Irrigation Journal Spring 2024

ISSN 0818–9447

SPRING 2024 • VOLUME 40 NO 03

CASE STUDY: converting flood irrigation to a lateral move system

IN THIS ISSUE: 2026 BASIN PLAN REVIEW THE RISE OF WATER STEWARDSHIP IRRIGATING URBAN GREEN SPACES

Australia's largest T-L centre pivot IRRIGATION AUSTRALIA NEWS: Join your regional committee

SPECIAL CONFERENCE ISSUE Find your event guide on page 47

CONTENTS FEATURES CENTRE PIVOT & LATERAL MOVE Are end guns a good investment?

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Designing and building Australia’s largest T-L centre pivot

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Case study: Converting flood irrigation to a lateral move system 22

IRRIGATION AUSTRALIA 2024 CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION SHOW GUIDE Exhibitor Directory

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Conference Program

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FEATURE ARTICLES Navigating the future of Australian agriculture: Insights from Katherine Wynn

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A focus on outcomes for 2026 Basin Plan Review

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Fish screens protect nature and make economic sense for vineyard

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New pump set enables more irrigation stations for golf course

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REGULAR ITEMS Joint message from the Chair and CEO

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Technology: Rural

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Technology: Urban

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Research

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The Big Issue

12

IAL News

27

Contractors' Corner

33

Professional Development

34

ICID Insights

42

The Water Conservancy

44

Bookshelf

45

30

20

ISSN 0818–9447

SPRING 2024 • VOLUME 40 NO 03

CASE STUDY: converting flood irrigation to a lateral move system

IN THIS ISSUE: 2026 BASIN PLAN REVIEW THE RISE OF WATER STEWARDSHIP IRRIGATING URBAN GREEN SPACES

Australia's largest T-L centre pivot IRRIGATION AUSTRALIA NEWS: Join your regional committee

SPECIAL CONFERENCE ISSUE Find your event guide on page 47

ON THE FRONT COVER: Five years ago, Gavin and Melinda Mann converted from flood irrigation to a lateral move system.

Read the case study on page 22.

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WELCOME

JOINT MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR AND CEO

Welcome to the 2024 special conference edition of the Irrigation Australia Journal.

Irrigation Australia shifted to electronic publications some time ago for reasons of cost and environmental sustainability. However, for our major international conference, we wanted to provide attendees with a physical copy of the Journal, a publication we take great pride in. If you’re at the event, you may be holding this rare, printed edition.

The dedication by the entire team at Irrigation Australia leading up to the conference has been truly remarkable.

We are very much looking forward to refocusing on our association’s strategic direction and initiatives to build member value after its successful conclusion. There’s no better time than now to explore membership with Irrigation Australia or consider training for yourself or staff through our RTO. Here are some highlights from the past six months and plans for the future.

Highlights of 2024 so far • We’ve been continuing our membership review and have started making changes to membership categories, simplifying charges and discounts and focussing on value.

This includes introducing new software to help target communications and a new near-full-time communications and marketing role to deliver a far more positive and relevant member experience.

• We’ve completed a full review of Registered Training Organisation (RTO) operations in preparation for our audit, and have made significant improvements to course materials and trainer, student and employer support. Our senior trainer Stuart didn’t quite win the state trainer of the year award, but top three is pretty impressive!

Congratulations, Stuart. Training demand is high, and we continue the quest to engage more experienced trainers, but most significantly we have new structure around an annual training calendar with performance standards to ensure the best customer experience possible.

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• By the time you read this, irrigationcareers.org.au should be live, with more than 50 per cent of the planned content uploaded. This will provide a resource for those looking to enter our industry, as well as for members to support engagement at careers days and other initiatives.

This builds on the completely renewed Waterwise site released earlier in the year.

• Our industry induction course is live with strong reviews.

This free tool/short course is designed to help employers work with prospective employees to build interest in jobs and point to career-development pathways.

• We will have delivered a complex international conference while facing significant challenges with increased costs caused by external factors. The program has been built for members’ current and future needs, and to kick off our new approach to industry events from 2025. It is a true industry celebration with new ways of recognising achievements to help portray our vibrant industry positively to decision makers and potential recruits.

• We are part way through developing a range of engagement opportunities for members – a new policy committee and advocacy platform and re-establishment of regional committees in Queensland and South Australia to go with active groups in Western Australia and Victoria.

The top new priorities for the coming months • Continued work on the RTO, particularly the reintroduction of the Certified Irrigation Installer and Certified Irrigation Operator qualifications. We will also be implementing a career-pathway approach to training, and developing business cases for more government funding support for qualifications where there are currently gaps.

• Reviewing conference outputs and building ideas into our advocacy. Every speaker session, panel and workshop is designed to support this, and hopefully we will have successfully recruited some young professionals to help capture this information.

EXPAND YOUR OPPORTUNITIES IN A GROWING INDUSTRY STUDY WITH IRRIGATION AUSTRALIA

• The rollout of new training support software – it’s surprisingly complex to run software for a member association and an RTO. However, we’ve evaluated a number of exciting options, including some with AI to support content development and some much-improved user interfaces for students, staff and contractors.

• The long-promised, but difficult-to-finish, new Irrigation Australia web site.

• A celebration of 20 years of the Waterwise program in Western Australia, and planning for the 2025 Waterwise Expo in full swing.

• Further development of regional and other committees, including our small events program, and hopefully kicking off committees in other regions.

• A good list of ideas developed through the board’s strategic session earlier in the year, all geared towards delivering our purpose – “to support the adoption of efficient and productive irrigation practices across Australia’s food and fibre markets, leisure activity spaces and commercial activities to ensure the best use of our most precious resource.”

There are many ways to get involved and our volunteers, whether directors, committee members or just casual supporters for events and other activities are crucial to the growing success of the association. For current members, don’t forget our AGM is on 13 November with the constitution review being a critical agenda item. Five directors' roles will also be up for re-nomination/election.

Finally, a big thanks to all our conference supporters – delegates, exhibitors, key sponsors and our Irrigation Futures sponsors – companies that commit to investing in the association annually, with their investment going directly towards driving industry profile and policy, best practice, skilling and careers.

Simon Treptow, Chair Dave Cameron, CEO

Take advantage of the demand for trained and certified professionals and study with Irrigation Australia. We provide nationally accredited industry qualifications and certifications for irrigation professionals wanting to upgrade their qualifications and skills.

Our courses feature a unique blend of learning experiences, including face-to-face and virtual classroom. We focus on providing a hands-on, practical learning experience where participants learn by doing. Our trainers and assessors are accredited industry experts with years of experience in their respective fields, so you will be learning from the best.

EXPERT TRAINERS Our trainers are certified professionals with a wealth of industry knowledge and experience

PRACTICAL APPROACH Focusing on providing a hands-on, practical learning experience so you learn by doing

BLENDED LEARNING A unique experience with courses running face-to-face and through a virtual classroom

For information visit www.irrigationaustralia.com.au

TECHNOLOGY: RURAL WATER FILTER BASICS: WHAT THEY DO, HOW THEY WORK, AND WHY THEY MATTER SNAPSHOT • Irrigation water filters remove contaminants from water, which can lead to improved agricultural productivity.

They also help protect irrigation equipment and prevent clogging.

• Various filtration processes, including screen filtration, depth filtration using discs or media, and hydro-cyclonic separators, remove different types of contaminants.

• Key components of irrigation water filters include filter housing, filter media, backwashing mechanisms, and control systems, all working together to maintain efficient filtration.

• Factors to consider when choosing irrigation water filters include water quality analysis, flow rate and filtration capacity, maintenance requirements, and compatibility with the existing irrigation system.

The quality of the water used for irrigation is just as important as the quantity for agricultural productivity. Irrigation water filters have emerged as essential tools in ensuring the delivery of clean, filtered water to crops. This article by Amiad Water Systems delves into the science behind irrigation water filters, exploring how they remove contaminants and clogging factors and improve water quality.

Understanding water sources and quality Contaminants can originate from diverse sources, such as surface water, groundwater, and municipal water supply. Understanding their nature and potential impact is fundamental in selecting the appropriate filtration methods.

Sediments and suspended particles. Sediments, like sand, silt, clay, and organic matter, within the irrigation water, can lead to clogged emitters, pipelines, and nozzles.

These particles can obstruct the flow and hinder the uniform distribution of the water and fertiliser across the fields, adversely affecting crop growth.

Organic matter and microorganisms. Organic matter, such as decaying plants and algae, can introduce unwanted substances and create favourable conditions for the growth of microorganisms. Harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi can thrive in irrigation water, posing significant risks to crop health.

Chemicals and dissolved minerals. Chemical contaminants and dissolved minerals can enter irrigation water through various pathways. Pesticides, herbicides, fertilisers, and industrial pollutants may leach into water sources, and can damage crops and reduce yields. Excessive levels of dissolved minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and iron, can result in the formation of mineral deposits, clogging irrigation systems and reducing water flow.

By understanding the different types of contaminants/ clogging factors and their sources, farmers and irrigation system operators can choose the right filtration solutions. In the following sections, we explore how irrigation water filters work.

Getting filtration right not only protects irrigation equipment from damage but can also improve crop growth and productivity.

Photo: MI96 / Deposit Photos.

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Screen filters are the simplest form of filtration. This photo shows a semi-automatic screen filter with manifold valve assembly.

How irrigation water filters work The choice of filter depends on the nature and concentration of contaminants/clogging factors, flow rate, water pressure and the specific requirements of the irrigation system.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the common filtration processes and filter types used in irrigation.

Screen filtration/straining. Straining is the simplest and most basic form of filtration. It involves passing water through a filter medium with small openings or pores, which physically trap larger particles and sediments. These filters consist of a mesh screen, typically made of stainless steel or synthetic materials, that retains particles above a certain size, allowing clean water to pass through.

Depth filtration using discs. A series of discs are stacked and compressed on a spine, producing a matrix of consecutive crossing points which trap the particles, thus creating a depth filtration element.

Media filters, such as these Amiad AGF filters, use adsorption as a filtration mechanism.

Depth filtration using media. Media filters, such as sand filters, use adsorption as a filtration mechanism. In these filters, water flows through a bed of granular media, such as crushed basalt or sand, clogging factors are trapped or adhere to the surface of the media particles, allowing the clean water to pass through.

Hydro-cyclonic separation. The hydro-cyclone process uses centrifugal force and gravity to separate heavier particles from a pressurised water supply. The separated particles accumulate in the lower collection chamber, which can be purged manually or automatically. As water enters the separator, it is swirled in a circular motion. This causes the heavier particles to push outward to the periphery and then drop downward to a collection chamber. The water flows from the separator to the outlet via a centrally positioned nozzle. The greater the centrifugal force (which translates to greater head loss), the more efficient the separation ability. This method of separation is employed to separate the likes of sand, grit and heavy particles from a water stream.

Key components of irrigation water filters Irrigation water filters consist of several components that work together to protect irrigation emitters. These components may vary depending on the filter type, but some common elements include: • Filter housing and screens: The filter housing encloses the filtration system and provides structural support. It is designed to withstand water pressure and ensure proper functioning of the filter. The filter element or filter media within the housing plays a crucial role in capturing and retaining contaminants during the filtration process.

• Filter media and filter elements: The filter media or filter elements are the core components responsible for filtration. They can be made of various materials specified for excellent chemical resistance and mechanical strength, such as stainless steel, polyamide, polypropylene polyethylene or polyester, depending on the filtration requirements and technology. Choosing the correct filter element should be considered with the manufacture of the irrigation emitters.

• Backwashing and cleaning mechanisms: Over time, the filter media can become clogged with trapped contaminants, affecting filtration efficiency. To address this, irrigation water filters are equipped with backwashing and cleaning mechanisms. Backwashing involves reversing the flow of water through the filter, dislodging and removing accumulated contaminants. The filters may also incorporate automatic, semi-automatic or manual cleaning systems for maintenance and filter flushing.

• Control systems and monitoring: Advanced irrigation water filters may feature control systems and monitoring devices. These systems enable operators to monitor filter

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TECHNOLOGY: RURAL performance, pressure differentials, flow rates, and other parameters. Real-time monitoring helps in maintaining optimal filtration conditions and alerts operators when maintenance or cleaning is required.

Understanding the working principles and components of irrigation water filters provides a solid foundation for selecting the most appropriate filtration system for specific irrigation needs.

In the next section, we will explore the benefits of using irrigation water filters and how The internals of an Amiad high-capacity they contribute multi-screen Omega36k automatic screen to improved filter, illustrating the cleaning mechanism crop health and that cleans all the filter screen elements simultaneously while filtering. productivity.

Benefits of using irrigation water filters • Improved water quality: A major benefit of using irrigation water filters is the improvement in water quality. By removing sediments, organic matter and microorganisms, filters ensure that clean and safe water is delivered to crops. This minimises the risk of crop damage, plant diseases, and contamination of produce.

• Enhanced crop health and productivity: Clean water that is free from contaminants is essential for optimal crop health and productivity. Irrigation water filters help prevent clogging of irrigation systems, ensuring uniform water distribution to plants. This promotes better nutrient uptake, reduces stress on crops, and improves overall plant vigour and yield potential.

• Protection of irrigation equipment: Contaminants in irrigation water can damage irrigation equipment, leading to maintenance issues and reduced operational efficiency.

By removing sediments and other particles, filters prevent the accumulation of debris in pipes, valves, and emitters, prolonging the lifespan of the irrigation system and reducing the need for repairs or replacements.

• Prevention of clogging and blockages: Sediments and organic matter can cause blockages and clogging in irrigation components, obstructing water flow and reducing irrigation efficiency. Irrigation water filters play

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a vital role in preventing such issues by capturing and removing these particles, ensuring uninterrupted water flow and reducing the need for frequent system flushing or maintenance.

Factors to consider when choosing irrigation water filters to protect emitters Several factors should be considered to ensure the right filter system is chosen. Some important ones are: • Water quality analysis: It is important to analyse the water source and identify the types and concentrations of clogging factors. This information helps determine the appropriate filter type, size, and filtration capacity.

• Flow rate/working pressure and filtration capacity: It is vital to match the flow rate required for the irrigation system and the filtration capacity of the filter. Choose a filter that can handle the desired flow rate/working pressure without compromising filtration efficiency. Undersized filters can lead to inadequate filtration or excessive pressure drop, affecting overall system performance.

• Maintenance requirements and costs: Consider the maintenance requirements of the filter system, including cleaning, backwashing, and replacement of filter media or filter elements. Assess the associated costs and ensure that the maintenance procedures align with available resources and staffing.

• Compatibility with the irrigation system: Compatibility between the filter system and the existing irrigation infrastructure is crucial. Consider factors such as the filter’s installation requirements, connection points, and compatibility with other system components to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance.

Conclusion Using irrigation water filters can improve water quality, leading to better crop growth and increased productivity. By removing sediments, organic matter, microorganisms, and chemical contaminants, filters protect irrigation equipment from damage and prevent clogging and blockages, ensuring efficient water distribution across fields.

