In ThIs Issue:

Improved Technology

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201

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No

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IRRIGATIONAusTrAlIA

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SPRING 2011 3

CoNteNtS

Chairman's Report 4

Ceo's Message 4

From the editor 5

Irrigation technology: Agriculture 8

Irrigation technology: Urban 12

Around Industry 15

the Big Issue 26

IAL News 32

Smart Approved Watermark 37

Irrigation Research 38

training And Professional Development 40

Business Feature 45

NPSI Irrigation Insights 46

Standards 51

State Roundup 52

ICID Insights 54

New Products And Features 56

Policy Feature

the National Water Initiative driving

policy development 16

Delivering investment in irrigation infrastructure 19

Coalition policy update 21

Irrigation expands in tasmania 22

More irrigation the key to the ord’s future 24

Planning for a healthy working basin 28

Please, sir, I want some more 30

Improved technology Feature

Guide to self-cleaning filters 48

technology key to modernised irrigation schemes 50

FeaTures

regular ITems

oN tHe FRoNt CoVeR

Bill Chilvers and Leanne Sherriff check soil structure

in an irrigated pea crop in the Coal Valley, tasmania.

Photographer M. Rae

12

24 54

10

Water saving technologies help nursery

future

WeLCoMe

44 ·

chaIrman’s reporT

It wIll soon be time for our AGM and for board elections. with a couple of members standing aside this year, nothing would be more rewarding for me than to see a strong field of candidates vying for the vacancies. Active competition for a seat on the board would be a sign that members are not only interested in IAl but keen to get the best possible mix of directors running it.

so what is involved in being a director of IAl? In addition to attending quarterly meetings, board members participate in off-line discussions on matters of strategy and policy. They also act as a sounding board for executive staff on irrigation issues about which they have knowledge. This may mean an in-depth discussion on a topic or simply a referral to another IAl member with expertise in the area. There are, however, a number of additional responsibilities for board members as a result of being directors in a not-for-profit entity. These have their origin in company law.

Firstly, directors must act in good faith and with due care and diligence. IAl’s members must be able to take it on trust that directors will use the information they are given – information not available to members at large – to look after their best interests. This means ensuring the organisation remains solvent, that it works towards the objectives set down in our constitution and that it complies with all legal and common law obligations. Although day-to-day responsibility for making these things happen is delegated to the permanent staff, it is the board that is ultimately responsible for their success or failure in the eyes of the law.

to enable directors to meet the various obligations, they must separate themselves from the interests of the company, region, specialist group or area from which they come. This is probably the most important, yet hardest, task to perform. As chair, for instance, I would be doing the membership at large a great disservice if I only championed the interests of sA. we are often asked to think laterally and to break down the divisions between the functions we perform, but as a director it is important to erect barriers to keep things compartmentalised. This is an essential part of ensuring that we work for what is good for IAl (and hence the industry as a whole) rather than what is good for the individual or the company we work for.

Recent court cases have strengthened the obligations of company directors, especially in the area of financials.

Previously, directors could allow a finance sub-committee to take responsibility for analysing and reporting on the organisation’s performance. now, all directors are expected to properly understand and question financial reports. This should not be seen as an onerous duty. Rather it sets up a two-fold obligation: firstly, for directors to adequately review financial material and, secondly, for the board to ensure directors have the necessary skills to understand the material presented to them. This means that training for board members is just as important as training for IAl’s staff.

Another important task is regular review. The board’s December meeting is used as an opportunity to review progress towards our strategic plan – not just to tick off on achievements, but to check its relevance, adjust for changes in the operating environment and fine tune our objectives. each meeting opens with a director-only session, which gives directors a chance to talk about how IAl, the board and staff are performing, and closes with a formal meeting review where a board member examines our performance during the meeting. This year we also hope to introduce an annual review of directors to look at how each of us has performed and to identify any areas where we can increase our skills to better serve IAl.

when you see the call for nominations have a look at the list of continuing and retiring directors. Consider the skills you can bring to the board and whether your name should be on the ballot paper. If there is someone else you feel should have a go, give them a tap on the shoulder. but make sure you tell them why you think they should stand. The board is also very interested in attracting younger members to stand. This will help not just to broaden our age profile, but will also give them some very useful experience for their own career development.

If you want to find out more, give one of the current (or previous) directors a call to talk over their experiences. Ultimately, the best prospects for IAl lie with the best possible board. And missing out in the ballot should not be seen as a loss, rather it should be taken as a healthy sign that the voice of the members has been heard.

Peter ToomeIAL National Chairman

IrrIgaTIonausTralIa

IAL NAtIoNAL oFFICePo Box 863, Mascot NSW 1460

P (02) 8335 4000 F (02) 8335 4099

www.irrigation.org.au

Ceo Ian Atkinson

PUBLISHeR

www.commstrat.com.au

SYDNeY

Level 12, 99 Walker Street

North Sydney NSW 2060

t (02) 8923 8000 F (02) 8923 8050

MeLBoURNe

Level 8, 574 St Kilda Road

Melbourne VIC 3004

Po Box 84, Hampton Vic 3188

t (03) 8534 5000 F (03) 9530 8911

eDIRoRIAL

editor: ANNe CURReY

Creative Director: timothy Hartridge

Graphic Designer odette Boulton

ADVeRtISING

Sales Director Brian Rault

e brian.rault@halledit.com.au

t (03) 8534 5014

ADVeRtISING

Advertising in this journal is managed by

Hallmark editions on behalf of Irrigation

Australia Limited. Irrigation Australia Limited

takes no responsibility for the technical

accuracy of article content. All contact

with businesses and organisations about

advertising is made by Hallmark editions

sales staff, who must identify themselves and

the fact that they work for Hallmark editions

on behalf of the IAL. No special consideration

will be given to any advertisers as far as

editorial content or front cover material is

concerned. Decisions about editorial content

and the front cover are the prerogative of

the editor and the National Board of the IAL.

Advertising enquiries should be directed to

the sales director.

SPRING 2011 5

Hello to All our members and friends. This is my first column in the journal and I’ve got to tell you I am really enjoying the early months in this job. I am also very conscious of the fact we need to demonstrate our value to members and deliver an organisation of which you can be proud. I firmly believe that this can be achieved by focussing on our strengths and aiming to do less things but doing them better!Bring on the debates – no seriously!even in the two months since I joined I’ve come across a number of issues within the membership that deserve open and constructive debate. These are issues that arise partly because our membership is so broad, ranging from inner city to ‘back of bourke’, small contractor to multi-national, research scientist to practising farmer, and everything in between.

I would like to see some serious but informed debate on issues of concern to our members, big and small, because that is part of a healthy democracy. one of the obvious places for this debate is in this magazine. so the challenge is for you to contact either me or the editor, Anne Currey, to discuss your idea then put pen to paper. we won’t publish anything libellous or seriously damaging to industry interests but there is a still lot to discuss. to get the ball rolling I would pose the question “Under what circumstances should a certified irrigation designer lose their certification?”new office in mascot and staff changesYes, as you read this the IAl support office (note the new name, and please no more reference to head office) will be operating from premises in Mascot just a short distance from sydney Airport. Hornsby just didn’t make sense anymore with me being based in Adelaide for the foreseeable future and the office so far from the airport. If you are in the area please call on 02 8335 4000 to organise a visit, and if you are from out of town the team can probably even find a desk for you to work at should you have the need. Helen Horrigan decided not to move with us to Mascot and we wish her well for the future. so we now welcome Jodie Porter to the team in the new position of member services and trevor le breton is to be congratulated for finding a great new team member for the new office.

strategic plan for 2011-12If you are wondering where we are going this year then please see the article on page 26. Plans aren’t everything but as sid Dyer remarked at the recent brisbane meeting, “If you don’t plan then failure comes as a surprise”, and I don’t intend to fail.roles of ceo and gmwith a new team being built to run your association it is appropriate to look at the roles of key staff so at the recent board meeting the split of responsibilities was decided. My portfolio as Ceo includes; industry development officers, special interest groups, advocacy, technical issues, research and development, organising and program committees for all conferences, ICID representation, regional chairs, and IAl representative on various boards and industry bodies.

trevor le breton is now the general manager and his portfolio includes; company secretary, administration, finance, member services, professional development/events, certification, marketing and communications, it&t, and conference and expos – sponsorship and marketing.

The IAl is fortunate in that it has a committed membership and a great team of staff. I’m sure we can look forward to a successful 2011-12 for your association.

Ian AtkinsonCEO

ceo message

edITorIal

Welcome to the spring edition of Irrigation

Australia.

As you leaf through the magazine, you

might notice that there is something different

about its look. We’ve decided to give the

format a bit of a “spring clean” as we’ve

had the old design for quite a while. our aim

in refreshing the magazine’s look mainly

has been to make it easier for you to read,

hence the larger typeface. We also wanted

to give it a more up-to-date look. What do

you think? Do you prefer the new look

and are there any more changes you

would like to see incorporated? I would

love to hear from you.

this issue has been a challenge to put

together as for the last 3 months I have been

on a volunteer assignment in Laos. It was a

terrific experience and I met lots of amazing

and inspiring people working in circumstances

that at times are extremely hard. I came back

to Australia with a new appreciation of how

lucky we are here. thanks to IAL for coping

with the communications from afar and for

being so encouraging.

While it might not be terribly exciting,

water policy sets the context for irrigation,

and as a result influences everyone from the

manufacturing and service sector right through

to the end user. In this edition we have a

close look at policy in Australia, with articles

from the National Water Commission, MDBA,

the tasmanian Government and the Federal

Government and Coalition.

New IAL Ceo, Ian Atkinson gives an update

on the IAL’s strategic plan and which activities

will be given priority in the next 12 months.

We also learn a bit more about Ian in our Up

Close column.

of course, we have all the regular columns.

I have tried to source articles that are technically

informative and relevant to our members. thanks

to all those authors who have contributed.

I hope you all enjoy this issue. If you are

going to Irrigation Australia Conference at

Launceston, say hello. I enjoy catching up with

members and readers and getting feedback on

how I can improve your magazine.

Anne Currey

Editor in Chief

IrrIgATIon AusTrAlIA: FrIend or Foe?After reading the Chairman’s Message in the winter edition of IAl’s Journal (Vol 26), I had to reflect on whether IAl is a friend or foe. I say that because it’s my sense that the Mr toome’s message would have given succour to a whole range of people who see irrigators as the enemy.

Mr toome implies that delivery partners are only motivated by a desire to charge an admin fee; that only farmers with “a quick eye for a bargain” will seek to be included under the umbrella of the Private Irrigation Industry operators Program (PIIoP) or the on-Farm Irrigation efficiency Program (oFIeFP); and that PIIoP and oFIeF funding is in effect a “hand-out”; nothing could be further from the truth.

Delivery partners accept significant contractual obligation and risk under the terms of the funding agreements they enter into with the Commonwealth and doing business with the Government is never easy. The farmers involved in CICl’s PIIoP have all had to argue the merits of their on-farm projects with CICl and their bank managers, and in the context of their whole-farm plan, and many engaged the services of local agronomists to do so.

PIIoP and oFIeF are not handouts; the funding that accrues to the participants is conditional upon a return of water entitlement with specified ‘deliverables’ and adherence to detailed reporting requirements. but then again, Mr toome would know all this.

Mr toome’s real purpose is revealed in his last paragraph, and I have no problem with an argument for further funding in the areas of research, development, extension and adoption because water is not the sole input into even irrigated agriculture. I do, however, take exception to the chairman of IAl writing in a way that might undermine public confidence in hard-won programs and which implies that those that accepted the challenge of being delivery partners are in some way less local, less trustworthy and less interested in solutions than farm advisors (especially those certified by IAl).

In sum, at the very time the irrigation industry needs to be sending consistent messages to Government, the mixed signals in, and tone of, the Chairman’s Message are disappointing.

John CulletonChief executive, Coleambally Irrigation Cooperative limited

goT An opInIon on An IrrIgATIon Issue?

we’d love To hear whaT you ThInk aBouT an Issue In The

IrrIgaTIon IndusTry – any Issue. send your leTTers To anne

currey, edITor oF IrrIgaTIon ausTralIa, emaIl

AnnE@nAturAllyrEsourCEful.Com.Au

Don’t keep it to yourself – write a letter to the editor and tell us what you think.

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SPRING 2011 7

tHe tHReAt of drought and diminishing water reserves over the last decade has forced a closer look at the use and conservation of water around Australia. water use efficiency became a major driver for change, both privately and commercially, across a variety of industries. Alternative water sources and investment in new technologies began to receive attention in the search for ways to save water.

like many agricultural industries, the Australian nursery and garden industry, which suffered a downturn in business due to the drought and water restrictions, investigated options for saving water. nursery managers wanted to know how they could increase irrigation efficiency and reduce water use without losing production or increasing operating costs. It had been suggested that this was possible in some nurseries, which indicated an opportunity to investigate improving efficiency in irrigation systems and scheduling practices further.

A project completed in 2007 by the former Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries with funding from the nursery and Garden Industry Australia and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry national landcare Program investigated retrofitting nursery irrigation systems with more efficient technology, and assessed the associated costs and potential financial and water savings.

following industry standards the key to saving waterIt was found that as a result of retrofitting, the average water saving was between 27 and 46% in

production nurseries, with those reliant on potable town water saving more than $16,000 a year (see table 1). one nursery reduced its town water use from 70 to 13%, cutting town water costs alone by $19,000 a year. Another nursery that didn’t depend on town water was faced with the prospect of running out of water, but was able to reduce irrigation by 27%, effectively securing enough water to continue production.

before the retrofit, only 10% of growing areas met the nursery industry standards for irrigation efficiency. After the retrofit, all areas surpassed the industry standards. Increasing application uniformity and providing a consistent regulated application rate allowed for more precise irrigation scheduling, leading to drier growing areas, fewer plant deaths and reduced weed establishment.

The extent of savings was found to depend on a nursery’s water source and how inefficient the old irrigation system was. Importantly, it was not a particular piece of technology that provided the water savings; rather, the key to success was following the best management practice guidelines

and principles as outlined by nursery and Garden Industry Australia. In the course of the project, different technologies were combined to provide the most efficient irrigation system to suit each nursery’s requirements.

Identifying where to make improvementsAreas for possible improvement in a nursery can be identified by conducting a walk-through survey and assessing the irrigation system. The parameters that should be checked include application uniformity, flow rates, line pressures, lateral line spacing, sprinkler height above the crop, crop type, plant water requirements, water source and quality, and run-off collection capacity.

In some cases, minor upgrades can have a major impact on water use, such as replacing sprinklers to suit plant requirements or using pressure reduction valves. However, at some point, no amount of money spent on an old, ad-hoc system will improve irrigation efficiency. A complete re-design may be needed in these instances. The new irrigation system

8

teCHNoLoGY: AGRICULtURewaTer savIng TechnologIes help nursery FuTure

It’s often been said that while improved technology plays an important role in improving water use efficiency, just as important are systems designed to meet the needs of each particular situation, the skills of the manager and good irrigation practices. the results of a recent project confirmed this

table 1: effects of irrigation system retrofits for four production nurseries

Assessment criterion

Nursery 1 Nursery 2 Nursery 3 Nursery 4

Water source town/dam Dam town/bore town/dam/bore/recycle

Retrofit investment

$77,594 $38,240 $78,196 $220,000

B/C ratio 3.2 1 2.8 3.7

Change in annual business profit

$24,070 $831 $16,375 $89,463

Water saved 9.4 ML (43%)

6.5 ML (27%)

4.4 ML (46%)

20.8 ML(37.5%)

table 2: Change in irrigation application efficiencies

Irrigation

system

Co-efficient of

uniformity (%)

Scheduling

co-efficient

Mean application

rate (mm/hr)

Industry standards > 85% 1 – 1.5 10 – 20 (system

dependent)

Nursery 1 old 47 – 82 2 – 7 6 – 13.1

New 86.5 – 95.9 1.1 – 1.4 8.6 – 10.7

Nursery 2 old 61.1 – 90.7 1.65 – 5 13.6 – 50.6

New 86.5 – 92.8 1 – 1.4 8.4 – 12.2

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SPRING 2011 9

design should meet current production requirements and should have some capacity for future expansion.

Improving water use efficiencies through a properly designed irrigation system and matching irrigation scheduling with plant requirements can have a range of benefits. Direct financial savings can be made in relation to water use, electricity for pumping, fertilisers and chemicals. There may also be savings in labour from reducing the time needed for crop and nursery maintenance.

seeing is believingAt the beginning of the project, one nursery manager was sceptical and did not believe substantial improvements could be achieved. However, by the end of the project, he was astounded by the benefits he could see.

Crop quality and uniformity noticeably improved, there were fewer dead plants, pests and diseases, and fewer herbicide and fungicide applications were necessary.

before the retrofit, he was considering closing the brisbane-based nursery and moving further north owing to the pressures of water restrictions and maintenance costs at that time. now, the retrofit has provided a new life for his business and he intends to remain at his current location for many years to come.

The concept of water use efficiency may seem obsolete now with the recent floods and current water availability but we should not underestimate the unpredictability of the Australian climate. nor should we forget that an efficient irrigation system and following best standards can return considerable savings and benefits beyond simple water conservation.

InformationFor more information contact David Hunt at email david.hunt@deedi.qld.gov.au, or download a report on the project from the nGIA website’s publication section at www.ngia.com.au

As well as saving water a number of other potential benefits were identified from retrofitting. These were: • The efficiencies gained by the new

irrigation system allowed greater use of alternative water sources and much less use of town water.

• The significant water savings gained from the new irrigation system dramatically reduced the pressure on dams to supply the required water, which was particularly beneficial in recent dry climatic conditions.

• New irrigation systems provided an

even distribution of water, resulting in more uniformly grown plants, a decrease in the number of plant throw-outs and savings in variable costs and labour inputs.

• New irrigation systems required less water pressure, thus reducing wear on pumps and pipes and providing significant savings in electricity costs.

• The efficiencies gained resulted in a much drier plant area, which is likely to reduce conditions for disease.

• The drier plant areas provide a safer, more efficient working area for staff.

retrofitting doesn’t just save water

10

teCHNoLoGY: AGRICULtURe

davId hunT, scIenTIsT (waTer & energy), lIFesTyle horTIculTure producTs and servIces, deparTmenT oF educaTIon,

economIc developmenT and InnovaTIon, cleveland Queensland

csIrosTorms

Decreasing autumn and winter

rainfall over southern Australia has

been attributed to a 50-year decrease

in the average intensity of storms in

the region – a trend which is forecast

to continue for another 50 years,

according to the CSIRo.

these changes are due to reductions

in the strength of the mid-latitude jet

stream and changes in atmospheric

temperatures. the jet stream

comprises fast moving westerly

winds in the upper atmosphere.

the CSIRo research, based on

observations and climate modelling,

centres on the changes in southern

Australian winter rainfall linked to

atmospheric circulation changes

that are directly associated with

storm formation, and particularly rain

bearing lows and frontal systems

crossing southern Australia.

It has identified the historic

relationship between the reduction

in the intensity of storms, the

southward shift in storm tracks,

changing atmospheric temperatures

and reductions in mid-latitude

vertical wind shear affecting rainfall.

Vertical wind shear is the change in

the westerly winds with height.

It expects that these trends

will continue as atmospheric

temperatures rise based on

projections from climate models

forced by increasing carbon dioxide

concentrations.

the research results from

collaboration between the Bureau

of Meteorology and CSIRo’s Dr

Jorgen Frederiksen and Stacey

osbrough. It was conducted

for the Australian Climate

Change Science Program, funded

through the Department of Climate

Change and energy efficiency, and

for the Western Australian

Department of environment and

Conservation, under the Indian

ocean Climate Initiative.

The difference after assessing areas for improvement, retrofitting the nursery irrigation system and paying attention to best management practices can be seen in these before (above) and after photos. The “before” photo shows a lot of algae growth on the gravel due to over irrigation and poor drainage, and plants are dying. The “after” photo shows plants that are uniform and healthy, and growing beds that are tidy and clean.

Untitled-1 1 29/01/2010 10:10:03 AM

SPRING 2011 11

12

teCHNoLoGY: URBAN

‘tHe GRoVe’ is an innovative public building project, jointly undertaken by the towns of Cottesloe and Mosman Park and the shire of Peppermint Grove. The facility consists of a library, community learning centre and administration offices and incorporates a broad range of environmentally sensitive design (esD) features, including climate-sensitive building design, energy and water-efficient fixtures and fittings, renewable energy systems, rainwater harvesting, the onsite treatment and reuse of wastewater and stormwater, and waterwise gardens and irrigation.

IncorporATIng wATer mAnAgemenT InTo A complex projecTIt wasn’t an easy task to bring all these features together. The difficulty was that this project was the first public building in the Perth metropolitan area to have rainwater supply for internal potable uses (in a mains water serviced area) and onsite treatment of wastewater (in a sewered area). It is also the first in Australia to have yellow-water diversion for nutrient recovery via onsite fertigation. The water system's design aims to reduce reliance on both mains water and bore water, as well as to use nutrients within the landscape through appropriate plant selection and irrigation system design.

Clever landscaping and garden design continues the building’s integration with the environment, including fruit trees, insect-attracting plants and

recycled timber features. waterwise drip irrigation is used throughout the grounds and soil moisture sensors contribute to control the watering regime of plants, and the balance of wastewater and bore water used for irrigation.

Internal water consumption is reduced through the use of approved limited flow water fixtures and fittings, including waterless urinals. Rainwater will meet 100% of internal water demand, saving an estimated 730,000 l of mains water each year. The rainwater harvesting system includes a range of above- and below-ground storage tanks to the capacity of 258 kl, symphonic guttering, automatic first flush diverters, micro filtration and UV disinfection for potable water and mains water backup. The smaller, steel aquaplate tanks (total 40 kl) in the basement will be drawn down last due to their dual duty and contribution as part a thermal mass cooling of the building.

The design recognises that a public facility such as this one will have widely varying use patterns subject to events, seasons, and public and school holidays. However, applying medium daily occupancy and based on the water-efficient fixtures that have been specified for the buildings, it is estimated that mains water savings would increase to about 905 kl under a business-as-usual scenario where ‘standard’ water fixtures were being used in the buildings. An automated back-up via scheme water is provided should collected rainwater be insufficient and not meet demand.

