PLANS are under way for a new irrigator-led party to challenge the Coalition in Mallee and Farrer at the next federal election.

Southern Riverina Irrigators chair Chris Brooks said water would be top priority for the new party, which was yet to have a name or be registered.

Three seats held by The Nationals — Anne Webster's Mallee, Michael McCormack's Riverina and Damian Drum's Nicholls — wo...