Talking Water - Tuesday 10 March 2026
This week's contents
Operations
- Preparing for Winter Works
- Talking Water Data
Business
- AgriWomen Connect conference
- Community in Focus feature
Industry
- Basin Plan Review Community Meetings
- Preseason cropping update - Finley
- NSW Sheep and Goat eID Equipment Rebate Program
Community
- International Women's Day Lunch - Conargo
Operational Update
Getting ready for Winter Works
As Murray Irrigation starts preparing for this year's Winter Works program, customers may notice a few more vehicles moving around channels and access tracks.
At this early stage, crews are mainly delivering materials and getting sites ready ahead of the planned works. This includes placing materials near channels and access points. This activity will increase as we move further into the Winter maintenance period.
Safety is our top priority, so please keep an eye out for vehicles and machinery on roads, bridges and channel banks.
We appreciate your cooperation as we get the system ready for Winter maintenance.
You can read more about Murray irrigation's Winter Works program here.
Customers can also view the maintenance area and scheduled maintenance year for your outlets via the 'My Outlets' tab on your Customer Portal.
Talking Water live data
Live data for Murray Irrigation water delivery, channel flow, Water Exchange temporary trade and DCCEEW water allocations is available on our Talking Water
Data webpage below.
To see the latest data for Murray system storages and rivers, including dam heights, visit the Murray Darling Basin Authority's River data page.
Additional resources
MDBA weekly report
NSW Water allocation statements
Rainfall and evaporation
Barmah Choke trade balance
The information and data provided in Talking Water is for general reference purposes only. We take best endeavours to ensure accuracy.
Business News
AgriWomen Connect conference
Gemma Plattfuss, Anna Atkinson, Anna Jewell, Frieda Rose (MIL), Felicia Chalmers, Amy Lolicato, Alli Haynes (MIL) and Lauren Noonan (MIL) at last week's conference.
Murray Irrigation was privileged to be in the room at the AgriWomen Connect Food, Fibre and Farming conference last week, celebrating the spirit and smarts of females in the agriculture industry.
The two-day conference, hosted at the iconic Whitton Malt House, brought together women from a range of industry backgrounds to share their insights and experiences of working in ag and examine strategies for success.
There were good news stories to inspire, wellbeing tips to absorb and valuable skills to enlighten - including an interactive workshop on the practicalities of farm business.
The program also included a guided tour of the Southern Cotton ginning facility, as well as some valuable networking opportunities including the Paddock to Plate gala dinner.
It was an awesome learning and collaboration opportunity for our team to be a part of and, even better, to be experiencing everything the conference program had to offer alongside some wonderful Murray Irrigation customers!
Community in Focus feature - Berrigan Football Netball Club
We're happy to bring you the latest instalment in our Community in Focus series.
This time we're featuring the Berrigan Football Netball Club - or the 'Saints' as they are affectionately known in the local community.
This fantastic sports club, which is a recipient of Murray Irrigation's 2025/26 sponsorship program, is brimming with heart and energy, and has lots to be proud of.
Find out more about the 'never say die attitude' that has been driving the Saints for well over a century.
And here's to another great season of footy and netball ahead!
Murray Irrigation's annual sponsorship program is made possible through the support of our customers.
Industry News
Basin Plan Review Community Meeting
The Murray Regional Strategy Group is hosting a Community Meeting to seek input for its submission to the Murray-Darling Basin Plan Review.
The organisation invites all irrigators, riparian landholders, small business owners and interested community members across the NSW Murray Valley to participate.
There will be two opportunities to have your say, as follows:
- An open forum on Tuesday 24 March at Deniliquin Golf Club, from 1.30pm, OR
- An online session on Thursday 26 March, from 10.00am.
The MRSG submission is being prepared by experienced water consultant Claire Miller, who will address both meetings.
Chair Geoff Moar will also explain the MRSG submission process and the work that is being undertaken to ensure a strong submission that raises issues with the Basin Plan that have impacted the region.
Read more in MRSG's media release here.
Preseason cropping update - Finley
Looking for practical, local advice to get your winter crops off to the best start?
Come along to Murray Local Land Services' preseason cropping update to hear leading agronomy experts share research and on-farm findings:
When: Wednesday 18 March
Where: Finley Returned Soldiers Club
Time: 9.00am - 12.00pm
This session will cover:
- Challenging and improving farming systems at the whole farm scale - Greg Condon, Grassroots Agronomy
- Cereal disease update and considerations - Brad Baxter, NSW DPIRD
- Herbicide resistance update - John Broster, Charles Sturt University
- Legumes, nitrogen and profit: lessons after seven years of farming systems research in Southern NSW - Mathew Dunn, NSW DPIRD
- 2025 Finley cropping trial results – Southern Growers
NSW Sheep and Goat eID Equipment Rebate Program
The NSW Government has announced a new rebate program to help sheep and goat producers, as well as livestock agents, buy electronic identification (eID) equipment.
Eligible producers and agents can receive 50% of the cost back, up to $1,500, when they buy a handheld eID reader.
This program is now open.
Visit the program website (below) for key information, eligibility requirements, and to start the application process.
Applications close on 31 August 2026, or earlier if the program’s funding is fully allocated.
Community News
International Women's Day Lunch - Conargo
The theme for this International Women's Day lunch is 'Stories of Community and Strength'.
When: Sunday 15 March
Where: Conargo Hall
Time: 12.00pm - 2.30pm
Cost: Tickets $60 pp (tables of 8)
The program will include:
- A panel conversation featuring local community members who have each contributed to our community in meaningful ways
- Shared storytelling that highlights lived experiences, challenges, and achievements
- Opportunities for connection through informal conversation and community interaction
- Light refreshments and lunch provided.