By understanding the types of contaminants present in irrigation water and the mechanisms by which filters remove them, irrigation professionals and growers can make informed decisions in selecting the most suitable filtration systems for their needs.

Zali Ari, Amiad Water Systems

Visit Amiad Water Systems at booth 67 at the Irrigation Australia Conference and Exhibition 2-4 September 2024, ICC Sydney.

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TECHNOLOGY: URBAN THE PERILS (AND PREVENTION) OF PRESSURE SURGES AND WATER HAMMER SNAPSHOT • Excessive water velocity can cause pressure surges and water hammer.

• To prevent these issues, keep water velocity below 1.5 m/sec and consider water volume during design.

• Factors like long pipe runs, valve operations, changes in pipe direction, and trapped air contribute to water hammer.

• Future-proof systems by reducing demand, increasing pipe size, and including pressure-regulating and air release valves.

Irrigation design is a constant, and delicate, balance. We all know what happens when an under-providing system starves the plants, but avoiding the pitfalls of too much water delivered too quickly is equally important.

In this article, based on a Land F/X webinar series titled ‘Sports field irrigation design’, irrigation consultant Don Franklin provides an overview of the causes and prevention of pressure surges and water hammer – an apt name for a destructive phenomenon that bludgeons and batters unassuming turf.

To complicate matters, water velocity can change over time in a system – often due to incorrect nozzles installed by well-meaning maintenance contractors attempting to address dry spots. Keeping water velocity sufficiently slow from the beginning can, at the very least, provide some protection against these potential changes and keep the turf happy.

Solutions at the design stage So how can irrigation designers future-proof their systems to minimise pressure surges and water hammer? Mainly by reducing demand and/or increasing pipe size, which will slow water velocity from the start. Including pressure-regulating valves and pressure-relief valves in the system adds further protection. You can provide even more security by installing continuous air-release valves at high points and the ends of mainline pipes.

Source. This article is an excerpt from Don Franklin’s Land F/X webinar. You can access the full webinar and others on the website: www.landfx.com/videos Land F/X provides software plugins that adapt AutoCAD® to irrigation design and landscape architecture.

Article provided by Land F/X

Water velocity and volume Pressure surges and water hammer can be prevented by carefully considering water velocity and volume during the design process. A basic rule in hydraulics is that, to control pressure surges, water should travel no faster than 1.5 m/sec.

Slowing water delivery below this rate helps prevent pressure surges and water hammer, and also avoids system damage from debris and air entering at high flow rates.

Other contributing factors Water hammer and pressure surges can also result from long pipe runs, valves switching on and off or taking too many seconds to close, changes in pipe direction, and air trapped in the line.

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Visit the Land F/X team at booth 64 at the Irrigation Australia Conference and Exhibition 2-4 September 2024, ICC Sydney.

Image: Fahkamram / Adobe Stock.

RESEARCH IRRIGATING URBAN GREEN SPACES AS A COOLING STRATEGY SNAPSHOT • Researchers at the University of Melbourne Burnley campus have conducted field experiments to understand how irrigation amount and scheduling affect cooling in urban green spaces.

• Irrigation for cooling is slightly different from irrigation for plant health, because irrigation for cooling aims to effectively ‘waste’ water, and thereby maximise evaporation and transpiration cooling benefits.

• The air temperature and ‘feels like’ temperature of an irrigated turf space and an unirrigated turf space were compared.

• In a normal summer in Melbourne, a daily irrigation of 2 to 4 mm can reduce the daytime air temperature by 0.7 °C, similar to tree shade cooling.

• Irrigating in small amounts multiple times during the day can further increase the cooling benefits without using more water.

• However, irrigating urban green spaces did not significantly reduce the ‘feels like’ temperature, meaning there was no significant improvement in human thermal comfort.

• Irrigating urban vegetation may counteract the increasing temperature due to climate change but it requires a paradigm shift in urban landscaping and water management.

Cities are getting warmer because of climate change and increasing urbanisation. High outdoor temperatures can discourage people from engaging in physical and social activities in urban green spaces. One way to cool urban green spaces is to irrigate the vegetation. A new study by researchers at the University of Melbourne has investigated how much water should be applied, and when, to maximise cooling benefits.

Irrigation for cooling It is important to distinguish the different purposes of irrigating vegetation here. Traditionally, irrigation is used to maintain plant health through the drier and warmer summer months.

Irrigation is usually scheduled to happen at night to maximise the efficiency of potable water use. In contrast, when irrigation is used for cooling urban green spaces, it can happen by day or night. Its ultimate purpose is to maximise evaporation and transpiration because these processes contribute to the cooling benefits. Rainwater or recycled water should be used so that irrigation as a cooling strategy can still be regarded as a sustainable urban heat mitigation strategy.

Little is known about how much water is needed to best generate these cooling benefits (irrigation amount), and what time, or times, in the day is best to irrigate to maximise these cooling benefits (irrigation scheduling).

Irrigation for plant health is different from irrigation for cooling. The former aims to maximise water use efficiency while the latter aims to maximise evaporation and transpiration.

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RESEARCH

Irrigation experiments were conducted to understand how irrigation amount and scheduling affect cooling in urban green spaces. Location: Burnley Campus, the University of Melbourne.

To answer these questions, researchers from the University of Melbourne have conducted two field experiments in a Melbourne summer to measure the cooling benefits of irrigating turf spaces and to identify the optimal irrigation amount and scheduling that maximise the cooling benefits. Cooling benefit was measured as the difference in air temperature or ‘feels like’ temperature between a plot of irrigated turf and a plot of unirrigated turf. These plots were fenced to mimic a 36 m2 backyard plot. The ‘feels like’ temperature reflects the combined effects of air temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation, and wind speed on human thermal comfort.

The impacts of irrigating turf on air temperature and ‘feels like’ temperature were continuously measured at the centre of each turf plot.

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Optimal irrigation amount for cooling In the first experiment, plots were irrigated daily at 1 pm for six weeks in summer. Each plot received a different amount of water each day: 2 mm, 4 mm, 7 mm, and no irrigation.

The irrigated plots were irrigated by five Hunter MP-1000 Rotators.

In the unirrigated plot, the soil moisture decreased from more than 35 per cent to less than 5 per cent over the six weeks. The three irrigated plots maintained similar soil moisture contents throughout the six-week study, and they had similar air temperatures and ‘feels like’ temperatures.

In the last week of the study, the daytime air temperatures of the irrigated turf (2, 4 or 7 mm) were approximately 0.7 °C lower than the unirrigated turf. This 0.7 °C cooling benefit by irrigation is significant because it is comparable to the measured cooling benefit that tree shade can provide in streets (0.7°C to 1.5°C) in Melbourne.

The ‘feels like’ temperature of the irrigated turf, regardless of irrigation amount, was similar to the unirrigated turf throughout the study. This was because the ‘feels like’ temperature was more strongly influenced by solar radiation than air temperature. Irrigating turf could only reduce air temperature but obviously cannot reduce solar radiation exposure.

The results of the first experiment were published in the journal Urban Climate.

Optimal irrigation scheduling for cooling The second experiment investigated how different irrigation schedules affect air temperature and ‘feels like’ temperature.

All plots received 4 mm of water for seven weeks and each was watered at a different time of day: 4 mm at 1 am; 4 mm at 1 pm; and 1 mm at four times between midday and 3 pm.

Averaging over the seven weeks, by irrigating at multiple times through the afternoon we were able to reduce the temperature in the afternoon by 0.9 °C, which was more than a single 4 mm by night or day. However, again there was no difference in the ‘feels like’ temperature between any of the irrigated treatments and unirrigated turf.

The results suggested that irrigation scheduling can be adjusted to maximise the cooling benefits of irrigation without using more water. The optimal scheduling is to irrigate a small amount multiple times during the day.

The results of the second experiment were published in the journal Landscape and Urban Planning.

The drawback of having unirrigated vegetation is that, compared with irrigated spaces, these green spaces convert more solar radiation into heat and don’t lose much of that heat through evaporation.

The drawback of having unirrigated vegetation is that, compared with irrigated spaces, these green spaces convert more solar radiation into heat and don’t lose much of that heat through evaporation.

As global temperature continues to increase due to climate change, we may need to increase the storage of alternative water resources in our cities so that we can irrigate more (not less) to mitigate the increasing urban heat stress.

This will mean we need to invest in infrastructure that enables stormwater harvesting and storage, as well as wastewater treatment and recycling to support greater irrigation.

Acknowledgment This study is supported by the Commonwealth of Australia through the Cooperative Research Centres program, South East Water, the Research Matching Grant Scheme of the University Grants Council of Hong Kong, and the Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship.

Paul Cheung and Stephen Livesley, School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, Faculty of Science, Burnley campus, The University of Melbourne.

Irrigation for cooling – A shift in thinking!

Using irrigation as a cooling strategy for urban green spaces, and potentially other parts of a city, involves a shift in irrigation approach for urban landscaping and water management. In many dry regions in Australia, reducing the amount of water used for irrigation is a priority when designing urban landscapes. Drought-tolerant plants that require little water to survive are often used to minimise or eliminate irrigation.

Schematic demonstrating the need for investment in A) storage of sewage recycled wastewater for irrigation, B) rainwater storage tanks in private dwellings for garden irrigation, and C) storage of stormwater captured as runoff for public green space irrigation.

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THE BIG ISSUE THE RISE OF WATER STEWARDSHIP – AND HOW THE IRRIGATION INDUSTRY CAN PLAY A ROLE SNAPSHOT • Water scarcity and pollution are global issues, and water-intensive businesses face increasing pressure to manage water sustainably.

• The concept of water stewardship emphasises managing water in environmentally, socially, and economically beneficial ways.

• The irrigation industry, responsible for over 70 per cent of freshwater withdrawals, must play a pivotal role in water stewardship by improving water use efficiency and promoting sustainable practices.

• Challenges for irrigators include lack of reliable data, high costs of advanced technologies, and complexity in integrating new systems.

• Solutions for the irrigation industry include adopting advanced irrigation technologies, developing comprehensive Water Stewardship Plans, and fostering collaboration among water users.

• Successful water stewardship requires immediate action and collective effort to ensure a sustainable future for both industry and the environment.

The irrigation industry has a major role to play in water stewardship

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Globally, communities, ecosystems, and economies are facing increasing water scarcity and problems with pollution. Consequently, waterintensive businesses are under mounting pressure to manage water sustainably, and the concept of ‘water stewardship’ is gaining momentum. The irrigation industry will have a central role to play in this space. By improving water use efficiency, promoting sustainable practices, and using watersaving technologies, irrigators and the broader industry can significantly contribute to achieving water stewardship goals.

What is water stewardship?

Water stewardship is the concept of managing water in ways that are environmentally, socially, and culturally sustainable, as well as economically beneficial. Water stewardship by corporations not only encompasses water consumption, but also looks to mitigate the impact business activities have on water quality, ecosystems, and the communities that businesses interact with across their supply chain.

The need for water stewardship Half of all economic activity is moderately or highly dependent on the world's natural resources, but right now, many of our natural resources, including water, are in crisis. Water scarcity poses significant risks to companies and the broader economy, affecting sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology. Consumers and investors increasingly demand businesses adopt socially and environmentally responsible practices, making water stewardship crucial.

While there is currently no international enterpriselevel standard for water stewardship, recent global initiatives, such as the Alliance for Water Stewardship, have developed guidelines to help businesses work towards water stewardship. Their frameworks provide a structured approach for companies to assess and improve their water practices, promoting sustainable water management across industries. Organisations that advocate for water stewardship often focus on large corporations in waterintensive sectors, such as apparel, food and beverage, agricultural supply chains, and technology.

In the United States, approximately 74 per cent of Fortune 500 companies have acknowledged the necessity of freshwater management targets, with 25 per cent already establishing specific goals. Companies like Microsoft and General Mills have integrated water stewardship into their core business strategies, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability.

With governments around the world introducing regulations around sustainability claims, companies now need to prove their commitment to environmental responsibility.

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Challenges for irrigators in achieving water stewardship goals The irrigation industry has a major role to play in the water stewardship arena. More than 70 per cent of all freshwater withdrawals are for the agricultural industry, with irrigation being the primary use of this water. One of the biggest challenges irrigators face in addressing their water stewardship goals is a lack of access to reliable, robust, and up-to-date data on their water use. To assist the irrigation industry in addressing their challenges, we need to provide them with: • the ability to accurately measure water use efficiency • integrated management tools that are usable across various management levels, from field operators to executives • a centralised, secure, and easily retrievable data storage system for water use, and • a means of monitoring, reporting, and verifying water usage.

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THE BIG ISSUE Solutions for water stewardship in the irrigation industry Water is a shared resource, accessed by multiple industries within the same catchment area. Consequently, water stewardship is a collaborative process rather than an individual endeavour. Water users in a catchment area must work together to achieve their goals. This catchment-based approach fosters a holistic view of water management, considering the needs of all stakeholders, including other industries, communities, and ecosystems. Solutions include water use reduction, replenishment, innovation, and optimisation.

Water stewardship can be approached from various angles. For irrigators, solutions include adopting sustainable management practices and using advanced irrigation technologies, both hardware and software, to enhance water use efficiency. Developing a comprehensive Water Stewardship Plan allows irrigators to understand how they can achieve their water stewardship goals. These plans typically encompass water use analysis and monitoring, soil moisture management, optimising irrigation practices, setting targets, and engaging in collective action with other water users in the catchment area.

Water stewardship in practice Industries using water from the same catchment can look at how they can form partnerships to achieve their respective goals. These industries include food and beverage, manufacturing, agriculture, and technology. Some companies, including the major tech companies Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon, have pledged to be water positive by 2030. To achieve this, more than one solution will be required. As well as implementing solutions including water

Technology will play a part in enabling water stewardship.

AI-generated image / Adobe Stock.

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What would an ideal technology solution for water stewardship look like?

Suitable across industries. Adaptable to various sectors, including technology, agriculture, and food and beverage industries.

Whole supply chain coverage. Comprehensive approach, covering the entire water supply chain (from irrigators and agronomists through to management and corporate partners).

Simple and cost-effective. Easy to implement and costeffective at scale.

Science-driven impact. Based on scientific methodologies to quantify water efficiency and use. Provide insights on the water required for specific products, aiding in efficient water management.

efficient technologies, wastewater treatment and reuse, and rainwater harvesting, they have partnered with other industries to find novel ways to be good water stewards.

Within the irrigation industry, there are many opportunities to save water and optimise its use. These solutions include irrigators upgrading their infrastructure to deliver water more efficiently, improving their soil health, and scheduling their irrigations using crop water demand models.

For other industries, meeting their water stewardship goals requires a bit of lateral thinking. If water saving is not enough to help a company be water neutral or positive, then companies can look at other solutions such as water replenishment. These projects aim to return water to the

ecosystems and communities that the water has been removed from.

In the irrigation industry, global tech companies are partnering with providers that help irrigators to save water.

The water saved by the irrigators generates water credits, which can then be used by the tech company to offset the water consumed in providing their services to their customers.

