e-News Edition #56 New

Date: 20-Nov-2025

Hot Topics

1. Basin Plan Announcement Sparks Concern and Need for Broader Action

2. Pilbara’s Water Future Strengthened with $12.4 Million Aquifer Sustainability Investment

3. Free Smart Water Monitoring Devices Now Available for Inland NSW Farmers

4. Cairns Water Security Stage 1 Project Advances as Major New Supply Infrastructure

5. Welcoming Ashleigh Lang into a New Role at Irrigation Australia

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

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

8. The Irrigation Australia Talent Hub – Employers Wanted!

1. Basin Plan Announcement Sparks Concern and Need for Broader Action

The Federal Government’s announcement to fast track an additional 130 gigalitres of water purchases from Southern Murray–Darling Basin irrigators has triggered strong reaction from stakeholders attending the Basin Leaders’ Summit in Adelaide. The decision came despite new scientific evidence showing that environmental priorities have shifted and that Basin management must move beyond “just adding water”.

National Irrigators’ Council CEO Zara Lowien described the timing as a significant misstep:

“This was a missed opportunity for Minister Watt to put politics aside and send a strong message about refocusing the Basin Plan on outcomes, not just numbers.”

At the MDBA’s invitation, Basin Leaders gathered to examine findings from the 2025 Basin Plan Evaluation, which confirms major challenges including invasive species, degraded habitat, reduced fish passage, cold water pollution and the ongoing difficulty of delivering water efficiently onto floodplains.

As Ms Lowien noted:

“Environmental priorities in the Basin have shifted and participants were working on solutions to move beyond ‘just adding water’.”

Stakeholders were actively considering integrated approaches that deliver greater ecological value, such as:

Reducing invasive species
Improving native fish populations
Strengthening catchment-scale management
Addressing physical constraints that prevent water from reaching floodplains

With one in three litres of agricultural water now allocated to the environment, many at the Summit felt the new buyback announcement clashed with the direction of the discussions.

“The announcement… was at odds with the proactive and productive discussions,” Ms Lowien said. “Instead, many felt it was a slap in the face… more water is not what the science says the environment needs most.”

Concerns were also raised about the economic and social impacts on Basin communities, noting that additional buybacks come “at a huge cost to the Australian Government, and our farming and rural communities”, especially when support promised through the Sustaining Basin Communities program has not been fully realised.

The NIC has urged the Government to prioritise the Basin’s needs over politics and to immediately release the independent Water for the Environment Special Account (WESA) Review, which assesses transparency, expenditure and value-for-money for environmental water programs.

“We call on the Government to join stakeholders and put the Basin’s priority needs over politics.”

Read the 2025 Basin Plan Evaluation Report Overview OR more Information

2. Pilbara’s Water Future Strengthened with $12.4 Million Aquifer Sustainability Investment

The Cook Government has committed $12.4 million to support the long-term sustainability of the Millstream aquifer, a critical groundwater source for Pilbara communities and industry.

Major works include:

Relocating or recommissioning groundwater bores in environmentally and culturally sensitive zones within Millstream Chichester National Park.
Installing solar-powered battery systems with diesel backup to minimise noise disturbance and improve operational resilience during peak seasonal demand.
Expanding groundwater monitoring programs to improve understanding of recharge patterns, extraction behaviour and long-term aquifer health.
Upgrading bore infrastructure to enhance reliability and reduce pressure on high-value areas.

Water, Climate Resilience and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Don Punch highlighted the significance of the project, noting that it will,

“ensure water is abstracted in a way that respects the cultural and environmental significance of the aquifer to the Yindjibarndi people.”

Pilbara Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson reinforced the region’s growing water needs, stating that “finding sustainable solutions to water management, in collaboration with Traditional Owners, is vital to securing the Pilbara's industrial future.”

Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel also welcomed the investment, describing Millstream as,

“a place of deep cultural meaning… and an important natural system,” and emphasising that the project supports communities and jobs while protecting the environment.

3. Free Smart Water Monitoring Devices Now Available for Inland NSW Farmers

Farmers and landholders across inland NSW can now access free smart water monitoring devices under the NSW Telemetry Uplift Program, funded by the Australian Government.

Over the next two years, more than 2,500 sites across the Murray–Darling Basin and inland NSW will receive upgrades to help modernise water management and support future metering requirements.

Each device:

Connects to the property’s existing water meter
Automatically sends usage data to Water NSW
Eliminates manual meter reading
Reduces paperwork and reporting burden
Provides reliable, up-to-date water usage information
Is battery-powered, compact and designed for harsh farm conditions

The rollout is being delivered by Australian tech companies Kallipr and Goanna Ag, both approved suppliers under the program. Installations are completed by qualified DQPs at no cost to the landholder.

Benefits to farmers include:

Accurate, automated meter data
Better planning and allocation management
Compliance support for NSW non-urban metering rules
No installation fees or device costs

Eligibility and registration information

4. Cairns Water Security Stage 1 Project Advances as Major New Supply Infrastructure

The Cairns Water Security Stage 1 (CWSS1) project has entered its next major delivery phase, marking one of the largest water supply upgrades for the region in decades. The project is designed to strengthen resilience, diversify supply sources and support future population growth across Cairns.

Key components of CWSS1 include:

Construction of a new water intake on the Mulgrave River
A modern water treatment plant designed for long-term capacity growth
Additional reservoir infrastructure to improve regional water security
Approximately 30 kilometres of new pipeline to distribute treated water across Cairns

Once operational, the treatment plant will supply up to 60 megalitres per day, improving reliability during dry periods and supporting the region’s resilience to extreme weather events.

The project is being delivered by Cairns Regional Council in partnership with John Holland, ensuring a coordinated approach to construction, environmental protection and long-term service planning for Far North Queensland.

Project overview OR works notifications, timelines and community updates

5. Welcoming Ashleigh Lang into a New Role at Irrigation Australia

This month we are pleased to share an important update within the Irrigation Australia team. Many members will recall that Ashleigh Lang was preparing to farewell the organisation after two and a half years of dedicated service in her role as Training and Certification Administrator.

We are pleased to confirm that Ashleigh has now stepped into the Waterwise and Certification Programs Coordinator role. Her appointment reflects Irrigation Australia’s commitment to strengthening member engagement, enhancing service quality and investing in staff who demonstrate capability, initiative and alignment with our mission.

As Ashleigh moves into this new role, we thank her for her ongoing commitment and look forward to the positive impact she will continue to make across our membership community.

As a member, if you require any support please reach out to Ashleigh at: info@irrigation.org.au

6. 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.

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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