e-News Edition #61 New

Date: 26-Mar-2026

Hot Topics

1. Introducing Peter Durand, Acting General Manager, Irrigation Australia

2. Irrigation Show 2026 – Sydney Showground, 12–13 August

3. New National Water Agreement: What It Means for the Irrigation Industry

4. Water Act 2007 Review: Targeted Consultation Opens March–July 2026

5. BOM Drought Outlook: Below-Average Rainfall Forecast for Autumn 2026

6. Basin Plan Review Reminder: Submissions Close 1 May

7. NSW Non-Urban Metering: Key Compliance Deadlines Approaching

8. Gippsland Irrigation Expo 2026 – Save the Date: 20 May

9. ICID Congress 2026 – Marseille: Australian Exhibitors Welcome

10. Smart Drop Certified: The Trust Mark for Water Efficient Products

11. Upcoming Training Courses

12. The Irrigation Australia Talent Hub – Employers Wanted!

13. Advertise in Our Publications

1. Introducing Peter Durand, Acting General Manager, Irrigation Australia

I’m very pleased to be stepping into the role of Acting General Manager at Irrigation Australia. I’ve spent many years working in the irrigation industry, and that has given me a strong appreciation for both the opportunities and the challenges facing our sector. Irrigation has always been an industry built on practical knowledge, strong relationships and people who care deeply about doing things well, so it is a privilege to be able to contribute in this role.

What excites me most about Irrigation Australia is the opportunity to support and strengthen the important work already underway in training, industry connection and professional development, while also helping the organisation build even stronger engagement with members and partners. Over the coming period, we will be reaching out to members to hear their views, better understand what matters most to them, and gather feedback on where Irrigation Australia can add the greatest value. We welcome that input and encourage members to share their ideas and perspectives as we help shape the next chapter together.

2. Irrigation Show 2026 – Sydney Showground, 12–13 August

Dates: 12–13 August 2026 | Location: Sydney Showground, Homebush

The Irrigation Show is returning to Sydney Showground, bringing together the irrigation and water sector for two days of innovation, connection and collaboration.

Organised by Expertise Events with the support and collaboration of Irrigation Australia, the Irrigation Show is the premier national platform for the irrigation and water sector. It is where the industry converges to showcase breakthrough innovations, experience cutting-edge technology and build the connections that drive meaningful progress.

What to Expect

Expo: Discover leading and emerging suppliers showcasing the latest in water management, sustainable products and smart technology.
Demo Arena: Experience live demonstrations of irrigation systems, pumps and precision technologies in real-world conditions. The Smart Tech Zone lets you put the newest innovations to the test.
FloorTalks: Information sessions on the show floor covering sustainable practices, future trends and industry challenges.
Networking: Connect with industry leaders, technical experts and policy makers shaping the future of irrigation.

The show’s focus areas include core irrigation equipment, smart irrigation and control technology, AI and IoT sensors and controllers, automation and AI-driven irrigation systems, water supply, management and handling, water storage and distribution infrastructure, pumps and fittings.

Interested in exhibiting?

Contact the Expertise Events team at rebecca.lloydjones@expertiseevents.com.au or call 02 9452 7507.

For more information, visit irrigationshow.com.au

3. New National Water Agreement: What It Means for the Irrigation Industry

The Australian Government has signed a new National Water Agreement (NWA), replacing the 2004 National Water Initiative (NWI) that has been Australia’s blueprint for water reform for over 20 years.

The NWA has been developed through three rounds of public consultation that received more than 300 submissions from communities, industries and environmental stakeholders.

It builds on the strengths of the NWI while addressing current and future water challenges, with a modernised focus on climate change adaptation, First Nations influence in water management and maintaining strong water access rights.

Key features of the new agreement include strengthening the capacity to contend with droughts, floods and shocks, ensuring regulation and governance are fit for purpose, and encouraging innovation and continuous improvement in water management.

