From the CEO

The impact of coronavirus on Irrigation Australia members across the nation has been anything but consistent; while some members report that strong trading conditions have continued through the pandemic, others in areas of lock-down such as Melbourne, have been significantly impacted. While this virus lives among us, it is clear that we need to be extra vigilant and have wellprepared COVID-19 safety plans in place in case they are needed.

A new buzzword being used by commentators during the pandemic is “pivot”, and for those in the irrigation industry this word now takes on a new connotation. We need to be more adaptable and prepared to change as most organisations in Australia and globally are experiencing unprecedented workforce disruption. Businesses are still determining how they will work in the short and long term, as workforces and communities try to function, while struggling to cope with what is happening in their daily lives.

Social distancing and the use of face masks when social distancing cannot be practised are sensible measures designed to protect both the health of the public and employees who are required to interface with the public.

Despite the unremittingly difficult pandemic news, there has been some cause for optimism on other fronts. Recent rain across the country has delivered welcome relief for farmers who, for the first time in months or in some cases years, have seen rivers flowing, dams filling and crops thriving.

The NSW government has released its Floodplain Harvesting Measurement Policy, which, in an Australian first, sets out a regime for measuring and monitoring floodplain harvesting. The measurement policy is a key plank of NSW’s broader Floodplain Harvesting Policy, which, together with a licensing regime for floodplain harvesting, will ensure that this type of water extraction does not exceed its legal limit and that all Basin communities get their fair share.

In a vote of confidence in and recognition of our training credentials, the NSW government is supporting Irrigation Australia to develop a training and certification program for installing and validating storage meters. The government is encouraging existing certified meter installers or certified practising hydrographers to contact Irrigation Australia to register their interest in participating in this program. We expect training in this new certification to begin in the next couple of months.

In other training news, Irrigation Australia has received a pleasing response from industry to the new trade in irrigation to be recognised as an Irrigation Technician. This new Certificate III course of 22 competencies can be completed in four blocks of learning; currently, blocks 1 and 2 are being delivered online. Payment for this course can be made on a block-by-block basis and our training team are able to work with employers and students to find a schedule that accommodates this online learning. If you are interested in registering or finding out more, contact our office on 1300 949 891 or email training@irrigation.org.au.

CEO

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