government is also investigating seawater desalination as a long-term solution.

Water Minister Don Punch emphasised the need for shared responsibility:

“Desalination will need to form part of the region’s longer-term water supplxxy, however, it doesn’t mean we can get complacent. We all need to play our part in securing our water future.”

Samantha Rowe MLC praised local schools:

“It’s fantastic to see local schools pitching in to reduce water use and making sure the waterwise message is known by students.”

6. Upcoming WIOA Conference – Victoria 2026

The Water Industry Operators Association (WIOA) continues to deliver Australia’s premier technical and trade events for water professionals, offering opportunities for learning, networking and showcasing innovation.

The 2026 Victorian Conference & Exhibition follows on 25–26 March 2026 in Bendigo, featuring keynote speakers, technical papers, a Women in Water networking breakfast and the annual industry awards program.

This event is an excellent platform for operators, suppliers and innovators to exchange ideas and celebrate excellence across the sector.

Find more information about the event

7. Wrap up 2025 with training – Open 2026 with opportunity

As the year draws to a close, there’s still time to finish strong, and prepare for an even bigger 2026. Whether you’re new to irrigation or looking to advance your expertise, now is the perfect moment to gain practical skills, strengthen your credentials and invest in your professional growth.

Training That Works for You

Our new online training platform, continues to receive outstanding feedback from learners who value:

User-friendly navigation
Simple, streamlined course structure
Easy progress tracking throughout each program

Upcoming training

November:

December:

Click here to view all upcoming training

Train Your Team and Save

Upskill your workforce while saving on costs! Discounts are available for multiple staff enrolments from the same organisation.

Contact training@irrigation.org.au to discuss group bookings.

8. The Irrigation Australia Talent Hub – Employers Wanted!

Finding and keeping great people continues to be one of the biggest challenges across the irrigation industry.

That’s why Irrigation Australia, in partnership with Goheadhunt, has launched the Irrigation Talent Hub — a platform connecting employers with pre-screened, job-ready candidates from across Australia.

Why Join the Talent Hub

Register your free employer profile
Access a growing pool of industry talent
Only pay if you hire – Pay-for-Success model

Featured talent now available:

T.L. – Team Leader Irrigation | City of Belmont, WA – Full-time, 9-day fortnight, competitive salary.
F.L. – Irrigation Technician | Perth, WA – Full-time role with Frenchams Landscaping Services, seeking experienced technician.
B.R. – Reticulation Technician | Perth, WA – Full-time, hands-on field role with Beyond Reticulation.
F.I.N. – Irrigation Channel Operator | Emerald, QLD – Full-time position with Fairbairn Irrigation Network, supporting regional water delivery.
P.S.S. – Landscape Supervisor | Mandurah, WA – Full-time role with Peel Scape Solutions, leading projects across residential, commercial and local government.
N.W.S. – Commercial Irrigation Serviceman | Perth Metro, WA – Full-time, service and maintenance role with Newground Water Services.

Irrigation Australia Members: Don’t miss out - set up your free profile today and access a growing pool of talent.

Join the Irrigation Talent Hub

Click here if you are interested in becoming an Irrigation Australia Member.

Click here to view upcoming Training Courses.

Click here to view the latest Career Opportunities available within the Irrigation Industry.

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