e-News Edition #59 New

Date: 10-Feb-2026

Hot Topics

1. Construction Productivity Inquiry: Final Report Released

2. Call for Members: Certification Committee Expressions of Interest

3. Irrigation Australia Career Opportunities

4. Contribute to Building a Safe, Inclusive and Resilient Workforce

5. JSA 2026 Occupation Shortage List Stakeholder Survey

6. Statutory Review of the Inspector-General of Water Compliance – Consultation Open

7. Industry Conference & Events

8. Advance Your Irrigation Career in 2026 with Irrigation Australia

9. The Irrigation Australia Talent Hub – Employers Wanted!

1. Construction Productivity Inquiry: Final Report Released

The Queensland Productivity Commission (QPC) has released the Final Report for its inquiry into Opportunities to Improve Productivity of the Construction Industry. The inquiry examined the underlying causes of poor productivity growth across the construction sector and identified opportunities for long-term improvement.

The Final Report presents 64 recommendations, structured around five core reform areas:

An industry reset

Addressing cultural, commercial and structural issues that affect collaboration, risk allocation and performance across the construction industry.

Reforming procurement

Improving procurement practices to better balance risk, encourage innovation, and support productivity outcomes through more effective contracting models and project planning.

Improving land use regulation

Streamlining planning processes, approvals and regulatory frameworks to reduce delays and inefficiencies that impact construction timelines and costs.

Improving the regulation of building activity

Enhancing consistency and effectiveness in building regulation to support quality outcomes, compliance and confidence across the industry.

Improving labour market operation

Addressing workforce constraints, skills shortages and industrial relations challenges that affect labour availability, mobility and productivity.

While the inquiry focuses on the construction sector, many of the issues and recommendations are highly relevant to irrigation, water infrastructure and related trades. These include procurement models for public infrastructure, regulatory complexity, planning approvals, workforce capability and skills development.

The Queensland Government has released its response to the Final Report, outlining which recommendations have been supported, partially supported or noted, and identifying next steps for implementation.

The Commission has acknowledged and thanked industry participants, stakeholders and contributors for their engagement throughout the inquiry process and for their willingness to share insights on productivity challenges and opportunities.

Access the Final Report and the Queensland Government response.

2. Call for Members: Certification Committee Expressions of Interest

Irrigation Australia is seeking expressions of interest from members to join its Certification Committee.

The Certification Committee plays a critical role in providing industry guidance, oversight and strategic direction for Irrigation Australia’s national certification programs. The Committee supports the development, review and continuous improvement of certification frameworks to ensure they remain relevant, credible and aligned with current industry practice and workforce needs.

Key responsibilities and focus areas include:

Review and maintenance of existing certification programs
Ongoing support for the Certified Irrigation Designer (CID) program
Development of new certification and endorsement pathways in response to emerging industry needs
Alignment of certification programs with updated training packages and national skills requirements
Ensuring certification pathways support professionalism, quality outcomes and best-practice irrigation

The Committee is chaired by John Harvie and works closely with Irrigation Australia staff, subject matter experts and industry stakeholders. Members of the Committee contribute their experience and expertise to help strengthen certification outcomes and ensure programs continue to meet industry expectations.

Members with experience or interest in irrigation, training, certification, workforce development or industry standards are encouraged to apply.

To express interest or request further information, please contact: info@irrigation.org.au

3. Irrigation Australia Career Opportunities

Irrigation Technician – Canberra & NSW Regional

Waterland Pty Ltd is seeking a dedicated and experienced Irrigation Technician to join their team. This role is well suited to someone who enjoys variety in their work, values hands-on problem solving, and takes pride in delivering high-quality outcomes for clients.

The successful applicant will be responsible for the operation, maintenance and repair of irrigation systems, as well as assisting with pump servicing and minor civil works.

View the full position description and apply

Training Administrator – Murarrie, South Brisbane

Irrigation Australia is seeking a Training Administrator to join our team on a full-time basis at our Murarrie (South Brisbane) office.

This role provides administrative support to the organisation’s training and programs activities, supporting staff, trainers and participants through the coordination of enrolments, records and day-to-day administration. The position contributes to efficient operations and continuous improvement through data management, scheduling, communication and document control.

For more information about this role, please contact: info@irrigation.org.au

Certified Meter Installer Trainer Contractor – Remote/Hybrid

Irrigation Australia is seeking an experienced Certified Meter Installer (CMI) Trainer Contractor to support the delivery of accredited training to the irrigation industry.

Irrigation Australia is the national peak industry association representing Australia’s urban and rural irrigation professionals. Through nationally recognised training and certification programs, we support workforce capability and best practice across the sector.

The role involves training delivery across approved programs and engagement with industry participants, employers and Irrigation Australia staff. The contractor will contribute to maintaining high standards in training delivery, compliance and industry relevance.

