e-News Edition #58 New

Date: 15-Jan-2026

Hot Topics

1. Transforming Urban Landscapes to Support Pollinators

2. Legal Clarity for Environmental Water Holders in NSW

3. Upskill for Non-Urban Metering Compliance and Business Growth

4. NSW Expands Independent Dispute Resolution for Irrigators

5. Improved Water Planning Policies in Western Australia

6. Local Infrastructure and Water Management Initiatives

7. Seasonal Conditions and Water Supply Outlooks

8. Industry Conference & Events

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

10. The Irrigation Australia Talent Hub – Employers Wanted!

1. Transforming Urban Landscapes to Support Pollinators

Michigan State University (MSU) is demonstrating how large institutions can rethink land management to deliver both environmental and operational benefits, converting 30 acres of traditionally mown turf into pollinator-friendly gardens, meadows and clover fields.

Led by MSU’s Department of Entomology in collaboration with Infrastructure Planning and Facilities, the initiative uses native plantings to provide nectar, pollen and habitat for beneficial insects while significantly reducing mowing frequency and labour requirements. Pollinator gardens have been established in visible campus locations, while lower-traffic industrial areas have been transitioned into no-mow meadows, allowing native grasses and flowering plants to regenerate naturally.

Reducing mowing from up to 26 times per year to just once annually has delivered measurable savings in labour, fuel use and emissions. After the initial investment in seed and plant installation, ongoing maintenance costs are significantly lower than those associated with traditional turf management.

Beyond the biodiversity benefits, the project highlights a principle increasingly relevant across urban, institutional and commercial landscapes: strategic plant selection and landscape design can reduce water use, improve resilience and deliver long-term cost efficiencies.

Interested in learning more about this topic, click here.

2. Legal Clarity for Environmental Water Holders in NSW

Recent amendments to the Water Management (General) Regulation 2025 have provided greater clarity for environmental water holders, river operators and approval holders in New South Wales, particularly within the southern regulated river systems of the Murray–Darling Basin.

The amendments limit the application of water return flow rules to southern regulated rivers, aligning NSW legislation with Pre-Requisite Policy Measures for multisite environmental watering. The changes are intended to reduce regulatory uncertainty while maintaining accountability and transparency in environmental water delivery.

In mid-2025, some environmental water deliveries were temporarily paused while compliance with metering and licensing requirements under the Water Management Act 2000 was reviewed. All licensed water extraction in NSW, including environmental water delivered under access licences, must be accurately measured using approved metering or measurement equipment unless exempt.

More than 700 sites have now been reviewed, with the majority meeting compliance requirements. Meter installation works are continuing at priority sites, with remaining upgrades scheduled over the coming year to allow environmental watering events to resume with full legal certainty.

Planned environmental water delivered under water sharing plans and accounted for by WaterNSW operates under a separate framework and is not subject to the same metering requirements.

Interested in learning more about this topic, click here.

3. Upskill for Non-Urban Metering Compliance and Business Growth

Changes to non-urban metering requirements in New South Wales are creating a significant opportunity for irrigation businesses to expand their services and meet growing industry demand.

Under NSW regulations, water taken from rivers, creeks and groundwater must be accurately metered using compliant equipment. As compliance efforts continue across the state, an estimated 6,500 sites will require compliant meters to be installed, validated and maintained, driving strong demand for skilled and accredited professionals.

For irrigation businesses, this presents a clear opportunity to diversify services, support regulatory compliance and play a key role in responsible water management.

Free Trade Meter Installer Course – TAFE NSW

In partnership with the NSW Government, TAFE NSW has launched a free, three-hour online Trade Meter Installer (TMI) course, designed to fast-track qualified tradespeople into becoming Duly Qualified Persons (DQPs).

The short, targeted course enables eligible participants to meet the training requirements needed to work on non-urban water meters across NSW.

Once registered as a DQP, businesses and individuals can:

Install and validate non-urban water meters
Ensure installations meet compliance and safety standards
Provide ongoing servicing and maintenance
Support sustainable and accountable water use across catchments

Who can apply

The course is available to individuals who already hold relevant trade or technical qualifications. Eligible backgrounds include:

Irrigation technicians
Plumbers
Instrumentation specialists
Hydrographers
Engineers
Fitter-welders
Closed conduit meter manufacturers
Electricians
Local intelligence device manufacturers
Telecommunications technicians

For those who already meet the prerequisite qualifications, becoming a DQP is just three hours of online training away.

How to get qualified

Complete the free online Trade Meter Installer course
Email your qualification and course certificate to dqp.enquiries@waternsw.com.au
Register as a DQP and begin delivering compliant metering work across NSW

Need assistance?

For support or further information:

Training or course certificate enquiries: TAFE NSW
DQP registration or portal access: WaterNSW

This initiative supports both workforce capability and regulatory compliance, while creating new business opportunities for irrigation professionals operating in NSW.

4. NSW Expands Independent Dispute Resolution for Irrigators

From July 2026, irrigators supplied by NSW’s five statutory irrigation corporations will gain access to independent dispute resolution through the Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON).