The Australian Government has signed the NWA and is now starting work on implementation. States and territories are being invited to sign on, with the NWA replacing the NWI in each jurisdiction once signed. Consultation on new and modernised national water policy and guidance is set to begin in 2026, and all jurisdictions will have up to two years to develop action plans.

For irrigators, this agreement signals the direction of national water policy for the coming decade.

For more information, visit dcceew.gov.au/water/policy/policy/national-water-agreement

4. Water Act 2007 Review: Targeted Consultation Opens March–July 2026

Running alongside the Basin Plan Review and the new National Water Agreement, the Australian Government is also conducting a review of the Water Act 2007. Under section 253 of the Act, this review must be completed before the end of 2027.

The review will examine the operation of the Act and the extent to which its objectives have been achieved. It will also identify opportunities to promote the principles set out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Targeted consultation, stakeholder engagement and publication of discussion papers will run from March through July 2026. A draft report is expected in October 2026, with a final report incorporating analysis, findings and recommendations to be delivered to the Government by 28 February 2027.

This is important opportunity for the irrigation industry to contribute to the national conversation on water reform.

For more information, visit dcceew.gov.au/water/policy/mdb/igwc-review-2026

5. BOM Drought Outlook: Below-Average Rainfall Forecast for Autumn 2026

The Bureau of Meteorology’s latest long-range forecast, released on 5 March 2026 for April to June 2026, indicates that rainfall is likely to be below average for most of Australia.

Daytime temperatures are also very likely to be above average across most of the country except parts of the tropical north.

The outlook is particularly relevant for irrigators in south-eastern Australia. Serious to severe rainfall deficiencies over the past 14 to 24 months have been recorded across agricultural regions of south-eastern South Australia, most of Victoria (except East Gippsland and parts of the north), parts of the Eyre and Yorke Peninsulas, and large areas of the Mid North and Murraylands districts in South Australia.

While significant rain in late February and early March brought some relief to central Australia and parts of the south-east, the BOM notes this has not yet significantly eased the longer-term rainfall deficiencies.

With a drier than average autumn ahead, irrigators are encouraged to review water allocations, plan for the cooler months and consider available efficiency tools and resources.

View the full drought statement at bom.gov.au/climate/drought

6. Gippsland Irrigation Incentives Expanded Across Lake Wellington Catchment

A reminder that the Murray–Darling Basin Authority’s Discussion Paper for the 2026 Basin Plan Review is open for public comment until Friday 1 May 2026. This is the first comprehensive review of the Basin Plan since it was introduced in 2012.

The Discussion Paper explores progress to date and considers key issues for the next decade, including sustainable diversion limits, climate adaptation, environmental outcomes and river connectivity. The MDBA has also commenced the Menindee Review, with a public launch in Menindee on 11 February and related technical and consultation papers now available.

MDBA Chief Executive Andrew McConville has acknowledged that while the Basin Plan has delivered real benefits, climate change, ageing infrastructure and poor water quality mean some things need to be done differently.

We encourage all members to review the Discussion Paper and consider making a submission before 1 May.

Have your say at getinvolved.mdba.gov.au/2026basinplanreview or phone 1800 230 067.

7. NSW Non-Urban Metering: Key Compliance Deadlines Approaching

NSW’s non-urban metering rules are in effect and the government is tracking towards 95% of all licensed water take being accurately metered by the end of 2026. If your business operates in NSW or services NSW water users, here are the key deadlines to be aware of:

Now: All inland works with total entitlement above 100ML must already be compliant with AS4747 metering, LID and telemetry.
1 December 2026: Coastal water users with total entitlement of 100ML or greater must have compliant metering equipment installed and validated by a DQP.
1 December 2027: All works with total entitlement between 15ML and 100ML must have a pattern-approved meter installed.

All licensed water users must meet mandatory recording and reporting obligations, regardless of metering requirements.