The grove is a public building that features the latest in environmentally sensitive design features, including water-efficient fixtures and waterwise gardens and irrigation.

InnovaTIon and InTegraTIon oF waTer WAtEr for IrrIgAtIonwastewater is separated by stream (grey, brown and yellow) at the source to enable fit-for-purpose treatment based on the intended reuse. Greywater from the handbasins and showers is used to irrigate plantings in the children’s sensory garden via substrata dripline after sedimentation, filtration and disinfection with ozone. brown water (toilets and kitchen sink sullage) is treated to a secondary standard through biological processes and applied to turf areas through subsurface drip irrigation. Yellow water is collected from the male urinals (and from future urine collecting toilet bowls) and stored for use as fertiliser through controlled dosing of irrigation lines or wastewater pump out tanks.

by controlling the dosing rate of urine injection into the different pump tank systems, the amount of fertiliser/nutrients given to specific plant groups can be regulated.

bore water is used to irrigate native planting areas and to supplement wastewater volumes based on building occupancy and seasonal plant water demands. It’s estimated that the wastewater system will reduce the draw on groundwater that would be used for irrigation by about 700,000 l each year.

stormwater collects on site from a 20 ha catchment. A constructed reed bed and wetland system has been created to treat low and normal flows as well as first-flush peak stormwater flows to improve stormwater water quality before infiltration into the aquifer by reducing hydrocarbons and nutrients. The stormwater treatment system has been designed to create an aesthetically pleasing, functional and educational landscape feature that reflects the seasonality of the swan Coastal Plain.

water systems are monitored and controlled by a building monitoring system that can provide real-time reporting on water availability and use by source, soil moisture levels and on-site rainfall, along with information on other parameters of the performance of the building.

A dedicated computer monitors and runs all the integrated systems so designers can identify improvements and the public will be able to see the building’s energy and water use at a reception display.

CArEful dEsIgn And plAnnIng ImportAntThe implementation of esD features has been a remarkable success, and already the building and surrounds are seen as a benchmark for future green buildings and climate-sensitive and climate-responsive landscapes and irrigation.

For example, irrigation specialists often suggest that plants should get about 25 to 35 mm each week,

sysTems In a puBlIc BuIldIng

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SPRING 2011 13

14

but this has to be fine-tuned after consideration of local climate, evaporation rates, air temperature and water demand, i.e. crop factor. Irrigation demand can be calculated by considering all of these factors because, clearly, water demand by turf in summer in Perth is far greater than native plants during winter.

Using these types of calculations, a thorough and meticulous watering plan was developed. The Grove landscape also has plants grouped with similar water demand and the irrigation schedule adjusted to reflect seasonal change. to ensure over watering doesn’t occur, an electronic rain gauge is used to stop bore use during rainy periods, and even this can be adjusted to delay irrigation for one to seven days.

The turf (lawn) area was split into subzones of about 90 to 100 m2 to enable best practice watering. Frequent, underwatering of lawn can result in shallow-rooted, weak, poorly established plants. It also encourages irrigation “dependency”, poor drought tolerance, fungal disease, increased evaporative losses and salt accumulation at the surface. The optimum water regime for plants is at least a 10 mm application at any one time, and this practice was followed when determining the run times for stations.

onsite wastewater tanks. wastewater is separated by stream (grey, brown and yellow) at the source to enable fit-for-purpose treatment based on the intended reuse.

teCHNoLoGY: URBANIn a similar way, greywater use for exotics is

split into four zones, each about 60 m2. Making irrigations as deep and infrequent as possible will maximise rooting depth and evapotranspiration.

Key lessonsThere have been many lessons learnt in this project, e.g. it is essential to collect reliable data to ensure optimum water regimes, and how often to use the bore to top up the brown and greywater systems.

Maintenance is another key issue. The regular cleaning and checking of pumps, filters, flush valves, tank systems, ozone generation, UV filtration, and the desludging of tanks and firstflush devices would seem overwhelming to some, but extremely necessary to stop malfunction of complex systems. In addition to servicing, replacing some components is also necessary.

every year UV lamps, ozone lamps and tech filters need replacing, and if, for some reason, pumps failed then their replacement adds further costs which need to be factored whenever these types of projects are instigated. to validate system function regular monitoring and testing of water

quality is crucial. Indeed, thousands of dollars must be spent each year on water testing to ensure public safety. Regulatory compliance can be frustrating. outdated regulations about rainwater use, wastewater recycling, and the rigorous regime of testing and reporting that is required prohibit many more schemes being adopted.

to achieve maximum water efficiency and water conservation on this site it is necessary to maximise the use of rainwater and recycled water. This has led to the preparation of both an Alternative water Quality Management Plan (AwQMP) and a Recycled water Quality Management Plan (RwQMP) with an emphasis on urine separation and use for fertigation. In the meantime, a vigorous and thorough sampling program will establish benchmarks until consistency of satisfactory performance is achieved and demonstrated.

The integration of this suite of innovative water systems within one building represents a first in wA and complements the many other sustainable environmental technologies that have been incorporated into this groundbreaking project.

note. This abstract is from a paper presented at Irrigation Australia Conference 2011, launceston

dr ross mars, waTer InsTallaTIons, mundarIng wa and Josh Byrne, dr sTewarT dallas and dr marTIn anda, Byrne and assocIaTes, FremanTle wa

ARoUND INDUStRY

chAnges To Toro IrrIgATIon leAdershIp TeAm toro Australia has made some recent staff changes to its Irrigation business. Geoff Allen has been promoted to the newly formed role of national sales Manager Irrigation. Geoff started at toro in 2002 as a territory Manager in sA, and then progressed to become the regional manager for sA in 2004, covering the ag, turf and golf markets. All toro regional managers and customer service will report to Geoff.

Chris simpson is the new regional manager for sA. Chris started with toro in 2001 as a territory manager supporting irrigation dealers in sA and sunraysia for residential and commercial products. In the past 6 years Chris’s role has expanded into agricultural markets.

Chris linklater–williams is now the new regional manager for Victoria and tasmania. Chris started with toro more than 14 years ago, and has looked after the golf and commercial markets in wA and the nt. Chris will be relocating to Victoria from wA in the near future.

Michael lenehan, who started working for toro Irrigation nearly 13 years ago as a territory manager, has been promoted to the role of regional manager for nsw.

Patrick o’shannessy has been with toro for 18 years and in that time has progressed through the ranks from large turf representative to golf and specification manager and regional manager. He will take on an expanded role as national golf and specification manager, supporting the (large) turf and golf markets.

toro’s Director, tim emery, said the changes are part of toro’s commitment to continuous improvement and will help the company in streamlining its business and improving service to customers.

senTek wIns wATer IndusTry AllIAnce “proven exporTer” AwArd The water Industry Alliance recently held their annual awards to recognise six of the best companies and achievers in creating innovative water solutions.

Congratulations to sentek technologies, which was awarded with the "Proven exporter" award for the ongoing development of their export business.

sentek technologies was a stand-out from the impressive group of leading water technology companies. The judges noted that "the growth in sentek's export market is truly remarkable given the strength of the Australian dollar. Their ongoing achievement demonstrates the benefits of their export strategy being an integrated part of their business strategy".

Proudly south Australian, sentek technologies has been providing precision monitoring solutions to help users manage their water more effectively for the past 20 years.

new ceo For nubIAn wATer sysTems Australian-owned sustainable water solutions provider, nubian, has just announced the appointment of barry Porter to the role of Ceo.

Barry porTer Takes over as ceo aT nuBIan waTer sysTems

newly promoted managers at Toro Irrigation (left to right); patrick o’shannessy, chris linklater-williams, michael lenehan, chris simpson and geoff allen.

sTAFF chAngesAnd AwArds

barry has a diverse background in business and a wealth of leadership experience, having defined and led successful performance transformations across industry sectors, including financial and professional services, FMCG (fast moving consumer goods), and retail and technology companies.

His priority will be to raise the company’s profile in the water sustainability solutions arena focusing on nubian’s innovative technology and delivery to capture market share.

Chairman of nubian, Gary Zamel said that barry will be responsible for cementing the company’s footprint in Australia and expanding its global presence, where it is already delivering solutions to the Middle east and is about to enter the north American market.

"This is an exciting period for nubian,” said barry. “we are dedicated to providing sustainable water solutions for the urban environment, not only through our leading greywater treatment, but also through our innovative water purification, quality monitoring and remote management technology.”

The 2003 Un world water Development Report estimates by 2023 the quantity of water available will have decreased by 30%. The key factor impacting this trend is urbanisation. nubian is determined to combat this process through the manufacture and implementation of organic treatment systems using chemical free products.

SPRING 2011 15

16

dIary daTe2012

PoLICY FeAtURe

tHe nAtIonAl water Commission’s role is to help implement the nwI and make practical and intellectual contributions to assist Australia’s water reform progress.

AusTrAlIA’s wATer mArkeTswater trading has given Australia's irrigators much needed options, not only in difficult conditions but to manage their businesses over the long term. water markets are now seen as one of the success stories of water reform in Australia. The continued growth in trading reflects the fact that water trade delivers real benefits to individual water users, water-dependent industries, and the environment.

The nwC is committed to the continuing development of our world leading water markets and has reported on market activity since 2007 in its annual Australian Water Markets report. These reports demonstrate the growth in our trade volumes, including over 100% growth in entitlement trade and over 50% growth in allocation trade from 2007-08 to 2009-10. The combined

value of Australia’s water markets was estimated at $3 billion in 2009-10.

In June this year the commission released Australian water markets; trends and drivers 2007-08 to 2009-10. The report analyses trends in market activity (how much water is being traded and where), as well as the drivers influencing market outcomes (why water is being traded).

It demonstrates the links between water availability and water allocation trade, and how water availability influences prices over time. The report also discusses how different types of agriculture drive trading; some crops have greater year-to-year flexibility in their water requirements while others have water demands that must be met each year. These characteristics drive regional patterns of trade, including the direction of inter-valley trade, especially during dry years. In dry years, water users with more flexible water needs can realise the value of their allocations by selling them to areas with less flexible water needs.

while there has been great success in the development of water markets in the Murray-Darling basin (MDb), the commission believes there is

further scope to extend the benefits of trading. This can be achieved by improving the efficient operation of existing markets and implementing effective water management arrangements and prerequisites for markets in areas where they don’t yet exist.

In support of this, the nwC investigated a range of issues that may be impeding the operation or development of water markets in its recently released Strengthening Australia’s water markets report. If acted upon, the recommendations in the report should open up greater access to the benefits of trading, improve market performance, and allow for future growth.

In many areas of Australia, demand for groundwater now exceeds sustainable supply rates. The Framework for managing and developing groundwater trading report sets out a framework to provide a structure to establish or develop groundwater markets in a range of situations.

The report found that the trade in groundwater entitlement represents about 5% of all water

the implementation since 2004 of Australia's blueprint for water reform, the National Water Initiative (NWI), has brought very real benefits to the Australian community and has driven the development of innovative policy to improve how Australia measures, monitors and manages its water resources.

The nATIonAl wATer InITIATIvedrIvIng polIcy developmenT

IRRIGAtIoN AUStRALIA CoNFeReNCe & exHIBItIoN 201224-29 June 2012

the 2012 Conference will be held at the Adelaide Convention Centre 24-29 June. It will be the single largest

irrigation event ever staged in Australia as it will be combined with:

• ICID 63rd International Executive Council and Meeting

• 7th Asian Regional Conference

SPRING 2011 17

PoLICY FeAtURe

The benefiTs of green spaces If you ever have trouble convincing your clients about

the benefits of a having lawns and gardens, maintained

using a well designed irrigation system, then here’s

a comprehensive list to help you.

CooLING eight average front lawns have the cooling effect of

63.5 tonnes of air conditioning. As overwatering is

a much bigger problem than underwatering, automatic

irrigation systems, where possible, should be

considered for the most efficient watering rates.

CLeANINGProperly maintained shrubs, plants, and lawns are

environmental heroes. Because of their filtering

capability, plantings prevent soil erosion, filter

contaminants from rainwater, and absorb dust

and soot.

SAVING MoNeYPlanting shade trees lowers attic temperatures by

as much as 4.5°C, and landscaping helps reduce

air conditioning costs by up to 50%.

INCReASING HoMe VALUeNot only can a well-maintained landscape add up to

15% to a property’s value, but landscaping can speed

the sale by as much as six weeks when selling a home.

ReDUCING NoISeLandscaping can reduce noise by up to 50%.

HeALINGHorticulture is therapeutic and improves quality of life.

Studies illustrate that hospital patients whose rooms

overlook landscapes recover faster and require less

pain medication than patients without a view of nature.

INCReASING AIR qUALItYA tree removes carbon dioxide from the air and

releases enough oxygen for a family of four to breathe

for a day.

Source. Hunter Industries website www.hunterindustries.com

conTracTors corner

entitlement traded in Australia and groundwater allocation trades account for approximately 10% of all allocation traded. There is a high degree of variation in both groundwater trading activity and approaches to groundwater trading management – with variation occurring both within and between jurisdictions.

Adoption of the framework will result in more thorough groundwater planning processes, efficient distribution of groundwater access, effective management of third-party impacts of extraction and improved productivity of water-dependent industries.

urbAn wATer In AusTrAlIA: FuTure dIrecTIonsThe nwC has also examined urban water issues and called for Australian governments to consider new directions to reinvigorate the way we manage water in our cities and towns in its Urban water in Australia: future directions report. even though drought has eased in many parts of the country, Australia's urban water industry still faces significant challenges, including climate variability, population growth, rising costs, and ageing network infrastructure.

Incentives are needed to encourage utilities to invest not only in securing water supply, but also in more innovative, cost-effective and fit-for-purpose services. This includes distribution networks and the treatment of water, wastewater and stormwater.

It is now time for Australia's governments to step back from direct intervention in urban water and give the industry incentives and freedom to innovate. Reform is also urgently needed to ensure acceptable standards of water and sewerage services for customers in some regional areas.

The commission has urged the Council of Australian Governments to develop a new set of urban

water objectives that will provide national leadership for urban water management.

It is critical to ensure Australia's water sector maintains its strong record in delivering safe drinking water to our towns and cities. The Review of urban water quality regulation in Australia report finds that Australians continue to benefit from high standards of water quality management and the urban water sector has in place a solid regulatory platform for managing the risks to our existing supplies.

However, given the complex changes affecting urban water supplies and associated implications for ensuring water quality, it is time to look at improving our regulatory approaches.  Recent advances in science and technology and today's more diversified water sources are presenting new challenges to water quality regulation and management.

The report presents three reform options to improve our regulatory arrangements for urban water quality. together with three supporting technical reports, this review was developed to inform debate and contribute to future reform efforts.

posITIon sTATemenTsThe nwC also provides leadership on pressing water reform issues by publishing position statements on critical issues. Recent statements have covered issues including coal seam gas, urban water recycling, interception, mining and sustainable levels of extraction.

all naTIonal waTer commIssIon reporTs and posITIon sTaTemenTs are avaIlaBle aT www.nwc.gov.au.

Dallas Wilson 0418 363 555 | cri@universalpumps.com.au

www.cripumps.com.au

SPRING 2011 19

PoLICY FeAtURe

I AM PRoUD that the Gillard government is rolling out the largest investment in Australia’s irrigation infrastructure since the middle of last century. 

The Australian Government’s water for the Future program is now well under way. substantial progress has been made – establishing new standards and ways of doing business in the water sector, enhancing agricultural productivity and preparing for a future with a more variable water supply. 

A major focus for the Australian Government on water reform is the Murray-Darling basin.  we are committed to delivering a plan for the Murray-Darling basin that restores our rivers to health, supports strong regional communities and ensures continued food production.

The scale of reforms underway and the challenges ahead are reflected in the unprecedented level of funding committed to rural water infrastructure initiatives in the basin. 

Commonwealth and state governments are working together to identify and build fit-for- purpose water-saving infrastructure.  The Commonwealth has committed $4.8 billion to infrastructure projects in the basin, many now well advanced in their implementation. 

In Queensland, the $115 million Healthy Headwaters on-farm irrigation investment program is underway with $28 million agreed so far for farm irrigation upgrades.  A further $20 million for new projects is expected to be committed by the end of 2011.

In nsw, over $260 million has already been signed in contracts under the Private Irrigation Infrastructure operators Program. A further $375 million is available and applications are now being assessed by my department.  I have also approved funding of $358 million for nsw-led

metering and stock and domestic pipeline state priority projects.

In December last year, I announced approval of $953 million for stage 2 of the northern Victoria Irrigation Renewal Project. Funding agreement negotiations are still underway with Victoria and I am hopeful that early resolution of remaining matters will soon allow works to get underway on delivery system works and irrigation connections.

Construction is well advanced on projects agreed under the first round of the Private Irrigation Infrastructure Program in sA.  A second round of nearly $12 million has also been recently announced. new supply pipelines have been built at a cost of almost $120 million, which enable delivery of potable water to communities around the lower lakes as well as irrigation water for over 7000 ha of premium vineyards.  work is also progressing under an $86 million Riverine Recovery Project in sA to achieve more effective and efficient management of environmental water in the Murray River.

I am working on arrangements with my state water minister colleagues from nsw, Victoria, sA, Queensland and ACt to speed the delivery of further priority infrastructure projects and I am hopeful these arrangements can be announced soon.

Across the southern Murray-Darling basin, the $300 million on-Farm Irrigation efficiency Program is working with local delivery partners to help hundreds of farmers make changes to improve their irrigation water efficiency.  on-ground works on more than 350 irrigated farms are underway and there are another 600 farm projects in the pipeline.  This has been an enormous effort by industry bodies, catchment management authorities and others across the southern basin and I want to record my appreciation for their enthusiasm and commitment to this program.

delIverIng InvesTmenT In IrrIgATIon InFrAsTrucTure

The hon. Tony Burke mp, ausTralIan governmenT mInIsTer For susTaInaBIlITy, envIronmenT, waTer, populaTIon and communITIes

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outside the Murray-Darling basin, the government is also investing in major water infrastructure projects.

In wA, a major project to replace inefficient open channels with pipelines in the Harvey irrigation district is now complete and a new supply pipeline for the Carnarvon irrigation district is well advanced.

In tasmania, we have committed $140 million for up to a dozen new irrigation schemes assisted with substantial funding from industry and $80 million from the tasmanian Government.

AusTrAlIAn IrrIgATIon A world leAder

This industry has a bright future. Regardless of what happens with the big reforms, the pathway for irrigation will continue to be what it’s been for generations. Australia’s farmers are among the most innovative and productive in the world. Combined with the Commonwealth’s investments, every year the industry will become more efficient, and every year productivity will improve.

we have a world leading irrigation industry in Australia and anyone who thinks it can’t withstand water reform seriously underestimates the ingenuity of Australia’s irrigators.

20

KUB7096.indd 1 1/08/11 10:13 AM

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SPRING 2011 21

PoLICY FeAtURe

tHe Most amazing thing about this consensus was the damning assessment they all came to on the labor government's management of the Murray-Darling issue, heavily criticising the labor government's department:

The Committee heard of grave mistrust of this department across Basin communities resulting from the failure of the department to identify and respond to community concerns on a range of issues. In addition, this department has demonstrated a consistent failure to deliver water programs, including strategic water buyback, which is in the best interests of productive communities. This department should no longer be responsible for delivering these programs.

not long after the release of this report, a senate inquiry into the Water Act found that the government should immediately convene a panel of legal experts to recommend amendments to fix the unequal weight the act currently gives to the environment relative to economic and social factors.

At present, there would appear to be no scope for the MDbA to reduce cuts to water use below an environmentally sustainable level of take based on social, economic or any other considerations.

Ultimately, a plan that is not based on community-wide values about tradeoffs between economic, social and environmental factors will struggle to gain widespread acceptance.

The government now argues that things will be different with the release of the draft basin Plan. but how can they credibly claim this when they are ignoring the recommendations of two Parliamentary inquiries, one of which they set up?

The government has only accepted one of the House of Representatives committee's findings and refuses to even consider amending the Water Act.

Indeed, the government seems to be doing all the same things that led to a virtual riot in the basin last year. There is a talk of taking 2800 Gl of water away from consumptive use in the basin (which seems little different from the 3000 Gl proposed last october), the government is continuing its non-strategic buyback of water, it looks like the MDbA plans to conduct consultation on an "invitation only" basis, and the government has failed to spend money on the water-saving infrastructure that could deliver extra water to irrigators and the environment.

every year the government has spent more on water buybacks than planned and less on infrastructure than hoped for. so far, the government is $700 million ahead on water buybacks and $350 million behind on water infrastructure compared to the original water for the Future plan.

Instead of trying to shut down a productive and vital industry of this nation, the government needs to do more to support our irrigators and to recognise the crucial role they play in our economy. Australia's farming sector plays a vital role in doing that, representing a fifth of our exports. A Coalition government would reinvest in the areas where we as a nation make our money, produce our food and create most of our wealth.

That is why the Coalition has established a dam’s task group to open up new areas where we can produce more food. This work will build on the Coalition's $500 million commitment at the last election to invest in new ways of securing future water supplies.

coAlITIon polIcy updATe

In June this year, a group of politicians in the House of Representatives released a bipartisan report on the Murray-Darling. Labor, National, Liberal and Independent members all signed off on the recommendations.

senaTor BarnaBy Joyce lnp senaTor For Queensland, leader oF The naTIonals In The senaTe.

Australia has failed to properly invest in dams over the past 20 years. The last major dam Australia built was the Peter Faust Dam in 1990.

In 1980 we could store in dams about 4.5 Ml per person. now the figure is just over 3.5 Ml. by 2050, if we don't build any more dams, it will be below 2.5 Ml per person.

what Australia has lacked is the vision to develop our water resources for the benefit of the people who live here, for the benefit of our nation as a whole and for the benefit of those who are hungry and need to be fed all over the world.

Instead, what Australia has in fact been doing of late is to take Australia out of the agricultural market by locking up wild rivers, imposing inflexible native vegetation laws, banning the live export of cattle and providing tax concessions to plant forests where there used to be livestock and crops. Very handy if we are going to evolve into a higher form of termite but not much use if we want to prevent Australia from becoming a net importer of food.

The result of this is that in 1980 Australia had 496 million ha of farming land. In 2010 we have 399 million ha.