Offset projects such as this are underway in NSW and Victoria. SWAN Systems, in collaboration with a corporate partner, are providing local councils with a water management solution that will optimise water used to irrigate public open space. Water credits generated by the project will then be used to offset water extracted from the local watershed.

promoting sustainable practices, and using advanced technologies, irrigators can significantly contribute to water stewardship goals.

Challenges in achieving these goals include the lack of reliable data, the high cost of advanced technologies, and the complexity of integrating new systems into existing operations. Solutions such as irrigation technology optimisation, water recycling, data-driven decision-making, and developing comprehensive Water Stewardship Plans can address these challenges.

Water stewardship is a shared responsibility that requires immediate action. By embracing these solutions and fostering collaboration, the irrigation industry can lead in responsible water management, ensuring a sustainable future for all.

Neither industry nor the environment can afford to wait.

Conclusion

Article provided by SWAN Systems

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CENTRE PIVOT & LATERAL MOVE Are end guns a good investment?

The assessments also found that application depth under the end gun was highly variable. There was usually an area of higher application depth near the end gun, where it overlaps with the pivot sprinklers, and a general decrease in application depth with increasing distance from the end gun. This variability in application depth can negatively impact crop growth and yield due to inconsistent watering.

SNAPSHOT • Growers often install end guns on centre pivot irrigation systems to extend the coverage area, but many are unaware of their significant drawbacks.

• Agriculture Victoria’s recent assessments of 13 centre pivots with end guns in northern Victoria reveal critical performance issues and cost implications, particularly for longer centre pivots and those with higher system capacities.

Insufficient pressure means poor uniformity

Growers often install end guns on centre pivot irrigation systems as a cheap way of extending the area of the system, but many are unaware of the significant drawbacks of end guns. This article describes the findings of recent Agriculture Victoria assessments of 13 centre pivots with end guns in northern Victoria. It explores the impact of end guns on irrigation systems, the misconceptions surrounding their use, and the potential cost and performance implications of incorporating end guns in centre pivot systems.

For poorly designed systems, or for systems where an end gun has been added without design consideration, uniformity towards the end of the pivot can be affected due to insufficient pressure.

End guns are often suggested to counter edge effect – where crop growth diminishes towards the outside edge of the system. However, our assessments indicate that that edge effect occurs due to insufficient pressure at the end of the system, often exacerbated by end guns, or low application depth under the end gun itself.

The solid red line in Figure 1 shows that the average application depth of the end gun is much lower than both the target application depth (green line) and average application depths under the inner and last spans (purple and orange, respectively). While it may seem a small portion of the pivot is impacted, as this is at the end of the system, it covers a substantial area. The outer third of a centre pivot covers more than half the area.

An edge effect wasn’t observed in systems with sufficient end pressure and no end gun.

Less water and variable application depth

End gun system capacities

Field assessments were conducted by Agriculture Victoria on 13 centre pivot systems fitted with end guns, irrigating various crops such as maize, lucerne, and pasture (Table 1).

These assessments followed the ISO 11545 (2009) standard for determining water distribution uniformity.

Most end guns applied less water than the rest of the system.

Systems that applied more water were typically small (less than 270 m) or had a low system capacity (below 10 mm/day).

Agriculture Victoria conducted a theoretical analysis using manufacturers' data to assess end gun system capacities on centre pivots of varying lengths. This analysis used nozzle performance charts and booster pump performance curves provided by manufacturers.

In northern Victoria, growers are advised to have a 12 mm/day system capacity (the maximum application a system can achieve over 24 hours) to meet crop water requirements

• End guns increase pumping costs due to additional head loss, raising annual operating expenses significantly.

• End guns generally apply less water with variable application depth resulting in lower yields at the edge of fields.

• Systems without end guns may have lower production costs, making them a more cost-effective option for growers.

TABLE 1. End gun performance of 13 centre pivot irrigators assessed by Agriculture Victoria.

Site

1

2

3

4

Booster pump

Yes

System capacity (mm/day)

17.6

End gun application difference (mm) End gun application %

5

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

20

11.5

8

17.1

−14.3

−9.1

−1.3

3.8

−5.2

60

83

83

137

83

6

7

8

9

10

No

Yes

9.6

11.8

1.9 114

11

12

13

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

Yes

9.5

21.5

8

15.8

16.8

14.9

−2.8

−6.7

−1.7

2.4

2.5

−9.1

−3.0

74

77

88

115

124

67

82

Sufficient pressure at last sprinkler

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Machine length ex. end gun (m)

395

322

390

268

255

392

413

345

159

475

267

388

320

End gun throw (m)

27

25

30

22

28

30

17

32

13.5

15

10

5

21

16

FIGURE 1. Application uniformity of a centre pivot system fitted with an end gun.

during peak demand in summer. A system capacity of 14 mm/day is preferable (Agriculture Victoria, 2022).

The analysis found that a common end gun with the largest available nozzle could not achieve a 12 mm/day system capacity for a typical 400 m centre pivot, regardless of the pressure available. The highest achievable system capacity for this setup was 10.6 mm/day, requiring 410 kPa of pressure at the end of the pivot.

However, booster pump performance limitations meant the highest practical system capacity was 9.4 mm/day (see Figures 2 and 3).

FIGURE 2. System capacities of a common end gun with the largest available nozzle for three different length centre pivot systems at various pressures. 12 mm/day is the minimum recommended system capacity for growing summer crops in northern Victoria. Booster pump performance limits system capacity.

Head loss means higher pumping costs Operating an end gun is likely to increase pumping costs substantially due to additional head loss. For a welldesigned pivot, our calculations show the addition of one end gun increased annual pumping costs by $2,256 per year, while for a poorly designed pivot, the increase was $3,598 per year.

In scenarios with two end guns installed to achieve a 14 mm/day system capacity, annual pumping costs increased by $3,186 per year for a well-designed pivot and $5,692 per year for a poorly designed pivot.

FIGURE 3. Maximum achievable system capacity of a common end gun and booster pump on different length centre pivot irrigators.

SPRING 2024

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CENTRE PIVOT & LATERAL MOVE TABLE 2. Pumping costs caused by the addition of one end gun (system capacity 9.4 mm/day) or two end guns (system capacity 14 mm/day) for two 400 m pivot designs: 1. good pivot design (300 m by 219 mm ID pipe plus 100 m by 168 mm ID pipe); and 2. poor pivot design (200 m by 203 mm ID pipe plus 200m by 152 mm ID pipe), each with a system capacity of 14 mm/day.

Poor pivot design scenarios

Good pivot design scenarios

Variable

No end gun

1 end gun 9.4 mm/day

2 end guns 14 mm/day

No end gun

1 end gun 9.4 mm/day

2 end guns 14 mm/day

TDH (m)

43.0

52.7

57.8

32.1

37.4

40.2

$363

$363

$363

$363

$12,511

$17,133

$19,349

$9409

$12,435

$13,742

$3598

$5692

$2256

$3186

Annual booster pump power costs Annual total pumping costs Additional pumping costs for end gun

TABLE 3. Energy cost analysis of feed production for a system designed with and without an end gun, and the additional cost of the end gun.

Note: Total yield is additional to rainfall, which was assumed to be 400 mm/yr producing a yield of 3.8 t/ha.

Variable

System with end gun

Alternative system without end gun (no VFD, pump direct driven off diesel motor)

End gun alone

Area (ha)

45.6

41.4

4.2

Total yield (t)

395.0

378.3

16.7

Annual diesel cost

$26,656

$19,330

$7325

$67

$51

$438

Energy cost to produce crop ($/t)

Most of these additional costs were due to extra head loss in the pivot, not the energy consumption of the booster pump. These findings underscore the substantial extra operating costs associated with end guns over the life of the system.

Production costs may be lower without end guns Agriculture Victoria conducted theoretical calculations to determine the energy costs associated with additional lucerne grown under an end gun. Two system designs were compared: one with an end gun and one without.

The system with the end gun had higher annual operating costs due to the increased energy requirements. With an end gun, the lucerne cost $67 per tonne (dry matter) and without an end gun, the cost was $51 per tonne (Table 3).

Energy costs for additional lucerne grown under the end gun was a significant $438 per tonne. Additionally, the variability in water application under the end gun could lead to differences in crop growth stages, complicating irrigation scheduling and harvesting.

Are end guns worthwhile?

The assessments and analyses reveal that end guns generally apply less water and with greater variability than the rest of the centre pivot system. This results in reduced

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uniformity, particularly for longer pivots and those with higher system capacities. Additionally, systems with end guns require higher end pressure and flow rates, which can substantially increase friction loss and pumping costs.

Proper system design, including appropriate pump and pipe sizes and the addition of a variable frequency drive, can mitigate these extra operating costs. Nevertheless, these measures come with a higher capital cost, which is often not undertaken, leading to increased operating expenses and making production from the additional area covered by the end gun extremely costly.

Ultimately, the findings suggest that you should carefully consider design and cost implications to ensure efficient and uniform water application. It is important for irrigators to understand these dynamics in order to make good irrigation and investment decisions.

Acknowledgments This work was undertaken by the Agriculture Victoria Irrigation team with funding and support from the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and Agriculture Victoria’s Energy Smart Farming Project.

Nick O’Halloran, Joe Braden and John Paulet

CENTRE PIVOT & LATERAL MOVE Designing and building Australia’s largest T-L centre pivot SNAPSHOT • Water Dynamics Yarrawonga recently designed and built Australia’s largest T-L centre pivot, measuring 751 m and covering 177 ha.

• Key design considerations included agronomy, environmental and cultural constraints, and soil variability, requiring custom trenching methods.

• Custom piping was necessary to ensure adequate pressure at the end of the pivot, leading to the use of 10-inch pipes and recalculating the span weight.

• Sprinkler uniformity was achieved easily, while determining hydraulic oil pressure involved complex calculations for efficient system operation.

• The project timeline included building the machine in four sections, with phased construction to handle logistics.

• The finished system features advanced components like poly-coated pipes, Nelson sprinklers, a Vickers piston pump, and a T-L Precision Point Touch control panel.

• The machine’s efficiency is expected to significantly increase the client's harvest yield.

Australia’s largest T-L centre pivot is 751 m long and covers 177 ha of land.

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The team at Water Dynamics Yarrawonga recently designed and built Australia’s largest T-L centre pivot. At 751 m long, the pivot covers 177 ha of land on a greenfield site that had no pre-existing infrastructure. Here, Nathan Jarrett, who designed the system, discusses the unique needs and challenges of designing such a large system.

Design considerations The main factors that we had to consider when designing the system were: • Agronomy: Making sure the soil can take the maximum required amount of water while considering the requirements for the crop.

• Environmental and cultural constraints: Making sure that all infrastructure impacts are kept to a minimum to protect both constraints.

• Soil/ground: Both planning and construction were complicated by the wide variability in the sub-soils and ground at this site. The varying levels of clay, sand and rock across the site meant that different trenching methods (open trench and directional drilling) had to be used in different areas.

The challenges of designing a large centre pivot Custom piping. The grower was not in control of the water volume or pressure to the machine, which meant the selection and sizing of machine had to be precisely calculated.

To ensure the grower had adequate pressure at the end of the machine, custom piping had to be manufactured, resulting in 10” pipes.

With the additional weight of the 10” pipe, the weight of the spans had to be recalculated, and their length needed to be reduced. This was necessary to avoid overstraining other components on the span towers, such as the tower legs, gearboxes, rims and tyres. After the 10” pipes, the machine was built to a standard specification.

Sprinkler uniformity. Once we’d designed the machine to supply adequate water pressure, assuring sprinkler uniformity was an easy task; Nelson Irrigation provided the specifications based on the desired application rate and duration of irrigation.

Hydraulic oil pressure. Determining the hydraulic oil pressure was more complicated. We needed to consider several factors to ensure the system operates efficiently: • We needed to calculate the required oil flow rate to the speed sensor at the end tower. This ensures the end tower moves at the correct speed as per the design specification.

• We had to size and choose the appropriate diameter for the oil lines to ensure sufficient flow without excessive pressure drop.

• We had to factor in the desired speed of the end tower to ensure the system can meet this operational requirement.

• We needed to ensure the hydraulic pump and diesel engine were capable of generating the necessary pressure.

Specifically, to function correctly, the system had to produce a pressure of 1000 PSI at the last tower. This involved sizing the pump and engine appropriately to meet this pressure requirement, taking into account the actuated shut-off valves and overall system demands.

Project timeline The build of the machine was done in four sections, due to the size and logistics of the machine and other work commitments we had on.

Before we arrived, a local excavation group constructed and poured the concrete slab, which consisted of 7 m³ of concrete.

Part 1. The machine arrived in three 40-foot shipping containers, and we spent three days setting out the machine and moving all the components to the required position, which included all the componentry work.

Part 2. The following stage included the crowning and build of the 8 x 10” pipe spans.

Part 3. It took about a week to crown and build the remainder of the machine, including erecting and standing up the machine with wheels and mounting the gear boxes.

Part 4. In the final days, we set up all the centre point tower, hydraulic pump and engine, fuel tank and AgSense unit.

During the final days we also used our PTO piston pump and service filter to clean out and flush the oil lines on the machine to ensure no debris or sediment in the lines.

We also installed and commissioned four wafer shut-off valves that are positioned between the flange faces on the pipes. The communication from the Precision Point Touch control panel allows us to program shut-off points for the four valves. This will allow us to shut the machine off in sections as it passes through areas with sensitive vegetation, preventing irrigation of these areas.

The finished system The machine is now the largest T-L centre pivot in Australia at a total of 751m long and covering over 177 ha of land.

It consists of: • a total of 8 x 10” spans (38.1m), 6 x 8” spans (54.1 m), 2 x 6 5/8” spans (48.1 m) and a 5” overhang at 26 m – totalling 751.6 m • an 8” centre point construction with all pipes and centre point being poly-coated to protect the galvanised pipe against rusting due to the use of brackish water • a total of 290 x Nelson S3030 Sprinklers with Dual 3NV Nozzles and 10 PSI pressure regulators • a Vickers PVE21 piston pump to operate the hydraulics.

This is powered by an Isuzu 3CE1 diesel engine operating at 2200 RPM. This will give us about 1800 PSI at the oil tank and over 1000 PSI at the end tower • a T-L Precision Point Touch control panel that communicates to a 8” Nelson 800 series valve. All monitoring is done through AgSense Precision Link. This provides near-realtime information to the grower, allowing him to monitor application rates and be notified about faults or errors.

The machine is based on a 6 mm application rate in 24 hours and will use around 140L/sec, resulting in 12 ML of water used in 24 hours.

Outcomes The grower’s agronomist estimates that the client will be able to harvest on average four to five times more product than previously done through dry cropping.

This was an ambitious build, but with our internal knowledge and great support from T-L, the project ran smoothly. We are excited for the client to be able to use the machine and start to see an income stream through his new investment. We feel privileged to be involved in such a fantastic build.

The client was happy with the build of this unique centre pivot and appreciated the skills and communication provided by the Water Dynamics team.

