e-News Edition #66 New

Date: 26-Jun-2026

Hot Topics

1. Irrigation Australia lodges submission to Parliamentary inquiry on regional growth

2. Basin Plan reaches almost 85 per cent of its environmental water target

3. Rice growers beat their water-efficiency target

4. Biosecurity: staying alert through 2026

5. WaterWise: WA winter sprinkler switch-off and member programs

6. A strong citrus season at Hillston Citrus

7. Hunter Industries hiring in Perth

8. Upcoming Training Courses

9. The Irrigation Australia Talent Hub - Employers Wanted!

1. Irrigation Australia lodges submission to Parliamentary inquiry on regional growth

Irrigation Australia has lodged a submission to the Joint Standing Committee on Trade and Investment Growth inquiry into creating sustainable economic growth in rural and regional Australia.

Our submission makes a focused case that irrigation capability should be recognised as part of Australia's regional economic infrastructure. It argues that efficient irrigation design, installation, operation and maintenance directly support water productivity, farm output, regional resilience and the credibility of Australia's clean and green agricultural reputation.

The submission also calls for greater support for industry-led professional practice and certification, stronger investment in practical irrigation skills and workforce capability, and a partnership-based approach that brings together industry bodies, water utilities, training providers, regional businesses and government.

In short, our message to the Committee is that regional economic growth and export credibility are strengthened when they are supported by practical irrigation capability on the ground.

Members who would like to read more can view the inquiry, and the Committee publishes submissions on its submissions page as they are processed.

View the Inquiry

2. Basin Plan reaches almost 85 per cent of its environmental water target

Nearly 85 per cent of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan's environmental water recovery target has now been achieved, with officials reporting the program remains on track to reach 400 gigalitres by December. The milestone was highlighted by federal Water Minister Murray Watt in mid-June as evidence the Plan continues to work towards a healthier and more sustainable river system for the environment, agriculture and communities.

Over the past four years the Australian Government has committed more than $520 million to state and community-led projects designed to improve water efficiency and modernise irrigation networks. Industry bodies continue to argue that efficiency works and infrastructure upgrades, rather than further buybacks, are the path that best protects production and regional communities.

3. Rice growers beat their water-efficiency target

A standout result for water productivity: the Australian rice industry, which set an ambitious goal of producing 1.5 tonnes of rice per megalitre of water by 2026, has gone past it. Recent trials testing different irrigation thresholds have achieved 1.6 tonnes per megalitre, and some nitrogen treatments have exceeded 2.2 tonnes per megalitre.

It is a reminder that careful agronomy, timing and irrigation management can deliver real gains in crop per drop, even in a thirsty crop like rice. The same principles, matching water to crop need and measuring the result, apply across the sectors our members work in.

4. Biosecurity: staying alert through 2026

Biosecurity remains front of mind for growers and anyone working around farms and waterways. Queensland's fire ant biosecurity zones were updated from January 2026 and are reviewed monthly as new detections occur, so it is worth checking the current zone maps before moving soil, turf, mulch, or equipment between properties.

Fall armyworm also continues to be monitored, with established populations across northern Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia. Nationally, the Australian Government has committed more than $2 billion in additional biosecurity resourcing since 2022. The simplest protection on the ground stays the same: clean down vehicles, plant and equipment between sites, and report anything unusual.

5. WaterWise: WA Winter Sprinkler Switch-Off and Member Programs

A timely reminder for our Western Australian members and their customers: the Water Corporation winter sprinkler switch-off is in force from 1 June to 31 August. Scheme and bore users across Perth, the South West and parts of the Great Southern must keep reticulation off for the winter period, with the usual two-day roster resuming afterwards. It is a good window to service controllers, check for leaks and plan upgrades before the watering season returns.

Irrigation Australia delivers the Waterwise programs in partnership with the Water Corporation to lift water-use efficiency in domestic and commercial irrigation across WA. These self-study endorsement programs help irrigation professionals stand out as trusted, water-efficient operators, and include:

Waterwise Garden Irrigator Program, covering the key principles of efficient sprinkler and drip design, installation and maintenance for residential systems
Waterwise Irrigation Design Shop Program, recognising retail and design outlets that promote water-efficient practice

Becoming a Waterwise-endorsed business signals to customers that you meet best-practice standards, and it links you into Water Corporation referral and rebate activity. Members in WA who are not yet endorsed are encouraged to get involved.

Learn more: Waterwise programs

6. A Strong Citrus Season at Hillston Citrus

Redland shared a behind-the-scenes look at the Afourer mandarin orchards at Hillston Citrus, with farm manager Raj reporting excellent colour, flavour and eating quality across the crop. All signs are pointing to an outstanding citrus season ahead, a great example of irrigated horticulture delivering at its best. It is the kind of grower story we love to see from our community.

Learn More

7. Hunter Industries Hiring in Perth

A note for our Perth community: Irrigation Futures sponsor Hunter Industries has opened a Perth-based Irrigation Technical Services Representative role. It is a customer-facing technical position suited to someone with hands-on irrigation experience, whether from a site or service-tech background, an irrigation retail counter, or a design-and-install operation. If this sounds like you, or someone in your network, see our LinkedIn page and the Talent Hub for details.

Learn More

10. Upcoming Training Courses

Irrigation Australia is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO 91313) delivering nationally accredited qualifications and certifications. A selection of upcoming face-to-face courses is below. Places are limited, so early registration is recommended.

Upcoming training

July 2026

Certified Irrigation Installer, Western Australia: 14 to 17 July 2026

August 2026

Certified Meter Installer and Validator, New South Wales: 11 to 13 August 2026

September 2026

Certified Irrigation Installer, Queensland: 15 to 18 September 2026

October 2026

Certified Meter Installer and Validator, South Australia: 13 to 15 October 2026
Certificate III in Irrigation Technology (AHC32424), Western Australia: 19 to 23 October 2026
Certificate III in Irrigation Technology (AHC32424), New South Wales: from 26 October 2026

November and December 2026

Electrofusion and Butt Welding, Western Australia: 4 to 5 November 2026
Certified Meter Installer and Validator, Queensland: 1 to 3 December 2026
Electrofusion and Butt Welding, New South Wales: 9 to 10 December 2026

Click here to view all upcoming training

Western Australian apprentices and trainees may be eligible for funding support, and group discounts are available for organisations booking multiple participants.

Self-paced online courses, including the free Irrigation Insights induction, are also available year-round.

View all upcoming courses and register via our website.

12. The Irrigation Australia Talent Hub – Employers Wanted!

In partnership with Goheadhunt, the Irrigation Australia Talent Hub connects employers with a growing pool of industry talent. Members can create a free employer profile and start attracting candidates from across the irrigation sector.

The Talent Hub runs on a Pay-for-Success model, so you only pay when you make a successful hire. With the pool of registered candidates continuing to grow, it is a low-risk way to fill roles with people who know the industry. We encourage members looking to hire to register and set up a profile today.

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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