Federal Member for Farrer David Farley says inaccurate forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology are placing financial strain on Riverina producers. He says a drought outlook made banks cautious and led farmers to hold back planting, even though 2026 is tracking as Australia's wettest El Niño year on record. Mr Farley has urged state and federal environmental ministers to reassess environmental water holdings and release more to irrigation. He also criticised the cost of the Bureau's website revamp, which rose from an initial $4.1 million to $96.5 million.
The Queensland Government has announced plans to unlock 2000 megalitres of water in the Lakeland area, with smaller releases across seven Cape catchments. The move is part of the Unlocking Water Project, which aims to support agriculture and other industries. Cook MP David Kempton said Lakeland farmers have suffered chronic water shortages for years. Minister Ann Leahy said the project would drive agricultural growth and stronger regional economies. Plans for the proposed Lakeland Irrigation Area Scheme remain uncertain, with environmental concerns and opposition from some traditional owners.
Farmers in Tasmania's Northern Midlands are benefiting from an irrigation scheme that took almost 10 years to come online. Farmer Richard Burbury said the scheme arrived at a very timely moment, as this year has been exceptionally dry. The network of underground pipelines spans 150 kilometres and will deliver 25 billion litres of water each year. Tasmanian Irrigation says the scheme is expected to support about $54 million a year in economic activity across the region.
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Copeton Dam has marked 50 years since its official opening. Inverell Mayor Kate Dight says the dam supports the town's domestic water supply, major industries and flood protection. She said the local economy, including the abattoir, Boss Engineering and a pet food factory, depends on the water security it provides. The dam is 54 per cent full, and the council holds a high security licence with WaterNSW, which owns the dam. Council did not plan any celebrations because it does not own the dam.
Federal Member for Farrer David Farley says rice farmers in the Murray Irrigation district face serious losses unless water is released in time. He says the planting window closes in ten days from October 18. Farley wants federal Environment and Water Minister Murray Watt and NSW ministers Penny Sharpe and Rose Jackson to act. He estimates 80,000 to 150,000 tonnes of paddy rice could go unproduced, and 230 to 270 local jobs could be lost in the Edward River Shire.
The Nationals and the Coalition have introduced a bill to ban new Commonwealth water buybacks across the Murray-Darling Basin. The bill would stop the federal government buying permanent Basin water entitlements that would increase its share. Temporary water trading would not be affected. The Coalition has also launched a Water Taskforce, chaired by Shadow Minister for Water Michael McCormack, to hear from irrigators, growers and councils. The taskforce will report to the Coalition ahead of the next federal election.
Gardeners can reduce water use by selecting native plants like grevilleas, banksias and waratahs, which thrive in dry conditions. Improving soil with organic matter helps retain moisture, while drip irrigation systems deliver water directly to roots. Mulching prevents evaporation and weed growth, and watering deeply but less frequently encourages stronger root systems. Timing watering for early morning or evening reduces evaporation losses. Checking for leaks and using quality fittings also conserves water, as sandy soils may require more frequent watering than clay-based soils.