Applicants must hold:

Certified Meter Installer (CMI) Certificate
Training and Assessment (TAE) Certificate
Current industry experience in metering and irrigation
Strong communication skills with the ability to engage adult learners
Availability to deliver training as scheduled, including practical components
Availability to travel nationally across Australia

For more information about this role, please contact: info@irrigation.org.au

Programs Specialist – Murarrie, South Brisbane

The Programs Specialist is responsible for coordinating and administering Irrigation Australia’s Membership, Certification and Waterwise Programs.

The role supports the effective delivery of member services, certification Program, and the Waterwise Program. It involves regular engagement with members, certified professionals, sponsors, trainers, industry partners and government stakeholders.

The position plays a key role in maintaining accurate records, managing program workflows, and providing a consistent and professional experience.

For more information about this role, please contact: info@irrigation.org.au

4. Contribute to Building a Safe, Inclusive and Resilient Workforce

Industry input is being sought to help guide how Australia’s jobs and skills system can better support a safe, inclusive and resilient workforce.

Skills Insight is undertaking this work in response to increasing interest in how workforce systems can adapt to changing conditions across the agribusiness, fibre, furnishing, food, and animal and environmental care industries.

A Safe, Inclusive and Resilient Workforce consultation paper has been released, proposing actions aligned to four priority areas identified in the Workforce Plan 2025–2026:

Priority areas:

Leadership – strengthening leadership capability to support safety, inclusion and wellbeing
Skills – ensuring workers have access to the skills needed to work safely and effectively
Accessibility – improving access to employment, training and support for diverse cohorts
Data and evidence – strengthening workforce data to inform decision-making and policy

For each proposed action, the consultation paper includes targeted questions designed to gather industry feedback. Stakeholders are also invited to comment on potential recommendations aimed at addressing systemic issues and improving safety and wellbeing outcomes across the workforce.

Consultation period: 28 January to 3 March 2026

All feedback will inform the Workforce Plan submitted to the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) on 30 April 2026.

5. JSA 2026 Occupation Shortage List Stakeholder Survey

Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) has opened the 2026 Occupation Shortage List (OSL) Stakeholder Survey and is seeking input from employers and industry stakeholders.

The Occupation Shortage List identifies occupations where employers experience difficulty filling job vacancies. The evidence collected through this survey is used to inform eligibility for key government support programs, including:

Australian Apprenticeships Priority List
Core Skills Occupations List
Skilled migration pathways
Workforce development and training initiatives

Your on-the-ground knowledge and experience of recruitment activity is critical to ensuring workforce shortages in irrigation and related industries are accurately captured.

Survey details:

Open: 20 January 2026
Closes: Wednesday 18 March 2026 at 5:00pm (AEDT)

To participate, you must register to receive a unique survey link.

If you would like advice or support in preparing a response, please contact your Stakeholder Engagement Manager or email: contact@skillsinsight.com.au

Further information on occupation classification and priority lists is available via 2026 Occupation Shortage List Stakeholder Survey

6. Statutory Review of the Inspector-General of Water Compliance – Consultation Open

The Australian Government has commenced a statutory review of the role of the Inspector-General of Water Compliance (IGWC), with public consultation now open.

The review is being undertaken by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and is required under the Water Act 2007. It is assessing whether the IGWC’s current functions, powers and operations remain fit for purpose and continue to add value to water management and compliance across the Murray–Darling Basin.

The Inspector-General of Water Compliance plays a key role in overseeing and reporting on compliance with Commonwealth water laws, including the Basin Plan. The review will consider:

The effectiveness of the IGWC’s current role and responsibilities
How the IGWC interacts with Basin states, regulators and industry
Opportunities to strengthen transparency, accountability and regulatory oversight
Whether legislative or operational changes are required

Stakeholders, including irrigators, water managers, industry organisations and community members, are invited to provide feedback as part of the consultation process.

Consultation period: Opens 19 January 2026 Closes 25 February 2026

Input from the irrigation sector is important to ensure practical, on-the-ground perspectives are reflected in future compliance and governance arrangements.

Further information on the review and details on how to make a submission are available via the Department’s consultation page.

7. 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.

International Conference on Water Management and Irrigation Technologies

Industry professionals may wish to note an upcoming international event focused on innovation and best practice in irrigation and water management.

The International Conference on Water Management and Irrigation Technologies in Agriculture (ICWMITA) will be held in Melbourne in April 2026, bringing together researchers, policymakers and industry practitioners from around the world.

The conference will explore advances in irrigation technologies, water efficiency, system design, sustainability and agricultural water management. Topics are expected to include emerging technologies, research outcomes and practical applications relevant to irrigation professionals.

Event details:

Dates: 1–2 April 2026
Location: Melbourne, Victoria

Further information on program details, registrations and abstract submissions is expected to be released closer to the event.

8. Advance Your Irrigation Career in 2026 with Irrigation Australia

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.

9. 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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