Nathan Jarrett, Water Dynamics Yarrawonga

SPRING 2024

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CENTRE PIVOT & LATERAL MOVE Case study: Converting flood irrigation to a lateral move system SNAPSHOT • In 2019, Gavin and Melinda Mann transitioned part of their farm from an inefficient flood irrigation system to a modern lateral move irrigation system to improve water efficiency and reduce labour.

• The lateral move irrigator covers 125 ha and has significantly improved their ability to control irrigation, leading to better crop performance and water use.

• Before the upgrade, wheat yields were 3.6 t/ha and canola yields were 1.8 t/ha. Post-upgrade, yields increased to 7.1 t/ha for wheat and 2.8 t/ha for canola, with reduced water usage.

• The new system has led to significant labour savings, allowing more efficient water application and better overall farm management.

• The project was a substantial investment, costing around $400,000, but has resulted in improved efficiency, sustainability, and profitability for their farming operations.

When Gavin and Melinda purchased their farm, Denver, in 2014, it had been a sheep property for 27 years with an old, tired flood irrigation system. Their vision was an efficient cropping enterprise which was sustainable and profitable, while meeting their lifestyle choices.

They removed old fences, laneways and channel systems to ensure they were maximising their arable land and looking after natural tree areas. Their system centred around looking after their soils by using minimum tillage, crop rotations and sound fertiliser strategies before considering the irrigation system.

The lateral move system has given Gavin and Melinda the ability to apply the right amount of water at the right time. Photo: Melinda Mann

THE DETAILS • • • • • • • •

Location: Moama, NSW Farmers: Gavin and Melinda Mann Total Area: 509 ha Area Under Irrigation: 305 ha Irrigation Infrastructure: Lateral covering 125ha, remainder flood Total Water: 667 ML Average Annual Rainfall: 450mm Soil Type: Sandy loam to red-brown clay

Gavin said, “Water is our most precious and limiting resource. We needed to rectify the irrigation problems to ensure we were using every megalitre efficiently”.

In 2019 they installed a T-L lateral move irrigator. The irrigator is 480 m wide (9.5 spans with an end gun), covers 125 ha and travels 2.47 km along a main channel.

We spoke to them about their motivation, the information they used to help in the decision-making process and the outcomes that they are seeing five years after making this change.

What was your motivation to make this change?

Water is the most precious and limiting resource on Gavin and Melinda Mann’s property and they endeavour to use every megalitre efficiently. Photo: Melinda Mann

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We were motivated by water conservation, reducing waste and labour efficiency. Water resources are limited, and we wanted to ensure that returns from every megalitre were maximised.

The farm had been lasered and set up with a flood system many years ago, but irrigating using the existing infrastructure was inefficient and time consuming, involving lots of hours on a shovel trying to get water on and off paddocks.

What key benefits were you looking for?

We were ultimately looking for more control over our ability to irrigate at the right time to maximise crop performance and minimise water use. The key benefits we were looking for included: • uniformly applying the right amount of water at the right time • reducing labour inputs of irrigating (more efficient with our precious time) • using less water with less waste • Increasing our adaptability to seasonal variations • opening up options for different crop types • flexibility with managing our systems and rotations.

What information did you consider before making the decision to change?

We knew our old flood system was inefficient with water and extremely time consuming on our labour. Our average crop performance was 3.6t/ha for wheat and 1.8t/ha for canola but having spoken to other growers and agronomists we heard the best farmers were aiming to achieve 8t/ha for wheat. Given the long-term average water allocation in our area we decided that having a huge amount of capital tied up in permanent water may not be the best strategy going forward.

We sought expert advice and made a substantial investment in getting a professional farm plan, which included surveying to determine the best system for our land and soil types. We had a good understanding of our business (operational and financial) and our goals, making the decision

easier. We worked out how much water was needed to operate the farm to meet our goals and crop performance targets, and then sold some permanent water to invest in the irrigation infrastructure. The whole project was a significant investment of approximately $400,000, which included the farm plan, new channel system and lateral.

You’ve been using the system for five years now.

How are you finding the uniformity, and the ability to apply the right amount of water when needed?

The uniformity across the lateral has been good; however, the last test conducted found a 1.5 mm difference from pump end to far end. I think this has been sorted but won’t know until I irrigate again. A 1.5 mm difference over 5 years seems to be pretty good but I did notice a difference in topsoil moisture even at this small level.

“Right water at the right time” has always been the number one purpose of the system, and it has been spot on.

The first year we had the lateral was 2020. It was a dry year and we put all available water through the lateral only with good results. We got 3.3 t/ha of wheat with 1.65 ML/ha water used compared with yields of 0.81 t/ha on the dryland.

In the recent wetter years, we have been able to preirrigate in autumn to mitigate risks from dry starts. This makes a huge difference to good crop establishment. Although we can do this with the surface flood systems, there is a risk of the ground being too wet if we get follow-up rain. The lateral also improves trafficability as we can apply smaller amounts of water and you are not saturating the soil profile.

The lateral system applies the same amount of water in half the time as the previous border-check system, and is far less labour-intensive.

Photo: Melinda Mann

SPRING 2024

23

CENTRE PIVOT & LATERAL MOVE Gavin says the biggest surprise and greatest advantage is that the lateral requires so little work to run, allowing him to spend more time optimising the surface flood irrigation areas.

This benefits the entire farm.

Photo: Melinda Mann

The past two seasons have been relatively dry winters.

The lateral allows us to irrigate the crops in July to ensure they are not moisture stressed. We would never use the surface flood system at that time of year as the paddocks get too wet. We have installed two soil moisture probes this year to ensure we are watering at the right time to avoid moisture stress.

We have only had the one dry year since we installed the lateral in 2020 but we anticipate the flexibility and accuracy of applying the right water at the right time will be hugely beneficial in dry years. Using the surface flood system, we have no choice but to saturate the profile; with the lateral, we can apply 20 mm across the paddock evenly to limit moisture stress at critical times and hence maximise yield.

Has the system resulted in labour savings?

Before we had the 125 ha lateral, 88 ha of the same area was irrigated via border check separated into six watering sections. This would take nine days to water and a lot of walking and hard yakka on a shovel. It was not unusual to go out to check the water and come back five or six hours later after dealing with issues. I can apply the same amount of water in half the time with the lateral system, and once it’s set on its path, we can watch it from the kitchen window until its finished.

The biggest surprise and greatest advantage has been because the lateral requires such little work to run, I can spend more time getting the surface flood irrigation areas right. This means I get better efficiencies and performance on the rest of the farm.

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Have you noticed yield improvements?

Before the lateral was installed, the area under surface flood irrigation for the five years, wheat averaged 3.6 t/ha and canola 1.8 t/ ha with an average water use of 4.2 ML/ha. For the five-year average under the lateral, we are getting 7.1 t/ha of wheat and 2.8 t/ha of canola with an average water use of 3.6 ML/ha. So, we are seeing a huge benefit from the lateral alone.

The yield has also increased over the rest of the farm area, although not to the same extent.

Have you had any issues or are there any drawbacks with the system?

We’ve had no real problems. The issues we have had were ants shorted the GPS home station and a hydraulic leak that tricked the safety to stop the machine a couple of times before we found it. The dealers Eagle-I have been fantastic at sorting these out. Maintenance is as expected – we pay a fee for the total unit to be checked over each year as we don't like surprises.

Acknowledgment. This is an updated version of a case study that was originally published by the Grains Research and Development Corporation in 2020.

The Optimising Irrigated Grains Project is part of the GRDC investment in ICF1906-002RTX, FAR1906-003RTX and UOT1906-002RTX The Irrigated Cropping Council in collaboration with key industry partners conducts research to assist farmers with making decisions and manage their water and crops efficiently to optimise profitability.

CONFERENCE NAVIGATING THE FUTURE OF AUSTRALIAN AGRICULTURE: INSIGHTS FROM KATHERINE WYNN If you’re at the Irrigation Australia Conference and Exhibition, one presentation not to be missed is Dr Katherine Wynn’s keynote address in the final plenary session on 4 September. Katherine is Lead Economist at CSIRO Futures. She advises clients on the emerging trends and technologies shaping industries and the design of responsive strategies for more informed investment decisions. She has led the delivery of many key reports, including the recent Ag2050 Scenarios Report.

In this interview, Katherine delves into the themes of her upcoming speech and shares insights from the Ag2050 Scenarios Report, which presents four evidence-based, plausible scenarios for what Australian farming systems could look like in 2050.

IA. What can attendees expect in your keynote?

Katherine. I am planning to present on trends relevant to the theme of this year’s conference around irrigation’s role in delivering economically viable food security and sustainable urban spaces in an increasingly unpredictable climate.

I will talk about a range of trends, including climate change and the transition to net zero emissions, the growing global population and what that means for Australian agriculture, food and water security, skills and workforce trends, consumer patterns, and investment and innovation trends, among others.

Energy efficient solutions for irrigation applications Meet us at Irrigation Australia!

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CONFERENCE IA. How do you see emerging technologies, such as precision irrigation, playing a role in achieving the goals set forth in the Ag2050 scenarios?

Katherine. The Ag2050 Scenarios Report offered four vastly different scenarios for how Australian farming systems might look like in 2050. The role of emerging technologies featured in each of the scenarios, but the outlook was quite different. Each scenario has a mix of desirable and less desirable elements. The role of emerging technologies is important in helping us to pursue the more desirable futures described in the report and avoid those less desirable futures.

For example, the regional ag capitals scenario paints a tech success picture of the future with step-change advances in agritech, biotechnologies and investments in digital infrastructure and services. Technologies have enabled new production systems for climate-resilient, productive, and intensive farming of food and fibre. With the growth of regional-based agritech service industries, we would see some regional cities booming but others without agritech declining.

The key message we want to convey in this report is that achieving a productive, resilient, and sustainable future for Australian agriculture is possible, but we need to act now.

The climate survival scenario paints a quite different picture from a tech perspective with only incremental investment and uptake of low-risk technologies. Producers face a significant human capital gap and have been unable to compete with advanced technology, manufacturing industries and the energy sector to attract and retain skilled, entrepreneurial, and diverse talent.

IA. How can policy makers and industry leaders leverage the findings of the Ag2050 Scenarios Report to develop coordinated strategies that support innovation in water-efficient farming practices?

Katherine. The report identifies ways public and private sector leaders can leverage opportunities in the innovation space for more water-efficient farming practices. Implementing new plant breeding techniques, along with smart water management and infrastructure improvements, can help the sector use water more efficiently and manage it better. Data analytics and in-field sensing capabilities could determine the best timing for

26

irrigation based on crop and soil type, climate conditions, water availability and risk. Expanding on current initiatives, such as the National Farmers Federation’s target to increase water use efficiency by 20 per cent by 2030, could promote water recovery projects that enhance environmental outcomes and communities.

IA. What are the next steps for the CSIRO Ag2050 program, and how do you plan to further refine the scenarios to ensure they remain relevant and actionable for stakeholders in the irrigation and ag sectors?

Katherine. The Ag2050 Scenarios Report was the first step in CSIRO’s four-year Ag2050 program. The scenarios form a foundation to guide our research strategy for the remainder of the Ag2050 program. We plan to build on and further refine the scenarios in several ways. For example, we want to better understand and quantify how the scenarios might play out at a regional level. We want to better understand the repercussions of climate change on water availability and key ecosystem services at a regional level across Australia to improve resource management.

We also want to better understand and quantify the alternative land and water uses, whether they be for food, fibre, environmental purposes, or energy, and examine the trade-offs and co-benefits involved in those decisions.

But there are many actions we identified in the report that extend beyond CSIRO or any single organisation. They require significant expertise, experience, energy, and a collaborative effort across both public and private sector organisations.

Considered together, the scenarios can help inform actions and investments needed to pursue more positive future outcomes and identify the no-regret actions needed to avoid the impacts of a less desirable future. We also think it is important to consider the trade-offs between the scenarios.

Our report does not address every trend, challenge, or plausible future, nor offer all the solutions. Instead, it aims to motivate discussion and identify questions for further research and exploration.

The key message we want to convey in this report is that achieving a productive, resilient, and sustainable future for Australian agriculture is possible, but we need to act now.

IRRIGATION AUSTRALIA NEWS CONSTITUTION CHANGES

FAREWELL TO TWO STAFF MEMBERS

Irrigation Australia’s constitution is six years old and needs updating. The main reason for the review is to clarify voting rights for elections. While we’re only making small changes, we’ve decided to rewrite the document, as the current one is lengthy and inconsistent.

We’ve hired Governology, experts in association governance, to draft the new document. This will involve removing many of the existing member categories from the document, and handling them separately with by-laws.

The new version will only refer to voting and non-voting members, with transitional arrangements detailed.

The AGM is scheduled for 13 November at 11 am AEST. We need 5 per cent of financial members or 20 members present (whichever is less) to convene the meeting.

Amending the constitution requires a special resolution – 75 per cent of the votes cast by members present.

These changes are a significant investment for our association, and the board believes they are in the best interest of members. We look forward to your support and want to ensure all members understand the process and have a chance to provide input.

Members have been emailed links to the current and proposed constitutions with an explanatory table. If you haven’t received this email, please contact info@irrigation. org.au.

A couple of great staff members have departed Irrigation Australia in the last few weeks – our trainer Jeff Dean and Junior Administrator Florence Edwards.

Jeff made a big difference in a short time, delivering some great courses and working significantly on refining training materials and processes for our RTO, and he’s moving back to Think Water.

Florence has been driving a variety of improvement activities, including cleaning up our member system and processes, and has been given a chance to do some seasonal work directly related to her agricultural studies.

We’ll miss them both greatly and wish them the best with their future careers.

WATERWISE IRRIGATION PROGRAMS ON FACEBOOK Have you checked out Irrigation Australia’s Waterwise irrigation programs on Facebook?

There are two categories:

• Waterwise Garden Irrigator - for professional installation and maintenance services • Waterwise Irrigation Design Shop - for expert advice and quality parts The Facebook page aims to provide the wider community with #waterwise tips and advice and promote members.

Use the QR code and jump on Facebook to find out more and keep up to date.

REGIONAL ROUNDUP

What’s going on in the regions and with membership by Rebecca New, IAL’s National Membership Manager.

In February, the Irrigation Australia Board directed management to increase its focus on the regional committees by: • prioritising support for existing committees • renewing expired regional committees • exploring establishing committees in previously inactive regions.

Our aim is to ensure that members from all states and parts of the supply chain are well represented. We plan to simplify rules and processes and provide more financial support for events funded by memberships. Committees will report directly to the Board, guided by input from a newly formed Irrigation Futures policy committee that directs our advocacy work.

In May 2024, Irrigation Australia sought member input on which association initiatives could best support the industry, enhance value for current members, and attract new ones.

Members were invited to join their regional committees, and we saw a strong response across most regions. Currently, initiatives are progressing in Victoria, Western Australia, Queensland, and South Australia, with plans to review other regions later this year.

What is the purpose of a regional committee?

Irrigation Australia Regional Committees are grouped by location and are made up of dedicated financial members who report to and advise Irrigation Australia’s management and Board on key topics of interest in that region.

