Water users across New South Wales are facing excessive, unaffordable and unsustainable
price rises unless the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) significantly
revises its draft prices for WaterNSW, according to New South Wales Irrigators’ Council
(NSWIC).
IPART released draft pricing for regional and rural bulk water in March, proposing capped
price increases of up to 10 per cent per year plus inflation, which NSWIC says is too high in
the current operating environment.
NSWIC CEO Dr Madeleine Hartley said the proposed increases come at a time when
irrigated agriculture is already under significant pressure from rising costs, declining production
forecasts and ongoing uncertainty around water availability.
“In this environment, ABARES is forecasting winter crop production in NSW to decline by 37
per cent to 11.7 million tonnes in 2026-27, leaving production 12 per cent below the 10-year
average,” Dr Hartley said.
“Growers across the state are being squeezed from all sides by rising production costs,
tightening margins and increasing uncertainty about water availability.
“At a time when Australian families are facing significant cost-of-living pressures, now more
than ever before, we’re seeing the importance of securing local food and fibre production.”
Dr Hartley said NSWIC is calling for a price cap of five per cent per year, inclusive of inflation,
across all inland river valleys and the Hunter Valley, and inflation-only increases for water
users on the North and South Coasts.
“IPART’s pricing determination must reflect the on-ground realities our growers are facing
today, not the operating conditions of years gone by,” Dr Hartley said.
“Market volatility extending well beyond the farm gate is the new normal and global influences
are having a significant impact on agriculture production and Australia’s food and fibre
security.
“Water is essential for food and fibre production, and pricing decisions must ensure farm
businesses can remain viable into the future. Put simply, our farmers cannot afford the price
increase IPART has proposed,” Dr Hartley said.
To read NSWIC’s full submission, visit https://www.nswic.org.au/water-pricing/
