576 1 * 72% of inflows now remain in rivers for the environment,
* 1 in 3 Litres of water has been removed from farming since the 1990s
* MDBA data shows 92% of environmental indicators would not improve with further water recovery.
Today’s science shows that protecting river health is more than “just adding water”. There is no need for further reductions in the water for farming. It’s time to optimise existing investment and take practical, on ground action, including; tackling invasive species, restoring habitat, improving fish passage, and targeting barriers to healthy rivers.
After decades of reform, communities and farmers need stability. This means no more changes to existing water limits (inc. SDLAM adjusted) and no more water recovery by any means.
The pathway forward is a partnership with communities who live and work in the Basin - the Basin’s future depends on it.]]> https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/576/NIC-update.png url https://www.irrigators.org.au/policy/murray-darling-basin-plan/2026-basin-plan-review/ 2026-04-24 00:02:21 575 1 These are designed to be extreme event policies, however the government have decided to apply the s324 as the active volume in the upper Menindee lakes has fallen below 250GL.
We have argued against this and were able to get the relaxation triggers for FPH in line with those in the Gwydir WSP, a significant win. The restrictions in the Gwydir are as follows:
Gwydir Regulated River Water Source
• floodplain harvesting (regulated river) access licences {The relaxation triggers for FPH licences (as per those already in the WSP, linked to 195GL total storage)}
• supplementary water access licences
Gingham Watercourse Water Source
• floodplain harvesting (unregulated river) access licences
• unregulated river access licences
Mallowa Creek Management Zone in the Mehi River Water Source
• unregulated river access licences
Full details of the restrictions are available on the department website link included]]> https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/575/Embargo.png url https://www.water.dcceew.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2026-04/twr-restrictions-by-valley-2026.pdf 2026-04-17 04:21:37 574 1 These storages  can be made active into the future if your situation changes. Please read the guide, and or watch the video. 
Please follow the link included. Scroll down to the section Amend the works as not taking FPH water

Amend - To ensure your approval is correct, it's your responsibility to confirm that your approval matches the works listed.
Select Works that are classified as not taking licensed water
To classify your work as not taking licensed water (water supply work or floodplain harvesting), please login or register in the Customer Portal and complete the ‘Amend the status of your work’ form.

Please note: There may already be a pre-populated status for your work in the Customer Portal based on our records. If there isn’t a status pre-populated or the status selected is incorrect, please select the correct classification to describe your work.

Further information: ]]> https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/574/Regulatory-Information.png none 2026-04-13 03:24:25 573 1
  • Customers will receive an email confirmation whether you are approved, rejected or require further information to complete the registration.
  • If the approval or licence belongs to a Business, you will need to create a business profile using the manage business function in your customer portal. A video guide is available here
  • WaterNSW will merge existing approvals and licences onto your profile in the portal, this may take up to 5 days
  • Customers will then receive an email notification to review and approve the LNK case in your profile, if something doesn’t look right, reply back to the email asap to have it rectified
  • The portal will provide all the necessary information (work ID, WAL, Works Approval etc).
  • Customers will also be able to see a map showing where the works are currently located.
  • If you need assistance, you can book a phone appointment with the WaterNSW team by clicking here or call 1300 662 077. You can also email licensing@waternsw.com.au for specific questions or assistance

    • ]]>     https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/573/Useful-Information.png none 2026-04-13 03:20:15     559 1 Mallowa: Target in the east have been inundated, some western areas yet to be inundated. Deliveries expected to finish mid-April 2026.
    Lower Gwydir:     The 3 month delivery of E-water to Lower Gwydir ceased on 26 December 2025. A total of 7,550ML entered the watercourse at Millewa, including 3,200ML of managed E-water. 
    Gingham: Deliveries commenced early December 2025. Target flow rate is 100 ML/d connect through to Boyanga Waterhole. Delivery target may continue past February.
    Whittakers Lagoon: Orders have been placed to fill Whittakers Lagoon to fill the lagoon before the end of January 2026.
    Mehi River flows: Delivery for fish to the lower Mehi commenced 13 December 2025. This flow will continue through Summer and into Autumn.
    Barwon River: In addition to the Mehi River flow releases from the Border Rivers and Gwydir valleys commenced over Christmas New Year. This event was designed to support base flows in the Barwon River between Mungindi and Walgett. Releases from Glenlyon and Copeton Dams are expected to cease early February 2026.]]>     https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/559/DSC_0936-river.jpg page https://www.gvia.org.au/news/environmental-flows-update/ 2026-01-23 01:48:54     557 1 The project officer role would entail working on behalf of and in partnership with the GVIA Members to deliver requirements as detailed in projects.
    The policy support role will entail supporting the EO in the review and analysis of regulatory policy and provide support to Members in the interpretation and application of policy.
    The role would also support the EO in communication of water related issues to the wider community. 
    More detail are available in the attached position description.
    To apply or arrange to discuss the position please email the EO on gvia@gvia.org.au
    ]]>     https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/557/News-(1).png file https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/557/Project-Officer-Positon-decription-and-intro-2025.pdf 2026-01-15 01:14:50     555 1
  • install and validate non-urban water meters 
  • ensure installations meet compliance and safety standards 
  • offer ongoing servicing and maintenance
  • support sustainable, responsible water management. 