Each committee has a crucial role in representing Irrigation Australia members in its region. Committees shall: • reinforce Irrigation Australia’s purpose • promote the broader irrigation industry to key stakeholders, including customers and policymakers

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IRRIGATION AUSTRALIA NEWS Western Australia

• promote the benefits of Irrigation Australia membership and work with management and the Board to continually improve our value proposition • promote and support the industry services offered by Irrigation Australia, including training, certification and events • help to ensure that Irrigation Australia’s policy and advocacy agenda is relevant and meeting the needs of members in the region.

The WA Regional Committee meets monthly to review regional initiatives, ensuring they align with the KPIs set by stakeholders, including the Department of Water & Environmental Regulation and Water Corporation. We encourage members to provide feedback and share ideas for upcoming events. For any enquiries, contact us at westernaustraliaregionalcommittee@irrigation.org.au.

Plans are also in motion to secure a venue for the 2025 Waterwise Irrigation Expo. Join us for a dynamic day filled with workshops, field activities, industry insights, supplier engagements, and the latest technology! For further information, please reach out to Rebecca New. In July, the WA office relocated from Cockburn Central to Malaga. The WA team is steadfast in delivering reliable services and advancing the irrigation industry in WA. This includes managing Waterwise initiatives, conducting training sessions, and organising member events, all supported by our dedicated stakeholders.

How do I support this initiative?

Irrigation Australia members who would like to register their interest in joining a regional committee can contact Rebecca New at rebecca.new@irrigation.org.au.

Read on to find out what’s been happening in each region and how you can get involved. Irrigation Australia has made a number of changes including the establishment of a policy committee to help drive national and regional advocacy.

Victoria The Victoria Regional Committee convened their July meeting, formally opening nominations for committee positions. We are pleased to announce the re-election and new appointments to the 2024 Victoria Regional Committee: • Andrew Rathjen – Chair • Warren Sidebottom – Secretary • Gary Horton – Events Coordinator • Adrian Saville – Events Helper • Natalia Prats – Events Helper • Ben Charles – Regional Representation – Melbourne • Craig Stephens – Regional Representation • Karuppan Sakadevan – Research and Innovation • Peter Dalgleish – Sustainability Officer The Committee remains committed to advancing longterm objectives and encourages feedback and ideas from members across Victoria. If you have any queries, email victoriaregionalcommittee@irrigation.org.au

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Waterwise Programs turn 20! Exciting announcement!

The Western Australia Waterwise Programs are celebrating their 20th anniversary this year. Water Corporation and Irrigation Australia recently collaborated to celebrate this significant milestone with Waterwise members, supporting businesses, and the original pioneers who made these initiatives possible for our industry and community.

Queensland The Queensland Regional Committee reconvened with new membership in May and held nominations for committee positions. We are delighted to introduce the new members: • Brian Cruse – Chair • Stephen Attard – Vice Chair • Clinton Hort • Jagtar Singh • Udi David Stern • Brian Walters • Arne Murray • Philip Szabo • Terry Carty During the meeting, the Committee held a wide-ranging discussion and established a list of priority tasks aimed at enhancing industry recognition in the region. The Committee welcomes input from Queensland members. Email queenslandregionalcommittee@irrigation.org.au.

Find an Irrigation Specialist If you are looking for an irrigation specialist, then the Irrigation Australia website is your one-stop shop.

Just click on ‘Member directory’

Then you can search for a professional in your area by state, category, postcode, name or company name.

South Australia

The Committee's first task is to prepare for a member event in mid-October, where members will have the opportunity to reconnect with industry peers, make new connections, and explore an engaging case study. Currently, the SA Committee is defining key focus areas for Irrigation Australia's advocacy plan and has prioritised the following: • Youth engagement: Initiatives to attract young professionals to the industry, including the launch of a new careers website in August.

• Professional recognition: Promotion of accredited qualifications to elevate industry standards.

• Public awareness: Engaging elected officials to underscore the critical role of our industry.

• Training feedback: We welcome your thoughts on training needs and scheduling. The more input we have, the more we can improve our training.

Your feedback on these topics is crucial; we need to hear from our members about your priorities and insights. Email us at southaustraliaregionalcommittee@irrigation.org.au.

Click to visit our website

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Irrigation Australia is working to rejuvenate the South Australian Regional Committee to enhance member benefits and strengthen national advocacy. The SA Regional Committee met in July and held nominations for committee positions. We are excited to announce the new members: • Milind Kayande • Brett Webber – Chair • Shane Cahill • Nigel Dolenec – Vice Chair • Josh Hodge • Kathryn Eden • Luke Ballinger • Luke Behn • Chris Sheath • Rob Owen • Pedro Casemiro • Josh Hill • Leon Bideri • Shane Mills

IAL BOARD DIRECTORS Simon Treptow (Chair) Irrigear Stores, Mornington Victoria 3931 Valentina Tripp (Deputy Chair) Individual member, Vic Peter Brueck Waterwise Consulting, Bangor, NSW Greig Graham Rivulis, Brendale, Qld Rob Nadebaum Rain Bird, Deer Park, Vic Matthew Binder Individual member, SA Carl Walters Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, Shepparton, Vic Clinton Hort Rodney Industries, Chermside, Qld Gennaro Vellotti Netafim Australia/New Zealand, Adelaide, SA Paul Smith Pumps ‘N’ Pipes Supplies, Mandurah, WA

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ARTICLE A FOCUS ON OUTCOMES FOR 2026 BASIN PLAN REVIEW SNAPSHOT • The 2026 Basin Plan Review aims to achieve long-term environmental and socio-economic outcomes, going beyond water recovery targets. It focuses on how the Basin Plan can support a more integrated approach to land and water management, building on existing initiatives.

• This article by Andrew McConville outlines the Review’s progress and shares the Authority’s current thinking on the key issues and opportunities to be explored through the 2026 Basin Plan Review, as identified in the recently released Early Insights Paper.

• The Murray–Darling Basin Authority will be hosting consultation events to inform the Review and help transition to a more inclusive and adaptive Basin Plan.

Farmers and irrigators in the Murray– Darling Basin need a plan to optimise water use, ensuring a healthy and sustainable river system that forms the backbone of our irrigated agriculture communities.

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The Murray–Darling Basin is a powerhouse of agricultural productivity. It’s a must see for tourists and home to more than 2.4 million people with unique values and aspirations for their communities, economies, and the environment.

As such, the health of the Basin has massive social, environmental, cultural and economic benefit for the people and industries that call it home, and all of Australia.

Agricultural contribution Some 42 per cent of Australia’s agricultural produce comes from the Basin (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2022), including 93 per cent of our cotton and 44 per cent of our irrigated produce (Murray-Darling Basin Authority, 2023). The latest projections from the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) show winter crop production for 2024–2025 is set to increase by 9 per cent, which is equivalent to around 51.3 million tonnes. The value of crop production will also increase by 2 per cent to $48.1 billion (Dahl, et al., 2024).

Considering that 2.7 per cent of Australia’s gross domestic product (GDP) is agriculture (ABARES, 2024), then almost half of that is being carried on the back of the Basin.

Challenges and climate change This projected increase in crop production reflects a positive rainfall outlook, but the past decade shows we can’t rely on positive outlooks alone. Farmers and irrigators in the Murray–Darling Basin need a plan to optimise water use, ensuring a healthy and sustainable river system that forms the backbone of our irrigated agriculture communities.

We know that in the Basin, climate change is the number one challenge. We also know that irrigated agriculture has done a great deal of heavy lifting on adaptation and drought preparation.

The 2026 Basin Plan Review

Tim Goodes (Executive Director, Basin Plan) Greg Manning (former Executive Director, Basin Strategy and Knowledge) and Andrew McConville (Chief Executive, MDBA) at the Barrages in South Australia.

The 2026 Basin Plan Review focuses on long-term preparation and looking at how we can achieve environmental and socio-economic outcomes for the Basin beyond targets for water recovery. We are keen to explore how the Basin Plan can play a role in facilitating a more integrated approach to land and water management, building on existing initiatives.

It is not just the quantity of water, but also its quality that affects outcomes for the community, environment,

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ARTICLE and water users – such as farmers, irrigators, First Nations peoples and industries in the Basin. It’s also the timing for delivery and the holistic consideration of environmental watering, as well as constraints on flows and involvement of local groups who care for our floodplains and riparian corridors.

To track progress, we have created the Basin Condition Monitoring Program to monitor and report on social, cultural, and environmental conditions in the Murray–Darling Basin.

We are also working with key research partners such as La Trobe University, Monash University, and the Murray Lower Darling Indigenous Nations (MLDRIN) through the Murray–Darling Water and Environment Research Program (MD-WERP) to research and fill key gaps in understanding the social, economic, and cultural outcomes of water management.

The Review is our opportunity to evolve from a response to overextraction of the system. We will draw on a decade of lived experience, monitoring data and trend analysis of the Basin’s social, economic, environmental and Cultural aspects. This will take time, but our Roadmap will guide us to ensure that we share, check, and engage each step of the way.

Roadmap milestones on track I’m glad to say we are on track with our roadmap milestones. To increase transparency, we have just released our second six-monthly Basin Plan Review update, covering progress from January to June 2024. Our work to date includes: • completing technical assessment of the Basin to inform the Sustainable River Audit • finalising the framework to underpin our assessment of the past, current, and future condition and trends of the Basin, which informs the ‘Outlook for the Basin’ document – to be released late this year • gathering perspectives and experiences of the current Basin Plan, through regional community forums and peak groups and • the recent release of our early insights into the Basin Plan Review – I discuss these below.

Areas of challenge In our recent publication, Early Insights Paper, we share the five key areas of challenge and focus for the Basin Plan Review. These challenges cut across the four themes we are centred on for the Review – climate change, First Nations, Sustainable Water Limits, and regulatory design. We have formed these insights from the feedback and knowledge collected over the last 12 years of implementation and we are applying them to refine the next 10 years of Basin management.

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The five key areas of challenge that we identify in the Early Insights Paper are: 1. How we go about assessing the Basin Plan’s environmental outcomes, and the multiple lines of evidence we will use to do this.

2. How we consider and prepare for a range of plausible climate futures.

3. Ensuring that the Plan provide flexibility to accommodate the fundamental differences in how water is managed in the northern Basin.

4. Advocating a more holistic approach to land and water management.

5. Opportunities to build on and simplify the Basin Plan.

These areas of challenge are also areas of opportunity for Basin communities, industries, and governments to explore further. We can seize this moment to transition from a Basin Plan implemented in response to historical overextraction and the Millenium Drought, to a more inclusive Basin Plan.

It will be informed by best available science and a more integrated view of water management that will help the Basin adapt to a climate variable future.

An invitation to contribute We encourage everyone to bring input, views, knowledge, and expertise for the Review.

Through formal and informal consultation and engagement events, we intend for everyone to have their say. Having representation from floodplain graziers, irrigators, environmental advocates, First Nations’ people, tourism operators and others in the Basin is vital. By caring for our rivers, we ensure they continue to sustain our communities, environment, Culture and industries, helping us achieve ‘Rivers, for generations’.

References ABARES. (2024, March 6). Snapshot of Australian Agriculture 2024.

Retrieved from Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, ABARES: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/products/insights/

snapshot-of-australian-agriculture Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2022, July 26). Value of Agricultural Commodities Produced, Australia. Retrieved from Australian Bureau of Statistics: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/industry/agriculture/

value-agricultural-commodities-produced-australia/2020-21 Dahl, E., Killalea, T., Winarta, T., Walsh, J., Cao, A., & Ma, Y. (2024, June 3).

Outlook for crops. Retrieved from ABARES, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/research-

topics/agricultural-outlook/outlook-crops#daff-page-main Murray-Darling Basin Authority. (2023, December 4). Our reliance on the Basin for water. Retrieved from Murray-Darling Basin Authority:

https://www.mdba.gov.au/basin/why-murray-darling-basin-matters/ourreliance-basin-water

Andrew McConville, Chief Executive, Murray–Darling Basin Authority

CONTRACTORS’ CORNER INSIGHTS FROM FROM AN IRRIGATION ALL-ROUNDER: TOTAL WATER SERVICES Total Water Services in Hillcrest, South East Queensland, provides a range of water solutions for commercial and domestic clients around Brisbane, specialising in pumping, irrigation, filtration, and water treatment. We caught up with General Manager Brent Baker to find out what trends he is seeing in the industry and what it takes to run a successful irrigation all-rounder irrigation business in an urban area.

IA. What are the main kinds of jobs you do at Total Water Services?

Brent. We cater to a variety of market sectors, including urban, agricultural, and commercial. Our two retail outlets offer an extensive range of products to meet the needs of our urban markets. We have established strong partnerships with large civil and landscape clients, collaborating on many of their commercial pumping and irrigation projects. We specialise in design, installation and maintenance across all environments.

IA. Can you tell me a bit about your staff and their qualifications/certifications?

Brent. Our staff at Total Water Services undergo rigorous training across all aspects and avenues within the industry.

Over the years, our team members have achieved various certifications, including Certificate III in Irrigation, plumbing tickets, electrical qualifications, AutoCAD, and business management.

IA. Have you noticed any recent trends or changes in what clients are looking for?

Brent. There is a growing demand for systems that not only meet our customers’ needs but also contribute to environmental conservation. Clients are increasingly seeking innovative solutions that promote water efficiency

and sustainability, such as smart irrigation systems that can be controlled and monitored remotely. This trend reflects a broader shift towards eco-friendly and resource-efficient practices in the industry.

IA. What are the ingredients for success for an allrounder irrigation business like Total Water Services?

Brent. Success in an all-rounder irrigation business like ours hinges on several key factors: • A strong commitment to customer satisfaction and service excellence.

• Continuous investment in staff training and professional development.

• Keeping abreast of industry trends and technological advancements.

• Building robust relationships with suppliers and partners.

• Maintaining a flexible and responsive approach to meet the diverse needs of clients.

• Ensuring repeat customers and referrals by consistently delivering high-quality work.

• Adherence to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards, particularly with our commercial clients, to ensure safe and compliant operations.

IA. Getting out your crystal ball, what is your prediction for business conditions for the coming 12 months?

Brent. It is tough out in the community. While people are increasingly mindful of sustainable products and practices, they are also feeling the pinch from rising costs of living.

Although we cannot control this cost-of-living crisis, we can ensure that our clients get maximum value for their hardearned money. By maintaining our focus on quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction, we are optimistic about navigating the challenges and opportunities in the year ahead.

The Total Water Services team: Left side – front to back Craig Priestley (Director), Darren Dodson (Director), Peter Morath (Director). Right side – front to back: Warren Leamon (leaning on ute), Brent Baker (General Manager), Brenda Wood (Administration), Kevin Best.

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IRRIGATION AUSTRALIA TRAINING

A training update by Sam O’Brien, Training and Compliance Manager

Behind the scenes, the training team is continually working to improve the experience for learners. Here are three exciting changes we’ve been focusing on recently.

