7 September 2026
The NSW Irrigators’ Council (NSWIC) has today launched #IrrigationMatters, a new statewide campaign highlighting the critical role irrigation plays in Australia’s food security and regional communities, while calling for water policy that protects productive agriculture.
NSWIC CEO Dr Madeleine Hartley said #IrrigationMatters comes as federal and state governments continue to progress major water policy reforms, at the same time as a recent NSW Audit Office report highlighted critical gaps in how water is managed in NSW and the cumulative impacts of regulatory changes affecting water users.
“The decisions governments make about water policy reform today will shape what Australia can grow tomorrow,” Dr Hartley said.
“Irrigators are working within a broken system, dealing with the combined impacts of ongoing water recovery, endless reform, complex regulation, rising water and production costs, and growing uncertainty about their future.”
Dr Hartley said the consequences extend well beyond regional Australia.
“Irrigation matters to all Australians – from the food on supermarket shelves to the jobs and businesses that keep regional communities thriving.”
“Irrigation is an investment in Australia’s food security, economic resilience and cost of living.”
Australia relies heavily on irrigated agriculture, often without consumers realising it. Irrigation produces more than 90 per cent of Australia’s nuts and grapes, more than 76 per cent of its vegetables, 100 per cent of its rice, and more than half of the nation’s dairy and sugar.
Dr Hartley said Australia does not have to choose between healthy rivers and productive agriculture because Australia’s irrigation achieves both.
“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 CONTACT: Anthea Gregory | 0493 968 631
Dr Hartley is available for radio, TV and print interviews, with NSWIC farmers from coastal and inland NSW also available. Reach out to Anthea on 0493 968 631.
