Talking Water - Tuesday 17 February 2026
This week's contents
Operations
- New Gate Cycling Program starts tomorrow
- Talking Water Data
Business
- EWON team visits Murray Irrigation
- Local Landholders Associations meeting
Industry
- Latest NSW DCCEEW Water Allocation Statement
- Ladies Lunch & Learn - Tocumwal
- Managing Feral Rabbits Workshop - Mulwala
- Rice Industry Field Day - Jerilderie
Operational Update
New Gate Cycling Program starts tomorrow
Murray Irrigation is about to kick off our new Gate Cycling Program, with the first round of testing set to commence tomorrow (Wednesday 18 February).
As mentioned in last week's Talking Water, this proactive new maintenance initiative is designed to regularly test the movement of our remote-controlled outlets and regulators within the footprint to identify potential failures and water delivery delays in gates that are used infrequently.
Customers who are having their gates tested tomorrow have already been contacted. While the risk of failure and water spillage is low, Murray Irrigation has mitigations in place if a failure does occur.
For further information on this program, please contact our Customer Experience team on 1300 138 265 or visit our website here.
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
EWON team visits Murray Irrigation
EWON team members Hayley Gill, Linda Scott and Rosa Krilic pictured last week at the Edward River Escape with Murray Irrigation Customer Service Manager Geoff Mann.
Murray Irrigation was pleased to welcome representatives from the Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON) to Deniliquin on Friday, providing them with a firsthand look at how we deliver irrigation and environmental water throughout the footprint.
It was great to catch up face to face with members of the EWON team, who we have been working closely with regarding soon-to-be implemented changes that will give irrigation customers access to independent assistance for resolving water-related issues.
Due to come into effect in July 2026, these new arrangements represent a positive step forward for trust, transparency and customer confidence across the industry.
We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with EWON and the NSW Government on this significant industry reform.
Local Landholders Associations meeting
Last Tuesday, Murray Irrigation's Shareholder Engagement Manager Emily Small hosted a meeting for Local Landholder Associations (LHAs), with the aim to establish a platform for meaningful engagement and information sharing between the organisations.
This meeting was attended by representatives from the Berriquin Irrigators Council and Wakool LHA.
A key focus of this group discussion was on how LHAs and Murray Irrigation might work together to achieve positive outcomes in the footprint.
It was a very positive meeting, with participants agreeing to meet again in a few months' time.
We thank the participating LHAs for the honest and open discussion.
We look forward to continuing these collaborative discussions with all LHAs through this regular forum, and building strong relationships that will benefit the entire footprint.
Industry News
Latest NSW DCCEEW Water Allocation Statement
The NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) announced yesterday (16 February) that there will be no change in allocations to General Security entitlements for the NSW Murray.
The total cumulative allocation to General Security entitlements remains at 20% for the 2025/26 water year.
You can read the full announcement below.
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Ladies Lunch & Learn - Tocumwal
Southern Growers Inc is hosting a relaxed, welcoming afternoon for women in agriculture, partners in family farms, and women wanting to feel more confident in the business side of farming.
When: Monday 23 February
Where: The Bend Restaurant, Tocumwal
Time: From 11.30am
Enjoy a beautiful lunch while hearing two practical, very real-world sessions:
Cassie Schaffé - Carbon Farming 101
What carbon actually means (without the jargon), what programs are coming, and how it could affect decisions on your farm sooner than you think.
Caitlyn Hiskins - Talking to Your Bank Manager
What banks really want to know, how to prepare for meetings, and how to feel confident asking questions — instead of just sitting quietly at the table.
This isn’t a lecture — it’s about understanding, confidence and starting to be part of the farm business conversation.
Come with a friend, your daughter, neighbour or sister-in-law. No prior knowledge needed — just curiosity.
RSVP is essential for catering.
Contact Stephanie to book your seat: 0417444750 or southerngrowersinc@gmail.com
Managing Feral Rabbits Workshop - Mulwala
Join Murray Local Land Services for this feral rabbit management workshop, where you will learn control strategies, proofing tips, and trapping techniques for properties of all sizes.
When: Tuesday 24 February
Where: 7 Waratah Road, Mulwala
Time: 5.30pm - 7.00pm
At this workshop, you’ll learn:
- The rabbit lifecycle and why populations thrive
- Effective control strategies for different property sizes
- Backyard proofing tips
- Trapping and baiting techniques for larger holdings.
Rice Industry Field Day - Jerilderie
The Rice Industry Field Day is back for 2026 — and registrations are now open!
Join the Rice Extension team at Rice Research Australian Pty Ltd, Jerilderie, on Thursday 5 March for a full day exploring the latest in rice RD&E — including current‑season field trials, new technologies and innovations, and the industry’s pathway towards aerobic rice.
Whether you join the morning field walks, the afternoon presentations, or the full program, there’s something for every grower.
Community News
March Wellness Muster - Berrigan
RGA Landcare is hosting the following workshops at Berrigan in March, supported by funding received through Murray Irrigation's annual Community Sponsorship Program.
Saturday 7 March @ 10.00am - Nature Journalling at The Tank Paddock
Nature journalling is all about taking a creative mini adventure - spotting cool creatures, weird plants, and tiny details, then sketching or scribbling. Just bring a notebook. Some drawing materials will be provided.
Wednesday 11 March @ 8.30am - Yoga and Meditation at Apex Park
Angie Burdge, of River Yoga Pilates, will be taking us for a yoga and meditation session focussing on nature. This event will be outdoors, so bring a mat or towel to sit on.
Wednesday 18 March @10.00am – iNaturalist Workshop at The Tank Paddock
iNaturalist is a free app that helps you identify and record plants, animals and fungi. At The Tank Paddock, we will walk together, take photos, upload to the app, and learn simple tips for getting good species IDs. Every photo you share adds to a biodiversity database that helps scietists and the wider community understand our landscape.
For bookings, contact Local Landcare Coordinator, Andrea Mitchell:
M: 0474 725 719
E: anmitchell@rga.org.au
Murray Irrigation's annual sponsorship activities are made possible through the support of our customers.
