GWYDIR VALLEY IRRIGATORS ASSOCIATION

News

General security (GS) licences and the Environmental Water Allowance (EWA)  in the Gwydir regulated river water source have received an allocation of 1% of their entitlement. Since the last assessment, rainfall has continued to elevate inflows above minimums and losses remain lower than the budgeted volume resulting in the 1% allocation increment. Inflows into Copeton Dam in June were 18.1 gigalitre (GL) and downstream tributary inflows added about another 3.0 GL to the system. Total essential supply demand was about 1 GL, and general security usage was approximately 1 GL. There were no EWA orders in June. Water currently available to GS water users totals 469.7 GL, or an average 92% of entitlement. The Environmental Water Allowance (EWA) account balance is about 89 GL or about 199% full.

The program outlines the proposed strategic purchasing framework for the $100mill available to purchase aboriginal water. It will be delivered under an interim governance arrangement. The Commonwealth will hold entitlements until an enduring governance mechanism is designed. This governance mechanism will eventually take over the management of water entitlements acquired during the interim period. The Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water will commence purchasing entitlements under an interim governance structure that includes an Advisory Group and a Directorate composed of aboriginal People. The structure aims to ensure decision-making is culturally and commercially informed

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) has published the What We Heard Report from recent consultation on delivering the 450 GL.  

The report is the departments summary of feedback received on the Draft framework for delivering the 450 GL of additional environmental water.  It forms part of the department consultation.  
For a more detailed assessment the department website includes their: 

The North West Regional Strategic Pest Animal Management Plan was developed through consultation with a range of stakeholders. This plan covers 10 established pest species such as deer, pigs and rabbits.  The NSW Governments are looking for your input through a survey or via a submission.

Read the North West Strategic Pest Animal Management Plan and share your insights and feedback by completing the survey, answering the quick poll and/or uploading a submission by Monday 8 July 2024.

Please find included the May newsletter from NSW Irrigators Council. The newsletter provides updates on the Connectivity Panel Interim report, the National Water reform, the federal budget and metering. 

Expressions of interest open for the Murray–Darling Basin Community Committee

The Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) is seeking expressions of interest from individuals to serve as members of the Basin Community Committee (BCC). Established under the Water Act 2007, the BCC plays a vital role in advising the MDBA and the Murray–Darling Basin Ministerial Council on issues relating to water management in one of Australia’s largest river systems. MDBA Chief Executive Andrew McConville said members of this Committee will provide essential input to governments as full implementation of the Basin Plan progresses and the Authority prepares for the 2026 Basin Plan Review.  “We need people with diverse views and experiences from right across the Basin to lend their voice on water and environmental management,” Mr McConville said.
Up to 6 vacancies will be appointed by the Authority for this round. They will commence in April 2025 for up to 3 years, offering a rewarding opportunity to contribute meaningfully to Basin-scale water management decision-making.

Nominations close 11:30 pm on Sunday 14 July 2024. Information is available from The MDBA Careers page

Moree AgTech Breakfast

The Moree AgTech Breakfast will be on Wednesday 19th June from 7:30 - 9:30am
Supported by UNE SRI and Cicada Innovations, the breakfast will delve into the future of agriculture, showcasing the power of technology and innovation in transforming Moree's and Australia's agricultural landscape.
Panellists include Oscar Pearse (Director of NSW Farmers Association), Lachlan Elworthy (Agronomist McGregor Gourlay), Jack Rickers (Hiringa Energy, green hydrogen), Sophie Venz (President of Young Aggies) facilitated by Brooke Sauer (owner & director of IntellectAg). Following the TED-style talks will be interactive discussions, Q&A and breakfast. 

