The NSW Irrigators’ Council (NSWIC) is the peak body representing irrigators and irrigation communities in NSW. NSWIC has member organisations in every Murray-Darling Basin valley of NSW, and several coastal valleys, representing over 12,000 water access licence holders.
NSWIC is a leader in sustainable and productive water policy solutions, and advocates for and advises on best-practice water management. Our vision is for the secure, sustainable and productive management of water resources in NSW.
Irrigation provides more than 90% of Australia’s fruit, nuts and grapes; more than 76% of vegetables; 100% of rice and more than 50% of dairy and sugar.
Our irrigators are globally recognised as the world’s most water-use efficient, producing more crop per drop than any other nation. Australian rice growers use 50% less water than the global average, and Australian cotton growers are three times more water efficient than the global average.
Our farmers are also leaders in positive environmental initiatives, ranging from wildlife conservation, carbon management, water efficiency, biodiversity and habitat restoration.
Irrigators are only allocated water for farming after higher priority water uses are supplied, if any water is leftover. This means town water supplies, environmental river flows, drought reserves, and other critical needs, must have their share before water is allocated to grow crops.
During droughts, many irrigators receive very low (or even no) water allocations – but during wet years, high or full water allocations can be made.
