GWYDIR VALLEY IRRIGATORS ASSOCIATION

News & Events

The Water Act Review Interim Report has been released and is available on the Have Your Say page. The Interim Report sets out the Independent Reviewer’s interim findings and recommendations.
Stakeholders are invited to provide feedback to help inform the final stage of the Review.

  • A webinar will be held at 1pm (AEDT) on Friday 13 November 2026. Register to attend here.
  • The webinar will be recorded and made available on the Water Act Review website following the event. Questions can be submitted in advance by emailing wateractreview@dcceew.gov.au.
  • Consultation will be open for 6 weeks, closing at 11.59pm (AEDT) on 17 December 2026.
  • On ground engagement, peak roundtables and stakeholder meetings will take place during the consultation period.
  • The final report will be delivered to the Minister by 28 February 2027.

The Gwydir Cotton Growers Association is hosting their Charity Dinner and Awards evening on Thursday 26th November 2026 at the Town and Country Club Moree from 6:30pm.
This is an opportunity to celebrate the Crop Competition winners and the Service to Industry recipients, people who have dedicated years to helping to make the Gwydir such a great cotton growing region.
The evening is also a chance to raise money to support the Gwydir CGA Medical Scholarship which has for over 25 years been supporting medical students complete placements in our region. This is a critical tool to help encourage medical practicioners stay in our region where there is such a critical shortage of doctors, nurses and allied health professionals.  
Tickets are available on trybooking. 
www.trybooking.com/au/event/1664893

Thirty years of reform in the Murray-Darling Basin (MDB) has focused on ‘rebalancing’ water use. These reforms began in the 1990s, in response to concerns at the time of ‘over extraction’, and the need to tip the balance back towards water remaining in rivers for the environment.
The question is where is that balance now - between water diverted for human uses, and water not-diverted to remain in rivers.
This goes to the original purpose of the Basin Plan. The Report’s key finding is clear: just 23% of available water is diverted for human uses, leaving 77% in rivers, wetlands, and floodplains to support the environment.

Today the NSWIC launched Growing NSW: Irrigated Food & Fibre Calendar 
The calendar highlights the diversity of NSW produce and the ag events at the heart of our regional communities. It supports the position that “Water policy is food policy. The decisions we make about water today will shape our ability to grow food and fibre, support regional communities and provide for future generations,” the full media release is available following.
 Water policy is food policy: NSWIC launches new irrigated ag calendar – New South Wales Irrigators’ Council

If you have good photos to add to the calendar, please send them to gvia@gvia.org.au
Do't forget #irrigationmatters  if you are on social media

This week NSW Irrigators Council launched #irrigationMatters This will primarily be a social Media campaign, please share as our communities and our irrigation businesses do matter, 

“Our growers are not just producing for today – they are investing in the future of Australian agriculture. They are growing the food we eat, the fibre we rely on and building farms they want to hand on to the next generation.

“Water policy must give them the certainty to keep producing for Australia, now and into the future.” Media available here

Video to share here 

Facebook

The August Water Allocation Statement makes no changes to ECA or General security allocations. An account reconciliation reduced the General security balance by 10GL.
The s324 remains in place for access to FPH and Supplementary entitlements, however restrictions are temporarily lifted as there is approximately 264GL in the upper lakes at Menindee. The restriction will come back into force if the upper lakes drop to 250GL. 
There is an average 86% account balance for General Security and a 135% account balance for the environmental allowance. 