    • The following trades can apply: irrigation technician, plumber, instrumentation specialist, hydrographer, engineer, fitter-welder, closed conduit meter manufacturer, electrician, local intelligence device manufacturer, or telecommunications technician.  ]]>     https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/555/Metering.png url https://www.water.dcceew.nsw.gov.au/our-work/non-urban-metering/non-urban-metering-installers 2026-01-05 00:27:18     551 1 two  funding opportunities
    1. Agriculture Industries Innovation and Growth Program
    This program supports projects that enhance productivity, sustainability, and innovation across agricultural industries.
    Learn more and apply here: Agriculture Industries Innovation and Growth Program | NSW Government
    2. Aquaculture Industry Development Program
    Designed to accelerate growth and innovation in aquaculture, this program provides funding for initiatives that strengthen industry capability and sustainability.
    Full details and guidelines: Aquaculture Industry Development Program Guidelines | NSW Government ]]>     https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/551/Grant-Information.png url https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/agriculture-industries-innovation-and-growth-program 2025-12-14 22:49:12     547 1 , published today which echoed findings from the National Climate Risk Assessment. 
    “All climate change scenarios will have significant risks on water security for Australian agriculture,” said NIC CEO, Zara Lowien “farmers are adapting every day to changing climate, but can only adapt so far, water security is critical”. 
    “The Outlook modelling scenarios found the Basin will be both wetter and drier, with more extreme conditions with varying impacts and level of uncertainty around the Basin.” 
    “It is absolutely important that we consider climate change as part of the Basin Plan Review, but this needs to be fit for purpose, recognising the uncertainty, and extremes to both wet and dry.” 
    “We are concerned the document has over-generalised headlines, but when you look at the detail, there are a lot of unknowns and uncertainty,” said Ms Lowien. “That’s not to dismiss the work, rather that when Government responds to it, they need to consider its limitations which are very evident in the report.”
    NIC Media release available here]]>     https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/547/MDBA-update.png url https://www.mdba.gov.au/publications-and-data/publications/2025-murray-darling-basin-outlook 2025-11-27 00:53:04     543 1 "He also flagged that the government is closely considering purchasing water from the northern part of the basin for the first time.
    "Recent advice from the Murray-Darling Basin Authority highlights the potential benefits of pursuing water recovery in the northern basin to contribute towards the 450 gigalitre target.
    "While this is not an adopted policy of our government right now, I will work closely with my department in considering this advice.""
    ]]>     https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/543/media-(2).png url https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-13/government-to-buy-back-130gl-for-murray-darling-basin/106007160 2025-11-14 05:56:38     539 1 “At the MDBA’s invitation, Basin Leaders gathered in Adelaide to consider the recently released scientific evidence which found environmental priorities in the Basin have shifted and emboldened participants to work on solutions to move beyond ‘just adding water’”.
    “Stakeholders were focusing on how to achieve environmental outcomes and considering options to reduce invasive species and improve native fish populations, better integrate broader catchment management principles into Basin management, and how to efficiently get water onto floodplains.”
    “The announcement which targets additional environmental water, above Sustainable Diversion Limits and arguably with low environmental utility due to the uncertainty of constraints, was at odds the proactive and productive discussions”. ]]>     https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/539/media-(2).png url https://www.irrigators.org.au/news/media-releases/golden-opportunity-missed-at-basin-leaders-summit/ 2025-11-13 06:32:25     538 1
    There are still many non-flow outcomes needing to be achieved.  The focus must be on getting better outcomes from existing water, by addressing barriers to improve environmental outcomes, including carp management, riparian management, fish screens and fish passage. It is in Australia’s best interest for water policy to focus on shared outcomes not politics into the future. The next MDBP must be a management plan not a volumetric plan. ]]>     https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/538/MDBA-update.png none 2025-11-12 05:19:40     530 1 A new report by the Inspector-General of Water Compliance (IGWC) found: "All 78 SDL resource units assessed for the 2023–2024 water accounting year were found to be compliant." 
    “The report confirms Sustainable Diversion Limits are being enforced and in fact, water diversions are well under these limits,” said National Irrigators’ Council CEO, Zara Lowien.
    “Getting water use below these Sustainable Diversion Limits was a huge feat, and it means 1 in 3 litres of irrigation water are now out of production and remain in rivers.”

