e-News Edition #65 New

Date: 12-Jun-2026

Hot Topics

1. El Nino likely as the Bureau forecasts a dry winter

2. Murray-Darling storages and allocations heading into winter

3. 2026 Murray-Darling Basin Plan Review gets underway

4. Funding open: National Water Grid and Resilient Rivers feasibility studies

5. NSW boosts drought support for farmers

6. Smart irrigation: technology adoption keeps growing

7. Smart Water Connect 2026: early bird and call for abstracts now open

8. Members save $25 on the Grundfos Pump Fundamentals Roadshow

9. Free webinar: the latest innovations in berry irrigation

10. Upcoming Training Courses

11. The Irrigation Australia Talent Hub - Employers Wanted!

12. Advertise in Our Publications

1. El Nino likely as the Bureau forecasts a dry winter

The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting a likely transition to El Nino during winter 2026, with international models placing the chance of a moderate to strong event at between 61 and 80 per cent. El Nino typically reduces winter and spring rainfall across eastern Australia, a key driver behind the softer crop and water outlook.

The national rainfall outlook for June to August points to an increased chance of below-median rainfall across large parts of southern and eastern Australia, including a 60 to 80 per cent chance of below-average falls for south-west Western Australia and central and eastern regions south of the tropics. Winter maximum temperatures are also likely to run above average across most of the country.

For irrigators, a drier, warmer winter means soil moisture and storages cannot be taken for granted. It is a good time to review scheduling, check system efficiency and monitor the root zone closely rather than relying on a fixed calendar.

Read the Bureau's long-range outlook: BOM climate outlooks

2. Murray-Darling storages and allocations heading into winter

Storage levels across the southern Basin remain low as winter begins. As of May, Burrinjuck Dam sat at 38 per cent and Blowering Dam at 25 per cent, the storages that drive Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area allocations, while the Menindee Lakes system was at 33 per cent and falling. With an El Nino outlook reducing the chance of significant replenishment over winter and spring, a strong recovery is far from assured.

In South Australia, the minimum opening River Murray allocation for 2026-27 was projected to remain at 62 per cent, around 1,246 gigalitres against the state's 1,850 gigalitre annual Entitlement Flow, following two consecutive years of low rainfall and inflows. The actual opening minimum allocation was due to be confirmed on 15 June, so SA irrigators should check the final figure.

Most Basin inflows historically fall between July and October, so allocations can still improve through the year. For now, the combination of low storages and a dry outlook reinforces the case for careful water budgeting this season.

Read the winter allocation round-up: Murray-Darling water allocations heading into winter 2026

3. 2026 Murray-Darling Basin Plan Review gets underway

The Murray-Darling Basin Authority is required to review the Basin Plan in 2026, the most significant assessment of the Plan since it was made. A discussion paper has opened the process, with formal consultation to follow and recommendations due to the Federal Water Minister later in the year. A final report is expected in late 2026.

The National Irrigators' Council has been active in the review, urging a focus on outcomes for communities and food production alongside environmental goals, and several Basin councils have called for fairness and balance in how the review weighs regional impacts. State governments, including Victoria, have lodged submissions.

The review could shape water recovery, delivery and management settings for years to come. Irrigators and irrigation businesses with a stake in the outcome should follow the consultation and consider making their views known through their representative bodies.

Read about the review: 2026 Basin Plan Review - National Irrigators' Council

4. Funding open: National Water Grid and Resilient Rivers feasibility studies

Several water funding pathways remain relevant to irrigators and irrigation infrastructure operators in 2026. The Australian Government's National Water Grid Fund is preparing a 2026 funding round, with projects assessed on long-term benefits to water security, the agriculture and primary industry sectors, regional economic development and water supply resilience.

The Resilient Rivers Water Infrastructure Program, worth up to $494 million over 2023-24 to 2026-27, is closed to new construction applications, but feasibility funding remains available to scope early opportunities that reduce water losses and improve efficiency in the Murray-Darling Basin. Its streams have covered irrigation operator modernisation, water use efficiency and targeted efficiency measures.

Irrigators considering efficiency upgrades or infrastructure projects should keep an eye on round timing and eligibility, and engage early with the state water agencies that administer many of these programs.

Read more on water programs: Water programs and initiatives - DCCEEW

5. NSW boosts drought support for farmers

As dry conditions bite across central and western New South Wales, the NSW Government has expanded its drought support package for 2026. The loan available under the Drought Ready and Resilient Fund has been doubled from $250,000 to $500,000, helping farmers undertake larger, sustainability-focused projects, including water and irrigation infrastructure, while covering operational costs.

A new Drought Relief Loan of up to $100,000 has also been established, featuring an upfront payment option, reduced documentation and no requirement to provide property as security. The Southern NSW Drought Coordinator role has been extended to the end of 2026 and expanded to cover western NSW.

Irrigators in drought-affected regions should review eligibility, as the lower-documentation relief loan and the larger resilience loan can both support on-farm water efficiency and drought-proofing work.