Cost: $20

Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/moree-ag-tech-breakfast-tickets-895726230267?aff=oddtdtcreator

Water NSW have offered to provide members an opportunity for a pricing session. This presentation will provide an overview of the revenue cap and price cap options. This meeting is an opportunity for members to gain a better understanding of the proposals and to clarify or answer any questions members might have. The meeting is scheduled between 1:30 and 2:00pm on Monday 3rd June 2024. 
________________________________________________________________________________
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Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 484 138 118 191                        Passcode: g4mxGj

Dial in by phone

+61 2 8318 0010,,325704447# Australia, Sydney

Find a local number  Phone conference ID: 325 704 447#

General security (GS) licenses in the Gwydir regulated river water source have received a further allocation of 4% of entitlement. The Environmental Water Allowance (EWA) has similarly increased in accordance with the water sharing plan rule. Cumulative general security allocation for 2023/24 has now reached 15% of entitlement.
Water currently available to GS water users totals 447.1 GL, or an average 88% of entitlement. The Environmental Water Allowance (EWA) account balance is 87.6 GL or 195% full.
General security water users can expect full access to their carried over account water, but no new allocation will be announced on 1 July.  
Floodplain Harvesting water access licence holders can expect a 100% allocation 1 July 2024.
Supplementary water access licence holders can expect a 100% allocation 1 July 2024. However, access to this water is subject to periods of declared supplementary flow.
Storage levels (as of 7 May 2024) • Copeton Dam is about 64% full – holding 878 gigalitres (GL).

Current indications are that, due to generally good water availability including modest levels of extraction and likely good river flows associated with highly connected systems, all groundwater licence categories across all groundwater sources are likely to receive full or near full allocation on 1 July 2024 for the water year 2024-25.

Business NSW are conducting a re-run of the Workplace Law Training for Business Zoom webinar this Friday 17th May at 10am. It is free to register as a member of Moree Chamber of Commerce.
This is the 'blurb' to intro the webinar: Due to overwhelming popularity, we are excited to announce that we will run the Expert Industrial Relations Guidance: Workplace Law Training for Business webinar again, in partnership with Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors. Learn invaluable insights into the recent changes in workplace and industrial relations laws following the passing of the Closing Loopholes Bills.

You can register here:

https://businessnsw.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Vb226DQxTGKZnZUYN8iCdQ#/registration

On the 1st and 3rd of May the NSW Government hosted two webinars on the Northern Connectivity Panel interim report.
The Recordings of both webinars are available online.
Throughout the webinars we attempted to gain some clarity as to the proposals, including how the recommendations were decided upon. At this stage we have not received current data which would enable us to analysis the impacts. 
As soon as we have an understanding of what this means for each of the various entitlement categories, we will let you know. 

The NSW Irrigators Council April 2024 newsletter provides updates on issues important to irrigators across the state including;
The Connectivity Panel interim report
National Water Agreement
Water Market reform and
The Murray Darling Basin Update

Today the NSW Government released the Connectivity Panel Report for the Northern Basin. We are currently reviewing and analysing the report. 
The DCCEEW will be hosting two webinars on the report proposals to enable the panel to present their findings and recommendations and take questions from stakeholders. .
Webinars (please follow the links to register)

About the speakers
  • Peter Hyde, Director Inland Planning, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
  • Amy Dula, Chair, Connectivity Expert Panel

WaterNSW have made a Supplementary announcement below Boolooroo Weir, and finally also on the Gil Gil. Given the volume of water flowing in the northern part of the Valley we hope that there will be further announcements. They however are too late for many. This raises some real concerns and the GVIA are working with NSWIC to try to get a more appropriate outcome going forward. 
NRAR were on ABC Radio News this morning indicating that they will be monitoring FPH on the Gwydir and Northern Rivers.  Please ensure that you have a compliant primary meter before accessing any FPH.
NSW FPH Measurement Policy 

The NSW Government have released their Non-urban metering what we hear report. The main issues raised were:
- Availability of DQP's
- Call for greater flexibility and
- Simplification
- Cost of compliance. 
The report focuses primarily on the survey responses, but does acknowledge issues with need to ensure data system and equipment standards are "fit for purpose". 
For FPH: "Just over half of submissions (n=15) received recommended that the floodplain harvesting measurement policy be reviewed to ensure that it is practically effective, arguing that it is impractical and not currently fit-for-purpose." More details are available in the report. 

Subject: Floodplain Harvesting – Water Supply Work Approval under the Water Management Act 2000.

DCCEEW have recently written to many members reminding you that you have a floodplain harvesting (FPH) work which cannot be included in your FPH water supply work approval (WSWA) because:
1. they do not have a Flood Work approval from WaterNSW
and/or
2. they require permission to occupy from Council, Crown Lands, or privately owned lands.