The July Water Allocation Statement came out today. No surprises with 0% allocation. There is 449GL in the General Security accounts (88%) and 61GL in the Environmental allowance (135%). High security, Supplementary and FPH licence holders received their maximum 9100%) allocation.
During June approx. 2.1GL of ECA water was delivered. 
In the 2025-26 water year GS began with 69% of entitlement, there were three allocation increments made resulting in total allocation of 67% for the 2025-26 year. There was a useage of approx 39% of entitlement (198GL). Supplementary access licences received 40% of entitlements (72GL).
Good rainfall early in the water year saw Copeton dam storage increase from a starting point of 53% to a leak of 82% with end of year capacity of 60%, 
The full statement is available here for the Gwydir Valley and here for the opening allocations for NSW regulated sources

Water Prices set to soar with over cumulative changes of 33% to 42% over next four years: 
The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has approved water bill increases of almost 50 per cent, excluding inflation, across many NSW valleys over the next four years, despite acknowledging that many customers have limited capacity to absorb them.
Water bills in the Gwydir will increase between 7 and 10 per cent plus CPI each year for the next four years. This is a cumulative change of 33 to 42 per cent over the next four years. 

  •         Typical General Security bills will increase from $18,863 to $26,724 a 9.1 per cent annualised increase.
  •         Entitlement prices will incur an annualised increase of 9.9 per cent for General Security and 6.1 per cent for High Security.
  •         While usage prices will see and annualised 8.8 per cent increase.  
  •         Local Water Utilities in the Gwydir will also see increases.
The full media release is included in the link

Support with FPH obligations

WaterNSW have offered to assist members who are Floodplain Harvesting customers to better understand their obligations under the NSW FPH Policy.

WaterNSW have offered informal one on one sessions, by appointment so that each customer can discuss their specific concern and queries, and address any issues that may exist. This is a practical step by WaterNSW to try and help ensure everyone is ready to go when we get the next FPH opportunity.

The planning is for the week of the 20 July either in Moree (at the GVIA office) or possibly at other sites if needed.

Please contact gvia@gvia.org.au to arrange a meeting. Please include details as shown below such as Registration of Interest (ROI’s) and Work Approvals so we can start to plan sessions. 

Please register by the end of the week 3 July Thank you

ROI
 WA
 Name
 Mobile
 Email
 Preferred Location
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  

The MDBLP brings together people from across the Basin who are ready to work beyond their own interests and contribute to strengthening understanding of how the Basin’s water resources are managed. 
This is a leadership experience designed for people who care about the future of the Basin and the communities, industries and water dependent ecosystems it supports.

You will join a diverse cohort of people from across regions, sectors and backgrounds.

Together, you will build the skills, relationships and mindset to work through complexity, navigate difference and take action where it matters most. This includes engaging your communities, supporting informed dialogue about water use, and helping educate Australians about the Basin’s water resources and the pressures they face . Social Media on the program

WaterNSW is making releases from Copeton Dam to target flows at Tyreel Weir in the Gwydir River. The expected peak flow at the site is about 100 ML/day from 30 May 2026
Additional information is available in the link

Environmental flows update

Environmental flows are currently being released targeting the Gingham. These will last for approximately 6 weeks, or until the Gingham waterhole has filled. 

Easement inundation information for landholders

The Easement Inundation Amendments went through NSW parliament this week, coming into effect on Monday the 18th May 2026. 
Water NSW has provided the following information.


"We recognise the potential for impacts to some landholders in the Gwydir, and are committed to operating in good faith and providing adequate advance notification of any future environment water releases that may affect landholders. 

The environmental water holders will also continue to liaise with potentially impacted landholders, and provide information on the extent, timing, duration and purpose of their watering events. 

To receive notifications from WaterNSW, please sign up to receive ‘environmental water release’ alerts through our Early Warning Network (EWN) platform.  "

Please find included Media from the shadow water minister Steph Cooke MP and our local member, shadow agricultural minister Brendan Moylan MP. 
The media is related to the Water Management Amendment (Easements for Inundation) Bill 2026.
The Opposition moved an amendment to provide for a statutory Deed of Release pathway as an alternative to enduring easements. This would have provided landholders with a more flexible, negotiated and reviewable mechanism, while still allowing environmental watering outcomes to be delivered responsibly. This amendment was not supported by Labor or the Greens. The Bill was rushed through the Legislative Council with the Greens' support on 7 May 2026.
The Bill is now awaiting consideration by the Legislative Assembly, anticipated it may be brought on for debate in the coming days.

