The Overflow | Spring 2023

IN THIS ISSUE

City of Albany waterfront irrigation supply upgrade

The Evolution of Elliotts Filtration

G lenelg Golf Club pairing biodiversity with turf management

Waterwise Irrigators Spring into Action to Save Water

T he WA State Football Centre Project

C arina Loop Waterwise Demonstration Garden

Passion for turf and golf collide in City of Cockburn

Fresh take on waterwise gardens for public housing

Funding boost to reduce groundwater use

C ity of Karratha named Gold Waterwise Council

E nhancing productivity with soil moisture monitoring

WA Office Staff

Tracy Martin - National Membership & Regions Manager tracy.martin@irrigation.org.au

Rebecca New - WA Projects Officer rebecca.new@irrigation.org.au

Judy Clarke - Administrative Support adminsupport@irrigation.org.au

The Overflow is the quarterly publication of Irrigation Australia (WA Region). Articles published are views expressed by the authors. IAL(WA) is not responsible for their accuracy and disclaims any liability which may arise from any person acting on the materials contained within. Editorial content does not necessarily represent the views or policy of Irrigation Australia (WA Region)

Publisher/Editor: IAL WA Region, PO Box 3401 Success, WA 6964 Tel: (08) 6263 7774

U P C O M I N G E V E N T S

O C T O B E R

2 5 t h : A n n u a l G e n e r a l M e e t i n g - V i r t u a l

O V E M B E R

7 t h - 1 0 t h :

2 1 s t - 2 4 t h :

U r b a n I r r i g a t i o n D e s i g n - V i r t u a l

C e r t i f i e d S y s t e m s A u d i t o r - P e r t h , W A

2 8 t h - 1 s t D e c : C o m m e r c i a l I r r i g a t i o n D e s i g n - V i r t u a l

C l i c k h e r e f o r f u r t h e r i n f o r m a t i o n o n o u r t r a i n i n g c o u r s e s

C l i c k h e r e f o r f u r t h e r i n f o r m a t i o n o n u p c o m i n g e v e n t s

Chairperson's Report

Alison Waters

From the CEO

Dave Cameron

It’s been a long, cold wet winter and I hope you’ve had some time to do some scheduled maintenance, training or some reorganising of retic parts before the spring season is upon us.

The Waterwise Irrigation Expo held at Optus Stadium was a remarkable exhibition and a crucial gathering for our industry. The event provided abundant opportunities to learn, witness innovative products and acquire valuable insights into the irrigation system used to maintain the renowned turf at Optus Stadium. Exponential thanks to Tracy Martin, Mark Davies and the events committee for their tremendous efforts in ensuring the event’s resounding success.

I attended the Australian Sports Turf Manager Conference in Adelaide in June. The seminar had a range of national and international speakers from the USA and UK and really set the bar high over the three days to deploy key findings in the sports turf industry, future trends and key lessons that could impact the future. New technology such as Wi-Fi soil moisture sensors, cast iron adjustable LV valves from the USA and a 4wd articulated ride-on multifunctional machine that can mow slopes up to 30 degrees.

Whilst in Adelaide, I went to Glenelg Golf Course and met Superintendent Tim Warren to discuss the irrigation upgrade, reinjection bore, course development and converting turf into native grasslands. Take a look at the article featured in this edition on page 14.

We’ve engaged in several meetings with manufacturers and provided valuable feedback to Water Corporation for developing a matrix for smart WaterMark approved products. It was a positive experience, facilitated by Irrigation Australia WA region, bringing together members to present a unified voice. Water Corporation has taken the recommendations into account and made further refinements to the criteria.

Alison Waters IAL (WA) Industry Chairperson

G’day again. For the upcoming Spring issue of The Overflow, I’ve decided to provide a quick overview of a few topics.

It was a delight to participate in the Waterwise Irrigation Expo held at Optus Stadium – a great networking and professional development opportunity. I had a chance to listen in on all the presentations and appreciate everyone’s tolerance of my barrage of questions. Big shoutout to Tracy Martin, Mark Davies, and the whole events crew for their fantastic work that made the expo a big success!

I dedicated a few days to participate in the One Basin Cooperative Research Centre’s first major in-person collaboration event in Albury in early August. It was great to see major investments in agricultural research, which we know has a great return on investment, and the CRC is well-placed to ensure evidence-based science supports future decisions on the Basin. You can find plenty of info online about the proposed work plan, but the CRC’s big goals for the Basin’s future can be summed up as Productive, Resilient and Sustainable.

Preparations are in full swing for the Irrigation Australia National Conference and Exhibition, along with the 75th IEC Meeting and the 9th Asian Regional ICID Conference. These exciting events are scheduled to take place at Sydney’s International Convention Centre in September 2024. The 2024 event will differ significantly from last year’s in Adelaide. We’re expanding our scope to welcome speakers from our diverse member base and industry supply chain. In addition to traditional presentations, we’re adding workshops, poster sessions, field trips, and engaging learning and networking options. An upcoming highlight is a national irrigation award program culminating in a gala dinner. Stay tuned for volunteer calls to assist in reviewing abstracts and contributing to these activities and check out the event web site at https:// irrigationconference2024.com.au/.

Finally, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Tracy Martin on reaching an impressive milestone of 15 years with Irrigation Australia. Your dedication and unwavering commitment over these years have undoubtedly played a pivotal role in the organization's growth and success. Congratulations once again!

Dave Cameron IAL Chief Executive Officer

Regional Update

By Tracy Martin, National Membership & Regions Manager & Rebecca New, WA Projects Officer

Welcome to the Spring edition of The Overflow magazine.