You will need to obtained the appropriate approvals or licences (lawful occupation, flood work approval or compliant with the legislation). You will then need to apply to WaterNSW to amend your WSWA to include these works. 

Application forms and supporting documents are available on the WaterNSW website.

We would encourage members to action changes if needed as soon as possible.

If you wish to discuss your situation further, please contact the approvals unit at floodplain.harvesting@dpi.nsw.gov.au.

NRAR have indicated that they will be commencing a floodplain harvesting compliance campaign in the Gwydir. Members with licences to floodplain harvest can expect to receive a call from NRAR in the coming weeks.
NRAR will be checking on the progress you have been able to make with the installation of their equipment. This provides you all an opportunity to express the issues associated with progressing towards compliance and share any evidence of challenges, which may include issues with supply, installation or suitability to fit the policy to your operation.  

Christmas office hours

THe GVIA office will be closed from 22nd December 2023  through to 8th January 2024.

For any urgent inquiries, please call the office mobile numbers. 

NRAR issued the following media release today confirming the NSW Government has two sets of rules for irrigators with water users with floodplain harvesting licences being treated inconsistently to all other water users - having no ability to nominate individual points of take and alternative systems, when a primary measurement device is not yet operable. Thus confirming the NSW Government intends to undermine the integrity of the process of issuing floodplain harvesting licences in the Gwydir Valley.

https://www.nrar.nsw.gov.au/news/water-users-cant-harvest-from-floodplain-during-wet-period-unless-they-have-compliant-meters

Information on NRAR's website on FPH Compliance is below

The department has updated the survey benchmark standard and guidelines. The 2 methods now available are: 

  1. Method 1 - AUSPOS (preferred option) 
  2. Method 2 - CORSnet–NSW post-processed static baselines (existing) 
AUSPOS is free and provides fast and easy online post processing services. It is also widely used by surveyors. Landholders have the option to have their surveys uploaded to the State Survey Control Information Management System (SCIMS). Benefits to uploading your survey data to SCIMS includes making adjustments to benchmarks if they have moved, without having to resurvey, saving you money over time. 

Following are links for more information on surveying curve guidelines and survey benchmark guidelines. 

Public works will be delivering workshops for surveyors in late february. If you require further information or assistance, you can contact the measurement team at: metering.reform@dpie.nsw.gov.au

The Regional Skills Relocation Grant assists regional NSW businesses in identified industries attract skilled and specialised employees from NSW metropolitan areas, interstate or internationally, to regional NSW.
Grant amount: Up to $12,500
Application closes: 15 December 2023
The Regional Skills Relocation Grant aims to:

  • support economic growth in regional NSW by supporting businesses and organisations to find and attract skilled workers to live and work in regional NSW 
  • fill regional job vacancies
  • increase the strength, diversity and size of regional economies.


This program is funded and administered by Department of Regional NSW.

Despite a concerted effort by NSWIC, NIC and NFF on Thursday 30th November the Controversial Water Amendment Bill. Labour did deals with the greens and cross benchers to pass a bill which has not had any regulatory impact assessment done on it and has removed to critical socio-economic considerations initially tied to the 450GL enhanced environmental outcomes for the southern connected system. 
This means the 5GL over-recovery from the Gwydir can now be attributed to the 450GL. 

On the day the various Senate reports on the Water Amendment Bill were released, we thought it might be time to re-release Cold Fish. A humorous take on the serious issue of Cold Water pollution and the detrimental impacts it can have on native fish populations. It is disappointing that the Government is not considering complementary measure as a critical element to improving the health of our rivers. Instead, the Bill is focused on removing social economic considerations, removing the cap on buybacks and on chasing 450GL without regard to the environmental measures it was intended to achieve.  

THe NSW Government are currently reviewing the non-urban metering framework. Submissions are due Sunday 26th November. We would appreciate any feedback you may have to include in our submission. 
The primary areas where we will be focusing are: The Data Aquisition System (DAS) and the issues associated with its functionality, Flood Plain Harvesting the practicality of the policy and the barriers to compliance, Availability of Duly Qualified Persons (DQP's) and availability of suitable meters. 
The issues and options discussion paper is available at the included link.