Read the NSW announcement: Drought support increased for farmers across affected areas

6. Smart irrigation: technology adoption keeps growing

With water tight and the outlook dry, interest in smart irrigation technology continues to accelerate. Australia's agricultural technology market is projected to surpass AUD 2 billion, with strong growth expected through 2026, much of it driven by water efficiency solutions suited to the country's variable climate.

Smart irrigation systems combine soil moisture, weather and temperature sensors with analytics to deliver targeted watering schedules that cut waste and protect yields. Australian developers are pairing crop and soil sensors with AI-powered analytics, while IoT, satellite imagery and precision application methods such as drip and micro-sprinklers give growers real-time insight into root-zone moisture and crop health.

For irrigators weighing investments this season, sensor-based scheduling and precision application offer one of the clearest routes to doing more with every megalitre, especially heading into a dry winter.

7. Smart Water Connect 2026: early bird and call for abstracts now open

Smart Water Connect 2026 will be held on Tuesday 13 October 2026 at the Aerial Function Centre, UTS, Sydney. The event brings together utilities, government, manufacturers, retailers, irrigators, service providers and researchers for a full day of focused, practical exchange, not just discussion, but the kind of cross-sector problem-solving that drives measurable outcomes.

The program is especially relevant to our members through its theme of strengthening drought resilience and outdoor water management, covering best-practice drought preparedness, adaptive response frameworks, and strategies to reduce outdoor water usage. Shaped by an independent Advisory Panel, the program spans six themes:

Driving community engagement and behaviour change
Increasing uptake of efficient products through information, incentives and innovation
Non-residential water efficiency solutions
Strengthening drought resilience and outdoor water management
Enabling impact through standards, policy and regulation
Harnessing data, smart technologies and insights

If you would like to present your work, the call for abstracts is open. Whether it is a case study with real-world savings data, an innovative program that is shifting behaviour, or a policy approach that is delivering results, the organisers want to hear from you. Presentations, panels, workshops and lightning talks are all welcome. Abstracts close Friday 10 July 2026, and spots on the program are limited, so it pays not to leave it to the last week.

Early bird registration is also now open, a good reason to lock in your spot while you are thinking about it. Seats will move quickly once the program is announced, and the early bird rate will not last. The day wraps up with the Water Night Launch Event, hosted by TWC Ambassador Costa Georgiadis, an evening of networking, the unveiling of the latest national research on Australia's relationship with water, and the announcement of the Smart Drop Excellence Award winner, all over drinks and canapes.

Details, early bird registration and the abstract submission form: Smart Water Connect - The Water Conservancy

To submit an abstract by email, contact: info@thewaterconservancy.org

8. Members save $25: Grundfos Pump Fundamentals and Service Training Roadshow

The Grundfos Pump Fundamentals and Service Training Roadshow is touring Australia and New Zealand in 2026, and Irrigation Australia members can take part at a discount.

This hands-on training series is built for plumbers and irrigation professionals. It focuses on real-world situations, pump selection, common issues, and getting systems running the way they should. Each session combines practical learning with straightforward theory, so you walk away with knowledge you can use on the job. Catering is included, and sessions are led by Grundfos specialists.

Member benefit: Irrigation Australia members receive $25 off registration. Use code GA2026 at checkout.

Find a session and register: Grundfos Pump Fundamentals Roadshow

Please note: this training is delivered by Grundfos, not Irrigation Australia. The $25 discount is an exclusive benefit for IAL members.

9. Free webinar: the latest innovations in berry irrigation

Netafim is hosting a GrowMore webinar on the latest innovations in berry irrigation, and Irrigation Australia members are invited to join. Presented by Netafim agronomist Jamie Zapp, the session showcases practical innovations built for the demands of modern berry production, showing how the latest irrigation technologies are helping berry growers maximise yield, improve quality and optimise water use.

When: Wednesday 24 June 2026, 2:00 to 3:30pm AEDT. Where: Online. Presenter: Jamie Zapp, Netafim Agronomist.

Registration Link

Please note: this webinar is hosted by Netafim.

10. Upcoming Training Courses

Irrigation Australia is an RTO (91313) delivering nationally accredited irrigation qualifications, certifications and short courses across the country. Below are the next confirmed sessions.

Upcoming training

June 2026

Certificate III in Irrigation Technology (AHC32424) - South Australia - 15 June 2026 to 14 June 2028

July 2026

Certified Irrigation Installer - Western Australia - 14 to 17 July 2026

Self-paced online courses

Introduction to Irrigation Part A (free for beginners)
Introduction to Irrigation Part B (Landscape and Agricultural streams)
Irrigation Insights, a free induction course for new entrants
12-month subscription package available for company members covering all three Introduction to Irrigation courses for unlimited staff

Click here to view all upcoming training

Irrigation Australia is pleased to share that we will be an approved registered training provider to deliver training for the newly recognised Irrigation 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

Back to list