    ]]>     https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/530/SDL-graph-2023-2024.png url https://www.irrigators.org.au/news/media-releases/mdb-irrigation-water-use-remains-in-full-compliance-with-sdls/ 2025-08-26 00:20:02     527 1 1. Review of Murray Darling Basin Plan begins
    2. Stronger Enforcement and Penalties Bill 2025 
    3. NRAR enforcement action again BLR user
    4. Water for the Environmental Special Account ]]>     https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/527/NSWIC-post.png url https://mailchi.mp/33518111c71f/nsw-irrigators-council-newsletter-10145781?e=1b3d93be9a 2025-07-31 06:02:01     526 1 Water Management (General) Regulation 2018 under the Water Management Act 2000, accompanied by statutory negotiation guidelines.
    The LNS provides the approach the NSW Government will take when negotiating voluntary agreements with landholders affected by future environmental water deliveries at higher flow levels, or under different regimes, than current operating practice.
    An outline of changes made,  is provided in the What we heard report released May 2025. View the What we heard report, new regulation and negotiation guidelines.]]>     https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/526/Policy-update.png url https://water.dpie.nsw.gov.au/about-us/legislation-and-policies/acts-and-regulations/landholder-negotiation-scheme-regulation 2025-07-31 05:55:08     525 1 https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/525/Water-Allocation.png url https://vimeo.com/1101756891?share=copy 2025-07-30 06:08:57 523 1 2025 Basin Plan Evaluation and the 2025 Sustainable Rivers Audit.
    These are encouraging as it shows progress has been made, but there are still concerns which we are reviewing in partnership with National Irrigators Council. 
    The findings and key insights from this Evaluation will be considered alongside other key lines of evidence as part of the 2026 Basin Plan Review. The Review is an opportunity for the MDBA to consider the evidence, listen to Basin communities and recommend changes to the Basin Plan.]]>     https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/523/MDBA-update.png url https://www.mdba.gov.au/publications-and-data/publications/2025-basin-plan-evaluation-publications-and-information 2025-07-29 03:28:48     519 1 "NSW Irrigators’ Council CEO Claire Miller said it was disappointing that IPART had shifted from the affordable 1.9% plus CPI price rise proposed in its information paper last month."
    “The determination underlines the need for the NSW Government to urgently reform the flawed pricing model and corporate structure driving unaffordable hikes in rural water bills over the last 10 years.”

    For the full story follow the link.
    ]]>     https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/519/media-(2).png url https://www.nswic.org.au/media_release/nsw-farmers-hit-with-8-3-rise-in-water-bills-in-2025-26/ 2025-06-26 05:07:41     518 1 From 1 July, prices will increase by 5.8% plus inflation of 2.4% for bulk water customers. MDBA charges will increase by 0.6% plus inflation of 2.4% and BRC charges will increase by 1.1% plus inflation of 2.4%. All other prices will increase by inflation only.​
    At this stage, the Tribunal is not convinced that all the increased costs proposed by WaterNSW are sufficiently justified as necessary or efficient, or that they should all be passed on the customers. The short determination will allow more work to be done on the broader challenges identified through this price review.
    The GVIA requested a full performance review and analysis of the business structure. ​ ]]>     https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/518/pricing.png url https://www.ipart.nsw.gov.au/documents/final-report/final-report-review-prices-waternsw-rural-valleys-1-july-2025-june-2025?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery 2025-06-26 05:03:37     517 1 AgriEmpower Scholarship Program is an investment in the future of our next generation of changemarkers, dedicated to helping young people enhance their capabilities and unlock new opportunities for growth.
    The program offers financial support, resources, and access to National Farmers’ Federation and Woolworths networks, and a community of like-minded individuals, all with the goal of driving long-term success in the agriculture sector.
    As part of the $400,000 program, 20 scholarships of $20,000 each will be awarded.