Gwydir Valley Gwydir Valley Channel Capacity Constraints
18 October 2023
WaterNSW advises customers in the Gwydir Valley that if conditions continue to remain dry, demand is expected to exceed channel capacity throughout the upcoming summer irrigation season. Channel capacity restrictions will occur on the Lower Gwydir below Tyreel Regulator and are also likely to affect the Carole/Gil Gil Creek and Moomin Creek.
Rostering of available water will need to be implemented as was last experienced in 2017/18. Further information on individual licence unit shares that WaterNSW will utilise to implement channel capacity rostering will be provided at a later date.
Water orders can be placed by accessing iWAS at https://iwas.waternsw.com.au/iwas/login.iwas
Water ordering information can be found at the WaterNSW website https://www.waternsw.com.au/customer-services/ordering-and-trading/ordering-water
For account enquiries please contact 1300 662 077.

Recently the GVIA submitted to the Natural Resources Commission review into the Gwydir Regulated Water Sharing Plan. The Submission included a range of recommendations covering how the plan contributed to environmental, social, cultural and economic outcomes. We raised concerns regarding the use of section 324 temporary restriction orders, FPH zones and trade limitations, channel capacity and the need for the Minister’s decision regarding supplementary water events to rigorously assess the potential for small supplementary flows in the Gwydir to contribute to the Barwon-Darling requirements. The GVIA recommended that there needed to be greater certainty for stakeholders around these limits and decisions to implement any limits or restrictions to supplementary access, to achieve Schedule 2 outcomes, a framework should be established as part of the long-term planning arrangements. 

The GVIA submission included 9 recommendations. In principle the extension of the time frames is constructive, there are however so other issues which are concerning. The following recommendations were included in the submission;

The GVIA recommends that over-recovered water be returned to the Valleys where it was acquired to enhance the sustainability of the environment and the communities within those valleys. We do not support the allocation of water that cannot contribute to environmental outcomes in the southern connected system being allocated to the 450GL water for the environment.
The GVIA recommends that socio-economic criteria for all programs under the 450GL target remain.
The GVIA recommends the reinstatement of the 1,500GL limit on water purchases.
The GVIA recommends the removal of “from time to time” to be replaced with a fixed time period, aligning with the completion all other measures within the Murray Darling Basin Plan (2012).

DCCEEW hosted webinar about the Water Amendment Bill 2023 on 11 October 2023.

The webinar ran for 90 minutes with panel representatives from DCCEEW, MDBA, CEWH, BoM, ACCC and IGWC.
Questions raised during the webinar will be answered in the near future. Additional information from the department is available here

The Water engagement roundup is a live monthly webinar update about ongoing and upcoming engagements and consultation on important water policy, reforms and programs for NSW. This month we focus on the NSW Groundwater Strategy.


Date: Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Time: 11:00 AM Australian Eastern Standard Time (New South Wales)

Duration: 1 hour

The NSW Government have developed a Metering and Measurement Virtual Marketplace for water users to find and connect with installers and suppliers of non-urban metering and floodplain harvesting measurement equipment.  

The NSW Government has committed to reviewing domestic and stock rights as part of the NSW Water Strategy (action 1.6). This survey is part of phase 1 of the review, which is focused on gathering and sharing information through community engagement.  Feedback received through the survey will help the government understand the level of awareness of domestic and stock rights and how these rights are understood, used and perceived. A summary of the findings of the survey and how they will inform the review will be published on our website.

The Habitat Action Grants are funded from the Recreational Fishing Trusts which direct revenue generated by the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee towards onground actions to improve fish habitat and recreational fishing in NSW. 
Angling clubs, individuals, community groups, local councils and organisations interested in rehabilitating fish habitats in freshwater and saltwater areas throughout NSW can apply for grants of up to $40,000.
Habitat rehabilitation projects which may be funded include:

  • removal or modification of barriers to fish passage
  • rehabilitation of riparian lands (river banks, wetlands, mangrove forests, saltmarsh)
  • re-snagging waterways with timber structure
  • removal of exotic vegetation from waterways and replace with native species
  • bank stabilisation works.