The reform extends EWON’s jurisdiction to irrigation corporations, providing irrigators with a free, independent pathway to resolve issues relating to billing, metering, water delivery, service standards and land access. The change follows the Water Management Amendment (Water Access Licence Register Reform) Act 2024 and addresses a long-standing gap in consumer protections for rural water users.

The NSW Government has described the expansion as a step toward improving transparency, fairness and accountability in water service delivery, particularly for regional and agricultural communities.

Interested in learning more about this topic, click here.

5. Improved Water Planning Policies in Western Australia

The Western Australian Government has released a new State Planning Policy 2.9 – Water, consolidating multiple water-related planning policies and guidelines into a single, streamlined framework.

The policy integrates six existing planning policies, the Government Sewerage Policy and the Better Urban Water Management guidelines, strengthening how water resource management is considered in land-use planning and development decision-making.

Designed to respond to climate change, population growth and increasing development pressure, the policy ensures water matters are considered earlier in planning processes and that drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure are planned alongside development.

State Planning Policy 2.9 and its associated guidelines became operational on 18 December 2025 and now guide water-related planning considerations across Western Australia.

Interested in learning more about this topic, click here.

6. Local Infrastructure and Water Management Initiatives

Automated Irrigation Upgrade in Wakool (NSW)

Murray River Council has commenced works to install a fully automated irrigation system at Cook Street Road Reserve in Wakool. The upgrade aims to improve water efficiency, system reliability and long-term maintenance outcomes for the reserve.

The project reflects broader local government efforts to modernise irrigation infrastructure, reduce manual intervention and ensure public open spaces are managed more sustainably.

Interested in learning more about this topic, click here.

Digital Water Meter Rollout in Longreach (QLD)

Longreach Regional Council is progressing with Stage 2 of its digital water meter rollout in early 2026, following the successful installation of approximately 800 meters in the first phase.

Supported through the National Water Grid initiative, the project replaces mechanical meters with digital units that provide near-real-time usage data, leak detection alerts and improved consumption monitoring. Early results indicate substantial water savings where leaks have been identified and repaired.

Interested in learning more about this topic, click here.

7. Seasonal Conditions and Water Supply Outlooks

No Planned Restrictions for South-West Victoria

Wannon Water’s 2026 Annual Water Outlook indicates no water restrictions are planned across its supply systems in south-west Victoria. Reservoir levels remain above restriction triggers, supported by long-term system performance and climate modelling.

Customers are encouraged to continue following permanent water-saving rules to support long-term supply security under variable climate conditions.

Interested in learning more about this topic, click here.

Cairns Returns to Permanent Water Conservation Measures

Following improved system conditions and heavy rainfall, Cairns Regional Council lifted temporary Level 4 water restrictions in January 2026. The region has returned to permanent water conservation measures, with council emphasising the importance of ongoing preparedness in the event of future weather disruptions.

Interested in learning more about this topic, click here.

8. Industry Conferences and Events

The Irrigation Show Australia 2026

The Irrigation Show Australia, organised and managed by Expertise Events, will be held at the Sydney Showground on 12–13 August 2026.

Set to be Australia’s largest irrigation industry exhibition, the event will bring together professionals from across agriculture, landscape irrigation, water management and irrigation technology. It will provide a national platform for showcasing products, building industry connections and sharing knowledge across all sectors of irrigation.

The Irrigation Show is designed to support innovation, collaboration and business growth, offering exhibitors and attendees the opportunity to engage directly with suppliers, service providers and industry peers. The event will highlight emerging technologies, best practice and solutions shaping the future of irrigation in Australia.

Members interested in exhibiting can request a sales kit, floorplan or booking form by contacting zac.fitzroy@expertiseevents.com.au.

This event represents a significant opportunity to strengthen industry capability and connection while supporting the ongoing growth of the irrigation sector.

Interested in learning more about this event, click here.

Australian Smart Water Utilities 2026

The Australian Smart Water Utilities 2026 Conference will be held in Melbourne from 9–10 February 2026, focusing on the role of digital technology in modern water management.

Now in its sixth year, the conference brings together water utilities, technology providers, regulators and industry specialists to explore smart metering, data analytics, real-time monitoring and digital infrastructure. Discussions will examine how data-driven systems can improve operational efficiency, reduce losses and support informed decision-making across urban and regional water networks.

Interested in learning more about this event, click here.

Connected by Water 2026 Conference

The Connected by Water 2026 Conference will take place in Perth from 25–26 February 2026, bringing together leaders from agriculture, energy, mining, urban development and the broader water sector.

The conference explores how water underpins Australia’s critical industries and communities, highlighting the need for cross-sector collaboration in managing shared water resources. Program themes will focus on integrated planning, infrastructure investment, climate resilience and the role of water in supporting long-term economic and environmental outcomes.

Interested in learning more about this event, click here.

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

As the year comes to an end, now is the perfect time to prepare for a more capable, confident and skilled workforce in 2026.

Our training programs continue to deliver practical, industry-focused skills that support long-term capability across the irrigation sector.

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

February:

March:

Click here to view all upcoming training

Help Shape Our 2026 Training Calendar

Our mission is to create opportunities for industry members. If there is a course or training area you would like to see in 2026, please email info@irrigation.org.au.

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.

10. 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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