The most positive activity someone can commit to is producing food for others. The Coalition is committed to helping the food producing parts of our nation so that they continue to provide enough food for Australians and also for millions overseas.

22

PoLICY FeAtURe

tAsMAnIA Is In a unique position to take advantage of its natural water resources. we have an abundance of water and as a government recognise the benefits of moving it to places where it can create the most wealth.

our beautiful island state represents just 1% of Australia’s landmass yet we receive 13% of the country’s annual rainfall.

while we confront the challenges of climate change and see water supply problems of the kind experienced in the Murray-Darling region, research indicates the impacts on productive farming land in tasmania will be less than anywhere in the nation. This presents great opportunities for our primary industries.

The tasmanian brand is already recognised around the world as a symbol of quality built on our clean green image. However, crucial to realising our full potential is the expansion of tasmania’s irrigation system. That’s why developing major irrigation infrastructure is a key priority for the tasmanian Government. we are acting now for the future.

The tasmanian and Australian governments are working with the private sector to deliver a $400 million water development strategy which is seeing major schemes rolled out around tasmania.

This partnership sees all parties aligning to support and invest in regionally significant irrigation projects, and it is supported by a dedicated organisation that has the skills, expertise and drive required to successfully undertake this important task.

hon. Bryan green mp, mInIsTer For energy and waTer, TasmanIa

hon Bryan green mp, deputy premier and minister for water, Tasmania, at the headquarters road dam site in Tasmania’s north-east. construction work on this dam has now been completed.

are a further ten projects currently being progressed around state, including the Midlands Irrigation scheme, the largest irrigation project to ever be undertaken in tasmania. It will deliver up to 47,500 Ml of water to almost 350 farms covering an irrigable area of over 70,000 ha.

It has the potential to transform the Midlands into a major food production area in the same way the Coal River Valley in southern tasmania has developed following the construction of the Craigbourne Dam.

The Midlands scheme is estimated to cost close to $90 million to build and is the centrepiece of the government’s irrigation development strategy.

Critical to the success of this scheme and all others is farmers signing up to buy the water that will be delivered. And, not surprisingly, the interest from farmers has been very encouraging so far.

work is expected to begin early next year with a two-year construction phase.

so, what we are seeing in tasmania is a once-in-a-generation investment in new irrigation infrastructure that will sustain growth and jobs in the agricultural sector for decades to come. we have seen the value of food production in our state grow by almost $1 billion over the past decade and providing greater water surety will not only underpin existing production but enable farmers to expand and diversify.

we also expect to see dramatic growth in high value agribusinesses like dairy, red meat, aquaculture and innovative horticulture.

The tasmanian Government is supporting farmers through various programs to help them make informed choices about producing high-value food and agricultural products.

I believe tasmania can play a significant role in Australia’s future food supply and that will be enhanced by the ongoing development of our water resources and sustainable irrigation.

IrrIgATIon expAnds In TAsmAnIA

significant projects such as those we are progressing come with a number of environmental, financial, economic and social considerations.

In working up the schemes, tasmanian Irrigation Pty ltd thoroughly assesses each of these factors and works closely with the local communities.

susTAInAbIlITy ImporTAnTIn tasmania we have a long history of managing and using our water resources sustainably, both in agriculture and for the production of renewable energy from our network of hydro electric schemes.

tasmania is the renewable energy powerhouse of Australia and we are applying that same level of commitment and expertise in our approach to irrigation development.

There is no doubt we are well placed to capitalise on the benefits irrigation will deliver to rural communities and the economy generally.

At the same time, we do not underestimate the value of our plentiful water resources and will continue working with all stakeholders to improve future water use and management.

All irrigation schemes must pass the sustainability test and are subject to rigorous assessment under the Federal Government’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. typically, for a project to get the green light water sales must reach a threshold of around 70% of the scheme’s capacity.

For schemes proposed to date the cost of water has ranged from $1100 to $1200/Ml with water surety of at least 95%.

The state and federal funding contribution only applies to capital costs with the operating costs of the schemes expected to be fully met by levies on the holders of water entitlements.

IrrIgATIon developmenT on TrAckThe first major scheme under tasmania’s irrigation development strategy was completed earlier this year and another two are nearing completion. There

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24

PoLICY FeAtURe

CURRentlY, tHe irrigation sector is enjoying a miniboom with the wA government committing $220 million to expand the irrigated area by an initial 7700 ha, with the potential for an additional 25,000 ha to come on stream after that. The state’s investment has almost been matched by the Commonwealth, which has pledged $190 million to improve social outcomes by upgraded schools, medical facilities, employment and training, and general social amenity. There is a strong focus on improving outcomes for the local indigenous population, which has waived its native title rights for a share in the benefits of economic development. The whole initiative is underpinned by expanding irrigated agriculture in the region.

IrrIgATIon expAnsIon The key To The FuTureThe irrigation area is serviced by the ord Irrigation Cooperative, which has provided bulk water to its members and customers since 1996 when operations were transferred from government.

This was one of three irrigation cooperatives created in wA as an initiative of the CoAG water reform process. After the transfer of irrigation assets in 2002, the cooperative benefitted from a state government subsidy that recognised the poor condition of the assets and the significant financial losses the government incurred in running the system. The subsidy phase is now finished and local irrigators pay the real costs of water provision, thus achieving another target of the national water Initiative – lower band pricing.

The expansion of the irrigation area has been long awaited and may provide an opportunity for new industries to establish. Currently almost half the irrigated farmlands are sandalwood plantations, mainly funded through managed investment schemes. Their 15-year life cycle means that there is little flexibility to embrace new cropping opportunities such as chia, rice, cotton and the possible return of sugar. sugar, cotton and rice all require significant area to justify the necessary capital investment in processing infrastructure, and to benefit from economies of scale.

more IrrIgATIon The key To The ord’s FuTure

Two wATer provIders To servIce The ord Just as cropping industries benefit from economies of scale, so do water service providers. However, by a quirk of government decision making, the long established ord Irrigation Cooperative will not be the water service provider in the expanded irrigation area. Rather, sunwater will have that role while the cooperative retains its existing operating area. The two entities will share the main irrigation supply channel to a certain point, after which sunwater will control the distant channel sections. Arguably, both water service providers will be too small to be truly economically efficient.

whAT ApplIes In The eAsT won’T necessArIly work In The wesT Irrigators in the ord are keeping a watchful eye on the trend to measure every drop of water in the Murray Darling basin with some trepidation. while most of the reforms accruing from the Water Act 2007 and the ACCC’s determinations have applicability to the basin only, such reforms have a habit of spreading across the country and could eventually impose significant and unnecessary cost burdens on relatively small entities.

Measuring and “saving” water makes sense in areas where water is scarce and there is a market for the savings. However, consider the circumstances of the ord. The cooperative has a license entitlement of 335 Gl/year, which represents about 3% of lake Argyle storage. looking at it in another way, the annual entitlement is equivalent to about 15% of the lake Argyle releases for hydro power that are flowing past the cooperative’s channel offtake. with the lake Argyle storage level currently sitting at 13,597 Gl (127%), a market for water savings looks a long way off !

The cooperative strives for high levels of water delivery efficiency and achieves about 80% efficiency through its open channel system. to achieve a much higher level of efficiency would require a very large investment in modernised channel infrastructure. while we look on with some envy at the expenditure on modernisation, particularly in Victoria, it simply

there’s rarely a dull moment in the water industry and the ord Irrigation Area is no exception. Despite its arguably diminutive size of only 15,000 ha, the area punches above its weight and is often prominent on the political agenda, being either pilloried or praised, depending on your political perspective.

construction of pipelines to the new irrigation area

SPRING 2011 25

PoLICY FeAtURe

cannot be justified in areas such as the ord where the abundance of water means there is no water trading and no market for “savings”. That’s not to say that we wouldn’t like to have access to Commonwealth funds to undertake our own modernisation!

overall, irrigation at the ord is undergoing a major expansion with both the state and Commonwealth governments leading the way with combined expenditure of $410 million over four years. This will establish not only the roads and irrigation headworks, but also the social infrastructure necessary to forge a vibrant and empowered community into the future. In the east Kimberley, the government has demonstrated its confidence in irrigated agriculture’s role in

Access to water isn’t really an issue for irrigators on the ord. ord Irrigation has a license entitlement equivalent to 3% of lake argyle’s storage.

geoFF sTrIckland, ceo, ord IrrIgaTIon

cooperaTIve, kununurra

future prosperity and it is now time for private investment to embrace the opportunity to roll out future expansion.

26

PoLICY FeAtURe

plAnnIng For A heAlThy workIng bAsIn

It’s not JUst about how much water you’ve got, what really counts is what you do with it. It’s this reasoning, according to Craig Knowles, that lies at the heart of the proposed basin Plan.

since his appointment as Chair of the Murray-Darling basin Authority, Craig says he’s felt a little like the leyland brothers. From forums, to kitchen tables, to paddocks and channels, he’s been engaging ‘anyone and everyone’ to deliver a balanced basin Plan. Reflecting on these discussions, Craig says it’s clear that ‘localism’ was the essential, missing ingredient from the Guide to the proposed basin Plan. “It’s the people who live in the basin who have the best feel for the things that work; and the things that don’t work,” he says. “what’ll be perfectly adequate in one place may well be inadequate in another.”

The Guide was able to provide ‘ball park’ figures on the amount of water required to meet the environmental needs of the Murray-Darling basin. but importantly, it enabled the receipt of a great deal of crucial feedback on a range of water management issues, especially at the local level. “what’s become very clear is that the provision of a healthy working basin requires more than just a number around water volumes,” Craig says. “Put simply, in the Murray-Darling, using water to the best effect is far more complex than just sending a big volume down the river.”

In this context, he sees the basin Plan as one component of a set of broader strategies to manage the basin water, something the windsor Committee and Goyder Institute reports also indentified. He says there are many ‘other things’ that need to be done if we are serious about improving the long-term health of the basin.” I’m firmly of the view, for example, the current barriers to trade need to be removed so the market is more transparent and efficient. If nothing else, Commonwealth and state

water-holders should be active traders in the market. Also, water buybacks need to be strategic and prioritise the lowest possible impact in communities. And like the windsor report, I’d like to see a greater focus on investment in water saving projects drawing on local knowledge.”

but according to Craig, perhaps the biggest issue involves “constraints”.

“People have been telling me over and over that with the current constraints to the system, environmental water simply cannot be delivered efficiently. by constraints I mean things like the carry-over rules, channel capacity, dam operating rules and outlet capacities. For many decades the way we’ve run the rivers – particularly in the southern regulated system – has been about its delivery for consumptive use and to keep the river flow in-channel. we’ve been successful with that, but many of the rules and regulations put in place are now hampering the delivery of environmental water.”

He says there are clear examples of where system constraints are limiting our ability to manage water and this means – because of inefficiencies – we are likely to have to use more water to achieve the same outcome. “what I am saying here is that we have the potential to achieve similar environmental outcomes with less water.”

without addressing all of the above, we’re not going to get the sensible and efficient outcomes that we desperately need. but the challenge is that all of these things sit outside the remit of a basin Plan, which means we need the commitment and support of our Commonwealth and state governments and – just as importantly – the involvement of local communities.

There is, however, a window of opportunity to make this happen; the agreement reached by Commonwealth and state water ministers to adopt

Chair of the MDBA says that a healthy working basin requires more than just a number around water volumes. A part of this, the MDB Plan is one component of a set of strategies to manage basin water.

the basin Plan framework in 2012 and the next generation of local water resource plans in the period to 2019. “This means that communities will have time to adjust to any changes. And it also means that governments have time to align programs and roll out much needed efficiencies, or changes to river management policies. At the same time, with an adaptive and flexible plan, the authority can build on the accumulated science and make improvements over time. The science doesn’t end once we publish the proposed basin Plan. we all need to be committed to an on-going process of monitoring basin health, science engagement, and evaluation and adaption, over the next seven years.”

The basin Plan presents the nation with a unique opportunity to restore balance to the Murray- Darling river system, something that has been acknowledged for decades; and that was strongly reflected in the feedback that followed the release of the Guide. “In presenting the proposed basin Plan the Authority will suggested a process that it believes will restore this balance. It will also present a way forward that will allow the Commonwealth, states and communities to enhance water saving measures in the period leading to the plan’s commencement in 2019.”

Craig cautions that a plan for the basin that meets environmental watering requirements cannot be delivered without impacting – to some degree – the lives of people in some localities. “The proposed basin Plan will not meet all expectations. Restoring balance to the river system will unavoidably require some give and take. However, it will provide a consultative structure that will enable all stakeholders of goodwill to work to achieve a shared goal; a healthy river that supports both people and the environment in perpetuity.

arTIcle supplIed By murray darlIng BasIn auThorITy

chair of the mdBa, craig knowles

28

PoLICY FeAtURepleAse, sIr, I wAnT some more

The Guide to the Proposed basin Plan (Guide) prepared by the Murray-Darling basin Authority (MDbA), released on 8 october 2010, was meant to foreshadow the draft MDb Plan, but the approach taken generated a widespread vehement response.

on 28 october 2010, simon Crean, Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and local Government, tasked the standing Committee on Regional Australia (Committee) to inquire into the Guide and its impact on regional communities, with independent MP tony windsor at the helm of the inquiry.

In the aftermath, the MDbA was reconfigured with the resignations of chair Mike taylor, chief executive Rob Freeman and the exit of the wentworth Group. on 28 January 2011, Craig Knowles was appointed the new chair, publically

vowing to consult with key stakeholders and develop a plan that focuses on how water in the MDb is used, rather than focusing strictly on outflows from the Murray mouth.

on 2 June 2011, the Committee released its report containing 21 recommendations (windsor Report). The draft MDb Plan, originally due for release on 30 June, is now expected to be released in late-August. As a pre-cursor to the release of the draft MDb Plan, the table outlines the shift in approach and policy regarding the MDb, along with our thoughts.

only time will tell how many of the recommendations are adopted and what shape they will take. A 16-week consultation period will follow the release of the draft MDb Plan, with the final plan to be provided to water Minister, tony burke, possibly in late 2011.

once approved by Minister burke, the draft MDb Plan will be presented to Federal Parliament, probably in early 2012. but it will only take effect if not disallowed by either the House of Representatives or the senate. The MDb Plan would then also be subject to High Court challenge, probably by Green interests. This begs the question: will it ever take effect or, like oliver twist, will it leave everyone wanting more?

note. The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and not of IAl.

oPINIoN PIeCe: Murray Darling planning process

JennI maTTIla and karen lang, maTTIla

lawyers, sydney

SPRING 2011 29

PoLICY FeAtURe

1 MDbA, Guide to the proposed basin Plan Volume 1 (Canberra), 8/10/10, 35, 108.

2 Ibid 34.3 standing Committee on Regional Australia, House of

Representatives, Of Drought and flooding rains: Inquiry into the impact of the Guide to the Murray-Darling Basin Plan (2011) 58-62.

4 Ibid 61.5 Ibid 68-71.

6 Hunt P, ‘basin water D-day’, The weekly times (Melbourne), 27/07/11, 1.

7 MDbA, above n1, 121.8 standing Committee on Regional Australia, above n 3, 41.9 Ibid.10 Ibid, 89-93.11 MDbA, above n1, 152-153.12 MDbA, above n1, 154.

13 standing Committee on Regional Australia, above n 3, 101-111.14 standing Committee on Regional Australia, above n 3, 124-125,

139-141.15 standing Committee on Regional Australia, above n 3, 140-141.16 MDbA, above n1, 152-153.17 standing Committee on Regional Australia, above n 3, 140-141.

the Guide Windsor Report Author's opinion

Stated the ‘best available science’ was

used in determining the amount of water

required for the environment and in

determining the SDLs (i.e. caps on the

amount of water that can be used for all

non-environmental purposes).1

SDLs based on a 3% reduction of water

on account of climate change.2

questioned the assumptions made in

calculating the SDLs, particularly the

forecasted impact of climate change.3

Found that the Guide failed to provide a

credible scientific basis for the proposed

SDLs.4 Recommended that greater rigour

be applied to the assumptions on which the

SDLs were determined.5

Determining the SDLs will always pose a

challenge, but as Craig Knowles states, the

emphasis of the plan should be about “how

you use the water, rather than just a volume”.6

SDLs need to be set at appropriate levels on a

catchment-by-catchment basis. there is no point

setting low SDLs in a catchment to the detriment

of farmers, irrigators and local communities,

when water cannot be physically delivered to

meet the stated environmental outcomes.

there was no community or stakeholder

consultation before the release of the

Guide, nor was input invited from the

basin states. Community information

sessions were subsequently held, in

which the MDBA acknowledged they

lacked confidence in the projected job

losses. 7 (only long-term losses of 800 full

time positions). 8

Criticised the MDBA as having prepared the

Guide on a ‘closed door’ basis.9

Recommended that in developing the MDB

Plan, the MDBA:

• develop a community engagement strategy

• engage with stakeholders

• draw on local knowledge and expertise

by developing separate community basin

plans.10

Community engagement and basin state input

is essential in drafting and implementing a plan

that is robust and adaptable, yet able to meet

the needs of key stakeholders. Drawing on local

knowledge is beneficial, as the science is not

always adequate or available. Locals with in-

depth firsthand knowledge of the environment,

water resources and how they are impacted

on by geography and climate, provide valuable

long-term strategic input.

the Commonwealth to continue

purchasing permanent water

entitlements from “willing” sellers

through the Department of Sustainability,

environment, Water, Population and

Communities (SeWPAC) through the

Water for the Future program and similar

programs.11 If such efforts did not offset

the impacts, the Commonwealth would

‘bridge the gap’ by payments to affected

entitlement holders.12 However, details of

this proposal were not included.

Considered that water buybacks had been

carried out in a non-strategic manner.13

Recommended greater stakeholder

involvement in the buyback process by

removing responsibility from SeWPAC and

transferring to a newly established National

Water Fund manager (NWFM), based on the

Water for Rivers (WFR) model.14

Recommended that NWFM:

• take a strategic, localised approach to

water purchase

• in special circumstances sell/buy surplus

environmental water as and when needed

in the temporary water market. 15

Water buyback initiatives need to be strategic

and take into account possible stranded

assets and disproportionate impacts in some

catchment areas. Buybacks cannot be carried

out in isolation of other initiatives, such as

water infrastructure investment projects which

improve productivity. Buybacks reduce the cost

of environmental water, but significantly impact

on MDB towns and agricultural productivity.

Recognised that infrastructure programs

need to ‘bridge the gap’ between existing

limits on water use and the proposed

SDLs.16

Beyond identifying the programs already

in progress, the Guide did not contain

details of proposed projects. It appeared

projects would continue to be managed

by SeWPAC and others.

Considered there are significant

opportunities for environmental savings

to be met via infrastructure programs,

which should be actively pursued.

Recommended that NWFM be responsible

in identifying and investing in irrigation be

responsible in identifying and investing in

irrigation and environmental infrastructure

projects.17

Creating an agency such as NWFM with

responsibility for both buy-back and

infrastructure projects will create a more

integrated, responsible approach to managing

water resources in the MDB. Local planning

and management of water policy will produce

better long-term results as it promotes

consultation and stakeholder involvement

at all stages of the process.

Det

erm

inin

g th

e su

stai

nabl

e

dive

rsio

n lim

its (S

DLs

)C

omm

unity

eng

agem

ent

Wat

er b

uy-b

acks

str

ateg

y

and

impl

emen

tatio

nIn

fras

truc

ture

in

vest

men

t pro

gram

s

30

tHe BIG ISSUe

At the June board meeting, IAl board directors revisited the strategic plan, which was developed by the board and regional chairs in 2009, and prioritised activities for the next 12 months with the aim of strengthening the finances and operations of your association.

As a result of this activity, three strategies – building value for members, further  improving professional development services and strengthening alliances with other groups – were nominated as being of highest priority for the association. This isn’t to say that we aren’t going to be doing anything on the other strategies, rather we will be making sure that most of our effort goes into the these areas.

prIorITy objecTIves BuIldIng memBershIp valueThe clear highest priority objective identified by the board was that of building the value of IAl membership. It is only by doing this that can we increase numbers and solidify member loyalty. we can’t take a one-size-fits-all approach; our challenge is to tailor our offer to ensure that each member sector, including irrigation retailers, consultants, contractors and installers, water supply companies, manufacturers and water users, wants to join IAl because of the clear benefits it offers.

our first priority is to develop membership value proposition for existing membership, something the board have been working on for several months with regional input. when we get this bedded down, we need to more clearly understand the potential for enlisting membership from different sectors and target new members based on this understanding.educaTIon, TraInIng and cerTIFIcaTIonProfessional development is an area that IAl, and before it the IAA and AnCID, had concentrated much effort on and developed an enviable reputation.

The board is keen to maintain our standing in this area by continuing to develop and implement training and certification programs that lift the professionalism of the industry, provide a desirable career path and are targeted to meet the identified needs of the industry’s customers. As part of this we also recognise that we need to maximise our income producing potential by running high quality workshops and courses that meet the needs of our members.

IAl has spent a lot of effort over the past decade building our certification program, and a priority is to ensure that we continue to be the professional certification authority for the irrigation industry. An important role for the membership is to actively assist with professional development of the industry through the Professional Development Committee and Certification board.parTnershIps and allIancesThe board recognises that to maintain a strong and growing association with committed membership, IAl must better develop its formal internal structure for maintaining strong and productive relations with regions committees, special interest groups (sIGs) and the International Committee on Irrigation & Drainage (ICID). Through the sIGs, regional committees and ICID IAl can better identify local issues and opportunities as well as engage with stakeholders who are pivotal to our future direction.

our aim is to have six sIGs operating successfully by the end of 2011 (those up and running so far drip and centre pivot/lateral move) and for each sIG to hold a forum by June 2012.

while we are concentrating our efforts internally at present, we certainly haven’t forgotten building alliances with external stakeholders in irrigation, both in Australia and overseas. we now have constructive working relationships with national Irrigators Council as well as a number of government departments, both commonwealth and state.

oTher objecTIvesother objectives for IAl are best practice standards, advocacy and knowledge and information transfer. The board has decided that while these objectives are all important to the long-term future of IAl, current IAl staff will be putting most effort into the priority objectives. BesT pracTIce sTandards. The aim of our activities in the area of best practice is to develop and promote high-quality

mAnAgIng IAl FInAnces

the IAL board and management have reviewed our strategic

plan for the next 12 months to ensure that we maintain the

services we provide to our members and that we continue

to be recognised as a key player in the irrigation industry. A

key part of this will be managing our finances responsibly.

three strategies – building value for members, further

improving professional development services and

strengthening alliances with other groups – will be the

highest priority strategies for IAL. this isn’t to say that we

aren’t going to be doing anything on the other strategies,

rather we will be making sure that most of our effort goes

into the these areas.

sTraTegIc plan

A big issue for IAL in the next 12 months will be managing its finances responsibly in the face of reduced funding from outside sources (such as Horticulture Australia Limited) while maintaining the services it provides to members and ensuring it remains a key player in the irrigation industry. In this article, Ceo, Ian Atkinson explains how the board and the association will be tackling this big issue.

