New South Wales Member Regional Update | July 2025 New

Date: 08-Jul-2025

Welcome to the latest New South Wales Member Regional Update, where you’ll find the latest updates, events, and insights shaping the irrigation industry across the region. The aim of each edition is to provide you with valuable regional news and the opportunity to stay connected with our vibrant community.

Irrigation Australia has made a submission to the Building Commission NSW to attempt to address some significant challenges raised by members due to the introduction of new processes and training requirements to become a Water Plumbing – Urban Irrigation licence holder in the state. The current changes see an additional 7 plumbing units of competency introduced over and above the existing Certificate III in Irrigation Technology, as well as some concerns around supervisory and signoff requirements. The department has been responsive to these concerns to date, and invited the submission.

Welcome to our newest members who have joined Irrigation Australia over the past six months! We’re excited to have you as part of our community and look forward to working together to advance water management and irrigation excellence across Australia.

• Syngenta Macspred
• Think Water - Hunter Valley
• Hiblow Australia
• AG Warehouse - Bega
• Mr Mark. L

Unlock smarter, scalable irrigation training

Set your team up for success with Irrigation Australia’s most affordable and flexible training option yet - our 12-month unlimited company subscription for online courses is available now at a special discounted rate for company members!

Give your staff unlimited access to our complete online training suite, designed to build foundational knowledge and expand expertise across both landscape and agricultural irrigation systems. It’s the smart, scalable way to train your team, and it's only $660 incl. GST!

Three online courses, one powerful subscription

Introduction to Irrigation - Part A is a four-hour, self-paced online course that provides foundational, non-accredited training based on Certificate II level content. Ideal for newcomers to the industry, including landscapers, property managers, and irrigation retail staff, it delivers clear, practical insights into key irrigation concepts and components. Widely praised as engaging and accessible, it's the perfect starting point for those with little to no prior experience.

Introduction to Irrigation - Part B: Landscape is a six-hour, self-paced online course based on non-accredited Certificate III level content. Designed for those working in urban and open space environments, it builds on foundational knowledge with more advanced topics like commercial systems, filtration, pumps, backflow prevention, basic design, wiring, hydraulics, and water efficiency.

Introduction to Irrigation - Part B: Agricultural is a five-hour, self-paced online course based on non-accredited Certificate III level content. Designed for those in or entering the agricultural sector, it covers key farm irrigation topics such as system types, pivots, drip and under-tree irrigation, filtration, fertigation, pumps, water meters, soil management, and monitoring technology.

Why choose the company subscription?

• Unlimited access for your staff for 12 months
• Scalable, cost-effective training solution
• Supports onboarding and upskilling
• Access to all three online courses – anytime, anywhere

Company Members: $660 incl. GST

Whether you're onboarding new team members, building technical knowledge, or supporting long-term career growth, this subscription is the easiest way to level up your workforce.

Click here to find out more and secure a subscription for your whole team today!

Upcoming certification updates and pathways unveiled in free webinar

Irrigation Australia invites industry professionals to a free webinar on Wednesday, 16 July at 1 PM (AEST), showcasing major updates to its professional certification programs.

This session will highlight the launch of the Australian-led Certified Irrigation Designer (CID) Program, a key advancement in recognising design excellence through locally tailored examinations. From 1 July, CID assessments will be delivered by Irrigation Australia, with content specifically focused on Australian projects and practices, making certification more accessible and relevant than ever before.

The webinar will also seek feedback on a new offering designed to deliver a training and certification program for auditors working in landscape systems, as well as new CPD opportunities for existing Certified Professionals.

As the industry faces growing pressure to optimise water use and improve system performance, certified professionals are more important than ever. This webinar is a valuable opportunity to stay informed and take the next step in your professional development. Register now to secure your place.

Upcoming training opportunities

Ready to enhance your skills or work towards obtaining a certification? Here’s what’s coming up in New South Wales over the next few months:

Certificate III in Irrigation Technology  |  Paterson  |  Commences 15 September  FUNDING AVAILABLE

Certified Irrigation Installer  |  Paterson  |  16 – 19 September

Meter Installation & Validation  |  Paterson  |  21 - 23 October

Meter Installation & Validation  |  Virtual Delivery  |  4 – 7 November

Meter Installation & Validation  |  Virtual Delivery  |  25 – 28 November

If the timing isn’t right for you for any of the above but you are interested in a particular course, please contact training@irrigation.org.au. Click here to find out more about funding options in New South Wales and to see if you are eligible.

Latest updates from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) has released the latest edition of Water News, featuring several key updates on water management initiatives across the state.

Discover the new IWCM framework and self-evaluation tool

The Department has released a new Integrated Water Cycle Management (IWCM) Framework and self-evaluation tool, offering a practical guide to help organisations take a holistic, best-practice approach to water management. Moving beyond traditional methods, the framework supports more sustainable, integrated planning across all stages of the water cycle, emphasising water's role in healthy, liveable communities. With five clear stages and a user-friendly evaluation tool, it's designed to make IWCM more accessible and actionable. 

Project to rehabilitate 5000-year old peat swamp

A major project to rehabilitate the 5,000-year-old Wingecarribee Swamp has been approved, with funding from Illawarra Coal Holdings as part of an enforceable undertaking for alleged unlicensed surface water take. The initiative includes weed control, fencing, ecological surveys, and will be delivered in partnership with the Illawarra Local Aboriginal Land Council, creating employment and training opportunities. This project is a strong example of restorative justice in action, returning benefits directly to the affected environment and community. 

Understanding non-urban water metering requirements and deadlines

The Department has also recently held information sessions on non-urban metering rules.  

What you need to do to comply

Your metering requirements depend on your total entitlement, and the size and number of your works. Use the Metering Guidance Tool to check what you need to do.

Already required: Surface water pumps ≥500 mm diameter and works in inland water sources with ≥100 ML total entitlement must already have: 

• A meter compliant with AS4747
• A local intelligence device (LID) and telemetry

that have been installed and validated by a duly qualified person (DQP).

By 1 December 2026: Works in coastal water sources with ≥100 ML total entitlement require: 

• An AS4747 compliant meter
• LID and telemetry

that have been installed and validated by a DQP.

By 1 December 2027 or works approval renewal date (whichever is later): Works with total entitlement between >15 ML and <100 ML require a pattern-approved meter.

No meter is required for works with <15 ML total entitlement, unless it is used for water trading.

In limited circumstances, exemptions from the metering requirements may apply.

Find a DQP on the Irrigation Australia website to install or validate metering equipment.

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water site includes many useful links, including recordings of the webinars.

Click here to access the full May edition of Water News and explore all articles in detail.

Click here to view upcoming Training Courses.

Click here to view the latest Career Opportunities available within the Irrigation Industry.