Grants are open until the 29th of September 2023

Water Currently Available for Temporary trade
The GVIA have available 16 ML (megalitres) of Lower Gwydir Groundwater allocation for sale. You can bid in price/megalitre by emailing lou.gall@gvia.org.au before 5pm Tuesday, 31st October 2023. The buyer will be required to cover the WaterNSW fee of $332.88 (GST Free) and the GVIA transaction fee of $55.00 (Inc GST).

 CottonInfo’s three key focuses are to:

  • Improve the rate and reach of R&D adaption and adoption
  • Enable successful cotton industry expansion
  • Respond to biosecurity threats and assist in the event of natural disasters
The Role

With the incumbent moving on, there is now the need for a replacement CottonInfo Program Lead. Reporting to the CRDC GM Communications and Extension and working closely with the joint venture partners, the role is responsible for leading the extension program and supporting a team facilitating the adoption of R&D in the Australian cotton industry.
The CottonInfo Program Lead is responsible for shaping, implementing and delivering against the CottonInfo strategic plan in this execution role, influencing the team delivering key information to market.
This includes delivering on KPI’s around:
  • Leadership
  • Achievement of goals
  • Implementation of campaigns
  • Facilitating engagement with industry  

The Peter Cullen Water & Environment Trust invites applications from people who are actively involved in water and environmental science, systems, advocacy, policy or management, to participate in our unique Leadership Program. This transformative Program is designed to foster courageous leaders who will drive the sustainable and equitable management of Australia’s waterways and natural environments. The PCT Leadership Program enables participants to develop their leadership capabilities, communication skills and ability to drive change.
Limited to 16 participants, this remarkable journey significantly changes the clarity, confidence, shared vision and strategic capability of each participant, and enhances their capacity to take up leadership roles within their organisations and communities. 

Applications for the 2024 Leadership Program are now open, and will close on 15 October 2023. The 2024 Program will run across two sessions: 17-22 March 2024 and 19-24 May 2024. Further group work and meetings will occur online between these two sessions.

To apply for a position in the Program, please read the information provided in the links, prepare your application material, and submit via the online application form prior to the closing date. To apply you will need a current CV, statement of claim addressing the selection criteria, two current referees, and your ‘pitch’ for why you are the right match for this Program.

Applications are open for the Australian Rural Leadership Program (ARLP), the flagship program of the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF). Over 30 diverse leaders from across rural, regional and remote Australia, come together for a series of unique and immersive experiences to develop their leadership capabilities. The program takes place over 15 months and develops the capacity of individuals as leaders in ways that are transformational in many, using face-to-face experiential learning supported by online engagement and peer-to-peer mentoring.The program will commence in June 2024 and finish in September 2025 (four sessions with over 40 contact days). For more information about the ARLP, visit https://rural-leaders.org.au/programs/australian-rural-leadership-program/
TO APPLY: You need to apply via our online platform - https://apply-rural-leaders.smapply.io/prog/australian_rural_leadership_program/. You will need to register first.

The Australian Farm Data Code (the Code) was developed and adopted by the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) in consultation with industry, and with support from the Australian Government. 
The Code is intended to inform the data management policies of product and service providers who manage data on behalf of farmers. It is also a yardstick by which farmers can evaluate the data terms and policies of those providers.
Benefits to farmers include:

  • increased awareness and understanding of the ways in which providers are collecting, using, and sharing their farm data;
  • a framework to compare providers and inform negotiations about data terms and policies; and
  • improvements to industry-wide data practices over time.
Benefits for service providers include: clear and agreed guidance on data policies and a helpful framework to inform discussions with farmers about data.

Funding from the NSW Government through the NWLLS Has enabled the GVIA to manage the Gwydir Valley Strategic Pest Management Initiative. The aim is to assist landholders monitor and manage feral pigs in the Gwydir Valley. The most effective management of feral pigs involves a co-ordinated regional approach. As part of the project we are providing Gwydir Valley producers support for feral pig management. To get this support please complete the attached form and forward it with a copy of pig control invoices to Lou Gall at the GVIA office. 

The Australian Government has announced consultation into ideas and ways to finalise the Murray Darling Basin Plan. 