A CASE FOR STABILITY IN THE MURRAY DARLING BASIN: THERE’S NO NEED TO REDUCE WATER FROM FARMING
* 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.

The NSW DCCEEW announced s324 water restrictions are in place as of today the 17th April 2026.
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

FPH storage classification

Some members with FPH licences will not be using all storages in their works approvals to take water when the opportunity occurs. If this is the case you will need to make these storages inactive, now referred to as "classified as not taking licensed water".
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:

Classification of Works

Entitlement holders in the Gwydir will have received letters regarding works Classifications. We have requested that additional information be provided to you to assist in completing the classification of works. In preparation, we suggest you register on the WaterNSW customer portal.

  • 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

The MDBA will be meeting with community outside Brookers Trading on Balo St for 2-4pm on Monday 30th March

The GVIA will be hosting the MDBA at our office at 10:00 am on Tuesday 31st March - Please join us. 

The key messages are detailed in the attached file. In summary
-  No Rule Changes, compulsory acquisition is not appropriate
-  No more water from Agriculture, 72% of water is already for the environment
-  Community supported constraints must be completed, the NSW government must be held accountable
-  Complementary measures such as carp control must be implemented
-  Infrastructure must be updated at Menindee and to provide critical needs
-  Socio-economic impacts must be recognised appropriately
-  The Gwydir SDL do not need adjusting 


The MDBA will be meeting with the Gwydir CGA on Monday the 16th March. Some of the key people from the MDBA will be present to talk through current issues and the Discussion Paper.
This will be at the Social Co-House in Moree on Monday 16 March at 3.00 pm to 4.00pm.
For more details and information please reach out to Georgina on secretary@gwydircotton.com.au

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.

The GVIA are currently looking for a Project and Policy Support Officer. 
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

In partnership with the NSW Government, TAFE NSW has launched a free, 3-hour online course designed to fast-track qualified tradespeople into becoming duly qualified persons (DQPs). DQP's can: 

  • 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. 

The NSW Government has announced 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

Farmers in the Basin are calling on the Federal Government to escalate water security for agriculture as a priority, following the findings of the Basin Outlook, 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

"More water rights in the Murray-Darling Basin will be purchased from farmers and irrigators in a renewed push by the federal government to return 450 gigalitres of water to the environment.".....
"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.""

The New England North West AI Forum, in association with Telstra, and supported by Moree Business Chamber, is a must-attend event for regional businesses ready to harness the power of artificial intelligence. Hear from leading voices from across the region and beyond as they share their expertise and answer your questions. 
Unlocking AI: Tools, Tactics and Transformation 
Date: Wednesday, 19 November 2025 
Time: 10:45 AM to 2:00 PM (includes networking lunch) 
Venue: Social Co House, 157 Balo Street, Moree NSW 
Tickets: Register Here 

“This was a missed opportunity for Minister Watt to put politics aside and send a strong message about refocusing the Basin Plan on outcomes, not just numbers” said NIC CEO, Zara Lowien. 
“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”.

MDBA

The Murray Darling Basin Plan 2012 has achieved its goal to reduce diversions to Sustainable Diversion Limits delivering a healthy working basin with optimised social, economic and environmental outcomes. The Basin Plan Evaluation notes that flow-based outcomes have been achieved, there’s no need for more water as 72% of river flows are for environmental purposes.

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.

NIC media release.
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.”

NSWIC July Newsletter includes information on the following:
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

The NSW Government has declared the Landholder Negotiation Scheme (LNS) as an amendment to the 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.

GVIA Celebrates 30 years

This month we celebrated the 30th anniversary of the creation of the GVIA following a motion from July 1995 proposing to bring the irrigation associations of Biniguy / Moree Water Users' Association, Carole/Gill Gill Water Users' Association, Copeton / Biniguy Spray Irrigators' Association, Gwydir Co-operative Ltd and the Mehi / Moomin Water Users' Association together to form the Gwydir Valley Irrigators Association. The intention was to "employ and take any necessary action to promote the interests of the irrigators in the Gwydir Valley."


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