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SPRING 2011 31

benchmarks which can underpin the performance of irrigation design, installation of equipment, audit and management contracts; and enhance the effectiveness and risk management of government-funded programs.

A member committee, chaired by Chris edwards from nsw, is working hard on developing best practice standards for the irrigation industry. Member input is encouraged and you can read about the committee’s achievements so far in the “Raising standards” column on page 62. advocacyThis has been a ticklish issue for IAl in the past, as advocacy can be seen to have a political dimension. The association’s aim is definitely not to get directly involved in politics and lobbying, rather our focus is to represent the industry and promote the importance of best practice in irrigation, particularly the value of using the services of appropriately

trained and certified irrigation professionals, adopting the accepted best practice standards and providing technically sound independent advice to government authorities and other stakeholders. In this context our activities to do with education, training and certification and the work being done to develop best practice standards will, at least in part, help with this objective. knowledge and InFormaTIon TransFerto ensure effective communication across the industry, to irrigators, government and to stakeholders on matters related to best practice in irrigation. our most effective vehicles for doing this– Irrigation Australia journal, Backwash, our e-newsletter, our conferences and expo and the website – provide a solid foundation for communicating with the irrigation industry. This isn’t to say they can’t be improved.

we have recently switched to a new, more web-friendly format for Backwash, this edition of the journal features a new look designed to improve readability, and we need to upgrade the website in the near future to make it much more user friendly and dynamic. our priority now is to develop a communications plan so we can identify where and how we need to focus our communication in future.

In meetings with regions and members I have consistently talked about focussing on our strengths – doing fewer things but doing them better. IAl staff, including our industry development officers, now have a clear strategic plan to use when developing our work plans. They will include a major focus on activities that deliver both benefit to members and improved revenue for your organisation, because our long term future depends upon both.

Ian aTkInson, Ial ceo

IAL NeWS

new sTaFF

When you ring the IAL support office,

chances are that the voice on the

phone will belong to Jodie Porter.

Jodie began her new role at IAL in

July, where she will be responsible for

member services and various office

duties supporting other IAL staff. She

was previously employed by one

of the largest book manufacturing

plants in Australia, Griffin Press, a

division of PMP Print.

Jodie's roles during her 14 years at

Griffin were varied - starting from ad-

ministration, data entry and general

reception, to three years in produc-

tion planning and customer service,

and then ten years as NSW sales

executive looking after accounts

in both Australia and New Zealand.

Jodie was responsible for new sales

as well as maintaining and securing

contractual accounts such as Harper

Collins Publishers and Random

House. Jodie said she is excited about

joining the team in the IAL office, and

her skills as an all rounder will stand

her in good stead.

Jodie has four young children (three

boys and one girl). She doesn’t spend

much time as a couch potato, rather

loves keeping fit with running and

netball, spending time with friends

and family over a bbq, and a good

glass of wine! She is also actively

involved with her local soccer club

where she is assistant secretary and

heads up the Social Committee.

So, next time you ring IAL and Jodie

answers, welcome her on board.

32

IAl moves oFFIceAs well as welcoming new staff on board, in August we spent a weekend packing up files and furniture and moved the IAl national support office from Hornsby to Mascot. our new address is suite12/56 Church Ave Mascot; postal address is Po box 863 Mascot 1460. our new phone number is 02 8335 4000 and our fax will be 02 8335 4099.

If you are in sydney on business, drop in and say hello and use the facilities as we are within 100 m of Mascot station and a 15-minute walk to the domestic airport. And to help you recognise the building, you can see it in the photo above (the IAl office is outlined in red).

new Ido For wAIn another staff appointment Greg stewart, chairman of the wA regional committee, announced in July, that tracy Martin had been appointed as the new industry development officer for the IAl in wA.

tracy has been the wA admin/projects officer since 2008 and is very familiar with the organisation, how it functions and what its key goals and objectives are. Greg said that the regional committee was very fortunate to secure tracy for the role as she has

the desired skills to help move the region forward.

tracy’s role includes arranging or providing education and information programs for IAl members and for the wA irrigation industry, supporting the waterwise program, liaising with other industry groups and training organisations, representing the IAl, promoting and assisting with the implementation of IAl certification, and provide networking and technical updates through field days, seminars and expo/conferences.

welcome on board in the new role tracy.

ebAy sITeIAl now has a small ebay presence, just search for “Irrigation Australia” and then look at the listings. why are

we doing this? we have a cupboard full of books to sell that no one seems to know about outside of the office! we won’t become an overnight success as a 24-7 bookshop but we should make what we have easily available to members. It is a small start but an important learning exercise for us, so if you think we can do more with it please let Ian Atkinson, Ceo, know, email ian.atkinson@irrigation.org.au.

regIsTer oF consulTAnTsMany of you would be aware that as well as the IAl staff and volunteers, IAl occasionally makes use of consultants. sometimes this is on a paid-by-the-job basis but at other times it is based on some form of success bonus. either way IAl would like to know if you are interested in joining our list of preferred contractors? If so, then as a first step please send an email to Ian Atkinson, ian.atkinson@irrigation.org.au with the words ‘Consultant Register’ in the subject line. we will go through a process of looking at what people can offer and develop an in-house list. by the way, this opportunity is only open to members!

Ian Atkinson was appointed Ceo of IAl in June. Ian is no stranger to irrigation, having been Ceo of the CRC for Irrigation Futures for over four years and an IAl board member in 2009. In this column we ask Ian for his thoughts on the future of irrigation and priorities for the association, as well as find out a bit about him.

how long hAve you been workIng In AreAs ThAT Are relATed To IrrIgATIon?My earliest experience with commercial irrigation was in sA’s Riverland district when I did nine months casual work at loxton Research station (sA Department of Agriculture) in the early 1980s. I worked on a number of projects, including sprinkler testing with people still known to many in the industry: trevor sluggett, Keith watson, Murray Harvey and Dennis sparrow. I also worked on the River Murray Irrigation and salinity Investigation Program doing both field work and report writing.

best fun was being the wine-maker for their viticultural trials where I had to make room in the cool room by “emptying” bottles from previous years! In the years since I have worked with many irrigated industries in nsw, Queensland and nationally in roles such as Ceo of the CRC for Irrigation Futures (CRCIF).

whAT wIll be The key dIFFerences In leAdIng IAl compAred wITh The crcIF?CRCIF was owned by its members as well but there were only fifteen of them! IAl is owned by our 650 plus members (including companies employing

many staff ) and they come from a very wide range of areas, backgrounds and industry sectors. CRCIF involved over ninety staff but many only worked part-time on CRC projects, IAl has only nine employees (some are part-time) and literally dozens of volunteers. That said, I only had direct control over a small team in CRCIF so that is similar here.

A key similarity is that both organisations have governing boards and a small management team which is tasked by the owners to deliver on the organisational objectives. The CRCIF’s objectives came from the contract the owners signed with the Commonwealth, whereas IAl’s objectives come from the constitution and our strategic plan.

whAT do you see As The prIorITy Issues For The IAl To deAl wITh In The nexT 12 monThs?Internally, adjusting the organisation to a future without significant project funding from Horticulture Australia limited is a priority. The reasons for the failure of our application to HAl last year are complex but the ramifications are significant, both in the short term (one result is we have a deficit budget for 2011-12) and the longer term, including the need to put more effort into our other revenue streams.

externally, our priority is to maximise the opportunities available to our members, and IAl itself, to benefit from the current phase of water reform in this country. Rural irrigation water reform is being driven by the Commonwealth and we can help them and our members to deliver a more sustainable industry. At the state level urban water reform isn’t finished yet and I see opportunities to influence policy on issues such as better availability of water for landscape and turf irrigation.

wIll you be mAkIng Any mAjor chAnges To The wAy The IAl Is mAnAged or The Issues IT deAls wITh?The board and I have already made some significant changes. For instance trevor le breton is now our general manager and has a broader and better defined portfolio to manage. I am based in Adelaide so the support office in sydney will have to be more independent than has been the case. our industry development officers will be more directly managed as their work is re-focussed to take advantage of the opportunities arising from the removal of the HAl straightjacket.

dog or cAT?Dog, and his name should be Houdini because he can levitate over 1.3 m fences!

nexT holIdAy desTInATIon?Family is booked in to go ‘worlding’ on the Gold Coast later this year.

besT book you’ve reAd ThIs yeAr.“The no Asshole Rule: building a Civilized workplace and surviving one That Isn't” by Robert sutton. This is best book I have ever read about dealing with difficult people, either as a worker or a manager. It is also a refreshing example of how research, consulting experience and common sense can be weaved together in an open and accessible style – achieving that impossible dream of a readable book written by an academic!

SPRING 2011 33

your Ial Board memBers

up close

ChairmanPeter ToomeAdcon telemetry Australia Pty LtdPRoSPeCt SA 5082P (08) 8342-5343 M 0438 813 678e p.toome@adcon.at

Deputy ChairmanIan MoorhouseGoulburn-Murray WatertAtURA VIC 3616P (03) 5833-5515M 0409 438 323e ianm@g-mwater.

com.au

Scott BarberState Water CorporationDUBBo NSW 2830P (02) 6841-2052M 0428 245 485e scott.barber@

statewater.com.au

Ann-Maree BolandRM Consulting GroupCAMBeRWeLL VIC 3124P (03) 9882-2670M 0427 679 042e anne-mareeb@rmcg.

com.au

Karen MurdayDepartment of Natural Resources & WaterBRISBANe qLD 4001P (07) 3247-4405M 0414 607 716e karen.murday@nrw.

qld.gov.au

Simon Cowland-CooperBroadwater ConsultantsLabrador qld 4215P (07) 5591 5353M 0415 733 431e simon@

simoncooperassoc.com.au

Colin CampbellHydro Plan Pty LtdBeNtLeY WA 6983P (08) 9470-2233M 0412 513 886e cjc@hydroplan.com.

au

Vern CostelowWater DynamicsPACKeNHAM VIC 3810P (03) 9874-6655M 0417 356 694e vcostelow@typac.

com.au

Tom VanderbylSunWater LimitedBRISBANe qLD 4002P (07) 3120-0105M 0411 066 793e tom.vanderbyl@

sunwater.com.au

Peter SmithDepartment of Primary IndustriestAMWoRtH NSW 2340P (02) 6763-1262M 0411 128 437e peter.smith@industry.

nsw.gov.au

34

joIn The IAl And be A pArT oF your IrrIgATIon IndusTry The IAl is the national body that represents the irrigation industry. As an IAl member you receive information, support and news, can attend seminars and conferences at reduced rates and have access to our certification programs and other professional development opportunities. Members (other than Class A members) can register their products and

services in the online directory.  Individuals, end users, water user groups, water supply authorities, consultants, designers, installers and contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, local, state and federal government departments and service industry companies with an interest in the irrigation industry are eligible to join.

Class A members (Individuals and Affiliates) – 1 vote

A.1 Student $65 (incl GSt)

A.2 Individual (where no company or organisational name is recorded) $185 (incl GSt)

A.3 Affiliated not for profit organisation (where members of the affiliate may receive benefits as individuals at the directors discretion but not be entitled to recognition on the register of members or at General Meetings)

$610 (incl GSt)

A.4 Sole trader (where one individual wishes to have a company name recorded) $305 (incl GSt)

Class B members (Small enterprises) – 2 votes

B.1 Small enterprises, being corporations, partnerships, entities or authorities (statutory, governmental or otherwise) with not less than 1 employee and not more than 5 employees or an annual turnover not more than $5 million.

$610 (incl GSt)

Class C members (Medium enterprises) – 5 votes

C.1 Medium enterprises, being corporations, partnerships, entities or authorities (statutory, governmental or otherwise) with not less than 6, and not more than 20, employees or an annual turnover of more than $5 million and less than $20 million.

$1,820 (incl GSt)

Class d members (Large enterprises) – 10 votes Large enterprises, being corporations, partnerships, entities or authorities (statutory, governmental or otherwise) with more than 20 employees or annual turnover of $20 million or more

D.1 Making contributions of more than $2,000 to other IAL programs including ItA and/or relevant special interest groups $3,640 (incl GSt)

D.2 Not making contributions to other IAL programs $5,000 plus GSt $6,065 (incl GSt)

D.3 Large RWSP enterprises with more than 20 employees or annual turnover of $20 million or more. $12,130 (incl GSt)

* the Annual fee shown above is calculated pro-rata (to the nearest quarter of the year) for new members

The north-west nsw regional committee of Ial has just held a successful seminar on pumping and energy costs. members of the committee (l to r) are grant hall, Jim purcell, anthony Fairfull, peter smith, rod Jackson, peter Taylor, neal albert, Janelle montgomery and rod Brown.

pumpIng And energy eFFIcIency semInAr A wInnerPumping costs are a big part of the bottom line for many irrigation enterprises so it was no surprise when a seminar on reducing pumping costs and optimising energy efficiency proved to be a winner.

The seminar, held in early August, was organised by the north-west nsw regional committee of IAl and held in narrabri. Committee chairman, Peter taylor, said that the program was designed to identify current water pumping costs and discuss potential ways of reducing them. The discussion extended to gas injection to diesel motors, the benefits and limitations of variable-speed drives for electric motors, the use of solar powered pumps for pumping of up to 14 Ml a day, farm energy efficiency assessments and maintenance of bore screens.

“It was a prime opportunity for industry delegates to review on-farm pumping basics on the back of a good irrigation season which has provided the opportunity for some capital expenditure after about eight years of drought having affected farm budgets,” said Peter.

About thirty people attended the seminar, including sponsor representatives from as far away as Melbourne, sydney and newcastle.

two pump specialists discussed the need to ensure that a pump set matches the pump duty and that the pump can operate at the highest efficiency and therefore provide the best result for $/Ml energy costs.

Key advice from the day was that anyone looking to buy a new irrigation system should do an energy efficiency assessment.

“This is because the cost of energy is increasing quickly and will soon be a significant part of the overall production budget, if it is not already a key parameter in determining the type of irrigation system used on a farm,” explained Peter.

water pumping costs for broadacre irrigation are now as high as $80/Ml for bore pumping and $110/Ml for spray irrigation direct from a bore. The energy cost of spray irrigation is a significant cost when relating spray irrigation to the operation of surface irrigation. some concerns were raised during a brief discussion of

future costs for high energy users, including the impact of a carbon tax and managing emissions from diesel engines. Improving energy efficiencies can directly relate to reduced emissions and therefore potential reductions in emission penalties.

The committee videoed the day’s proceedings and is looking to have it available for purchase from the IAl library. we’ll include a note in the journal and Backwash when it is available.

IAL NeWS

how To apply

A leading infrastructure and maintenance services business that specialises in the gas, irrigation and water sectors

Comdain Infrastructure’s irrigation capabilities include managing the construction of: irrigation meters, regulators (civil works and gates), channel lining, major weir works, gravity and pressure pipelines; civil, mechanical and electrical works; automation control; winter shut-down projects; and developing and delivering on-farm irrigation solutions.

Comdain Infrastructure is accredited to the Federal Safety Commission’s Australian Government Building and Construction OHS Accreditation Scheme which complements the three year certification of our management systems by BSI Global as meeting the requirements of AS/NZS 4801, ISO14001 and ISO9001.

We place importance on professional excellence and best practice in all aspects of our construction and maintenance services work, most particularly on safety.

Current & Recent Projects

State Water Corporation, NSW – Managing Contractor: Planning and installation of over 1200 river and groundwater extraction meters for the $22.4m NSW Metering Scheme Murray Pilot Project and the Murrumbidgee Metering Project, part of the $65m Murrumbidgee Water Efficiency Project

Northern Victorian Irrigation Renewal Project (NVIRP):Performing irrigation channel upgrades, meter installations and installation of large regulating structures across the Goulburn Valley.

Goulburn-Murray Water – FutureFlow Irrigation Modernisation Alliance:Delivery alliance partner in the installation of 1500 flume gates, 3800 new and replacement metres, 27km HDPE channel lining and 27km of low pressure pipeline over a two year period.

Goulburn-Murray Water: Road CulvertsInstallation of road crossing culverts

It’s because we do, that we know how

Quality ISO9001

OHS AS/NZS 4801

Environment ISO14001

comdaininfrastructure.com.auIntelligent Doers, Dependable Delivery

Flume Gates, Northern Victoria – FutureFlow Irrigation Modernisation Alliance

It’s easy. Just download and complete the application form on the Membership page of the IAL website www.irrigation.org.au.

Just fill the form in, sign it and fax it to 02 9476 0792 or post it to Irrigation Australia Ltd, Po Box 863, Mascot NSW 1460.

SPRING 2011 35

A leading infrastructure and maintenance services business that specialises in the gas, irrigation and water sectors

Comdain Infrastructure’s irrigation capabilities include managing the construction of: irrigation meters, regulators (civil works and gates), channel lining, major weir works, gravity and pressure pipelines; civil, mechanical and electrical works; automation control; winter shut-down projects; and developing and delivering on-farm irrigation solutions.

Comdain Infrastructure is accredited to the Federal Safety Commission’s Australian Government Building and Construction OHS Accreditation Scheme which complements the three year certification of our management systems by BSI Global as meeting the requirements of AS/NZS 4801, ISO14001 and ISO9001.

We place importance on professional excellence and best practice in all aspects of our construction and maintenance services work, most particularly on safety.

Current & Recent Projects

State Water Corporation, NSW – Managing Contractor: Planning and installation of over 1200 river and groundwater extraction meters for the $22.4m NSW Metering Scheme Murray Pilot Project and the Murrumbidgee Metering Project, part of the $65m Murrumbidgee Water Efficiency Project

Northern Victorian Irrigation Renewal Project (NVIRP):Performing irrigation channel upgrades, meter installations and installation of large regulating structures across the Goulburn Valley.

Goulburn-Murray Water – FutureFlow Irrigation Modernisation Alliance:Delivery alliance partner in the installation of 1500 flume gates, 3800 new and replacement metres, 27km HDPE channel lining and 27km of low pressure pipeline over a two year period.

Goulburn-Murray Water: Road CulvertsInstallation of road crossing culverts

It’s because we do, that we know how

Quality ISO9001

OHS AS/NZS 4801

Environment ISO14001

comdaininfrastructure.com.auIntelligent Doers, Dependable Delivery

Flume Gates, Northern Victoria – FutureFlow Irrigation Modernisation Alliance

John deere waTer’s vIsIon

Despite Australia being the driest continent on earth we have been profligate with the use of water.

It really has only been in the last ten years, driven by an endless drought, that we have started to take its efficient use with the degree of seriousness the subject warrants. Public campaigns to be ‘water wise’ have seen domestic water consumption per head drop dramatically; e.g. in brisbane, an eight-month campaign saw water use per head drop from

374 l per head to 127 l, quite an achievement. but it is in the world of agriculture that there is even more to be gained by the efficient and responsible use of water.

Consequently much attention has been paid to the issue of irrigation, not only through water buybacks, but a recognition that more has to be done with less, and that technology can make irrigation an incredibly productive and efficient water user.

john deere moves InTo wATerIn 1837,174 years ago, a blacksmith named John Deere brought about another farming revolution by inventing a cast-steel plough that could carve up the soil. It was the beginning of a company with an iconic brand known globally. but what John Deere is increasingly been known for has moved way beyond the humble, tough tractor and into the font of life – water.

Given its dedicated relationship to the land and agriculture it was a strategic yet natural fit.

water is the key to greater agricultural output. only 18% of the world’s agricultural land is irrigated, yet irrigated agriculture accounts for 40% of global food production.

John Deere water quickly has become one of the largest irrigation companies in the world. with the 2008 acquisitions of Plastro Irrigation systems and t-systems, International and the 2006 acquisition of Roberts Irrigation Products, John Deere water now provides precision irrigation systems in more than 100 countries.

As a company John Deere water sees great potential for integration and synergies with John Deere agriculture equipment. They plan to offer their customers a strategic but small number of dealers expert in the fields of engineering and irrigation.

InnovATIon And r&d keys To The FuTureJohn Deere water is determined to be a global leader in the water industry, delivering innovative and efficient water management solutions to enable good stewardship of our water resources. That means working with the client to solve problems and create solutions.

to this end John Deere water is investing heavily in research and development focused on efficiency, durability and precision deliverability. when this is allied to further possible company acquisitions there will soon be a range of new product lines brought to market that will revolutionise the irrigation business.

Cromford manufactures and distributes a comprehensive range of Polyethylene and PPR Pipe from 25mm to 800mm and also HDPE and PVC Flexi pipe from 50mm to 160mm in Class 1000. Capabilities also include special colours, solid, striped or jacketed.

Manufacturing and distributing Pipe, as well as fittings for Australia’s infrastructure and project needs.

Cromford Pipe, a division of Cromford Group are proudly Australian owned and operated.

Visit our website at www.cromford.com.au or call our sales team on 1300 739 830.

one of the things that has characterised the irrigation industry locally and globally is a trend to consolidation, with well known companies either being taken over by other companies or themselves taking over lesser known organisations. one of the companies that has expanded is John Deere Water. In this article they explain their vision for water and the company in the future.

Innovation and investing in research and development are the mainstays of John deere water, says managing director, peter wanckel.

ARtICLe

As far as Managing Director Peter wanckel is concerned, “strategic investment in research and development is a mainstay of the company; it helps our customers on the land realise their own aspirations of productivity and efficiency”.

The company already manufactures high performance micro and drip irrigation products for agricultural, nursery, landscape, greenhouse and mining markets.

It also offers services such as hydraulic design, irrigation project management, soil moisture monitoring and agronomic and technical support, which provide growers with the right solutions for their crop.

