RGA MONTHLY ROUND-UP | April 2026
President's Update
Rice yields across the districts have been strong, and grain quality has been excellent. This is a credit to the skill, resilience and professionalism of rice growers across the industry.
While this season has been far from easy, it is the alarming, short and mid-term prospects that make for conversations. The risen cost of fuel, lack of fertiliser and water has significant impacts on farm margins, even with our world’s best yields. Means to alleviate these cost pressures continue to be raised and promoted by the RGA, and we are keen sponsors of the NFF to do the same at every opportunity. We advocate for practical policy settings that recognise the real on‑farm challenges growers face, knowing from my own farm, the very real effects.
With the Farrer by‑election approaching, the RGA has prepared a summary document to help members understand where key issues affecting rice growers and regional communities are being discussed. As always, the RGA works hard to advocate for your rights and interests. I encourage members to stay informed, engage with the process, and make considered decisions that support the future of our industry and our region.
Click here to read the > Farrer By-Election Candidate Summaries
Basin Plan Review
The Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia (RGA) has submitted its official response to the Basin Plan Review.
This submission represents the collective voice of rice growers and outlines our concerns, priorities and recommendations to ensure a balanced and practical approach to Basin water management.
View the full RGA submission via the link below.
Have your say on waterway approvals
Have you tried to get planning approval for works to protect or rehabilitate your riverbank from flooding?
As part of the Riverbank Rehabilitation Project, Local Land Services is undertaking work to understand the challenges landholders experience when seeking approvals for waterways and riverbank works across NSW.
This project includes an anonymous survey to capture insights into the time, cost, effort, and approval processes that landholders navigate when undertaking riverbank rehabilitation works, and to identify where improvements could be made to better support landholders in the future.
The survey is open to people in NSW who have:
· applied for waterways approvals
· started but not completed an approval process
· undertaken works without approval
· considered works but decided not to proceed.
If this applies to you, we encourage you to complete the survey.
The Riverbank Rehabilitation Project is jointly funded by the Australian Government and NSW under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements
Survey closes 17 May 2026
Murray–Darling Basin Leadership Program
The Australian Rural Leadership Foundation are looking for 24 people from across the Basin to join the first cohort of the Murray–Darling Basin Leadership Program.
This is your chance to be among the first to take part in a new leadership experience designed for people who care deeply about the future of the Murray–Darling Basin and the communities, industries and environments that depend on it.
Berrigan Community Events
Over the past month, RGA Landcare has had a strong community focus in Berrigan, with several on-the-ground activities and collaborative projects taking place.
In late March, a small but enthusiastic group gathered along the Yanco Creek for in-stream planting, establishing more than 300 wetland plants. The day was rich in conversation, learning and connection, with participants enjoying rewarding work in a beautiful setting. The outing wrapped up on a memorable note, with volunteers attending fireworks in Jerilderie that evening.
In April, Andrea Mitchell from RGA Landcare joined the Jeithi Jerilderie Aboriginal Group as a guest speaker for a native planting and campfire yarn afternoon on the Billabong Creek. Twenty-seven volunteers attended the afternoon, from toddlers to teenagers to those in their seventies. The event brought together cultural knowledge and environmental action, with insights shared on the benefits and traditional uses of three species, the quandong, emu bush and butterbush. The afternoon concluded with a relaxed campfire, complete with freshly cooked Johnny cakes.
Behind the scenes, work has continued in partnership with the Berrigan Conservation Group and Tidy Towns Committee, supporting the design and planning of a native garden around the town's water tank mural.
Discovering Sandhills Event
On Thursday, 16th April, thirty‑two landholders, community members and natural resource management professionals from across the Murray and Riverina gathered at Wanganella for the inspiring Sandhills Woodlands Tour, hosted by RGA Landcare and proudly sponsored by the Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT).
The day took participants out into the field to tour three sandhill sites, comparing and contrasting what healthy, biodiverse sandhills look like, and how degraded landscapes can be improved through active management. The focus was on sandhill biodiversity and the practical steps that can help landscapes thrive.