1. We’ve been working to make your training and career pathway even more flexible and customised, with new short courses that can be completed as stand-alone courses or can be used as a pathway into the Certificate III in Irrigation Technology.

2. Students tell us how much they value the hands-on aspects of training. We’ve listened to this feedback and have dramatically increased the practical hands-on component of our short courses from 30 per cent to 60 per cent of the course content. We’re currently making this change to our longer courses too.

3. We're implementing exciting new training software. The AI-based system will not only assist our trainers, it will also improve your learning experience in several ways: • The platform will be very user friendly.

• You will get your results back faster.

• It maps out your progress against the requirements of the course so you can easily see how far you have come and what you still need to do.

• You will have direct online access to your trainer via the app instead of having to communicate by email.

The biggest advantage of our new software lies in its builtin AI capabilities, which enable us to fast-track the review and update of all course content, ensuring it reflects the most up-to-date products, technologies, and methods.

Additionally, the software provides the agility to respond quickly to learner feedback. For example, if there's a demand for more agricultural or hydraulic content, we can swiftly accommodate that request and tweak the course to suit specific learner requests and market trends. This is a huge leap in the direction of becoming the best training organisation in Australia.

One improvement we are making to our courses is to include far more practical hands-on learning.

TRAINING DIARY DATE

COURSE

LOCATION

24 to 26 September 2024 (3 full days)

Meter Installation and Validation – Face to face

Dubbo, NSW

24 to 26 September 2024 (3 full days)

Meter Installation and Validation – Face to face

Adelaide, SA

We are regularly adding new courses on the Irrigation Australia website:

www.irrigationaustralia.com.au

FREE INTRODUCTORY COURSE Our new Irrigation Insights - Induction Course is now available through the Irrigation Australia website. This FREE short course is designed as a comprehensive resource for newcomers, providing an overview of the industry. It’s an ideal resource to give work experience students or new employees a taste of what’s to come.

Upon completion, you'll receive a certificate of completion, helping to pave your career pathway in irrigation. Join now and start your journey towards becoming an industry expert with Irrigation Australia!

Information. Email info@irrigation.org.au.

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FROM COOKING TO CROPS: MO’S PATHWAY TO IRRIGATION

In the short space of four years, Matthew Orchard, who goes by ‘Mo’, has transitioned from working as a chef to irrigation all-rounder, with a passion for irrigation design. He works for Burnett Water Services in Kingaroy, Queensland and is completing a Certificate III in Irrigation Technology. We caught up with Mo to find out how he came to the irrigation industry and his impressions of Irrigation Australia’s training.

IA. Can you tell us about your career path?

Mo. When I left school, I became an apprentice chef and worked in restaurants in Brisbane for eight years. I came back to my hometown of Kingaroy as a chef but then I wanted to make a change, as I was tired of working weekends and nights. I found a labouring job with Burnett Water Services. I spent three months working in the field then started doing retail and a range of other jobs. For the first few years I did a lot of repairs and installs, but over the last few months I’ve been doing more design, which I really enjoy. I’ve been there for four years now.

IA. What does your job involve?

Mo. A bit of everything, but these days my role is largely junior designer. I do the measuring up and design for irrigation jobs, particularly stock water systems and solar and submersible bore pumps. I design the system, pitch it to the customer, and I liaise, and project manage the guys in the field to complete and install work.

I enjoy the challenge of working in irrigation, and all the technical aspects. There is so much to it. Irrigation should really be a trade.

IA. How are you finding the Certificate III in Irrigation Technology?

Mo. I’m currently halfway through the Cert III. It’s been good so far. I like that once you start the course, the whole group does each stage with you. You get comfortable with each other. People come from a range of backgrounds and have different skill levels, so everyone helps each other out.

It’s interesting to see all the different aspects of irrigation. I’ve particularly enjoyed the design topics – doing technical drawings and mapping out systems. It’s good to sharpen up my skills, get some guidance, and learn how to take a more professional approach.

The only downside for me is that most of the content is based around urban irrigation, whereas in my role I’m dealing with rural systems such as large pivot systems.

I’m interested in doing more design training in the future.

IA. What advice would you give to someone considering training?

Mo. If you want a career in irrigation, the knowledge is held by the people who are in the industry already, and most training happens on the job. Anyone who has done some prior training with Irrigation Australia would be snapped up straight away by an employer.

IRRIGATION TRAINING INFORMATION AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Check out Irrigation Australia’s training course booklet. This comprehensive publication provides essential details on training courses offered by Irrigation Australia.

•

Certificate III in Irrigation Technology

•

Certificate IV in Irrigation Management

•

Centre Pivot and Lateral Move

•

Meter Installation and Validation

•

Introduction to Irrigation | Agriculture

•

Introduction to Irrigation | Urban

•

Irrigation Pumps and Systems

•

Irrigation Efficiency

•

Urban Irrigation Design

•

Commercial Irrigation Design

•

IRRICAD Design

•

Irrigation Installer

SPRING 2024

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT MEET THE TRAINER: PETER SMITH

Irrigation Australia offers a range of irrigation courses and certifications for all skill levels, led by our experienced trainers. In this series of articles, we’re introducing you to some of these trainers.

assumed that everyone knew the basics, but now I realise most deficiencies in irrigation arise from not having a clear understanding of them. The corollary to this is the adage ‘to teach simply, you must know deeply’ – so I like to put a lot of time into improving my own understanding of the basics.

“A comment I have heard many times after a course, including from some leading irrigation managers, is, ‘I wish I’d known this 20 years ago’.”

Around eight years ago, Peter Smith left his role with NSW DPI to start his own irrigation consultancy, and he has not looked back. Since then, training has formed a large component of his business.

Peter develops course content and delivers training at many locations around Australia and is responsible for assessing learners completing accredited courses.

We caught up with Peter to get some insights into his work and his approach to training.

IA. Can you tell us a bit about your business, Sapphire Irrigation Consulting?

Peter. Training is a large component of my business but when I’m not training, I do various jobs ranging from performance evaluation of farmers’ irrigation systems, irrigation enterprise development planning, expert roles in other projects with, for example, Dairy Australia, writing irrigation factsheets and providing one-to-one advice to irrigators. I do more or less anything in irrigation in which I am competent, and people will pay me to do!

IA. Which courses are you involved with?

Peter. Recently mainly the Certified Meter Installer and Validator course due to the demand arising from implementation of AS4747. I have also delivered the Centre Pivot and Lateral Move Irrigation Systems and the Introduction to Agricultural Irrigation courses many times.

Others I have been heavily involved in are the Certified Storage Meter and Validator and Irrigation Systems Auditor courses.

IA. What do you enjoy most about your work in training?

Peter. I really enjoy seeing learners grasp concepts and integrate their knowledge in a way that brings real benefit to them.

A comment I have heard many times after a course, including from some leading irrigation managers, is, ‘I wish I’d known this 20 years ago’.

IA. Can you tell us about your approach to training?

Peter. As an old extension officer, I consider training to be one form of knowledge transfer to the participants. My main goal is to provide the information that the learner wants in a way they can understand and apply.

In much of the training that I deliver, I need to fulfill the requirements of prescribed learning units. These don’t always quite line up with the learner’s needs, so I am always looking for ways to deliver what the student is wanting and at the same time fulfil the formal requirements. This can be tricky, but for me, the focus is the learner. The challenge and enjoyment comes with having learners from varying backgrounds and with different needs and seeking to satisfy them all!

A key aspect for me is to present concepts in a simple, easy to understand manner. Nothing muddles learning more than big words or unexplained technical jargon. This means explaining the basics well – too often in the past I

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Want to know more about certification?

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Training with Irrigation Australia WHY CHOOSE IRRIGATION AUSTRALIA? Irrigation Australia provides high-quality training, delivered by industry experts who are passionate about the training that they are delivering.

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EXPAND YOUR OPPORTUNITIES We provide a wide range of nationally accredited industry qualifications and certifications for irrigation professionals that wish to join our essential and ever-growing industry.

Certificate IV in Irrigation Management AHC41119

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Knowledge pathways to discover!

Certified Meter Installation & Validation

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(07) 3517 4000

ARTICLE FISH SCREENS PROTECT NATURE AND MAKE ECONOMIC SENSE FOR VINEYARD SNAPSHOT • Duxton Vineyards installed self-cleaning fish screens on two pumping stations to protect native fish.

• The fish screens feature a wedge wire cylinder screen, propeller drive systems, and internal and external brushes, ensuring low intake velocities and continuous self-cleaning.

• These screens use pump flow velocity to drive the cleaning mechanism, automatically rotating the screens to clear debris and eliminate biofouling.

• Installing these screens has eliminated the need for backflushing, saving Duxton Vineyards approximately 14 ML of water and 2,643 kW of electricity annually.

• In addition to saving many fish, the vineyard managers noticed immediate benefits, including lower water and energy costs, with a payback period of less than two years.

As part of Duxton Vineyards’ commitment to sustainability, the farm managers installed selfcleaning fish screens on two of its pumping stations. This investment protects native fish and saves substantial amounts of water, labour, and electricity as well as eliminating damage to pumps and pipeline infrastructure caused by debris.

Duxton Vineyards is currently the largest vineyard in Australia to be certified as sustainable under Freshcare’s Sustainable Winegrowing Australia’s certification.

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A focus on sustainability Duxton Vineyards is a large-scale vineyard and winemaking business in the Murray–Darling region of NSW, with approximately 2,500 ha of vineyard area. It is currently the largest vineyard in Australia to be certified as sustainable under Freshcare’s Sustainable Winegrowing Australia’s certification.

Sustainability is the cornerstone of the Duxton Vineyards culture, as Wayne Ellis, General Manager for the vineyard, explains: “We irrigate at approximately 120 L/s direct from the Darling River. We rely on this waterway, so it only makes sense that our water extraction systems need to protect the river, protect native fish and protect our pumping infrastructure.

“Australian rivers are renowned for poor water quality, especially the Darling, even more so now, during recent flood events.”

In 2022, Duxton Vineyards installed fish screens on two of its pumping stations to protect native fish. The vineyard managers soon recognised that the fish screens provided additional benefits beyond environmental protection.

Installing fish screens The pump system at Wentworth 3, Avoca, has a 90 kw and a 55 kw motor and on a rail structure with two suction lines into one main line with a flow rate of 0.6 ML/hr and the capacity to pump a maximum 14.4 ML/day.

In 2022, Duxton Vineyards installed fish screens on two of its pumping stations to protect native fish. The vineyard managers noticed immediate benefits to their bottom line as well.

“Prior to installing the fish screens, we had to backflush the pump every 90 minutes, losing 1.8 per cent of our water allocation in the process.”

Wayne said that as the screens no longer require backflushing, the vineyard saves approximately 14 ML of their allocated irrigation entitlement each year. It also saves 2,643 Kw of electricity, equating to 2.2 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. These savings in water and energy mean the payback period is less than two years.

According to Wayne, the screens have been troublefree, requiring minimal maintenance since installation. The forecast life of the screens is 50 years. The vineyard will need to replace the brushes every seven years, costing approximately $500 and an hour of labour.

Wayne says the vineyard plans to install fish screens at some of its other pumping stations in the coming year.

Not-for-profit organisation OzFish Unlimited estimates that these two fish screens will save up to 880,000 fish each year.

AWMA’s design process ensured a self-cleaning, submersible screen with a 2 mm aperture would be suitable for these pump systems. These cylinder screens were retrofitted onto existing pump retrieval systems.

How the self-propelled fish screens work The screen unit consists of a wedge wire cylinder screen and propeller drive systems with internal and external brushes.

The screens are designed to ensure low intake velocities, preventing aquatic life and debris from being impinged on the surface of the screen, while still allowing for full water offtake volumes.

This self-propelled, self-cleaning model uses the velocity of the pump flow to drive the mechanical brush cleaning system. The propeller drive system operates automatically whenever the flow in the suction pipe exceeds a certain velocity. This in turn rotates the screen via a gearbox arrangement to self-clean the cylinder screen.

Fixed internal and external brush systems clean both sides of the screening surface, ensuring the surface remains clear of biofouling. Low intake velocities ensure the surface remains debris-free for increased efficiencies, pump and filtration protection. This results in the delivery of higher water quality, while protecting aquatic life.

Outcomes A custom-engineered solution was part of the install process to retrofit the screen onto the existing rail structure. The system has since delivered great results in the high flow conditions of the Darling River.

According to Wayne, the vineyard managers noticed immediate benefits.

Fixed internal and external brush systems clean both sides of the screening surface, ensuring the surface remains clear of biofouling.

AWMA Water Control Solutions

You can visit AWMA Water Control Solutions at booth 50 at the Irrigation Australia Conference and Exhibition 2-4 September 2024, ICC Sydney.

SPRING 2024

39

ARTICLE NEW PUMP SET ENABLES MORE IRRIGATION STATIONS FOR GOLF COURSE SNAPSHOT • A country golf club in Victoria recently replaced its aging and undersized pump system with a new booster pump set complete with a jockey pump and surge/ distribution panel.

• The course has gone from 6 stations to 24.

• The club can now irrigate more precisely and efficiently, resulting in lower running costs and better pressure and performance.

Nestled among gum trees with a natural creek running through its centre, the Stawell Golf Club in Victoria boasts a rich history spanning over 120 years. However, the club faced modern challenges with an aging irrigation system that struggled to maintain adequate pressure and volume. This led to high running costs and excessive water use.

The club recently upgraded its irrigation system to maintain its fairways and reduce operational costs.

Challenges with the old system The existing pump unit had long struggled to deliver sufficient pressure and volume at the far end of the course.

Despite experimenting with different sprinklers, the output remained insufficient and inconsistent.

The new pump set maintains constant pressure. This makes a big difference to the fairways, encouraging uniform grass coverage.

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Greens Chairman Ian Sibson explained, “The old pump was undersized, and we had a lot of different sprinklers here and there. Everything was irregular. You’d have five sprinklers going, and they’d pump out twice as much water as the next five.”

Sizing the correct solution The club engaged Ultimate Pumps and Irrigation, in partnership with Brown Brothers Engineers Australia, to provide a pump set that would increase pressure and volume, be more efficient and give the club the ability to expand in the future.

The team sized a 66SV4/2 HPS Lowara Hydro-Pac Dual Booster pump set, complete with a 10SV09HPS jockey pump.

The Hydro-Pac units effectively integrate the Lowara e-SV pumps with the Hydrovar VSD controller, mounted directly on each pump motor, providing an easy-to-use and energyefficient water management system.

The jockey pump handles low flow demands and engages first to manage smaller flows. This is a cost-effective and energy-efficient way of irrigating, resulting in long-term savings for the club.

Additionally, an INCA surge/distribution panel was installed, providing protection for the drives in the event of a power surge.

The installation was completed within a day, limiting inconvenience to staff and players at the club.

Before and after: The old pump and the new pump set

Improved pressure and efficiency With the upgraded system, the course went from six stations to 24, offering significant improvements in precision and water use efficiency. The old system's six stations covered large areas, resulting in uneven watering and generalised water application. Additionally, the old system's limited flexibility in managing different areas of the course made irrigation inaccurate and inefficient.