Innovation is also important in irrigation. "water shortage is an issue having a profound

impact on growers globally. Australia in particular has been subject to this pressure as evidenced in the recent widespread drought. with Australia’s need to improve agricultural productivity and tighter regulation on water usage, the implementation of more effective and efficient irrigation practices is essential. we see the use of drip irrigation technologies becoming a core component of Australia’s agricultural future," said Peter.

water is a limited natural resource, the demand for which continues to increase as a result of many factors, including population growth, competitive demand from food, fibre, and fuel crops, and a disparity between the location of water supplies and demand. This demand is not only for any water, but for clean, usable water.

The corporate world is full of mission statements and the vision thing; many are no more than a bunch of words on a website. but John Deere has 174 years of reputation built on its founder's original core values; integrity, quality, commitment and innovation. The humble blacksmith whose ingenuity started the company said, “I will not put my name on a product that does not have in it the best that is in me”.

In Australia water will become the key resource and its management a central national priority, but it will be at the farm gate that the battle of water management will be fought and won.

The involvement of such a significant company as John Deere in the business of water will make a significant contribution to closing the productivity gap. Through technological innovation and its partnership with farmers it will make enormous advances in efficient irrigation solutions for the future.

Catch up on all the latest from the smart waterMark team.

IsAveh2o App updATesmart waterMark’s new iPhone application, isaveH2o, is Australia’s first mobile rain tank calculator. Free to download from itunes, the app has been designed to be easy to use and will give you water saving figures for rain tanks within three minutes. The app also provides a live database of all approved products and services, of which a significant proportion are irrigation focused.

isaveH2o is being downloaded and used by consultants, tradespeople and industry professionals across Australia as it’s handy to use on site and with clients. we’ve been surprised to learn that the app, with data specific to each postcode across Australia, has also been downloaded in the UK, UsA, United Arab emirates, China, India, Ireland, lebanon and Croatia!

guIdelInes For holIsTIc open spAce TurFwe are pleased to have approved and certified as a service sydney water’s best practice guidelines, Improving the sustainability and playability of open space turf areas, for their water saving capabilities.

sydney water has been working with a panel of experts to develop best practice guidelines to encourage turf managers across its jurisdiction to think holistically and sustainably about irrigation management practices.

In sydney water’s area of operations, there are dramatic contrasts in altitude, landform, soil type, climate, population density and land use. Irrigation of open space turf areas accounts for over half of the water used by councils in these areas – or around eight million litres of water a day.

to view the guidelines, visit www.smartwatermark.info/services

smArT wATermArk servIceswhile you probably know that smart waterMark certifies irrigation products, including mulches, soil enhancers, drip irrigation and controllers, did you know that services are also approved through the scheme?

As well as Sydney Water’s best practice guidelines for open space turf areas, there are various services specific to irrigation including:• EcoHort Guidelines for Managing the

environment• IAL’s Irrigation Efficiency Training Course • Nursery Industry Accreditation Scheme Australia• Efficient Irrigation for Water Conservation

Guidelines• Independent Irrigation Design Consultancy• Knowledge Tree Environmental Consultants

Pty ltd• One Stop Sprinklers • TIMPACK

experT pAnel meeTs In sepTember Do you have an irrigation product or service that saves water? The independent technical expert panel reviews new applications in september, and the closing date for submissions is 2 september.

For more information, including application forms and guidelines, visit the smart waterMark website, www.smartwatermark.info or call (02) 9223 3322.

SPRING 2011 37

noTe. ThIs arTIcle was provIded By John

deere waTer.

smarT waTermark

Joel hurrey and cally sheehan show off the new isaveh2o app.

In 2001, Joseph Foley and steve Raine from the national Centre for engineering in Agriculture (nCeA) did a comprehensive review of centre pivot and lateral move (CPlM) machines in the cotton industry. This review has been a great resource for new users and people thinking about investing in these systems. since 2001, interest in using CPlM machines in broadacre cropping systems has grown and many new machines have been commissioned. However, some irrigators with little or no experience with CPlM systems are still finding it difficult to understand the benefits and costs as they consider investing in these machines. As well, anecdotal evidence suggests that the learning curve is particularly steep for irrigators familiar with furrow irrigation systems when they begin using these machines.

These issues are important, especially in the context that investment in this technology is likely to continue to increase with the provision of infrastructure funding programs. This was one of the reasons that Queensland’s Healthy Headwaters water Use efficiency project included an update of the original CPlM review to identify any design and management changes that may have occurred since 2001. The Healthy Headwaters project delivers funding for on-farm infrastructure improvement in the Queensland Murray-Darling basin (QMDb) as part of the Australian Government’s sustainable Rural water Use and

Infrastructure Program. The aims of this new review were to: • help irrigators identify the perceived benefits

and limitations associated with the use of CPlM irrigation systems

• contribute to better informed investment decisions on the uptake of CPlM

• help irrigators reduce the time taken to efficiently manage and operate CPlM irrigation systems after installation through an increased understanding of the management practices required to use these machines.

AbouT The new revIewThis review, completed earlier this year, followed the same methodology as the 2001 review. Face-to-face interviews of 30 CPlM operators across the QMDb (about 60% of all CPlM owners) were conducted. Another eight interviews were done with local suppliers (about 75% of all suppliers). each interview was comprehensive and took around two hours to complete.

The growers interviewed operated a total of 31 centre pivot and 26 lateral move machines with a combined area of over 6000 ha. Centre pivot installations ranged from 29 to 106 ha while lateral move installations ranged from 55 to 360 ha. The mean period of ownership was seven years, with 16 of the 30 growers having owned their CPlM machines for less than five years. Cotton was the main irrigated crop, although there were a small

number of machines that were only used for grain and legume crops.

key resulTsyield and water useAbout half of the growers believed they could achieve higher yields using CPlM machines compared to furrow irrigation, while most others believed that the same yields could be achieved with less water. The net effect is an increase in irrigation water use index (IwUI), with yield and water use data suggesting 41% of growers could improve their IwUI for cotton crops by between 0.5 and 1.5 bales/Ml. The average and range of IwUI for CPlM and furrow systems in both 2001 and 2011 is illustrated in Figure 1. The range has particularly large maximum values in 2011 because of a very small number of recent CPlM users who had only experienced wet seasons requiring very little irrigation.

system capacitysystem capacity ranged from 3.9 to 16 mm/day, with the low system capacity machines typically installed in water-limited situations where only supplementary irrigation is possible. system capacity of most machines was found to be higher than in the previous study in 2001. This is illustrated in Figure 2 which presents system capacity as a proportion of the average peak potential et for the location of each machine.

cplm sysTems In The QueenslAnd murrAy-dArlIng bAsIn: how FAr hAve we come?

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

Furrow CPLM

Irrig

atio

n W

ater

Use

Inde

x (B

ales

/ML)

2011 2001

>11068%

<11016%

90-10016%

>11026%

90-10052% <90

22%

>11068%

<11016%

90-10016%

>11026%

90-10052% <90

22%

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

Furrow CPLM

Irrig

atio

n W

ater

Use

Inde

x (B

ales

/ML)

2011 2001

38

ReSeARCH

Figure 1. Irrigation water use index for cotton (bales/ml) for furrow and cplm irrigation in 2001 and 2011.

Figure 2. design system capacity, expressed as a percentage of regional average peak potential eT, for machines in 2011 (lhs) and 2001 (rhs)

This approach takes account of the fact that machines in different areas will require different system capacities to satisfy local evaporative demands.

This increase in system capacity is consistent with a key message from the first review, which suggested that many machines had a system capacity that was too low and would be unable to meet crop water requirements during extreme conditions. Many machines now have very high system capacities, in some cases higher than what would be required even during extreme periods. The result is that these machines are often idle and their capital cost has potentially been higher than necessary. This is evident in Figure 3 which shows the high cost of machines with large system capacities.

emitter selectiononly four out of 30 growers used lePA systems, a considerable change from 2001 when almost half of all growers used this system (Figure 4). Furthermore, the use of moving plate sprinklers has increased greatly and is now the main application method. Previously, there had been a perception that the use of sprinklers in cotton crops may have a detrimental effect on fruiting and/or quality. However, not only did growers not experience such effects, sprinklers were actually believed to reduce the instance of some pests such as whitefly and aphids.

operating pressure and labour requirementsAround 90% of growers believed that CPlM machines offered labour savings compared to

furrow irrigation. The median labour requirement for centre pivots was 20% of an equivalent furrow irrigation system while for lateral moves it was 40%. This suggests the potential for substantial labour cost savings. These savings come, however at the cost of additional energy compared to gravity fed surface irrigation systems.

The 2001 review suggested that a supply point pressure about 15 psi higher than the desired emitter pressure should be enough for most machines, and this thinking was confirmed by suppliers in the 2011 survey. However, 69% of growers with pressure regulators had a supply point operating pressure that was more than 15 psi above their regulator rating (Figure 5). Arguably, most of these machines could be designed or operated for lower pressure requirements, thus decreasing energy costs.

The bottom lineThe data presented here shows the potential benefits of CPlM machines in terms of improved water use efficiency and labour savings. However, new CPlM users must be mindful of proper design to ensure that system capacity and operating pressure are appropriate for each situation. More information on management practices and other practical considerations are contained in the full review report which will be available in the near future.

InformationFoley, J.P. and Raine, s.R. (2001) Centre pivot and lateral move machines in the Australian cotton industry, national Centre for engineering in Agriculture Publication 1000176/1, UsQ, toowoomba.

guide to authors1 Dw Consulting services2 waterbiz Pty ltd3 FsA Consulting4 national Centre for engineering in Agriculture5 Queensland Department of environment and

Resource Management

Lateral move Centre Pivot

0

2

1.8

1.6

0.2

0.4

1.4

1.2

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0.8

0.6

0 70001000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000

System Cost ($/ha)

SPRING 2011 39

davId wIggInTon1*, JusTIn schulTz2, rory van

nIekerk3, Joseph Foley4 and rosIe hannah5

Figure 3. CPlm system cost compared to design system capacity, represented as a proportion of average peak potential regional eT

Figure 4. Types of emitters used for in-crop irrigation in 2011 (lhs) and 2001 (rhs)

Moving plate67%

Static plate48%

LEPA48%

Moving plate4%

Static plate10%

LEPA2%

Quad Spray3%

Moving plate67%

Static plate48%

LEPA48%

Moving plate4%

Static plate10%

LEPA2%

Quad Spray3%

<15 psi31%

30-45 psi11%

15-30 psi58%

Figure 5. difference between operating pressure at the supply point and pressure regulator rating for all machines using pressure regulators

Full sTeAm AheAd For TrAInIng

40

PRoFeSSIoNAL DeVeLoPMeNt

Ial TraInIng dIary

two DIsCUssIon papers have been completed and are being considered by IAl management – one on possible changes to the Irrigation efficiency Course (IeC) and the other on a training schedule for the next twelve months.

According to Mark Quayle, industry development officer for south-east Queensland, the IeC review collated the opinions of course presenters and past participants to help formulate the recommendations for change. Mark said that there was general agreement that the course needs to be longer than the present two days, as this didn’t allow the amount of material to be covered, and that participants need to meet some pre-qualification standards before being able to enrol. These standards include a basic understanding of irrigation principles and an understanding of maths and how to work through mathematical formulas.

IrrIgATIon essenTIAls TrAInIng schoolIf you are involved or employ staff in the retail sector then the Irrigation essentials training school is a must-attend event. This two-week residential training school, which has been run successfully by IAl for several years, is being held in Melbourne from Monday 19 september to Friday 30 september.

some changes have been made to the program based on previous participant feedback. In particular the course has been revised to deliver the essentIAl elements of what someone working in the industry needs to know. Additionally, participants will now be able to obtain compentency in a wider number of units which have been mapped to the AtQF framework and assessment tasks developed.

A further major difference to past courses is that IAl has entered a working partnership with the Australian Retailers Association to deliver the retail specific aspects of the program. This partnership will see IAl expand the range of retail and business courses available to our members in the coming months.

outcomes will include: improved skills and knowledge in irrigation design, installation and troubleshooting; better understanding of retailing–product life cycle, discounting, display and customer service; how to provide a more professional service to customers; and progress towards IAl certification. supporting companies are: Iplex, Vinidex, FHs, HR Products, Grundfos, Davey Pumps, Philmac, AIP, netafim and Rainbird.

For information contact trevor le breton, phone 02 98335 4000, email trevor.lebreton@irrigation.org.au

meTerIng workshopwith the introduction of national standards for meters for non urban water supply last year, IAl has been running workshops to accredit meter installers, maintainers, and/or inspectors or validators.

The last workshop was held in Gatton in July.“we were really pleased with the response,”

said Mark Quayle, who organised the workshop. “Fourteen people attended and they came from as far away as Ayr in the north and Victoria in the south.”

According to Mark, the feedback has been very positive. The next workshop, being run in brisbane in september, is already a sell out. If you are interested in finding out more or registering your interest in attending a workshop, go to the training page on the IAl website www.irrigation.org.au or contact Mark Quayle, phone 00400 580 147, email mark.quayle@irrigation.org.au

IrrIgATIon eFFIcIency courseThe next venue for the course is 26 and 27 september in Perth. to find out more or to register, go to the training and Certification page on the IAl website, www.irrigation.org.au.

lAsT chAnce For cId exAms In 2011november will be the last chance for anyone interested in doing a CID exam this year. CID exams will be held 10 november. For more information about the CID program go to the training and Certification page on the IAl website, www.irrigation.org.au.

IrrIgATIon TrAInIng For proFessIonAls In souThern Qld The Queensland Dept of environment and Resources (DeRM) is supporting provision of training and RPl for the IAl certification program (Irrigation Agronomist, Irrigation Designer, Irrigation Manager, Irrigation operator, Irrigation Contractor and Irrigation Installer) as part of the Healthy HeadWaters project. For information and to register interest, contact Rosie Hannah, phone 07 4688 1413, email rosalie.hannah@derm.qld.gov.au.

wA InTroducTIon To IrrIgATIon course A two-day Introduction to Irrigation course is being run in wA in bunbury in september and

IAL has firmly established its repuration as a leader in providing training and

certification programs for the irrigation industry.

this overview of activities for the next few months

shows that we aren't resting on our laurels;

it's full steam ahead for IAL professional development.

the next couple months are busy ones for IAL training

with activities such as the Irrigation training School, CID

exams, IeC, metering and online courses, and regional

activities all in the calendar. Here is a summary of just

some of what’s scheduled in August and September.

For more information go to the training page on the

IAL website, www.irrigation.org.au

An annual calendar of training and IAL events will be

launched during the Irrigation Australia Conference

in August.

the calendar has been developed to help members,

especially those who employ staff, plan participation in

training activities at times that suit them.

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Authorised Hunter Distributors:

Geraldton in october. The course has been developed to help in the education and training of newcomers to the irrigation industry. IAl will be assessing the course with a view to introducing it more widely for people who don’t have a background in irrigation.

Participants will be introduced to the principles of irrigation. topics the course will cover include: the irrigation industry; government agencies; standards, terms, units and formulas; sources of irrigation water in wA; irrigation efficiency; soil, water, plant relationship; irrigation systems and components; management a nd maintenance. to register your interest or find out more, contact tracy Martin, phone 08 9474 9089 or email tracy.martin@irrigation.org.au

energy eFFIcIency coursewith energy so much in the news lately, David Chester, IDo in sA, is encouraging people to check

out a two-day energy efficiency course, which he is aiming to organise for Adelaide later this year.

“with water and electricity prices rising, managers and operators of irrigation systems need to know more than ever where their dollars are possibly being wasted,” said David.

“And, given the age of some of the irrigation systems here, the regional committee feel that it would be worthwhile hosting a course that is solution-focused on this topic.”

The course will be presented by Rob welke, from tallemenco in Queensland. Rob has over 40 years of experience in the irrigation and water supply industries. some of the topics covered are: flow management, filtration, pipeline friction testing, pumps and pump curves and flow meters. If you are interested in registering your interest or finding out more, contact David Chester, phone 0418 942 290, email david.chester@irrigation.org.au.

correcTIon

In the winter 2011 edition of Irrigation Australia we

incorrectly referred to the training material for the centre

pivot workshop as being developed by DeeDI.

It was, in fact, developed by the National Centre for

engineering in Agriculture (NCeA) for the Cotton

Research and Development Corporation (CRDC). In

developing a generic version of the Centre Pivot and

Lateral Move training manual, the CRC for Irrigation

Futures would like to acknowledge the original source

and contribution, which was an NCeA publication

(1000176/1), Centre pivot and lateral move machines

in the Australian cotton industry, by J.P. Foley and S.R.

Raine (2001).

the training was funded through the queensland

Department of environment and Resource

Management’s South east queensland Irrigation Futures,

SeqIF, Project.

42

CoNFeReNCeIrrIgATIon – new horIzons – Fresh IdeAs IAL has a reputation for putting on great events that showcase developments in irrigation technology, practice and policy as well as provide a friendly venue for catching up with colleagues and meeting new people.

one of the things that make this possible is the support of our sponsors, and we would like to thank our 2011 conference sponsors for getting behind the event so enthusiastically.

A TAsTe oF TAssIeFor those of our readers attending the conference, we feature a summary of two presentations.

For readers who aren’t able to attend, we thought that the summary presentations would give you a taste of tassie and make interesting reading. All presentations will be uploaded onto the website after the conference, so if this taste has whet your appetite, you will find more to satisfy yourself there.

heArTs And mInds produce susTAInAble chAnges For nArIng communITyDavid Kent, Executive Manager NVIRP Modernisation and Nick Raleigh, Manager Connections ConsultationThe northern Victoria Irrigation Renewal Project (nVIRP) is currently engaged with a group of 34 landowners in the naring area, east of the township of numurkah as part of its Connections Program. The objective is to connect all landowners back to the main backbone channel and effectively decommission up to 30 km of inefficient and leaking spur channel. This project highlights the value in allowing these types of projects to be community driven.The storyThe landowners in the naring project area are an

innovative group, with strong parochial views in relation to the future of irrigation in their patch. They have established themselves into an incorporated entity – the naring Irrigators Inc. – with a well developed charter and committee structure.

The group was concerned that the identified backbone as released publicly was not extended far enough on their channel system to allow any viable connection opportunities. The backbone was designed based on consistent principles used right across the Goulburn-Murray Irrigation District, nevertheless the group was aggrieved as they felt their topography resulted in a less than favourable outcome.

From an nVIRP perspective there are a large number of connection options to be considered when evaluating a project of this nature. extension of the backbone is one such option, although it needs to be a part of the overall solution, and landowners must have an opportunity to be involved in the development of the plan required and accept the final outcome.

After a meeting between the group and nVIRP to discuss their concerns, it was agreed that the naring strategic Connection Project would be initiated. nVIRP allocated a farm designer to work with the landowners individually, and then took a step back,

only becoming involving in the project when called upon by the group itself.

by June 2011 more than 75% of the landowners had accepted the developed solutions, and it is envisaged that this will increase to 100%. This would not have been achieved if nVIRP had managed the project directly. It was important that the project was community driven and owned by the group.lessons learntThis project was community driven from the outset and we learned a number of lessons as a result of working with the group, including:• Ensuring landowners understand that the status

quo is not an option is a key starting point in the consultation process.

• Allowing a group of landowners to manage the project, with an overseeing role by the entity delivering the program, generated ownership of the project and a better acceptance of the developed solutions.

• Leveraging the potential to extend backbone channels with the required strategic project outcomes provides incentive for change.

• Listening to what landowners require and helping them to achieve these aims can provide mutual benefits.

• Ensuring personal relationships are understood,

GoLD SPoNSoRS:

SILVeR SPoNSoRS: BRoNZe SPoNSoRS:

SPRING 2011 43

and managing family disputes and strained relationships are necessary parts of any large project which must be managed appropriately.

• The project will result in an estimated 2,758 ML ltCe of water savings at an average cost of $3,186/Ml, slightly above the nVIRP benchmark.

• Further integration, by including the Farm Water Program in the one-stop-shop approach, would provide landowners connecting to the backbone additional funds for on-farm works which would generate further productivity on-farm and a larger volume of overall water savings for the project.This model is now being refined by nVIRP

for implementation in the remaining 90 Strategic Connections projects to be implemented across northern Victoria.

sAvIng wATer And energy usIng TelemeTry Technology Susan Lambert, Frank Hay, Bill Cotching and Tony Norton, Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research (TIAR), Burniewhile travelling gun irrigators are generally considered inefficient with regard to energy and water use, because of their low capital cost and portability, they are commonly used in vegetable production in tasmania. In collaboration with the tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research (tIAR), seattle services have developed irrigation and telemetry components that have been retro-fitted to a travelling gun irrigator to improve energy and water efficiency.

Preliminary results showed 7.7 t/ha (9%) greater yield of carrots under the modified than the conventional traveller, with 15% and 5% less energy and water used. economic analyses are needed to further quantify benefits.The trialThe retro-fitted components were designed to maintain a desired set pressure at the gun through a real-time feedback loop, regardless of the distance or slope of the irrigation run. equipment was fitted to enable a comparison of the modified irrigation run with the conventional irrigator run, and trials conducted in a commercial carrot crop at the tIAR Vegetable Research Facility in 2010-2011 season.