The Gwydir Valley has 5,000 ML of environmental water over the legal requirements for the Basin Plan and the consultation open at the moment presents an opportunity to highlight this and the inequity that exists for the region who has over-recovered water compared with regions that have progress still to make. 

DPE are hosting one-hour, on-on-one (in-person) session to help develop property measurement plans for floodplain harvesting.  

Venue: Moree Services Club, 3 Albert St, Moree

Time: 9:30 am to 5.00 pm 

Dates: Tuesday 27 June to Thursday 29 June 

Available times: 

  1. 9:30 am to 10.30 am
  2. 11.00 am to 12.00 pm
  3. 1.00 pm to 2.00 pm
  4. 2.30 pm to 3.30 pm
  5. 4.00 pm to 5.00 pm. 


There are four bookings available for each time listed above, offering a total of 20 sessions per day. 

Register to attend a session.

WaterNSW are seeking views from customers and the community regarding water pricing values and outcomes for 2025-2030.  
Considering it is water users that must pay for these outcomes and values, it is important that your views are received and understood by WaterNSW.  To make that happen we ask you to take the time to complete the survey.
The GVIA and other Customer Advisory Group members will have the opportunity to have input into this process but it starts with this survey. 

Users with meters but no telemetry - if you have installed a compliant meter, your water usage is recorded by your local intelligence device (LID) to be downloaded once a year by the customer field officer.

There is only a requirement to report that usage monthly if telemetry is not installed - this can be achieved via iWas, or via the online the reporting options.

1. Online reporting form
2. PDF reporting form to be returned to WaterNSW



Users who have pumping conditions (likely unregulated water users) - if you have a cease to take condition on your licence or work approval, you must complete a 'cease to take conditions do not apply form' when taking water.

This form must be kept on file with any other reporting requirements, for up to five-years.  

This recording requirement is in addition to any recording and reporting requirements for your water take, which is explained in the the other posts - Reporting - meters without telemetry and reporting - when there is no meter requirement.  

Users who do not need a meter  - if it is determined via a DQP or via the use of the metering guidance tool that you do not need to install a meter, you are still required to record your usage, including BLR if relevant, and that cease to pump conditions do not apply and report this annually.

1 Record your usage both licenced and any BLR using the annual recording form.
2. Notify of your intention to take basic landholder rights.
3. Report take within 28 days of the end of the water year by submitting the required pages of the annual recording form to WaterNSW. 

Users with meters who also want to take basic landholder rights - if you have installed a compliant meter and wish to take basic landholder rights (BLR) water (which is under reasonable use guidelines and is not licenced stock and domestic) through your licensed work, recording and reporting obligations apply whether you have installed telemetry or not.

1. Inform the intention to take BLR through the licenced work via the 'confirm your intention' form and record when it is being taken.

2. Report take via (a) iWas (b) online reporting form or (c) a PDF of the reporting form. 

Users who have approved works that are active but you do not intend to take any water - if you are planning on not taking any water during specific months or throughout the year, you can indicate to WaterNSW you do not intend to use your work.  

If you decide to use your work, you can then revert to the appropriate metering recording and reporting requirements.

Complete this 'pause water take' form to inform WaterNSW that you will not be taking licenced water, this will then make you exempt from recording and reporting requirements.  

Complete this 'pause BLR water take' form to inform WaterNSW that you will not be taking any BLR (basic landholder rights for stock and domestic purposes which is unlicensed), this will exempt you from recording and reporting requirements. 

We are delighted that our Project Officer, Lou Gall has been awarded a new opportunity to enhance her governance education as part of the Women’s Regional Rural & Remote Diversity Scholarship in partnership with @Australian Institute of Company Directors and with the support of the @Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet’s Office for Women. Lou starts the program next month. #scholarships #governance.  
There are a range of future scholarship opportunities available via the AICD website.

Following recent rainfall, WaterNSW have announced a 10% supplementary event for most sections of the rivers.  If water users do not intend to take supplementary water, please contact WaterNSW so that can be reallocated.
See WaterInsights update for details.


NOTE: following this event, Tareelaroi Weir is again out of action to complete the refurbishment works required.  This will mean you will not be able to order General Security or High Security allocation downstream of the weir until the works are complete.  This is planned to require around 7 weeks, up until end of May.

