On 15 July 2026, the Department for Environment and Water (DEW) announced that the Class 3 (High Security) water allocation for the 2026-27 water year will be 100 percent.
As the projected minimum allocation announced on 15 April 2026 was greater than 50%, the carryover of unused allocations from 2025-26 will not be available in the 2026-27 water year.
More details can be found here
Renmark Irrigation Trust Water Trading Strategy 2026/27
Renmark Irrigation Trust has endorsed a Water Trading Strategy, effective from 1 July 2026.
The Strategy has been prepared to meet the water market transparency requirements under Part 5A of the Water Act 2007 and provides a public statement of the trading-related activities RIT may undertake, administer or facilitate.
In practical terms, the Strategy records the circumstances where RIT may deal with eligible tradeable water rights for operational purposes, member/customer services, conveyance and delivery requirements, carryover and allocation management, risk management, surplus water management, operational water needs and the efficient administration of member transactions.
RIT’s usual activity is in South Australian River Murray Class 3 irrigation water, including the SA Murray trading zone and connected Murray-Darling Basin interstate trading zones where trade, lease, parking, carryover or transfer is permitted.
The Strategy also identifies the types of processes that may be used where trading activity is required, including internal member processes, brokers or intermediaries, exchange platforms, tenders, auctions, expressions of interest, competitive processes, negotiated transactions or another lawful process approved under RIT delegations.
RIT may update the Strategy from time to time, with any change affecting the scope or intent of the activities covered by the Strategy to be announced and reported where required.
The Strategy can be viewed here
Renmark Irrigation Trust has confirmed the appointment of James John as Chief Executive Officer.
The appointment supports the Trust’s continued focus on reliable service delivery, responsible infrastructure management, sound governance and long-term support for the Renmark irrigation district.
RIT Chair Humphrey Howie said the Board was pleased to confirm James in the role and looked forward to working with him and the broader team.
“James has demonstrated a calm, practical and disciplined approach during a period of transition for the Trust,” Mr Howie said.
“He understands the importance of RIT’s operations, the responsibility we have to our members, and the need for clear decision-making, strong governance and constructive engagement.”
Renmark Irrigation Trust has played an important role in the Renmark district since it was established in 1893. Today, the Trust continues to manage essential irrigation infrastructure and provide services that support irrigators, local productivity and the broader community.
James said it was a privilege to step into the role and continue serving the region.
“I am grateful for the confidence of the Board and look forward to continuing to work closely with our team, members, industry and partners in service of our region,” James said.
Looking ahead, the Trust will continue to balance day-to-day service delivery with the longer-term planning, infrastructure renewal and regional collaboration needed to support the future of irrigation in Renmark.
Due to a staff meeting the Trust Office will be closed between 9-10am on Tuesday 9 June
Our team works across multiple locations, roles and operating hours in Renmark. It is important that our team comes together once a month to meet and share updates across our respective work areas.
To allow for this, the Main Office will open at 10am on the Tuesday following the Trust’s monthly Board meeting. This will usually be the final Tuesday of the month, although this may vary.
These meetings help us stay connected, aligned and better placed to support our customers. We thank you for your understanding.
RIT supports the Renmark ANZAC Day Dawn Service which will be held at 6:00am on Saturday 25 April at the Renmark Cross of Sacrifice.
We invite the community to come together in remembrance of all those who have served and sacrificed for our nation.
CCW Cooperative is running a FREE ‘Farming for the Future Workshop and Expo’ at Berri on Wednesday 29th April 10am to 4pm.
Farming for the Future with Confidence is a grower-focused workshop and expo designed to support informed decision-making during a period of structural uncertainty in South Australian agriculture, particularly in regions facing wine grape oversupply, rising water costs, and changing market conditions.
Come along to hear from ag-tech providers, growers and industry representatives. Lunch is included.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/farming-for-the-future-with-confidence-tickets-1985023916971
More details: https://farmingfuture.com.au/
In early March the RIT Operations team carried out a crane lift to replace the PS Industry’s generator. The team — Dave Wilson (crane operator), Mitch Jones (dogman), and Reece Curtis (observer) – successfully lifted and manoeuvred the generator safely into the bottom deck of the paddle steamer.
Well done to the team on another safe and well-organised lift. The super team of volunteers at the PS Industry were really thankful for our assistance.
The Trust office will be closed for Easter from 4.00pm 2 April until 9am Tuesday 7 April.
For emergencies please ring (08) 8586 6050
Have a safe and happy Easter
The Trust office will close at 4.30pm Tuesday 23 December, and reopen at 9am on Monday 5th January
PLEASE NOTE: Ring 8586 6050 for any urgent matters during this time as we have staff rostered on to deal with emergencies.
Water can be booked by phone from 8.30am to 10.30am each day or you can book anytime via our online water orders page https://orders.rit.org.au/
We hope you have a great Christmas and look forward to seeing you all in the New Year.