During the season plant density and emergence, yield and quality, plant disease and water and energy consumption were all monitored. For yield assessments carrots were graded into no. 1 grade

A comparison of results from the conventional and modified travelling gun irrigators

Conventional Modified P =A

Yield of carrots (g/m²) 7737.5 8510.8 0.028

No. plants/m2 58.9 59.7 0.692 ns

Yield of carrots (g/m²) in the following categories:

Below Small 232.8 241.0 0.753 ns

Small 822.0 758.1 0.367 ns

Medium 3901.3 4120.2 0.300 ns

Large 691.4 1020.1 0.017

Yield of carrots (g/m²) in the following categories:

Small #1 grade 669.0 660.8 0.906 ns

Medium #1 grade 3281.4 3496.8 0.280 ns

Large #1 grade 482.7 830.9 0.008

Small #2 grade 144.9 89.0 0.007

Medium #2 grade 565.4 568.1 0.973 ns

Large #2 grade 187.6 99.1 0.051

Waste 89.2 145.8 0.111 ns

total waste 326.0 390.8 0.142 ns

Diseased 3.9 4.0 0.985 ns

Small, medium and large #1 grade as % of total yield (%)

57.1 58.9 0.225 ns

Small, medium and large #1 and #2 grade as % of total yield (%)

69.1 67.8 0.216 ns

or no. 2 grade and various size categories based on diameter from below small to large. what happened?Mean yields equivalent to 77.4 t/ha in the conventional and 85.1 t/ha in the modified traveller were acceptable. There was no significant difference in plant density between the conventional or modified traveller treatments (see table). The total carrot yield under the modified traveller treatment was much higher than the conventional (see table), with total yield in the modified traveller 10% higher than that of the conventional traveller. There was no significant difference between treatments in the yield of carrots in the ‘below small’, ‘small’ and ‘medium’ categories (see table).

significantly, the yield of carrots in the ‘large’ category was much higher in the modified traveller treatment than in the conventional, which yielded only 67.8% of the modified. There was no significant difference between treatments in the yield of ‘small no.1 grade’, ‘medium no. 1 grade’, ‘medium no. 2 grade’, or in waste. However, the modified traveller treatment yielded more ‘large no. 1 grade’ and much fewer ‘small no. 2 grade’ and ‘large no. 2 grade’ than the conventional.

There was no significant difference between treatments in the ‘pack-out’ in terms of no. 1 grade (small, medium and large) as a percentage of total yield or in terms of no. 1 and 2 grade (small, medium, large as a % of total yield).

Data were subject to levene’s test for inequality of variances and non-paired, two-tailed t-test conducted to test equality of means (46 df ). For non significant (ns) results, the mean values between the two groups are not great enough to exclude the possibility that the difference is due to random sampling variability.

From the results, yields under the modified traveller treatment were higher than under the conventional traveller, equivalent to 7.7 t/ha (9%), and with 15% less energy and 5% less water used.

As part of this project an economic cost benefit analysis will be conducted in association with data collected such as water use, crop yield and disease assessment and provide information on capital costs, operating and energy costs, associated labour costs. This irrigation retro-fit system demonstrates the potential to reduce water and energy consumption during vegetable production.

44

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VALeobITuArymixing water, human rights and leadership – the kader asmal legacy

Chairing a conference can be a lot of hard work with a few minutes of fame at the beginning and end – ask the current IAl2011 Chair, Chris Thompson. but for me one of the highlights of chairing last year’s one water: Many Futures conference was hosting our two overseas keynote speakers, Professor Kader Asmal from south Africa and sandra Postel from UsA. both provided insightful, challenging and positive views from the outside looking in.

Almost a year to the day after the conference I heard of the passing of Kader Asmal. we were indeed most fortunate to have heard from such an eloquent, outspoken and colourful character as Kader.

Kader Asmal became involved in water management through some dramatic events in recent south African history. It was an unusual, but some considered an inspired, choice by nelson Mandela to appoint Kader as his first water minister in 1994. It was a challenge that he relished: “my relationship with water use and management has been one of the most creative and exciting aspects of a chequered and full life”.

As a human rights lawyer, Kader brought a unique perspective to the redrafting of the south Africa’s water Act. The act introduced the “Reserve” to meet the basic needs of all people and the ecosystem, and placed this as the most important share of the water resource. It also dramatically changed the way the natural resource was viewed and managed. As he once explained, “The fact that the national water Act placed the Reserve above industry and irrigation does not mean that these sectors are less important, it just emphasises that there are constraints to development set by the environment, and we need to recognise those limitations, a key principle in sustainability”.

one evening last year, Kader was guest of honour at a parliament, this time in nsw rather south Africa.

He urged those attending the water leaders Dinner to take a greater world leadership role. “The management of our precarious and dwindling water resource is likely to be the barometer for managing the economy in general under conditions of resource constraints. Are we up to this test? I hope so.”

both our international guests were impressed with Australia’s progress and the level of discussion across the industry. with so many challenges and so much happen on the home front it’s easy for us to get self absorbed. what we are doing is leading the world in many areas of water management. we are being watched!

It would be a fitting tribute to Kader Asmal if we could increase the cooperation between Australia and south Africa to expand our connections beyond rugby and cricket to learn from each other with respect to water management.

I will leave the last words to Kader. “I also propose a trade. Please send back our

water sector professionals – we need them at home – and you can take all your eucalypts and wattles back.”

KElvIn montAgu, Colo ConsultIng

SPRING 2011 45

keepIng currenT In employmenT $s In The new FInAncIAl yeArwhat all employers should know in the new financial year (1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012)• High Income Threshold (for unfair dismissal purposes) – $118,100 a year • Federal Minimum Wage – $589.30 a week• Maximum compensation for successful unfair dismissal claim – $59,050 • Maximum superannuation contribution base:

source. kemp sTrang e-newsleTTer,

July 2011, WWW.KEmpstrAng.Com.Au

BUSINeSS

small BusIness Tax checklIsTSoURCe: WWW.PUBLICACCoUNtANtS.oRG.AU

InformAtIon you WIll nEEd to provIdE to your ACCountAnt:

$175,280 a year (which equates to a maximum superannuation contribution of $15,775.20 a year) • Tax Free limit on genuine redundancy payment: $8,435.00 plus $4,218.00 for each completed year of service • Transitional arrangements in modern awards are adjusted +/-20%.

The largest group of independently owned irrigation stores in Australia. . National coverage . Technical knowledge and expertise . Strong relationships with preferred suppliers . Local community support initiatives

CAll 1800 IRRIGEAR for membership enquiriesor to become part of our Loyal Supplier program.

IRRIGEAR SToRES lImITEd PO Box 3060 Mornington Victoria 3931Ph: 03 5976 1588E: irrigear@irrigear.com.au

DOMESTIC . COMMERCIALAGRICULTURAL . INDUSTRIAL

For all your pumping and irrigation requirements, call your local Irrigear Store 1300 IRRIGEAR (local call cost)

Over 55 stOresAustrAliA wide

www.irrigear.com.au

TAx checklIsTIt’s that time of year again – time to get all your financial information together for the annual trip to the accountant. to help you with what you need to chase up, the Institute of Public Accountants

has put together this checklist. You can find out more about the institute at their website www.publicaccountants.org.au

InComE

Income from sales and services

Bank statements listing deposits, debtors and

quickbooks/MYoB files

Cashbook records including withdrawals for

the business

Bank, building society, investment and term

deposit accounts

Include bank statements listing received interest

rental properties

Statements of rent

share trading statements

Statements of shares plus dividends

disposal of plant and property

Dates and values of purchases and sales

Description of your assets

Capital gains

A list of assets acquired which were sold in the

tax year

A list of additions or improvements to assets

Assessable government and other payments

Details of Government industry payments

Annual turnover

A calculation of annual turnover

other income

Bank statements, recepts, invoices, cashbook records

EXpEnsEs

loans

Provide statements for loans owing, with an end

of financial year balance and interest paid on

those loans.

Insurance

Details of policies and premiums

Assets

A list of business assets showing date of purchase,

price, hire or lease details

A list of repairs or maintenance to business assets

motor vehicles (if used by business)

Fuel, oil, registration and repair expenditures plus

engine size of vehicle

Log books and odometer readings for the

financial year

travel expenses

Provide travel diary and other documentation

Employees

Payment summaries and annual reconciliation

for salaries and wages

Super contributions made for each employee and

director

rental properties

Details of all expenditure incurred and details of rent

paid by the business

Date of purchase of rental property as per contract

leased plant and motor vehicles

A list of all plant and motor vehicles leased including

expenses

superannuation contributions

Name of fund, policy number and contributions paid

other expenses

Petty cash

miscellaneous

Bank statement with BSB number, account name

and account number

Value of opening stock on hand for the financial year

Invoices showing value of purchases made

throughout the year

Value of work in progress at June 30.

46

all aBouT FerTIgaTIon

IRRIGAtIoN INSIGHtS

pros and cons

The supply of dissolved mineral nutrients to plant roots has been a research tool for at least 100 years. It was first applied practically in the 1940s as hydroponics. Fertigation is a natural extension of the hydroponics concept, and is now widely practised in horticultural industries, particularly permanent plantings of crops such as citrus, olives and almonds. Fertigation is most successful when combined with drip irrigation.

eQuIpmenTThe level of sophistication and associated capital cost of fertigation equipment vary greatly. mixing tanksMany fertigation systems are designed with three mixing tanks to allow the supply of up to three different fertiliser mixes in a single irrigation, but at different times during that irrigation. sometimes only a single tank is used, with different fertilisers being supplied in different irrigation shifts.

Using multiple tanks reduces the time required to manage a system, and makes it easier to supply small doses of different fertilisers during every irrigation event without having to replenish each tank often. It’s important to allow enough time for one fertiliser to be flushed through the system before another fertiliser is introducedcontrol systemsVarious control units are available that allow irrigation pumps to be turned on at pre-set times, for irrigation sections to be turned on and off according to a pre-determined program, and that control when and how much of each fertiliser mix is to be injected into the irrigation water.

equipment is also available to monitor and modify the electrical conductivity (eC) and pH of the water/nutrient mix. eC is often used as an indirect measure of the amount of fertiliser being injected into the irrigation water; higher eC readings are indicative of high amounts of fertiliser being injected.

FerTIlIsers while all mineral nutrients can be supplied to plant roots using fertigation, it is usually only the major nutrients — nitrogen (n), phosphorus (P) and

Fertigation is gaining popularity because of its efficiencies in nutrient management, time and labour and potentially greater control over crop performance.

potassium (K) — that are supplied using this method, and calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) less often. sulphur (s) is often inadvertently supplied when fertilisers such as potassium sulphate and magnesium sulphate, are used to supply K and Mg, respectively.

Using fertigation to supply the other essential micronutrients such as boron (b), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and molybdenum (Mo) is possible, but these nutrients are generally applied as foliar sprays because only small amounts are needed.Forms of fertiliserstechnical grade fertilisers, rather than agricultural grade, are normally required in fertigation systems because they have fewer impurities and proportionally higher levels of the desired mineral nutrients. The problem with impurities is that they can be insoluble, leading to dripper blockages

single-, double- and triple-strength superphosphate and rock phosphate cannot be used in fertigation systems.

Fertilisers suitable for use in fertigation systems come as technical grade salts (e.g. potassium sulphate), acids (e.g. nitric acid), bases (e.g. potassium hydroxide), polymers (e.g. polyphosphate) or chelates (e.g. iron eDtA). They are almost exclusively injected into the irrigation water already in solution (i.e. pre-dissolved in water).

Insoluble sources of calcium (Ca) are an exception to this rule. For example, gypsum, which is sometimes

multiple mixing tanks allow the supply of different fertilisers in the one irrigation shift.

pvc pipes taking separate dissolved fertilisers to the injection point.

advantagesthe advantages of supplying mineral nutrients to

crop roots using fertigation include:

• reduced delivery costs (no need to broadcast fertilisers,

leading to less soil compaction in the inter-row areas,

less fuel usage and lower labour requirements)

• greater control over where and when nutrients

are delivered, leading to more efficient fertiliser use

• more control over crop behaviour through targeted

application of specific nutrients during particular

stages of crop development

• potential for reduced fertiliser losses (due to

immobilisation within or leaching below the rootzone)

by supplying small amounts often.

disadvantagesthese include:

• higher capital costs associated with the equipment

needed to dissolve and inject the fertiliser into the

irrigation water

• higher operating costs associated with using

technical grade fertilisers as opposed to

agricultural grade fertilisers.

• chemical reactions between some types of

fertilisers when mixed, potentially causing significant

equipment blockages.

SPRING 2011 47

used to help remove excessive amounts of sodium ions (na+) from the soil profile and improve soil structure, can also be introduced into the irrigation water. However, it must be very finely ground and the source tank constantly agitated to prevent settling of the fine particles and to prevent dripper blockage.

The amount of each fertiliser that can be completely dissolved in a given volume of water is different and highly dependent on the temperature of the water. less of a given fertiliser can be dissolved in cold water (i.e. <5°C) than can be dissolved in warm water (i.e. >15°C). There are guides and charts available on the amount of various fertilisers that can be dissolved in a given volume of water as a function of the temperature of that water.

Another potential problem with fertigation systems is with the mixing of fertilisers. There is the potential for negatively charged ions (anions) from one fertiliser to react with positively charged ions (cations) from another fertiliser to form an insoluble precipitate (clump). This can lead to clogging problems in the irrigation system. The major danger lies with calcium (Ca2+) which forms insoluble precipitates with phosphate (Po43–) or sulphate (so42–). Compatibility and mixing charts for different fertilisers are available.

open hydroponIcsFertigation approaches vary from simply using the irrigation water to supply the basic nutrients (i.e. n, P and K) in a few applications per year while still relying on the soil to supply all other nutrients, through to those that supply the crop’s complete nutrient needs in small doses sometimes on a daily basis.

In the latter approach (daily irrigations) the soil essentially only provides the mechanical support for the crop's roots and acts as a storage bank for the water and nutrients added. This approach has become known as ‘open hydroponics’. Another feature of this approach may include adjusting the pH of the irrigation water/nutrient mix; a practice known as ‘pH trimming’.

some open hydroponic systems have fewer drippers per plant, and water is applied more often in very short irrigations (pulsing). This results in a much smaller proportion of the available rootzone being wetted, confining root growth to the wet soil. For example, under open hydroponics, citrus roots can be confined to a root volume as small as 0.5 m3 compared to 6 to 10 m3 under conventional irrigation/fertigation.

The reduced root volume also means that the amount of water held in that soil volume is much less, so the interval between field capacity and wilting point, i.e. the time interval between irrigation events, is much shorter compared to conventional irrigation. with open hydroponics soil moisture monitoring and the ability to supply water on demand are critical to prevent trees suffering water stress.

The major potential benefit of open hydroponics is better control over the delivery of water and nutrients to the plant roots due to the restricted volume of wetted soil. However, it is also potentially the weakest link because a very high level of management skill and greater capital investment are required when using open hydroponics compared to simpler approaches. Anything less than best management can very quickly lead to major problems, ranging from reduced yield and quality through to crop death. Cutting corners on equipment may mean that some potential efficiencies are not made.

Using fertigation to manage crop performance needs to be based on a good knowledge of when and to what extent each mineral nutrient is taken up by the crop’s roots and how it affects crop growth, development, and yield. with some open hydroponics systems, which essentially ignore soil fertility, this knowledge is even more critical. There is a tendency to assume that all crops behave similarly, but this is not the case, and there are still major knowledge gaps in this area for specific crops. Another gap in technology is the ability to measure crop

mIchael TreeBy, sTeven FalIvene and mark skewes

nutrient status in ‘real time’, and to interpret that information correctly and use it to manage the fertigation system.

good mAnAgemenT crITIcAlFertigation potentially offers many advantages over conventional approaches to managing a crop’s fertiliser needs. It needs to be remembered that while it is an exciting and potentially profitable addition to horticultural production systems, it also requires significant investment in equipment, advanced management skills, constant monitoring and an understanding of the specific crop’s nutrient needs.

AbouT The AuThorsMichael treeby, Research Horticulturist, nsw DPI, Dareton Primary Industries Institute, nsw; steven Falivene, Citrus extension officer, nsw DPI, Dareton Primary Industries Institute, nsw; and Mark skewes, Research officer, south Australia Research and Development Institute, loxton Research Centre, sA.

AcknowledgmenTsImages courtesy of nsw DPI. This article was  taken from PrimeFact 1089, an output of a project supported by the national Program for sustainable Irrigation, I&I nsw and sARDI.

IMPRoVeD teCHNoLoGY

48

AuTomATIc selF-cleAnIng FIlTers: sTATe oF The ArT In FIlTrATIon

how They workself-cleaning screen filters use system pressure to clean themselves. A rigid cylinder screen strains particles from the water source, trapping debris on the inside. This layer of build-up causes differential pressure across the inlet and outlet. A controller monitors the filter and opens a flush valve when it senses adequate differential pressure. This creates rapid flow through the internal cleaning apparatus, which “vacuums” any build-up from the screen and expels it.

A unique characteristic of self-cleaning screen filters is that the cleaning cycle does not require the entire system flow to stop and reverse, as is the case for many other types of filters. Instead, a point-of-suction backwash reverses flow across the screen, only directly in front of suction nozzles. This allows the cleaning mechanism to move along and clean the screen incrementally and powerfully, without disrupting the main flow through the filter.

Filter type efficiency Cost Installation/operation Size Degree of filtration Maintenance

Automatic: self-cleaning screen filter

High. Flush water volume is very low and flush time is fast – 4 to 16 seconds

Med-High easy. Automatic operation does not interrupt system flow during the rinse cycle

Small 5 micron Low

Gravity “Coanda effect” screen

Low. Cannot be used in pressurised systems

Low easy Large 200 micron and up Requires periodic cleaning

Bag and cartridge High Med-High easy Small Sub micron Labour intensive. Requires bag or cartridge change outs

Media (sand) High. However, flush water volume is large and flush time can be very high- as much as 10 minutes or more

Med-High twin systems are required for uninterrupted automatic operation

Large 5 micron Requires periodic media changes

Centrifugal High. Batch or continuous low flush water

Low Suitable for full-time automatic operation

Small-med Captures down to 75 micron but cannot filter particulates below ~ 1.1 S.G Cannot filter algae and is flow sensitive

tangential screen Low. Require high flow cleaning cycle

Low Can be adapted to automatic operation

Small Labour intensive. Requires periodic screen removal and pressure clean

Self-cleaning water filters are the optimal choice for most industrial, municipal and irrigation applications. they are reliable, require low maintenance, have a short cleaning cycle, waste very little flush water, are easy to install in new or existing systems, and do not interrupt main flow during the backwash cleaning cycle.

FIlTer selecTIonIt is recommended to choose a screen element that is appropriate for the application. For example, if a water filter is needed to protect spray nozzles, a filtration degree of 100-200 micron is enough. Using finer filtration than that would require increasing the screen area. waste disposal costs are often overlooked when implementing quick solutions. sand or media filters can take up to 10 minutes per backwash and upwards of 4500 l during one cleaning cycle. However, water frugal automatic self-cleaning water filters require minimal flow (as little as 90 l) per cleaning cycle, even in models that flow up to 90,000 l/minute. The table summarises the features of filters that are used in the industry.

AdvAnTAges low maintenanceself-cleaning filters incorporate mechanisms that eliminate the need for routine maintenance

IMPRoVeD teCHNoLoGY

SPRING 2011 49

Figure. how self-cleaning filters work

by automating the cleaning cycle. Differential pressure is monitored by the controller which initiates the backwash cycle automatically, resulting in reduced maintenance time and operating costs. Manual washes, spray downs, filter, cartridge and bag replacements become unnecessary. basic bi-annual or annual inspection (depending on particle load) replaces the need for daily, weekly or monthly shutdowns.dependableself-cleaning filters are a dependable choice, where reduced power and flushing water consumption are desired. Automatic self-cleaning filters are technologically more advanced than older style ”back-flush” filters and can be provided in a variety of metals from steel to stainless steel and more exotic alloys such as duplex and super duplex stainless steel or titanium, or even in GRP for brackish water, sea water or super saline applications.continuous operationDebris collects inside the filter’s stainless steel screen. when differential pressure initiates the automatic cleaning cycle, flow reversal occurs at the

point of suction rather than throughout the entire filter. This provides an important advantage in that it allows for continuous flow throughout the filter for the duration of each backwash cycle.short cleaning cycle.Automatic self-cleaning water filters can require as little as four seconds to perform a full screen cleaning wash cycle. other filter technologies, such as sand or bag and cartridge filters may need several hours to complete their cleaning cycle, with a corresponding increase in the volume of flushing water.clean pipesscale build up in a piping system can cause a dramatic reduction in the internal bore of a pipe, resulting in more energy being required to pump the same volume of water. Installing automatic self-cleaning water filters stops this, prolongs the life of a piping system and saves energy. cerTIFIcaTIon

paul earl, gloBal valves and engIneerIng,

seven hIlls nsw are YoU a cerTifieD irrigaTion professionaL?Certified irrigation professionals are people who are

certified in IAL's Certification Program in one or more

of the seven areas of certification.

Certification is an industry-owned and managed

recognition scheme. Certification is a voluntary,

national program of industry recognition covering

seven occupations of designing, contracting, installing,

operating, managing, retailing and providing advice.

By becoming a certified irrigation professional, you’ll

be helping to lift the skills, knowledge and standards

of the whole industry – which in turn will help the

irrigation industry control its own future and become

more sustainable. there are personal benefits too

– as a certified irrigation professional you’ll gain

recognition for your skills and better prospects for

your future career.

IAL certification is available for:

• certified irrigation manager

• certified irrigation operator

• certified irrigation contractor

• certified irrigation installer

• certified irrigation agronomist

• certified irrigation retailer

• certified irrigation designer.

For more information check out the IAL website

wwwirrigation.org.au and go to the Certification page.

50

IMPRoVeD teCHNoLoGY

Technology key To modernIsed IrrIgATIon schemes

The irrigation scheme, which is managed by Darling Irrigation, supplies water for irrigation and stock and domestic purposes to 23 landholders north of warren in nsw. like many similar schemes in the state, it pumps river water through open channels which suffer water loss as a result of evaporation and seepage.

Darling Irrigation has received $9.5 million through the Private Irrigation Infrastructure operators Program (PIIoP) in nsw to rationalise the scheme’s channel system, and to install a separate stock and domestic water supply through a new pipeline system. The funding for this ‘Greening the Marthaguy’ project is part of the Federal Government’s water for the Future fund.

The project will not only ensure that local landowners are using water wisely and taking action on climate change, it will also return water to the environment, including the Macquarie Marshes, near Dubbo.

An integral part of the successful installation proposal from Darling Irrigation is a monitoring system, supplied by observant, which provides the scheme with the ability to remotely manage both irrigation and domestic water supply accurately and efficiently from the same software system.

As well, while technology for monitoring and managing pumps and water flow is not new, what is innovative about the system being used by Darling Irrigation is that a camera records still images at the remote pumping site. This means it can be visually checked without the need for daily site visits – ensuring gates are locked, there is no vandalism, and everything is working as it should.

