One of Australia’s leading irrigators has been recognised in Australia Day honours for his contribution to environmental water.

Citrus farmer Col Thomson has represented irrigators in the Curlwaa region of south-west New South Wales for decades, and even sat as the inaugural chair of the National Irrigators Council in 2008.

Mr Thomson was given the Order of Australia Medal for services to environmental water management and community advancement.

He said water management has changed since he first got involved.

“We can't continue like we did 30 and 40 years ago where the only issue was supplying water for agriculture,” he told the ABC.

“We have moved on and so have the majority of irrigators. Now we've got to think about the environment as well.

“The challenge for us is to get the balance right... exactly where the balance is I'm not sure. I don't think anyone knows where it is.”

Mr Thomson became a jet-set advocate for water issues nationwide in the early 2000s, as the farmers he backed came under constant pressure from the environmental movement.

But he says a lot of that scrutiny was warranted.

After years of hard work to balance the emotive and divisive conflicts of land water, Mr Thomson says he has stepped down from all boards and is looking to sell his property.

He says he looks forward to watching future water fights unfold from the comfort of a rocking chair.

In another coup for the agricultural community; the breeder of the famous Pink Lady apple variety was named an Officer in the Order of Australia.

John Cripps AO was given the nod for his “distinguished service to primary industry through internationally renowned, innovative contributions to the agriculture and food sectors, and to the community”.