Ian said, “With the upgrade we can now water where we want, when we want. Instead of having to put all six stations on at once and watering somewhere we don’t need to water, we can now control each station on its own.”

The new pump system has significantly reduced running costs and improved pressure and performance across the sprinklers at all points of the course.

Ian says the new irrigation system maintains constant pressure, providing a better curtain of water. As a consequence, he can notice a big difference on the fairways with uniform grass coverage everywhere.

Looking ahead, Ian added, “In the future we’ll probably look at a new setup for our greens, as the new pump system is currently for the fairways only. We’ll likely consider a similar setup.”

Your Trusted Partner in Pumping Solutions Discover Expertise, Quality, and Reliabilty with Brown Brothers Engineers From small domestic pressure systems to large industrial process pumps, Brown Brothers Engineers provide a full range of pumps and pumping solutions to meet your needs.

• Over 110 years of industry leadership in Australia and New Zealand • Distributors of top global pump brands like Lowara, Goulds Water Technology, Flygt and Hydrovar • Specialising in custom-designed pump systems and in-house engineering • Trusted provider of tailored pumping solutions • Facilities in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane offering full-service capabilities

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DELIVERING PUMPING SOLUTIONS

SPRING 2024

41

ICID INSIGHTS WELCOME TO OUR INTERNATIONAL DELEGATES! This special issue of the journal coincides with the 9th Asian Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage, held alongside the Irrigation Australia Conference and Exhibition in Sydney.

We extend a warm welcome to our international delegates, including a significant contingent from Nepal.

Nepal is proactive in water management and addressing climate change-induced water scarcity due to its geographic vulnerability, reliance on agriculture, and substantial hydropower potential. The country’s efforts are supported by robust policies, international collaboration, and communitybased initiatives.

Here, three of our Nepalese delegates share insights into their presentations and how water professionals in other countries might learn from their work and experiences in water management.

Presenter: Alka Subedi Title: Comparison of water allocation strategies to irrigation under water scarcity Organisation: Department Of Water Resources and Irrigation, Government of Nepal What are the key messages that attendees will learn from your presentation?

• The impact of water allocation strategies on performance of irrigation systems, particularly around aspects of adequacy and equity, and ultimately farmers’ response to these strategies.

• How water availability influences decisions made by farmers and water managers in Nepal.

What can water professionals from other countries learn from your work?

Climate change will affect rainfall and temperature worldwide, which will change water availability. The concept of water allocation in a changing climate, particularly during water scarcity, can be relevant to all water professionals.

What are you most looking forward to at the conference?

I’m looking forward to the valuable insights, networking opportunities, and solutions for sustainable water management practices. For Nepal, a country heavily reliant on agriculture, the insights gained from such conferences are

42

invaluable. I’m looking forward to learning about improving irrigation practices, enhancing agricultural productivity, and achieving sustainable development goals.

Presenter: Bhesh Raj Thapa Title: Asset criticality is important to support smarter investment in maintenance in utility sector Organisation: Universal Engineering and Science College, Pokhara University, Nepal What are the key messages that attendees will learn from your presentation?

• Attendees will learn about our risk-based cost-effective asset management framework. This is a four-step process for managing assets in water resource development projects.

• Asset management is important to ensure that water infrastructure is sustainable in the long term with needbased budgeting.

• Case studies featuring three different irrigation systems in Nepal where we have used the asset prioritisation, risk assessment, reliability analysis, and cost-benefit analysis approach as discussed in the Management, Operation and Maintenance guidelines for the irrigation system in Nepal prepared in collaboration between the Government of Nepal, the World Bank, and FAO. What can water professionals from other countries learn from your work?

Our approach is adaptable and can be applied to various contexts in any country, and in diverse sectors - not only water. The systematic process can help water professionals improve their asset management practices and infrastructure resilience and develop a more holistic approach to water management. I will discuss how these concepts can work in the real world. Nepal's experience in implementing these methods can provide a blueprint for other countries to manage water more sustainably.

What are you most looking forward to at the conference?

I'm looking forward to connecting with other water professionals, researchers, and policymakers from around the world. I'm excited to present our work and eager to receive feedback and insights from peers; constructive discussions can help uncover new perspectives. I'm also enthusiastic about attending various sessions to learn about the latest advances in water management.

Presenter: Umesh Nath Parajuli Title: Blending the concept of structured irrigation with the indigenous irrigation management practices and knowledgebases for users’ friendly irrigation management in Nepal Organisation: Nepal National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage What are the key messages that attendees will learn from your presentation?

• Although the design of an engineered run-of-the-river irrigation system may be theoretically sound, its actual performance depends on the local context. An irrigation system should be designed with consideration for the local context and Indigenous managerial requirements.

• A structured run-of-the-river irrigation system needs centralised irrigation management. Water management by users at a lower level is unlikely to work, especially given the considerable fluctuations in water supply from the source.

• There is no one-size-fits-all irrigation design prescription.

Irrigation systems that are built by blending indigenous management with modern irrigation science will be userfriendly, cost-effective and efficient.

EVENT SCHEDULE DATE

EVENT

LOCATION

CONTACT/ INFO

1 April 2025

11th International Microirrigation Conference

Baghdad, Iraq

icid-ciid.org/ event/event_ details/242

14 to 15 April 2025

6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage

Abuja, Nigeria

icid-ciid.org/ event/event_ details/241

7 to 13 Sep 2025

76th International Executive Council Meeting

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

icid-ciid.org/ event/event_ details/199

7 to 13 Sep 2025

4th World Irrigation Forum

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

wif4.org/index. php/en/

12 to 18 Oct 2026

77th International Executive Council Meeting

Marseille, France

icid-ciid.org/ event/event_ details/216

12 to 18 Oct 2026

26th International Congress on Irrigation and Drainage

Marseille, France

icid-ciid.org/ event/event_ details/217

RELIABLE | AFFORDABLE | CUSTOMISEABLE | INDUSTRY EXPERTS

What can water professionals from other countries learn from your work?

Irrigation issues at conceptual levels can be applied to any country irrespective of its geographical location. So, people from any country can benefit from such learning What are you most looking forward to at the conference?

I look forward to networking with irrigation professionals worldwide and disseminating the learning that I have gained through my professional career of over 45 years.

WiSA - Proudly Australian owned & manufactured for 28 years FARM & IRRIGATION AUTOMATION EXPERTS

IRRIGATION AUSTRALIA'S COMMITTEE ON IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE (IACID) Momir Vranes (Chair)

Carl Walters

Dave Cameron P: +61 7 3517 4001, E: dave.cameron@irrigation. org.au

Richard McLoughlin

Naomi Carragher P: +61 7 3517 4002, E: naomi. carragher@irrigation.org.au

Claire Miller

Peter Hayes

Andrew Ogden

Eddie Parr

Zara Lowien

Smarter irrigation for your farm

• WiSA’s automated irrigation system can deliver water when required and on time • WiSA’s wireless solution means you have total control from your mobile phone or computer • WiSA improves water use efficiency and can reduce labour costs • WiSA’s automated irrigation system can improve the sustainability of your dairy farm, vineyard, orchards, fields, & more…

Karlene Maywald Michael Scobie Amin Machiani

Contact us for an obligation free quote or more information: Phone: 1300 887 380 Email: sales@irrigatewisa.com.au Web: www.irrigatewisa.com.au

SPRING 2024

43

THE WATER CONSERVANCY CREATING SUSTAINABLE URBAN SPACES IN AN UNPREDICTABLE CLIMATE This workshop, focusing on creating sustainable urban spaces in an unpredictable climate, is being held at the Irrigation Australia Conference and Exhibition in Sydney.

• A NSW council presenting a case study on efficient irrigation of public open spaces • Water Corporation presenter - The Waterwise program and a bit about the importance of accredited consultants, installers

When and where?

About Smart Approved WaterMark

Wednesday 4 September 2024 2 pm–3.30 pm AEST International Convention Centre, Sydney, Room E3.1 and online

Smart Approved WaterMark (SAWM) has been the trusted water efficiency label for home and garden products and services for 20 years. The label easily identifies an offering as water efficient and therefore cost efficient in the long term. With a rising cost of living seen globally, this little label provides market advantage for businesses, convenience and cost reductions for consumers and streamlines rebate programs for the water industry.

With 36 irrigation products currently licensed by SAWM, the sector has the largest representation of all categories covered by the certification program.

Who should attend?

This is an open invitation to attend, but please register to ensure we stay within room capacity.

Suitable for all waterwise professionals, Smart Approved WaterMark licensed product manufacturers and services, local government water professionals and not-for-profits interested in learning and collaborating in the efficient irrigation of public open spaces.

https://smartwatermark.org/

What will we discuss?

About the Waterwise Program

In an unpredictable climate there is an ever-increasing need for us all to be aware of our water use, particularly outdoors.

By choosing irrigation products endorsed by Smart Approved WaterMark and Waterwise it is possible for councils to irrigate sports ovals and playing fields efficiently and homeowners to maintain beautiful gardens.

This workshop will deliver short, inspiring presentations from relevant stakeholders with the aim of stimulating discussion and conversations around efficient irrigation of public open spaces.

Attendees have the chance to participate in conversation around how local governments, Waterwise consultants and not for profits can collaborate better to create sustainable urban spaces in an unpredictable climate. What are the top six things we could do collaboratively to drive more water efficient practices in the urban environment?

Irrigation Australia’s Waterwise Programs have partnered with stakeholders in Western Australia to elevate the standards of irrigation services by promoting best practices among contractors and retail stores. Irrigation Australia is eager to collaborate with other stakeholders in various regions who share our commitment to advancing the quality of domestic irrigation.

Come along to hear from the following speakers MC - Chris Philpot, CEO, The Water Conservancy Speaker lineup: • Best Practice Guidelines for NSW Sports Fields, DCCEEW NSW - Paul Lamble, Peak Water Consulting • SIMPaCT - Smart Irrigation Management for Parks and Cool Towns, Sydney Olympic Park - Andre Boerema, Sydney Water • Case study – Best Practice Irrigation of Public Open Spaces – Platinum Waterwise Council

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https://waterwiseprograms.com.au Information. To find out more, contact: Chris Philpot, CEO The Water Conservancy Chris.Philpot@thewaterconservancy.org 0422 289 599 Rebecca New, Membership Manager Irrigation Australia Rebecca.new@irrigation.org.au 0407 701 513 Sign up for the workshop here:

BOOKSHELF WATER IS ESSENTIAL FOR GLOBAL PROSPERITY AND PEACE A new United Nations report highlights the role that water plays in global prosperity and peace.

Safe drinking water and sanitation are human rights. Without access to these, a life of dignity, stability and good health is virtually impossible.

Water, when managed sustainably and equitably, can be a source of peace and prosperity. It is also the literal lifeblood of agriculture, the major socio-economic driver for billions of people.

It can promote community stability and peacebuilding – especially in fragile situations – and contribute to migration management and disaster risk reduction. But, when water is scarce, polluted or difficult to access, food security can be undermined, livelihoods lost, and conflict can follow.

The UN World Water Development Report: Water for Prosperity and Peace emphasises that in a world where security threats are growing, we must recognise that ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all – the aim of Sustainable Development Goal 6 – is essential for global prosperity and peace.

The report highlights the wider significance of water for our lives and livelihoods. It explores water’s capacity to unite people and serve as a tool for peace, sustainable development, climate action and regional integration.

KEY POINTS • Freshwater use has been growing by nearly one per cent per year, driven by a combination of socioeconomic development and related changes in consumption patterns.

• While agriculture accounts for roughly 70 per cent of freshwater withdrawals, industrial and domestic uses are the main drivers of increasing water demand.

• Roughly half of the world’s population currently experiences severe water scarcity for at least part of the year. One quarter of the world’s population face ‘extremely high’ levels of water stress.

• Groundwater supplies about 25 per cent of all water used for irrigation and half of the freshwater withdrawn for domestic purposes.

• None of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 targets appear to be on track.

MENTAL HEALTH: WHAT IS THIS THING CALLED FATIGUE? Fatigue is more than just that feeling of being tired and drowsy.

According to Safe Work Australia, ‘In a work context, fatigue is a state of mental and/or physical exhaustion which reduces a person’s ability to perform work safely and effectively. It can occur because of prolonged mental or physical activity, sleep loss and/or disruption of the internal body clock. Fatigue can be caused by factors which may be work related, non-work related or a combination of both and can accumulate over time’.

Fatigue poses risks for many workers in the irrigation industry. The combination of physical labour, long hours, long driving distances and potentially harsh environmental conditions can lead to severe fatigue.

When working alone, there is an increased risk of accidents due to reduced alertness and slower reaction times. In isolated areas, the lack of immediate assistance exacerbates these dangers, as help may not be readily available in an emergency.

The physical demands and the need for constant vigilance make fatigue a critical safety concern. Workers may struggle with concentration and decision-making, increasing the likelihood of mistakes that could lead to personal injury.

Fatigue is closely linked to mental health, as chronic tiredness can affect emotional well-being and cognitive function.

To reduce the risks of fatigue in the workplace, consider the following control measures: • Schedule regular breaks to prevent prolonged periods of continuous work.

• Use rotating shifts to avoid long working hours and night shifts.

• Ensure proper lighting and temperature control to reduce physical strain.

• Regularly assess workers' health and fatigue levels.

• Establish communication and support mechanisms for those working alone or in remote areas.

• Educate workers on recognising and managing fatigue symptoms and encourage medical visits when things don’t seem right.

October is National Safe Work Month. You can find resources to help with your WHS obligation on the Safe Work Australia website: safeworkaustralia.gov.au

SPRING 2024

45

WHY CHOOSE THE IRRIGATION INDUSTRY? Whether you’re a recent graduate eager to embark on a fulfilling career path, a seasoned expert seeking new challenges and growth opportunities, or someone transitioning into the field, the irrigation industry offers many exciting and dynamic options!

From hands-on roles like irrigation technicians and designers, to strategic positions such as irrigation resource managers and engineers, there’s a role suited to a wide range of skills and interests!

Where could a career in irrigation take you?

Irrigation Technician

Irrigation Designer

Irrigation Engineer

Water Resource Manager

Irrigation Agronomist

Introducing our brand new Irrigation Careers Website!

Your ultimate destination for forging a rewarding career in the irrigation industry! Regardless of what stage you’re at in your career pathway, this platform is designed to help you thrive in a field dedicated to sustainability and innovation.