The improved security as well as savings in travel and staff time will be significant for Darling Irrigation, which is currently installing the pipeline and monitoring technology. The new scheme is expected to be up and running by the end of the year.

prIorITIsIng FundIng For wATer sAvIngsThe Marthaguy Irrigation scheme upgrade combines a rationalised open channel with a new pipeline for stock and domestic water. The scheme can then get the most benefit from its investment, allowing members to receive stock and domestic

water on a continual, year-round basis, and removing the inefficient parts of the current channel to minimise the risk of water loss.

In addition, monitoring devices on the channel at the pump stations allow the scheme manager to reduce the time spent physically monitoring water flow and pumps, and lets him set alerts so any potential pump or channel issues can be fixed before precious water is lost.

rATIonAlIsIng The InFrAsTrucTureAbout 16 km of supply channel will be decommissioned, while 60 km of new piped stock and domestic supply and an improved channel management system will be put in place.

“This will be far more efficient,” says Glen whittaker, Chairman of the Marthaguy Irrigation scheme. “I expect water losses through the channel for irrigation will drop by at least thirty per cent, and the new pipeline will make it easier to control stock and domestic water.”

The open channel will only be used for irrigation during the season. two monitoring units and level sensors, placed at approximately 10 km intervals along the channel, will relay information on water levels back to the pump station unit, and allow the scheme manager to access data and receive alerts from his PC or smartphone. six river pumps – two for stock and domestic and four for irrigation – can be started and stopped remotely, and will shut down automatically for pre-set conditions, such as a blockage in the channel or pipeline.

Monitoring units will keep tabs on the water flow at the pumps, and a camera will record still images at the remote pumping site. A monitoring unit mounted on an existing UHF tower will send all data and images back to the warren base station by UHF. The data can be securely accessed and the site checked visually from the office at warren so there will be no need for daily site visits. This will represent a big saving in time and costs for Darling Irrigation.

If they wish, the scheme operators can give access to their members or to state water, so they can also check water levels and flow data.

“basically, the scheme manager can monitor and operate the irrigation pumps from warren,” explains

the innovative marriage of sensing equipment to remotely manage irrigation and stock water and a camera to visually monitor a pump site will lead to important water and labour savings for the Marthaguy Irrigation Scheme in western NSW.

where waTer goesIn ausTralIa

WAteR PRoVIDeRS

eg. Water Supply, Sewerage and

Drainage Service Industry as

well as some Mining, Manufacturing and electricity

businesses

WAteR USeRS

HouseholdAgriculture

MiningManufacturing

andother industries

Also includes use by Water

Providers

eCoNoMY

eNVIRoNMeNt

DIStRIBUteD WAteR8,982 GL

Sewage and other wastewater

(not quantified)

ReUSe WAteR318 GL

SeLF-extRACteD

WAteR9,673 GL

Supplied to environment

772 GL

Unregulated discharge

(not quantified)

Regulated discharge47,459 GL

Includes in-stream use of

45,365 GL(eg. Hydro-

electric generation)

SeLF-extRACteD

WAteR50,166 GL

Unregulated discharge

(not quantified)

Water serves a lot of masters in Australia. this graphic

shows where it went in 2008-09.

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics Water Account,

Australia, 2008-09 website www.abs.gov.au

Phone 08 8431 2281 or check www.maric.com.auFax: 08 8431 2025 Email:sales@maric.com.au

Ideal for preventing; Over-Pumping, Up-Thrust Damage and Cavitation Damage

AUSTRALIA

Centrifugal Pump ProtectionMaric valves control flow to a constant pre-set rate regardless of pressure

SPRING 2011 51

IMPRoVeD teCHNoLoGY

The monitoring system links equipment in the field to a central base allowing data and images to be observed in real time. For the marthaguy Irrigation scheme, observant global™ services will allow the scheme operators to manage both the irrigation and domestic water supply.

seda erTuna, oBservanT

sam Maroulis, manging director at Darling Harbour. “He can also monitor the irrigation channel levels at multiple points. Alarm functions allow for alerts to be sent by sMs, for example, if the pumps shut down, or channel levels exceed a preset range.”

with a new pressurised pipeline system for stock and domestic water, monitoring water pressure and flow is essential to ensure that the system is operating efficiently and to minimise the risk of water loss. because the pump site is isolated and not staffed all the time, this gives the irrigation scheme members confidence in their water supply.“The greatest advantage of the telemetry is the ability to manage the system, especially turning pumps on and off, from town,” says Glen. “During a severe storm event, for example, there’ll be no need to drive to the site to check the pumps. It will make water management a lot easier.”

The windsor Inquiry into the Murray-Darling basin Plan, Of Droughts and Flooding Rains, which was tabled in Parliament in June, included twenty-one recommendations. In summary, these recommendations were as follows:1. The Commonwealth Government commission

a study to identify all regulations and agreements in place that inhibit the efficient management of water in the MDb and work with the states to remove these regulations.

2. The MDbA apply greater rigour to assumptions made to develop the proposed sustainable diversion limits.

3. The MDbA improve data on groundwater availability, use and connectivity with surface water prior to proposing sustainable diversion limits.

4. The MDbA engage with the community in the development of the plan as well as clearly communicate the need and processes of the plan.

5. The Commonwealth Government develop separate community basin planning.

6. The Commonwealth Government ensure that the mining industry is placed under the same obligations as other water users in the MDb.

7. The Commonwealth Government immediately cease all non-strategic water purchase in the MDb.

8. The Government in all future water purchases be more responsive to proactive sellers and identify consequences for the community.

9. The Commonwealth Government focus greater investment in on- and off-farm water saving projects.

10. The Commonwealth Government assess the viability of environmental works and measures and implements viable measures as quickly as possible.

11. The Commonwealth Government in partnership with the basin states develop a framework addressing the monitoring, compliance and enforcement of basin water resource use.

12. The Commonwealth Government identify and rectify all impediments to irrigation investment in the taxation system.

13. The Commonwealth Government develop and implement options for tax-based incentives

for efficient irrigation investment as part of the basin Plan.

14. The Commonwealth Government focus greater investment into the research and development to improve irrigation efficiency.

15. The Commonwealth Government establish a national water fund.

16. The Commonwealth Government consider establishing a national water fund manager.

17. The Commonwealth Government fund the development of a plan in partnership with the states for the implementation of the basin Plan.

18. The Commonwealth Government seek agreement with basin states on a cooperative model for developing water resource plans.

19. The Commonwealth Government clearly communicate to basin communities the purpose and implementation of the environmental water Plan.

20. The Commonwealth Government establish a dedicated agency to be led by the Commonwealth environmental water Holder.

21. The Commonwealth Government charge the national water Commission with responsibility for auditing and reporting on the management and use of environmental water, and the transition to and implementation of the basin Plan.

Commonwealth Government must respond to the recommendations within six months. to create the draft basin Plan, the MDbA must: develop a draft and put it out for a 16-week public consultation period; then present the draft to the Murray-Darling basin Ministerial Council; and then present the draft plan to the Commonwealth minister responsible for water. The minister can either adopt it or send it back to MDbA for amendment.

You can download the report from website. http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/ra/murraydarling/report.htm

TAsmAnIA Funds IrrIgATIon schemesFunding of $140 million has been allocated in tasmania to complete irrigation schemes currently

under construction and start work on new projects over the next three years.

one of the thirteen projects to be funded is the biggest irrigation development ever undertaken in tasmania to deliver water to farmers in the Midlands. The $88 million Midlands Irrigation scheme should next year.

The Midlands scheme comes on the heels of the completion of the first major irrigation scheme, at whitemore, which the tasmanian Government said was an important milestone in its water development strategy. two other major schemes, the sassafras wesley Vale scheme in the north-west, and Headquarters Road in the north-east, will be up and running this year.

The government said that the irrigation infrastructure being rolled out now will provide more opportunities for farmers to expand and diversify their businesses and provide a significant boost to rural and regional communities.

new wATer r&d group lAunchedA new collaborative group is bringing together key players within the Australian urban water community who undertake the role of research and development knowledge brokers, with an aim of sharing information on R&D and promoting knowledge and adoption of research outcomes to the industry.

The new group – the Australian water Research and Development Coalition – includes water Quality Research Australia, the Australian water Recycling Centre of excellence, Goyder Institute for water, national Centre of excellence for Desalination, national Centre for Groundwater Research and training, national water Commission, Victorian smart water Fund, Urban water security Research Alliance, and water services Association of Australia.

Using these R&D knowledge brokers as a starting point, efforts are underway to explore the opportunity to design and implement a more cooperative and efficient national approach to urban water research investment and management.

For information about the forum contact Michele Akeroyd, email Michele.Akeroyd@wqra.com.au

StAte RoUNDUP

52

wIndsor InQuIry InTo The murrAy-dArlIng bAsIn plAn TAbled

QueenslAnd sTreAmlInes wATer plAnnIngThe Queensland government recently introduced reforms in state Parliament aimed at reducing review times for water resource planning by up to two years. 

The changes to the state’s Water Act 2000 will mean that water resource plans and resource operations plans that were previously developed separately will now be done together, streamlining the process. These changes reflect the recommendations of a recent independent review and stakeholder feedback.

The government said that now plans are in place across most of the state’s major catchments, reviews can happen as quickly as possible and the community consultation process will be improved. This is because the community will now be able to comment on changes to strategic catchment-wide goals, and see what this means for individual water users.

Changes to the water resource planning framework have been designed to be consistent with the Commonwealth water Act 2007 and the national water Initiative. nsw proTecTs AQuIFers A new interim aquifer interference regulation takes effect from 1 July 2011 in nsw. This regulation requires new mining and petroleum exploration activities that take more than 3 Ml per year from groundwater sources to hold a water access licence. The state government said that this reform is an important step towards ensuring equitable sharing of groundwater among all water users.

A draft aquifer interference policy is also being developed by the nsw office of water as part of the nsw government's strategic Regional land Use Policy. This policy aims to strike a balance between the state’s important agricultural, mining and energy sectors, while ensuring the protection of high value conservation lands.

The draft aquifer interference policy will be placed on public exhibition to allow feedback from stakeholders. Following consultation with the community, the policy will be finalised and new regulations enacted. The final nsw Aquifer Interference Policy will be applied state wide to clarify water licence and approval requirements for aquifer interference activities.

wA wInTer sprInkler bAn ends AugusT 31The winter sprinkler ban in wA is a permanent water efficiency measure commencing each year on 1 June and ending 31 August.

The ban applies to the Perth/Mandurah and south west areas, including Albany, and affects domestic garden bores, scheme and over 600 licensed water users. These licensed water users include local governments, schools, golf courses, government departments, universities, tAFe campuses, major parks, race grounds and businesses irrigating areas of non-commercial turf, lawn and gardens.

'Active' sporting areas such as school and local government ovals are allowed limited irrigation during winter due to their frequent use and the value they provide to the wider community.

Garden bore users in the rest of the state can water once per day, outside the hours of 9am to 6pm.

There are a number of automatic exemptions from the winter sprinkler ban and the watering day rosters, including exemptions for those people employed in the turf, garden and landscaping industries. As well, people establishing a new lawn or garden, may be eligible for an exemption.

sA And vIcTorIA: we’re noT goIng To courTThe Victorian and sA Government agreed on a mutually acceptable settlement to do with water trade in June this year so now they aren’t heading off to court.

In 2009, the sA government decided to pursue a legal challenge to restrictions on water trade out of Victoria. Victoria now has voluntarily removed its 10% absolute cap on water trade out of a district. It has also struck an agreement with the Federal Government to allow the purchase of water for environmental purposes, and has reaffirmed the agreement to lift the 4% annual cap by 30 June 2014.

These moves lessened some of sA’s concerns with Victoria’s water trading rules.

Through negotiation the two governments have reached an agreement that gives sA the right to buy water from Victoria to meet any potential shortfall in critical human needs supply. The states have also agreed that Victoria will immediately sign the relevant schedules under the Murray-Darling basin agreement which provide sA with permanent rights to store water in upstream storages such as the Hume and Dartmouth dams.

This will enable sA to develop a long term carry over policy for its irrigators and critical human needs.

IrrIgaTIonessenTIals

Check out the world's first irrigation online portal, developed in Australia for the

Austalian irrigation industry and housed on the IAL website. No more trawling

websites to find the information you want. Just type in your query and Irrigation

essentials does the work for you.

You find it at the IAL website www.irrigation.org.au under the ReSoURCeS tab.

SPRING 2011 53

ICID INSIGHtS

54

Willem Vlotman, Vice President ICID, Chairman ICID National Committee of Australia (ICID-NCA)

As part of the Memorandum of Understanding signed in Jogyakarta (october 2010) between ICID and the Chinese national Committee, two events were organised by the Chinese national Committee of the ICID. The first was to have a workshop on water-saving Irrigation and Food security, and the second to officially opening and establishing the China Research and training Centre of International Programme for technology and Research in Irrigation and Drainage (IPtRID).

The water saving workshop was held in beijing from 11 to 14 July 2011. Its objective was to present water saving techniques, works and projects from around the world to advance the science and technology of water saving. twelve countries and three international organisations were represented. The workshop comprised two days of intensive presentations and official meetings and dinners, followed by two days of technical field trips mixed with tourist activities. Fifty-five official invitees participated and another fifty plus observers attended the workshop.

The changes that have occurred in China since my first ICID visit in 1991, my second in 2005 and now in 2011 are very impressive. As one of the participants of the workshop mentioned, the dragon has awoken, from being a communist country experiencing spring in 1991 to now being a socialist country with a strong business oriented economy and celebrating its 90th birthday of the Communist Party. beijing rivals any major city in the world as far as facilities are concerned. because they did not have to cope with major existing old infrastructure (most new development is in former rural areas outside beijing city proper), city officials could start afresh in many cases, applying the latest technologies and insights for mega city planning.

presenTATIons revIew upTAke oF wATer sAvIng Technology while most presentations were traditional overviews of achievements in the field of irrigation modernisation and methodologies to save water at basin, system and farm scale, a number went beyond reporting the accepted approaches to water savings such as moving from furrow irrigation to sprinkler,

to low pressure systems, or to drip/trickle irrigation.A study of research articles published the last

ten years in leading irrigation journals (seven international journals, including ICID’s own, and four Chinese journals) showed that from 2000 to 2005 the number of articles dealing with irrigation technologies increased, but has declined since then. The division of papers over irrigation technologies is shown in the table.

It will be interesting to compare these numbers with trends in irrigation technology uptake by farmers of the various technologies.

Concern about the uptake of irrigation technologies by farmers was expressed in the presentations from Australia and India. In Australia the jury is still out on the success of recently commenced modernisation and water saving projects and programmes (nVIRP, G-Mw, DsewPaC and MDbA). From India the results of the Farmers Participatory Action Research Programme (FRARP) were presented. The reported impacts of FRARP from more than 2500 demonstration meetings were: water savings of from 5 to 80%; and yield increase from 5 to 166%. In India the result of sustainable uptake by farmers is still to be investigated and determined.

A number of countries indicated that there was still much scope to expand and take up modern irrigation technologies. In India 3.5 million ha was converted to micro-irrigation compared with a potential of 69.5 million ha; and in China 93% of agricultural land is under surface irrigation and only 5% and 2% under sprinkler and drip; world wide these numbers are 79%, 18% and 3% respectively. In niger 100,000 ha out of potentially 270,000 ha are under irrigation.

both Iran and China stressed the linkage between population, arable land, water resource availability and food production capabilities, and highlighted

that in many countries systems are under tremendous stress to produce large quantities of food from relatively small agricultural land areas. This was particularly evident in regions with mega cities, emphasising the need for water saving irrigation.

Presentations from Uzbekistan, niger and Australia highlighted water saving efforts to reverse ecological decline along rivers and terminal lakes. Australia’s works and measures, where the same ecological outcome is achieved with about one third of the water that would otherwise be required under natural conditions, drew attention at the workshop from various countries and the FAo.

Technology FIeld TrIpsDay one of the field trips saw us travelling to the China Institute of water Resources and Hydropower Research (CIwHR) laboratories at the Daxing Irrigation experimental station, where we observed models of major spillways and dams in China, and experiments to determine uniformity of water distribution under different sprinklers and field tests with computerised intelligent precision irrigation control. next was a visit to the beijing laosong Melon Garden to see the latest on greenhouse production,

table. Percentage of articles on irrigation technologies in major irrigation journals in the USA, europe and China, 2000 – 2011 (Li 2011).

International journals

Chinese journals

Range Average Range Average

Sprinkler irrigation 6.3 – 36.6 22.1 5.3 – 21.0 11.8

Micro irrigation 25 – 62.5 50.1 34.1 – 62.6 54.8

Surface irrigation 9.9 – 31.3 19.7 9.3 – 28.7 19.9

others 1.4 – 25.0 8.1 6.3 – 20.7 13.5

workshop participants scattered among millions of chinese tourists on the great wall of china, near Badaling.

chInA hosTs wATer sAvIng workshop

SPRING 2011 55

followed by a visit to set of rented greenhouses used by an enterprising group of farmers to grow chrysanthemums for export to Japan.

After starting day two with climbing the Great wall of China, we visited the “Floriade” of beijing, a major permanent horticulture demonstration park, officially known as the International Flower Port and energy Centre. ten per cent of the area is hard cover; runoff from this area is enough to supplement annual rainfall to meet the evapotranspiration needs of the remaining 90% of the area under cultivation. This makes the park water self-sufficient. In another technological innovation, plants for outdoors are nursed in the greenhouses, which are heated by geothermal energy.

next was a visit to the water-saving irrigation demonstration complex of the Ministry of water Resources. All irrigation technologies are tested, including a Rubicon flume and slip gate. special pressure-regulated driplines are manufactured at this complex as well.

IpTrId – chInAThe China Research and training Centre of International Programme for technology and Research in Irrigation and Drainage (IPtRID) was launched 12 July 2011 in beijing. The centre is the first national IPtRID centre to have been established (see also IPtRID2 Activity, Irrigation Australia journal, autumn 2011, Volume 26, no. 04, p. 43).

The inaugural function was attended by ICID President Chandra Madramootoo; President Honoraire of ICID Aly shadyl; secretary General M. Gopalakrishnan; ICID vice presidents willem Vlotman (Australia) and A.K. bajaj (India); vice presidents honoraire Karim shiati (Iran), Cai lingen (China) and Gao Zhanyi (China); Thierry Facon (FAo); and representatives

Date Place and country Details

Deadline for papers. All deadlines have passed but do not hesitate to propose a paper or presentation for one of the work body meetings; even last-minute proposals will generally be entertained by the work body; please contact the chair person of the work body, found at www.icid.org Workbodies

23 -25 August 2011

Launceston, tasmania, Australia

Special Interest Group meeting ICID-NCA scheduled. For final details see the IAL2011 website. For suggesting topics for discussion contact the IAL office. email: IAL2011@saneevent.com.au

15 – 23 october 2011

tehran, Iran 62nd IeC meeting of ICID21st ICID Congress8th International Micro-Irrigation Congress

March 2012

Marseille, France WWF6 6th World Water Forum http://www.worldwatercouncil.org/index.php?id=6th_forum_kick-off For more information contact Willem F. Vlotman at willem.vlotman@mdba.gov.au.

24 – 30 June 2012

Adelaide, Australia 63rd IeC meeting of ICID 7th Asian Regional Conference IAL 2012 Conference and exhibition Deadline for abstracts is November 2011 www.irrigation.org.au or email: IAL2012@saneevent.com.au

october 2013

Antalya, turkey 64th IeC meeting of ICID 8th Asian Regional Conference e: tucid@dsi.gov.tr

october 2014

Seoul, Korea 65th IeC meeting of ICID 22nd ICID Congress www.icid2014.org

IeC – International executive Council, annual ICID meetingICID – International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage, New Delhi IndiaIAL – Irrigation Australia Ltd, Sydney Australia

ImporTanT daTes For your dIary

electronic weighing catch cans linked to a computer to measure sprinkler uniformity at the Iwhr daxing Irrigation experimental station.

concrete framed, plastic-covered greenhouse with drip and sprinkler irrigation, heating and lighting to enhance uniformity and speed of growth of chrysanthemums for export to Japan.

of national committees of Canada, Malaysia, Mali, niger, nepal, Pakistan, south Africa, and Uzbekistan. The centre occupies the two ground floors of residential flats and has around 60 staff fully funded by the Chinese authorities. ICID President Chandra Madramootoo promoted this development as the preferred example and future model for cooperative research between ICID and its national committees and complimented China on this achievement.

Acknowledgments. Thanks to Mary Harwood (DsewPAC), Murray smith (nVIRP), Ian Moorhouse and Peter egglestone of G-Mw, Peter toome of IAl and tapas biswas (MDbA, on behalf of water saving projects in sA) for providing

material for presentation at the beijing workshop, and to the Chinese national committee and the Honourable Minister Chen lei of the Ministry of water Resources, China, for providing the funds to attend the workshop.

Photos. by willem F. Vlotman and Mrs Joomi Zan noordin, Malaysian national Committee.

Reference. li, Jiusheng. 2011. Research on water savings irrigation technologies in China, a comparative review from recently 10 yrs publications. Power Point presentation at workshop on water-saving Irrigation and Food security, beijing, July 11 – 14, 2011.IAl – Irrigation Australia ltd, sydney Australia

unIversAl pumpsnew player in the race for domestic irrigation efficiency. Universal Pumps has launched a brand new water rotor valve, the Universal waterbug rotor valve, for use with irrigation systems, grey water diversion systems and rainwater tank/pumping systems.

with households experiencing rising costs in both water and electricity, the waterbug is a low cost, highly reliable option for irrigating the garden and is powered by water supplied from rainwater tanks, grey water systems or even the garden tap.

The waterbug controls the flow of tap water, rain water or grey water to irrigate the garden through either sprinkler or dripline irrigation systems. Its one-valve, innovative system operates sequentially for up to six stations and offers improved performance by splitting flows and reducing operating rates.

“For over 35 years there has been only one option available only for water rotation valves,” says Universal Pumps’ national sales Manager

Ashley Chaplyn. “The introduction of the Universal waterbug will not only give consumers choice, it is also a fantastic add-on product to complement our award winning GreyFlow grey water diversion systems.”

The waterbug uses intelligent technology to control the flow of water out to sprinkler or driplines, without the need for solenoid valves. The flow of water from the inlet is switched to each of the lines in a continuous sequential process. no electrical power or other mechanics are required.