NSW Government has extended the Farms for the Future grants which are available in our region.
These grants provide opportunities to upgrade your farm ag technology and connectivity improvements.
You must complete an online training program and farm plan to be eligible. Note also this program can be used for selected government telemetry connectivity and selected secondary devices for floodplain harvesting measurement.

The GVIA currently have a couple of water parcels available for temporary sale including the following;
- 16ML Lower Gwydir ground water 
- 51ML Lower Gwydir ground water
- 30ML General Security
If you are interested, please forward an EOI to the GVIA

Monday 20th March - Learn about your local river, its cultural heritage and the creatures that call it home.
Join CottonInfo for a FREE, FUN and INFORMATIVE kayak trip at Moree's Tareelaroi Weir. You will hear from aquatic experts, entomologists and ecologists about what animals contribute to natural pest control in your region and what you can do to manage their habitats. 
Presenters: Simone Heimoana (CSIRO entomologist) – Pest Suppressive landscapes, Dr Rhiannon Smith (UNE ecologist) – Valuing biodiversity and how best to revegetate floodplains Dr Susan Fuller (QUT ecologist) – Innovative acoustic monitoring technology David Preston (DPIE) – Environmental flows and river management, Rodney Price (NSWDPI ecologist) – Fish Screening program, Jay Barnett (OzFish unlimited) – River Repair Bus, Kerrie Saunders (Yinarr-ma) – Cultural Heritage and bushtucker

Sundown Pastoral Company would like to invite you to join them for the 2022 Bayer Grower of the Year Field Day at Keytah, Moree on 21st February 2023 from 10am.

 Industry-led panel sessions will explore: 

1. Carbon and Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

2. Customer expectations along the value chain.

3. The power of Supply Chain Traceability.

4. Adaptive Agriculture and Innovative Solutions for Growers

5. Practical Applications and Field Innovations

Please see your invitation included. A detailed agenda is available here.

Could you please share this information with your network as this will be a fantastic day where all aspects of the cotton supply chain from field to fabric will be explored. .

We hope to see you there! Please RSVP for catering purposes.

Link to RSVP: https://forms.gle/L2FuBvymtxNgmuK16

Event Webpage: https://www.sundownpastoral.com.au/field-day/

The Australian Government Long-term Trials of Drought Resilient Farming Practices Program is open. The program will support grants valued up to $8 million per grant. The program will fund innovative and transformational practices that have the potential to positively influence (socially, economically and/or environmentally) the efficiency, productivity, and sustainability of Australian farms from the impacts of drought and climate change. 
Projects will test, refine, and demonstrate the effectiveness (or otherwise) of yet to be proven farming practices in a robust scientific manner. The testing of these practices will underpin and assist to drive widespread adoption through increased evidence and by providing farmers with the confidence and information they need to try the practices themselves.

Expressions of Interest (EIO) for the Regional Job Creation Fund are open. Attracting new investment to the regions and boosting job security will be the focus of the next round of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government Regional Job Creation Fund. The Regional Job Creation Fund will provide grants for regional businesses to expand operations and attract interstate and international businesses to relocate to regional NSW. 
Eligible businesses can apply for grants of between $100,00 and $10 million for projects such as replacing plant equipment, upgrading technology and ensuring businesses that might otherwise have to relocate can remain based in regional areas.
Expressions of Interest for Round Three will close 5pm Monday, 6 March 2023.  Successful EOI applicants will be invited to submit detailed applications from May 2023.

The Gwydir regulated river water allocation update for January has just been released.
There has been  improvement in the Gwydir regulated resource allowing for general security water allocation to increase by 11% of entitlement. The increment tops up account balances overall to 759 gigalitres (GL), or approximately 149% of entitlement. Environmental Contingency Allowance (ECA) is topped-up to its maximum limit requiring just 0.95 GL.
Rainfall in December 2022 was below average across the Gwydir catchment, with Copeton Dam receiving about 25 mm of rainfall in December, and storage inflows totalled about 10 GL.

The GVIA AGM will be held on Thursday 9th February 2023 at 3:00pm in the GVIA Office 100 Balo St Moree. 
The meeting will also be available to members via teams. 
The AGM will be followed by a general meeting.  

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