Learn more about Irrigation Australia's nationally recognised Training & Certification programs

Get inspired with career testimonials from experienced professionals

Discover fun facts about the irrigation industry

Explore a diverse array of career opportunities

info@irrigation.org.au

(07) 3517 4000

www.irrigationcareers.org.au

9th ASIAN REGIONAL CONFERENCE Irrigation & Drainage 75th IEC MEETING

ICID.CIID

1 - 7 September 2024 | ICC Sydney

PRINCIPAL SPONSOR

CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION 2 - 4 September 2024 | ICC Sydney

MAJOR SPONSORS

CONFERENCE SHOW GUIDE 2024

FLOOR PLAN

EXHIBITOR DIRECTORY

ACU-TECH

AMIAD WATER SYSTEMS

ANTELCO

AQUACORP

AUTOMATION GROUP

BOOTH 34

BOOTH 67

BOOTH 47

BOOTH 63

BOOTH 122

AWMA WATER CONTROL SOLUTIONS

BACCARA GEVA AUSTRALIA

BATESCREW PUMPS & VALVES

BAUER GMBH AUSTRALIA

BERMAD WATER TECHNOLOGIES

BOOTH 50

BOOTH 65

BOOTH 113

BOOTH 76

BOOTH 11

BROWN BROTHERS ENGINEERS AUSTRALIA

CHINADRIP IRRIGATION EQUIPMENT CO., LTD

CHRISTENSEN IRRIGATION

CONCRETE CANVAS LTD

CRUSADER HOSE

BOOTH 10

BOOTH 51

BOOTH 88

BOOTH 17

BOOTH 33

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FLOOR PLAN

EXHIBITOR DIRECTORY

DAVEY WATER AUSTRALIA

DM PLASTICS & STEEL

ERA PIPING CO., LTD

FILTERSAFE

FLYABILITY

BOOTH 71

BOOTH 31

BOOTH 51

BOOTH 94

BOOTH 35

FRANKLIN ELECTRIC

FUZHOU ARTHAS FLUID EQUIPMENT TECHNOLOGY

GREENSPLAINS IRRITECH

GUANGONG LINGXIAO PUMP INDUSTRY

H.T-BAUER WATER & AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY & ENGINEERING

BOOTH 70

BOOTH 51

BOOTH 20

BOOTH 51

BOOTH 51

HATZ AUSTRALIA PTY LTD

HELIX HYRDO

HOLMAN

HR PRODUCTS

HUNTER INDUSTRIES

BOOTH 22

BOOTH 21

BOOTH 102

BOOTH 12

BOOTH 90

SPRING 2024

49

FLOOR PLAN

EXHIBITOR DIRECTORY

INFORM AG

GRUNDFOS PUMPS

IRRIGATION AUSTRALIA

IRRIGATION COMPONENTS AUSTRALIA

IRRIGEAR

BOOTH 38

BOOTH 127

BOOTH 68

BOOTH 74

BOOTH 126

LINGXING IRRIGATION TECHNOLOGY COMPANY

LORENTZ AUSTRALIA

KINGSPAN WATER & ENERGY PTY LTD

KISTERS INSTRUMENTS

LAND F/X

BOOTH 39

BOOTH 61

BOOTH 64

BOOTH 51

BOOTH 72

MAIT INDUSTRIES

MAXIJET

MOTTECH PARKLAND

NELSON AUSTRALIA

NETAFIM AUSTRALIA

BOOTH 62

BOOTH 128

BOOTH 53

BOOTH 37

BOOTH 66

50

FLOOR PLAN

EXHIBITOR DIRECTORY

NINGBO INNOVATO CONTROL EQUIPMENT CO., LTD

NINGBO SINO TECH & DELP CO., LTD

NINOX

PHILMAC

PIPE COUPLINGS A/ASIA

BOOTH 51

BOOTH 51

BOOTH 117

BOOTH 13

BOOTH 5

PLASSON

POWER EQUIPMENT

PURETEC

QUEENSLAND IRRIGATION SERVICES

RAIN BIRD AUSTRALIA

BOOTH 19

BOOTH 91

BOOTH 98

BOOTH 114

BOOTH 93

RAIN SPA

REEFE PUMPS AUSTRALIA

RIVULIS

RODNEY INDUSTRIES

SIEMENS

BOOTH 36

BOOTH 73

BOOTH P1

BOOTH 13

BOOTH 45

SPRING 2024

51

FLOOR PLAN

EXHIBITOR DIRECTORY

SOUTHERN PUMPING

STERLING PUMPS

SULZER

SUMOTO S.R.L

SUNIRRI

BOOTH 54

BOOTH 23

BOOTH 97

BOOTH 112

BOOTH 20

SUNWATER

SWAN SYSTEMS

TIANJIN VODOR ENGINEERING

VALLEY IRRIGATION

VINIDEX

BOOTH 123

BOOTH 32

BOOTH 51

BOOTH 18

BOOTH 13

VOLVO PENTA

WHITE INTERNATIONAL

WISA FARM & IRRIGATION AUSTRALIA

WISECONN

BOOTH 77

BOOTH 16

BOOTH 49

BOOTH 55

52

PROGRAM

CONFERENCE PROGRAM Monday, 2 September 2024 Stream 1

8:30 AM

Stream 2

Stream 3

Conference Opening Ceremony

Workshops/side events Free Irrigation Scheduling Training Session 1

Pyrmont Theatre

(8:30 AM - 11:30 AM)

10:00 AM

Garry Time Challenge, Scavenger Hunt Exhibition Hall

10:30 AM

Panel Session: ‘What has irrigated agriculture/horticulture ever done for us (and what is its role into the future)?”

Investment 1: Operational and Implementation Policy fit-for-purpose and cost effective technologies which support end users to implement sustainable irrigation practices (Environmental, Social, Governance).

12:00 PM

Garry Time Challenge, Interactive Zone Presentations, Poster Presentations, Scavenger Hunt Exhibition Hall

2:00 PM

Governance 1: Policy & Economics - identifying and addressing structural and policy impediments to the adoption of better irrigation practices.

Investment 2: Policy & Economics - fit-for-purpose and cost effective technologies which support end users to implement sustainable irrigation practices (Environmental, Social, Governance).

3:30 PM

Workshop: Water utility/irrigation industry partnerships, water reuse, in conjunction with the Water Services Association of Australia and Sydney Water - Session 1

Free Irrigation Scheduling Training - Session 2 (1:30 PM - 4:30 PM)

(2:00 PM - 3:00 PM)

Workshop: Water utility/irrigation industry partnerships, water reuse, in conjunction with the Water Services Association of Australia and Sydney Water - Session 2

Garry Time Challenge, Scavenger Hunt Exhibition Hall

(3:30 PM - 5:00 PM)

4:00 PM

Capacity Development 1: Case Studies - ensuring that end users can access and adapt knowledge and systems to support sustainable irrigation practices.

5:00 PM

Welcome Reception and networking

Investment 3: Policy & Economics - fit-for-purpose and cost effective technologies which support end users to implement sustainable irrigation practices (Environmental, Social, Governance).

Exhibition Hall SPRING 2024

53

PROGRAM

CONFERENCE PROGRAM Tuesday, 3 September 2024 Stream 1

7:00 AM

Stream 2

Stream 3

Workshops/side events

OneBasin CRC Workshop - Acceleration the Adoption of Digital Technologies: From Barriers to Opportunities

Workshop: Certification and Metering - Session 1

Harvesting the Future: Launching Australia’s National Rainwater Harvesting Policy

Women in Water Breakfast (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM)

8:30 AM

ICID International Executive Council plenary

(8:30 AM - 10:00 AM)

(8:30 AM - 12:00 PM)

(8:30 AM - 10:00 AM)

Netafim Drip Seminar 1.1 (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM)

10:00 AM

Garry Time Challenge, Scavenger Hunt Exhibition Hall

10:30 AM

Women in Water panel

Governance 2: Policy & Economics - identifying and addressing structural and policy impediments to the adoption of better irrigation practices.

Workshop: Certification and Metering Workshop - Session 2

Netafim Drip Seminar 1.2 (10:30 AM - 12:00 PM)

(10:30 AM - 11:00 AM)

12:00 PM

Garry Time Challenge, Interactive Zone Presentations, Poster Presentations, Scavenger Hunt Exhibition Hall

2:00 PM

Capacity Development 2: Policy & Economics - ensuring that end users can access and adapt knowledge and systems to support sustainable irrigation practices.

Governance 3: Case Studies & Experiences identifying and addressing structural and policy impediments to the adoption of better irrigation practices.

Workshop: Certification and Metering Workshop - Session 3 (2:00 PM - 3:30 PM)

Irrigation Australia member information session (2:00 PM - 3:30 PM)

Netafim IRRICAD Link (2:00 PM - 3:30 PM)

3:30 PM

Garry Time Challenge, Scavenger Hunt Exhibition Hall

4:00 PM

6:00 PM

Conference Presentations: A mixed bag of great speakers - Farming the futures, water stewardship, and colloids.

Conference Dinner and Awards Presentation - sponsored by Davey Parkside Ballroom

54

Governance 4: Operational & Implementation Policy identifying and addressing structural and policy impediments to the adoption of better irrigation practices.

Workshop: Certification and Metering Workshop - Session 4 (4:00 PM - 5:30 PM)

Netafim IRRICAD Link (4:00 PM - 5:30 PM)

PROGRAM

CONFERENCE PROGRAM Wednesday, 4 September 2024 Stream 1

8:30 AM

Stream 2

Stream 3

Workshops/side events

Keynote presentations Dr Katherine Wynn (CSIRO) and Brian Walker (The Retail Doctor).

10:00 AM

Garry Time Challenge, Scavenger Hunt Exhibition Hall

10:30 AM

Capacity Development 3: Operational & Implementation Policy ensuring that end users can access and adapt knowledge and systems to support sustainable irrigation practices.

Investment 4: Operational & Implementation Policy - fitfor-purpose and cost effective technologies which support end users to implement sustainable irrigation practices (Environmental, Social, Governance).

12:00 PM

School student session

Workshop - Mental Health with Jason Banks (TIACS) Exhibition Hall

Garry Time Challenge, Interactive Zone Presentations, Poster Presentations, Scavenger Hunt Exhibition Hall

2:00 PM

Capacity Development 4: Case Studies & Experiences - ensuring that end users can access and adapt knowledge and systems to support sustainable irrigation practices.

Investment 5: Case Studies & Experiences - fit-forpurpose and cost effective technologies which support end users to implement sustainable irrigation practices (Environmental, Social, Governance).

Workshop - Creating Sustainable Urban Spaces in an Unpredictable Climate (2:00 PM - 3:30 PM)

Workshop Environmental Conservation: How irrigation makes a difference (2:00 PM - 3:30 PM)

3:30 PM

Garry Time Challenge and Scavenger Hunt Winner/s Announced Exhibition Hall

4:00 PM

Conference Closing Ceremony Pyrmont Theatre

Please scan the QR code to view the full Conference Program, which will include all room locations.

SPRING 2024

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MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS CONFERENCE, TRADESHOW & EXPO DISCOUNTS

INVITATIONS TO REGIONAL EVENTS Irrigation Australia hosts a number of regional events and site visits across Australia. This is a great opportunity for members and industry colleagues to come together to discuss new challenges, technologies and network.

Receive member discounts on attending and exhibiting at the Irrigation Australia International Conference & Exhibition, as well as regional Expo’s.

TRAINING DISCOUNTS

ACCESS E-KNOWLEDGE

Receive significant member discounts on nationally accredited irrigation training and qualifications delivered by Irrigation Australia in city and regional areas and online virtually.

Irrigation Australia's e-knowledge repository has significant resources of technical papers, conference papers, publications such as The Irrigation Journal and The Overflow, and FAQ's available only for members.

CERTIFICATION DISCOUNTS Receive significant member discounts on the joining fee and renewal fee to the Certification Program administered by Irrigation Australia.

MEMBERS ONLY PORTAL

Certification is a national program of industry recognition. Certification adds instant credibility with customers, increases job opportunities, and demonstrates your commitment to efficient water management.

ADVERTISEMENT DISCOUNTS ON IRRGATION AUSTRALIA PUBLICATIONS

Gain access to the members only portal on the Irrigation Australia's website. Through the portal you can manage your Irrigation Australia membership, register your staff/employees for training, access members only documents, presentations, and other materials.

DISCOUNTS ON INDUSTRY PUBLICATIONS & MERCHANDISE

Receive significant discounts on advertising in the The Irrigation Journal and The Overflow.

These publications are distributed each quarter to all members and industry contacts.

Irrigation Australia offers a wide range of books, eBooks and other merchandise through its online store. Members receive significant discounts on materials.

DISCOUNTS ON WATERWISE ENDORSEMENT (WA Only) Receive significant member discounts on the Waterwise endorsement programs, relevant for domestic irrigation contractors, installers, landscapers and retailers.

Benefit from Waterwise marketing and merchandise to promote yourself as a Waterwise Irrigation Professional to the community.

MANAGE JOB OPPORTUNITIES

FREE LISTING ON IRRIGATION AUSTRALIA'S WEBSITE

Share your upcoming job vacancies with the Irrigation Australia community through our LinkedIn and Facebook platforms and our fortnightly e-news.

List your business on Irrigation Australia's Website Directory "Find an Irrigation Specialist” on the front page of our website. (Available to company memberships only)

Becoming a Member of Irrigation Australia

Join online by scanning the QR code or contact us at (07) 3517 4000 or email info@irrigation.org.au

PO Box 13, Cannon Hill, Queensland 4170 T 07 3517 4000 E info@irrigation.org.au W www.irrigationaustralia.com.au

MEET THE TEAM DAVE CAMERON Chief Executive Officer IAL Brisbane Office Dave.cameron@irrigation.org.au

SAM O'BRIEN Business Manager - Training IAL Brisbane Office sam.obrien@irrigation.org.au

NAOMI CARRAGHER Business Administration Manager/ Company Secretary IAL Brisbane Office Naomi.carragher@irrigation.org.au

AMY HALDANE RTO Compliance Officer - Training IAL Brisbane Office amy.haldane@irrigation.org.au

MARIKE FRONEMAN Accountant IAL Brisbane Office Marike.froneman@irrigation.org.au

MADDISON COWARD Communications Coordinator IAL Brisbane Office Maddison.coward@irrigation.org.au

REBECCA NEW Membership Manager IAL Perth Office Rebecca.new@irrigation.org.au

ASHLEIGH LANG Training and Certification Administrator IAL Brisbane Office Ashleigh.lang@irrigation.org.au

STUART ALEXANDER Senior Trainer & Assessor IAL Brisbane Office Stuart.alexander@irrigation.org.au

ABBY McCORRISTON Office Junior Administrator IAL Perth Office abby.mccorriston@irrigation.org.au

IRRIGATION AUSTRALIA JOURNAL PRODUCTION TEAM EDITORIAL Editor | EVE WHITE E evewhiteediting@gmail.com ADVERTISING BCB Media | Managing Director | Brian Rault T 0411 354 050 E brian.rault@bcbmedia.com.au DESIGN & PRODUCTION Bubble Creative | Annette Epifanidis T 0416 087 412 E annette@bubblecreative.com.au

TERMS & CONDITIONS Advertising in this journal is managed by BCB Media on behalf of Irrigation Australia Limited. All contact with businesses and organisations about advertising is made by BCB Media staff, who must identify themselves and the fact that they work for BCB Media on behalf of the IAL. Advertising enquiries should be directed to BCB Media.

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. Irrigation Australia Limited takes no responsibility for the technical accuracy of article content.