    The AgriEmpower Scholarship Program runs for 18 months allowing individuals an opportunity to deep dive into developing themselves and with the support of NFF & Woolworths. ]]>     https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/517/8.jpg url https://nff.org.au/agriempower-scholarships/?utm_source=Dynamics%20365%20Customer%20Insights%20-%20Journeys&utm_medium=email&utm_term=N%2FA&utm_campaign=SN%3A%20AgriEmpower%20Scholarships%20-%20la%20767e42&utm_content=AgriEmpower%20Scholarships%20-%20laun 2025-06-02 00:52:46     513 1 This month's NSW-DQ webinar focused on "Are You Measurement Ready". A recording is available here and responses to questions taken on notice will be available here in the next fortnight.

    Some key take aways:
    • All water users should check their licence and approvals to ensure the details are correct, and ensure they are following their conditions.
    • Water users subject to the mandatory metering condition but eligible for exemption should use the online metering guidance tool and take a record of what exemption they believe they can claim.
    • Metering requirements apply to Unregulated users as well as Regulated.
    ]]>     https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/513/Metering.png url https://nswdpie.tfaforms.net/1329 2025-04-28 06:40:56     508 1
    National Irrigators Council

    NSW Irrigation Council

    National Farmers Federation]]>     https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/508/News-(1).png none 2025-03-28 00:37:01     506 1
    At this time, feedback from stakeholders indicated that the community needed further information on the proposed changes. To address the community's questions, we released a Status Update Document on 17 February 2025, outlining what’s changing and why. Public feedback on this document and the proposed changes is welcome until 6 April 2025.
    ]]>     https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/506/have-your-say-400x300-(1).jpg url https://water.dpie.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/626995/proposed-amendments-GAB-WSP.pdf 2025-03-23 22:42:12     503 1
    a) the social, economic and environmental impact of repealing limits to the cap on Commonwealth water purchases
    b) the risks to the effective implementation of the Federal Water Amendment (Restoring Our Rivers) Act 2023 including unlicensed take of water and options to address these risks such as rules for floodplain harvesting
    c) the impact of Planned Environmental Water rules on the reliability of water allocations in NSW and the Commonwealth's environmental water holdings
    d) the impact of rules-based changes on the reliability of water allocations in NSW, including their impact on different water license categories
    e) the effectiveness and impacts of past water reforms, including community-based water reduction adjustment programs such as the Strengthening Basin Communities program and Murray-Darling Basin Economic Development Program
    f) options to improve future community-based reduction adjustment programs including next rounds of the Sustainable Communities Program
    g) any other related matter. Submissions are Due 14th April 2025. 
    ]]>     https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/503/have-your-say-400x300-(1).jpg url https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/inquiries/Pages/inquiry-details.aspx?pk=3089 2025-03-07 07:28:04     502 1 media associated with wetlands in the NSW unregulated WSP. There has been significant changes to the proposals, a direct result of the feedback from each of you. We thank the NSW water Minister and her department for responding to the feedback they received.
    There are still however newly prescribed wetlands in the Gwydir. Landholders who still have sites on their land, which they do not support as wetlands have until the 23rd March to provide feedback to the department, as the plan is still subject to change through the public consultation period. 
    In addition we will be reinforcing the need for any landholder impacted by these new and all existing wetlands to be directly consulted by the department. Gazetting a wetland without appropriate consultation is not acceptable. 
    The updates on the department website include mapped wetland areas limited to internationally significant Ramsar listed wetlands, those registered in the Directory of Important Wetlands of Australia, any wetlands already receiving protection in the current water sharing plans and wetlands identified as ecologically and/or culturally significant in previously exhibited floodplain management plans.
    People can also attend a webinar from 12.30-1.30pm on Wednesday 12 March 2025 to learn more.]]>     https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/502/DSC_1227.jpg url https://spatialportal.dpie.nsw.gov.au/portal/apps/instant/sidebar/index.html?appid=ab765f574ce74c4a902503e9a0a2b56a 2025-03-04 05:45:07