Coupled with water saving, sustainable products such as grey water diversion systems and rainwater tanks, the waterbug promotes a green garden all year around, even when water restrictions are in place. And its even dispersal means the risk of soil nutrient loading is reduced.

when used with irrigation systems, the waterbug can be set up with either a tap timer as a cost effective option or with automatic control systems, lowering pipe size requirements and reducing infrastructure

costs (up to 30% in many cases). The waterbug can also be used for repairs or extensions.

For more information about the waterbug, contact Joanne stewart, phone 08 9249 7599, email stewartj@adgglobalsupply.com

56

NeW PRoDUCtS & SeRVICeS

power eQuIpmenT se power and power equipment – a long working relationship. For many years now se Power has used Yanmar engines in their production of diesel generating sets, lighting towers and pumping sets.

se Power is well known throughout Australia and overseas for manufacturing premium quality products that are built to Australia’s high standards.

to be able to continually provide a premium build, premium quality components are a must. That’s why se Power is now using JCb DieselMax engines to provide the power for their larger range of megapumps. Yanmar engines are still being used in the smaller sizes.

The first two larger pump sets have been built using the JCb444IPU-nA diesel engine.

This is a four cylinder, 4.4 l, water-cooled, naturally-aspirated diesel that delivers 81 H.P at 2200 rpm. It is close couple to a selwood D200 eight inch de-watering pump that can pump 165 l per second at a 37.5 m of head. The fuel tank skid base has enough fuel for a full 24 hours of operation. Custom bases can be manufactured if longer running time is required.

Megapumps can handle clean water, slurries, slimes, solid laden liquids, sludge and crude sewerage effectively and efficiently and have been designed and built to suit any site, be it on land or water. The pumps are built to suit bMA mine spec and MDG15 electrical standards for mines Australia wide, especially nsw. se Power have run extensive tests on this combination of diesel and pump and say they are very happy with the engine’s performance, commenting that it is very smooth and “sounds like it means business”.

For more information on the MeGAPUMP range or diesel driven generating sets and lighting towers, visit www.sepower.com.au or phone 1800 636 744.

rAInbIrdnew Integrated sensor system gives golf courses complete control over their turfRain bird Golf has introduced the all-new Integrated sensor system™ (Iss), a multi-component soil sensing system that provides accurate snapshots of soil conditions and the ability to automatically adjust irrigation system run times.

It is suitable for both golf and landscape applications.The Iss is the only sensing system in the

industry that delivers real-time full central control integration. Its sensors send soil moisture, salinity and temperature data to the system’s soil Manager software, which in turn works with the course’s existing central control system to automatically set individual station run times.

each of the Iss’s data loggers collect and store data from up to eighteen sensors throughout the course and display that data on a large lCD screen with an extensive menu. The data logger transmits sensor readings to the soil Manager software through a wireless mesh communication network. If the data logger is unable to communicate with the software because of distance or line-of-sight obstructions, information is routed through data repeaters

on the course to the computer. The number of repeaters installed on a course varies depends on its topography and the number of sensors installed.

The data logger also provides power to the sensors, eliminating the need for sensor batteries that will have to be replaced in a few years, making it necessary to dig up the greens. superintendents can read sensor information at the data logger and immediately evaluate soil conditions without having to return to their office computers. The data logger backs up information on an sD card, preserving it if there is a power outage.

For information about the Iss, watch the flash demo at www.rainbird.com/Iss, or contact Rain bird Australia Freecall 1800 424 044.

TrIAngle wATerQuIpFully automatic self-cleaning water filters releasedtriangle waterquip is excited by the release and distribution of the FIltAwoRX® range of fully automatic self cleaning screen filters, designed, tested and built in Australia.

FIltAwoRX® has combined over 25 years of experience in water filtration coupled with the latest in 3D CAD software and an engineering team to develop the next generation in fully automatic self cleaning screen filters.

As a result of a range of environmental and water issues, FIltAwoRX® has responded to an increasing market demand to develop, design and build a locally produced automatic screen filter that will suit local conditions.

The first criterion was to manufacture the filter with a stainless steel body, and all wetted parts from corrosion resistant materials. The second was to achieve a 10 bar operating pressure rating as standard, and the third to develop a filter robust and reliable enough to withstand local conditions.

The filters are available in sizes from 50 to 250 mm, with screen aperture options of 50 to 800 microns. The 50 to 100 mm filters are available in 90 degree inlet outlet configuration, with the 100 to 250 mm filters available in online configuration, with parallel inlet outlet ports and supplied complete with a 25 mm air valve.

The standard method of control will be hydraulic where the backwash is instigated by pressure differential also available is the optional electrical controls where the back wash can be instigated both by pressure differential and time.

All filters are supplied with a limited two-year warranty and a full technical manual, which is supported with full CAD and PDF drawings. Full animations are available showing method of operation with all moving parts, and assembly exploded views.

For information go to website www.trianglewaterquip.com.au.

SPRING 2011 57

NeW PRoDUCtS & SeRVICeS

58

john hollAnd group murrumbidgee Irrigation area renewal alliance The Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area Renewal Alliance (MIARA) of Murrumbidgee Irrigation (MI), John Holland, GHD and UGl, are undertaking an irrigation modernisation program in southern central nsw.

As part of the Private Irrigation Infrastructure operators Program (PIIoP) in nsw, the MIARA will minimise water losses for the benefit of both irrigators and the environment. It started in January 2011 and will be complete in 2016.

works include the planning, optimisation and delivery of irrigation improvement projects encompassing pipelines, pump stations, replacement and/or refurbishment of open channel water supply systems, automation and other solutions, incorporating an integrated water delivery system. Infrastructure options will be developed after engaging with all stakeholders to ensure a fully integrated system is developed that meets the needs of MI and its customers.

John Holland is involved in this project for one of Australia’s most important agricultural areas, the Murray-Darling basin (MDb), which produces over a third of Australia’s food supply and is also home to more than 2 million residents. Although the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area (MIA) is small in land size (660,000 ha or 0.6% of the MDb), the area is a significant contributor to food production. The alliance has over 3300 stakeholders. to deliver best practice in the delivery of major infrastructure to MI, the alliance has undertaken extensive community consultation in the area.

The MIARA is committed to meaningful engagement with MI’s customers and other stakeholders and is regularly engaging with the community throughout the options assessment process.

A range of engagement activities is being undertaken during the planning and development of the options including:

• establishing a project reference group• one-on-one meetings and briefings

• general meetings as well as shed drop-in sessions

• demonstrations and technical tours• regular newsletters and project fact sheets• 1800 phone line and program email

address• reply paid postage• sms/email updates• website with feedback mechanism.There is a dedicated stakeholder engagement

team delivering these activities, and members are on hand to answer any questions. Collectively the team has decades of experience in water sector engagement; infrastructure planning, delivery and consultation; issues management; facilitation; media management; farmer liaison; and dispute resolution. The team welcomes comments and questions at any time throughout the project.

For more information go to the MIA Renewal Alliance website, www.miarenewal.com.au or phone Free Call 1800 894 969.

neTAFImInterest in drip irrigation is being rekindled among australian cane growers.Drip irrigation was initially introduced in the industry in the early ‘90s, however, technologically advanced systems today now make it an attractive option for growers and its adoption is increasing rapidly around the world.

The first international drip irrigation sugarcane conference held recently by netafim in brazil highlighted the growing global interest and application of the technology. The conference was attended independently by burdekin agricultural consultant steve Attard and Ayr grower David Cox of Davco Farming, which grows cane over 2450 ha next to the burdekin River.

steve is helping a number of growers in the burdekin region who have installed netafim drip systems, particularly in relation to their nutrition planning and irrigation scheduling.

In the three years since the first farmer installed a drip system interest is increasing. large-scale pilot studies conducted by steve with several growers in this time have shown sugar yield increases of 20 to 40% and water savings of up to 50% compared with traditional furrow irrigation systems.

“Higher yielding areas can expect to see higher water and nutritional savings,’’ he said. “The improved irrigation uniformity and nutrition management delivers the increased yields.

“Growers can apply just the right amount of water and the minimum amount of fertiliser, which thereby also minimises deep drainage and fertiliser losses to the environment. because they have the ability to fertigate each week, they are able to reduce the risk of losses, like from an unexpected rainfall event.

“They are dosing nutrition in the right amounts at the right time so crops are able to reach maximum production with minimum losses. They are able to grow more with the same fertiliser applied traditionally and so are increasing their nutrient use efficiency.’’

steve said a range of other benefits also included root development, crop dry-down before harvest and germination from the old rootstock after harvest.

David said that in addition to taking advantage of the numerous benefits drip irrigation offered, he was particularly interested in a system that could distribute the effluent byproduct from cane processing back into his production area.

“Reducing water consumption will be an objective, as well as getting water back on to cane as

areas are harvested and putting fertiliser on only as it is required.

“If we feed it just as it requires it, we should get fertiliser savings – and we should save on herbicides as well,’’ he said.

For information on drip irrigation systems, growers can contact netafim Queensland state Manager Jeremy evans, mobile 0417 584 581.

agricultural consultant steve attard, ayr cane grower david cox, davco Farming, and netafim Business development manager peter durand pictured discussing the benefits of new drip irrigation technology in the cane industry.

Our specialist Water & Enviro business combines our national project management experience with our unique ability to establish award winning stakeholder engagement programs and deliver innovative construction solutions. We bring together our national knowledge and local suppliers to deliver cost effective and timely solutions to on-farm and off-farm irrigation modernisation projects including the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area Renewal Alliance and the Hawkesbury Nepean River Recovery Program. We’re Australia’s most successful water infrastructure deliverer, and our industry leading experts are supported by over 60 years of experience. If you have a key irrigation project on the horizon, think John Holland.

Find out more, visit us at johnholland.com.au

We understand... Water & Enviro | Civil Engineering | Social Infrastructure Minerals & Industrial | Energy | Mining | Tunnelling Rail | Aviation Services | Communications

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phIlmAcFriatec revolutionises electrofusion saddlesIn the irrigation industry large bore pipelines play an integral part providing the main central avenue for water transfer. However, there has always been a challenge to branch smaller irrigation pipelines off large bore pipelines, until now.

Friatec is a market leading manufacturer of electrofusion fittings for Pe pipelines using the latest in technological developments. Philmac, the Australian distributor of Friatec, has announced the release of the Friatec range of Vacuum technology (Vt) top loading saddles.

Vt incorporates the same principles already successfully applied in the existing range of Friatec top loading saddles while including the added benefit of vacuum technology. This helps to ensure the ever important consistent and equal contact between the fitting and pipe to ensure a complete seal during the electrofusion process.so what’s behind Friatec’s new Vt? • it is a natural progression from FRIATEC’s already

successful top-loading (tl) technology, and the same principles are applied

• it guarantees even pressure throughout the entire fusion zone, which is critical during the fusion and cooling process

• installation provides safe, fast and an easy visual quality assurance check - the most important function for the installer/contractor as well as the engineers

• VT fittings are opening a whole new window of opportunity for the fast and constantly growing Australasian Pe market.

“Another benefit of Vt is that it overcomes the usual issues when trying to tee off on pipe 630 mm oD pipe and above,” states product manager Richard Mckenzie.

Using Vt technology means that rather than taking days to create a tee with couplers or flanges

on both sides, cut the pipe, drain all water, fuse the join and put it all back together, the same operation can be done within hours. This means branching of mainline Pe pipelines is now faster, easier and more efficient, meaning an irrigation line can be up and running even faster.Here’s how it works:• The fusion section of the VT saddle is concave

in shape with embedded wires to provide a close fit with large bore Pe pipe. The fusion zone is surrounded by a sealing o-ring to ensure the vacuum seal.

• When a VT saddle is put into position, then a sealing lid with a QA-pressure gauge is placed into the saddle’s spigot outlet. now the whole area is air tight.

• The small vacuum pump is then connected to suck the air (-1bar) from the fusion area. The fitting is consequently compressed onto the pipe and fusion can start.

The range of Friatec Vt saddles for 630 to 900 mm oD Pe pipes with d160 mm spigot outlet rated Pe100 sDR 17, Pn10 are now available in the Australian market from Philmac.

For information contact Richard Mackenzie, phone 08 8300 9295, mobile 0409 282 108.

underhIllunderhill introduces “gulp™ ultramax” high-capacity water removal pumps

Underhill’s expanding line of Gulp water removal pumps now features the Gulp™ UltraMax and big Gulp™ UltraMax, which can displace from 30 to 45 l per minute.

Featuring a super smooth pumping action, the UltraMax models efficiently eliminate water from valve boxes, sprinklers or any other flooded area.

The Gulp UltraMax has a 35 cm pump chamber and a 46 cm outlet hose. It includes a 90 cm chamber and flexible outlet hoses in either 90 or 180 cm lengths. both Gulps have durable pump shafts and are self-priming.

Contoured ergonomic handles provide a secure grip and smooth operation without impacting hands and knuckles. A push-button cleaning system allows quick flushing of the pump chamber when the job is completed.

Underhill’s Gulp series also includes the popular Gulp™ syringe Ultra, a mini-model with 30 cm pump chamber and 12-oz stroke, a handy tool for small clean-ups. They are also useful for routine facility maintenance, including fountain, spa or restroom clean-out and pipe repair.

For more information, contact better Methods, the Underhill distributor in Caringbah, Australia, phone 02 9524 5366, website www.bettermethods.com.au.

NeW PRoDUCtS & SeRVICeS

Whether it is on farm soil moisture monitoring or water meter reading across a whole district, we can provide a system to meet your needs.Our systems can use radio or mobile phone (NextG) communications - or a combination of them both.Accessing the data is easy thanks to our Internet based software, addVANTAGE Pro. You can install your own copy or have your data hosted on our servers. Either way, you can view your data from anywhere in the world.With the new LiveData function you can create a dashboard showing the latest sensor readings on virtual instruments. You can even view your sites on a Google Map.

Here is just a sample of the applications for which customers are using our systems:

Soil Moisture MonitoringAutomatic Weather StationsIrrigation System MonitoringIrrigation ControlRemote Pump ControlRemote Water Meter ReadingRemote Engine/Pump monitoring (CANBUS)Water: Flow, level, quality

For more information, call us on 08 8342 5343 or email us at australia@adcon.com

Adcon Telemetry Australia Pty Ltd1/184 Prospect Rd PROSPECT SA 5082PH 08 8342 5343 FAX 08 8342 5363 MOB 04 3881 3678Email p.toome@adcon.com Web Site : www.adcontelemetry.com.au

We Measure ..........So You Can Manage

If you need remote monitoring or control, we have a If you need remote monitoring or control, we have a If you need remote monitoring or control, we have a If you need remote monitoring or control, we have a solution that fits the bill.solution that fits the bill.solution that fits the bill.solution that fits the bill.

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gecnew water trading product for buying carryover water In May, Greeneye Markets launched its new Greeneye entitlement Carryover (GeC) water trading product, which provides irrigators in nsw and sA with a simple, standardised and secure way to buy carryover water to use during the season starting July 2011.

Chief executive officer of Greeneye Markets, Darren lipton, said the GeC product is a first for the Australian water market and is suited to the current conditions of high water allocations in the Murray-Darling basin (MDb), low water prices and high agricultural commodity prices. As a result of this year’s wet season in the MDb, a unique situation has emerged where large surpluses of water are combined with significant carryover capacity and the GeC provides a way of get this water in the hands of irrigators who need it.

“The water market in the Murray-Darling basin is increasingly integrated, but there are still some

structural differences,” said Darren. “For example, Victorian irrigators can carryover water allocated to them from season-to-season, while irrigators in new south wales face significant limitations in relation to carryover and farmers in south Australia do not have the opportunity to carryover water at all.”

GeC allows nsw, sA and Victorian irrigators in the southern Connected Murray-Darling basin to buy temporary carryover water without affecting their existing or future water allocations. The advantage for irrigators who buy GeC is they can lock-in water for next season at historically low prices. GeC is offered directly through participating water brokers. The irrigator with surplus water sells temporary water allocations to Greeneye through a broker and it is held securely in the seller’s water account and is not subject to ‘spill’. Through their broker, the buyer buys the water which is transferred to the buyer in the new season. A number of measures are in place to assure that the water is transferred to the buyer.

“with plenty of water available at present and prices averaging around $5 a megalitre, irrigators may not be thinking about trading water. but with the irrigation season close to an end and some water allocations about to be forfeited, now is exactly the time to look at locking in some water for 2011-12,” said Darren.

The current low prices are not going to be around forever. Prices have averaged $250 /Ml over the past seven years and peaked at more than $1,000 per megalitre. Given high global commodity prices in cotton, rice, canola and grain, record plantings are forecast for eastern Australia this year and demand for water should be high. There could also be supply side pressure as the Government continues to buy large volumes of water for environmental purposes. In this environment, GeC could be a valuable management tool for irrigators.

For information, contact Darren lipton, phone 0418 536 051, or brad Georges, phone 0423 886 692.

moTTech wATer mAnAgemenT mottech appoints new managerMottech water Management, global distributor of Motorola for the IRRInet control and management solutions, announced in May that it had appointed wayne brown as its regional marketing and business development manager for Australia and new Zealand.

In this new position, wayne will be responsible for Mottech's strategic sales and marketing activities with partners in the region. This is part of Mottech’s long-term strategy of strengthening its local presence in these territories and further developing the company’s involvement in the water management sectors and technologies, reflecting Mottech's long-term commitment to its customers in the region.

wayne brings with him broad experience in the irrigation market's different sectors. In his last position he was Rain bird's national sales and marketing manager, before which he managed various sales activities in different regions in APAC including China, Japan and Korea.

For the past 20 years, IRRInet systems have been successfully installed within the different sectors in the region such as agriculture, turf and landscape and water distribution, providing efficient water and irrigation control, substantial water and energy savings, increased crops and fast return on RoI.

Filling this marketing leadership role is the next critical step in the continued maturation of our business goals in the region. wayne can be contacted on mobile +61 488 661036, email wayne@mottech.com .

In noVeMbeR last year, three IAl members decided to take on the challenge and ‘do something’ to create the irrigation industry’s first truly national irrigation standards. The timing couldn’t have been better because, coincidently, the IAl national board had come to the same decision.

The board, through simon Cooper and Vern Costello, prepared draft terms of reference for developing standards. These have been reviewed and ratification is expected in launceston at Irrigation Australia Conference in August.

According to the terms of reference:The purpose is to create a Draft national set of Guidelines, Codes of Practice and Standards to provide a benchmark for irrigation industry excellence, and to reflect the needs and expectations of efficient irrigation for end users and IAL members.

The Draft Guidelines, Codes of Practice and Standards will include endorsement of existing standards, system performance standards, system design, equipment, technical specifications, installation, maintenance, management, training , licensing and accreditation, and others if requested by members.

Any standard must:• be rural and urban irrigation in equal

emphasis• be open to member comment and input• have a truly national focus.

sTAndArds workIng commITTee on The jobIn parallel with the terms of reference being prepared, a standards working committee was formed in February. Members of the committee are: Chris edwards (chairman), Michael barker, Peter Chadband, Mark evans, Merv Jessen, Mark Quayle, Rob welke and Peter white.

A panel of regional technical advisors has also been formed to provide technical support to the committee. Members of the panel are: Robin badcock, Matthew binder, James Curran, sid Dyer, tony Kanaris, wally low, Ross McKay, Col Peak, lee Rothwell, Mitchell sherwood, Dennis sparrow and Peter taylor.

The IAl has circulated invitations through the regional chairs inviting more people to the panel, so if you are interested in being a member, contact your local IAl regional committee chairperson.

one thing this diverse group has in abundance is experience. Members of the committee and the panel have worked in both rural and urban irrigation on four continents and in five states. without counting the grey hairs (or admitting to them), there’s close to 300 years of experience!

Close cooperation is being maintained with our colleagues ‘across the dutch’, and the nZ Code of Practice and Irrigation Design standard is the starting template for our work. national specifications of Australia (natspec) and standards Australia are also involved.

two key benefits of developing industry standards will be that it will give IAl members additional and concrete value for their membership and their investment and it will provide irrigation end users with a high-degree of certainty and satisfaction.

deFInITIons clArIFIedThere is no illusion that the challenge will be completed overnight; just agreeing to the definitions of codes, guidelines and standards has been the subject of energetic and lengthy discussions. The committee has now settled on the following definitions:• Rural irrigation: Irrigation for livelihood.• Urban irrigation: Irrigation for lifestyle.• Guidelines are: General and non-mandatory

information that aims to streamline irrigation industry processes according to set routines, resulting in more predictable outcomes, and resulting in a higher quality outcome.

• Codes of practice are : A consistent and precisely formulated written set of irrigation principles, rules of procedure or conduct, arranged according to subject matter and systematically consolidated and edited to eliminate duplication. A set of irrigation principles that may have the force of law even though they are not actually statutes or laws, that provide a framework for delivering a consistent quality irrigation outcome and or dealing with legitimate complaints in a professional manner.

• Standards are: A fixed degree, criterion or level of requirement, excellence, quality, or attainment, requirement of commercial conduct established and defined by authority, custom, or common consent that sets the measure for all subsequent work; a reference point against which quantities or qualities can be evaluated or measured, establishing practices or

procedures, or evaluating results. Standards that deal with specific issues within general

areas may be grouped together in codes.

There will be no reinventing the wheel; where national documents exist we will cross-reference only, e.g. standards Australia’s standards for pipe materials and pipe fittings and its electrical standards.However, as some aspects of these standards are unique to our industry, a code of practice will provide clarity.

In areas where there is no detail (e.g. pumping plant), a standard is required. to do this we have decided there will be two ‘streams’: rural and urban.within these streams will be the following disciplines:• design• installation• performance standards• auditing and evaluation• operations, management and scheduling• maintenance• accreditation, certification and training.

The committee’s initial focus is on design and installation. once standards are drafted, IAl members will be invited to comment before they are ratified. After this, a committee will be responsible for ongoing management. This committee will decide whether to submit to standards Australia or natspec or both for incorporation.

will the standards be a book? Yes, because we don’t have one.

will developing standards be a challenge? Yes, but we have the solution:

To create a workable minimum irrigation standard to give irrigation end users a high degree of certainty and satisfaction regarding long-term economical and efficient water and power use while achieving their prime irrigation purpose.

RAISING StANDARDSwork on home-grown sTAndArds sTArTs

chrIs edwards, edwards IrrIgaTIon

consulTIng, BallIna nsw

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