New South Wales Member Regional Update | October 2025 New

Date: 17-Oct-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.

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.

• Mr Bernard Martin
• Cornerstone Water Solutions
• AG Warehouse - Bega
• Mr Mark Leedham
• Mr Matthew Ward

Train smarter, not harder – Unlock unlimited access to our best value irrigation training

Access our most cost-effective and comprehensive introductory irrigation training packages yet – perfect for new and recently started staff!

Following the successful launch of Introduction to Irrigation Modules: Part A: self-paced online course, Part B: Landscape and Part B: Agricultural. These modules build on the solid foundation to deepen your understanding of irrigation practices in either landscape or agricultural contexts.

Whether you're looking to sharpen your existing skills, onboard new staff, or support continued professional development, these courses offer practical, flexible learning for irrigation professionals at various stages of their career.

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.

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: $900 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 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:

Meter Installation & Validation | Dubbo, NSW | 21–23 October

Certification III Irrigation Technology | Paterson, NSW | 24 - 28 November

Certified Irrigation Installer | Paterson, NSW | 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.

Water Management Charges – IPART Final Decision

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has released its final decision on NSW water management charges, setting an average increase of 5 percent per year (21.6 percent in total) plus inflation for the period 1 October 2025 to 30 June 2029.

These charges apply to the Water Administration Ministerial Corporation and cover services such as licensing, compliance, monitoring and water resource management.

Irrigators and water users are encouraged to factor these adjustments into forward business planning and budgeting.

Read the full media release here

Clarence River Jockey Club Irrigation Rebuild Recognised

Think Water Northern Rivers received the 2025 Project of the Year Award for its extensive irrigation system rebuild at the Clarence River Jockey Club (Grafton, NSW).

Stage 1 and 2 works integrated four water sources, constructed new dams and pump stations and installed a high-precision irrigation network achieving uniformity coefficients of 89–92 percent.

The system features:

• Sensor-based irrigation scheduling
• Remote monitoring and diagnostics
• Variable-speed pumps for efficiency
• Stormwater capture and recycling for sustainable water use

The project was praised for its innovation and resilience under challenging conditions.

Read the full media release here

Urban Channel Pipeline Project – Riverina Region

Construction is under way on the $62 million Urban Channel Pipeline Project, which will replace open channels with 14 kilometres of underground pipeline across Griffith, Leeton and Yenda.

The project is expected to:

• Save more than 2,675 ML of water annually
• Improve road safety by removing open channels
• Support regional jobs and local contracting
• Deliver significant environmental and efficiency benefits

The pipeline will improve delivery reliability and reduce losses in one of NSW’s key irrigation districts.

Read the full media release here

Murrumbidgee Irrigation Automation Finalisation Project

The NSW Government and Murrumbidgee Irrigation have completed a $124 million automation upgrade modernising infrastructure across the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area.

Key achievements include:

• Installation of 1,724 meters and outlets
• Automation of 335 regulators
• Refurbishment of 20 km of open channels
• Construction of 5.5 km of new pipeline
• Development of a 5,000 ML surge reservoir

The project has improved delivery efficiency across 190,000 hectares of irrigated land and returned 6.29 GL of water to the environment.

Read the full media release here

Building a More Efficient Irrigation Future for NSW

From pricing reform to on-ground automation and smart infrastructure, NSW continues to make major progress in improving irrigation efficiency and water security across the state.

Have a regional project or success story to share?

Email info@irrigation.org.au to feature in future updates.

Click here to view upcoming Training Courses.

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