Pathways to Become a Meter Installer

We are currently offering a qualification pathway to become a Duly Qualified Person (DQP) in NSW:

Certified Meter Installer (CMI) training delivered by Irrigation Australia (nationally accredited).

This represents a growing market for metering equipment, telemetry, installation and maintenance services across NSW. With ongoing demand for qualified installers, there is a strong opportunity for irrigation businesses to expand or diversify.

For more information, visit water.nsw.gov.au/our-work/non-urban-metering

8. Gippsland Irrigation Expo 2026 – Save the Date: 20 May

The Gippsland Irrigation Expo returns to the Sale Showgrounds on Wednesday 20 May 2026. The last event in 2020 attracted more than 500 visitors and this year’s Expo promises to be even bigger. Entry is free for all attendees.

The Expo brings irrigators and industry professionals together to connect, share knowledge and explore the latest innovations in water efficiency and sustainable farming practices. Exhibitor registrations are now open.

The Gippsland Irrigation Expo is funded as part of the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action’s Sustainable Irrigation Program, implemented by Agriculture Victoria and the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority.

For more information, visit here.

9. ICID Congress 2026 – Marseille: Australian Exhibitors Welcome

The 26th ICID International Congress and 77th IEC Meeting will be held in Marseille, France, from 12–17 October 2026. Themed ‘Water and agricultural resilience in the face of climate change,’ the congress is expected to attract over 1,000 participants from across the globe.

Australian companies are encouraged to participate as exhibitors to showcase innovations, connect with international networks, and position Australian irrigation expertise on the global stage. Irrigation Australia is the Australian representative body of ICID and encourages member participation.

For more information, visit here.

10. Smart Drop Certified: The Trust Mark for Water Efficient Products

Are you innovating in water efficiency and want your products to stand out?

Smart Drop Certified is the Trust Mark for water efficient products and services, helping shoppers, retailers, utilities and councils recognise genuine water savings.

With Smart Drop Certified, you can:

Stand out as the water wise choice
Back up your claims with independent recognition
Strengthen credibility for tenders, rebates and sustainability reporting

Limited-time offer: Apply before 30 June 2026 and get 50% off the application fee.

Find out more at www.smartdropcertified.org

11. Upcoming Training Courses

Invest in your team’s skills and stay ahead with nationally accredited training from Irrigation Australia.

Upcoming training

April:

Certificate III in Irrigation Technology Block 1 – Paterson, NSW – 13 April 2026 – 17 April 2028

May:

June:

Click here to view all upcoming training

Irrigation Australia is pleased to share that we will be an approved provider for the new Apprenticeship in Western Australia.

Funding and subsidies are available in WA. Discounts are available for multiple staff enrolments from the same organisation.

View all upcoming courses and register via our website.

13. Advertise in Our Publications

With 2026 well underway, Irrigation Australia continues to ensure our members are supported and connected. We’d like to remind you of the opportunity to advertise your business in our publications.

We’ve recently made changes to how we share our publications, with additional promotion streams and distribution methods to help your message reach a wider audience across the irrigation industry.

If you’re looking to reach irrigation professionals through The Irrigation Journal or The Overflow, contact info@irrigation.org.au for more information or to receive our 2026 Media Kit.

14. The Irrigation Australia Talent Hub – Employers Wanted!

With 2026 well underway, Irrigation Australia continues to ensure our members are supported and connected. We’d like to offer the opportunity to advertise your business in our publications.

We’ve recently made changes to how we share our publications, with additional promotion streams and distribution methods to help your message reach a wider audience across the irrigation industry.

Your advertisement is promoted through:

Member email notifications
Irrigation Australia’s website
e-News (8,500+ subscribers)
Social media channels
QR codes in WA irrigation retail stores
Publuu distribution

All ads include live links to your website, email and phone number for instant reader engagement.

If you’re looking to reach irrigation professionals through The Irrigation Journal or The Overflow, contact info@irrigation.org.au or view our media kit on the Irrigation Australia website.

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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