It’s official - the 2023 Waterwise Irrigation Expo was an overwhelming success....!!!! With no rain forecast it was the start of things to come, with 290+ registered attendees, 35 exhibitors and a constant drop in audience from the industry throughout the day to visit the Trade show, Optus Stadium was a hive of activity on the 16th August 2023.

All attendees enjoyed hot Barista coffee before the plenary session commenced early in the day, where they heard from representatives from the WA State Government on the importance of water, and the implementation of waterwise actions to address climate change that make up the Kep Katitjin / Gabi Kaadadjan Waterwise Perth Action Plan 2.

An opportunity such as this event doesn’t present itself every day, so a special presentation was arranged to honour “distinguished service” by Andrew Ogden for not only Irrigation Australia, but the wider irrigation industry.

Andrew has held a position on the WA Regional Committee for Irrigation Australia since 1995, served as the National Board Chair for 8 years and IAL Company Director for the past 10 years. It was a proud moment for Andrew to receive a “distinguished service badge” from the current National Board Chair – Simon Treptow.

Then came our keynote presentation where we learnt about the reality of project lifecycle; what goes into a site investigation; followed by an overview of the Optus Stadium field of play. Following on from this came our rotational group in field seminars which covered the artesian bore; pump system; iron filtration system; irrigation control system; and a classroom seminar on “what makes a good design”. School groundsmen had the opportunity to attend and learn about water efficiency practices in a dedicated session which covered gathering irrigation water-use data; testing sprinkler irrigation systems for correct operation; collecting data to determine irrigation uniformity; basic irrigation scheduling and trouble shooting.

What started out as a small regional event back in 2005 has certainly grown over years and is testament to the support from the industry. We would like to share some feedback received to date:

Jeff Sullivan, Nelson Australia - it was one of the busiest shows I’ve been to in my 25 years of irrigation sales. The group format made it easy to spend quality time with people throughout the entire day, rather than trying to cram everyone into a small window. 300 odd people is a great number for a local show and they were all the people we need to engage with.

Catherine Pipes, Elliotts Filtration -let me congratulate you on a great Expo. Well done to you and your team. We had a great time presenting and the groups coming through were really nice.

Ryan Imlach, Sunshower - thanks again for putting on a great event & assisting us with everything. From our perspective, we're really happy with how it all went. The rotational format suited us great.

Steve Boyer, City of Perth - it was a great event and went very well.

Gennaro Vellotti, Netafim Australia

- This year was the first time I attended the WA Expo and it was excellent. Both the content and value for delegates was exceptional. Would definitely attend again. The presentations and rotations were excellent and provided good entertainment (including getting out and around the Expo in one of the sessions). I think all regional expos should be more like this and there should be more of them. Thank you and well done.

2023 Waterwise Irrigation Expo

Regional Update (cont.)

Waterwise Water Corporation, Western Australia's leading water utility, kicked off the start of the Spring season by launching two Waterwise initiatives on Friday 1st September 2023 as part of Water Corporation's ongoing commitment to sustainable water management and efficient water use.

The Waterwise Sprinkler Checks, now in its third year and previously known as the Spring Sprinkler Check, aims to assist households reduce their water consumption. It offers residential customers in Perth and Peel a complimentary irrigation check conducted by an endorsed Waterwise Garden Irrigator. This assessment ensures that customer’s irrigation systems are prepared for the upcoming Summer season and equips them with the knowledge to optimise their irrigation and garden care practices without excessive watering.

Furthermore, the highly sought-after Weather Based Irrigation Controller Rebate Program is once again available, having been launched in conjunction with the Waterwise

Sprinkler Check. The program is set to offer 1,500 rebates, with a maximum of $300 credited back to successful applicants' future water bills. With up to 40% of all household water being used in the garden, installing a weatherbased irrigation controller is an easy way to save water.

Water Corporation's Waterwise initiatives and rebate programs for 2023 underscore the utility's dedication to promoting sustainable water use practices in the Perth and Peel regions.

By engaging with endorsed Waterwise members and collaborating with industry partners, all efforts continue to make significant strides towards a water-efficient and environmentally conscious future.

Exciting News for our valued endorsed Waterwise Members! We are delighted to announce that a new Waterwise Programs website is underway. This comprehensive resource hub will serve both our members and the community, offering valuable information on available

Waterwise initiatives and rebate programs.

During the transition, our current website may experience brief downtime for maintenance. Stay tuned for further updates on the official launch date as we work together to create a Waterwise future!

Irrigation Australia presented a Waterwise Garden Workshop at the Kalamunda Garden Festival on 3rd September 2023, to assist enthusiastic gardeners learn about lawn care, lawn alternatives, efficient irrigation, smart irrigation controllers, soil improvements and mulches. Whilst the weather was extreme (gale force winds, rain and a predicted hail storm) the crowds were out in force, many bringing “Dad” along for the ride as it was Father’s Day. A multitude of stalls were displaying arts and craft items for sale, plants, honey, vegie and herb growing options and garden statues of all descriptions. Many attendees were enjoying the variety of live bands playing music while enjoying a variety of food truck delicacies.

City of Albany waterfront irrigation supply upgrade

The City of Albany is located on the shores of King George Sound on the south coast of Western Australia. On the City’s doorstep is Princess Royal Harbour, a semi enclosed natural harbour with four of the City's major parks in close proximity. These parks are highly visible and important areas for City residents and tourists.

In 2021 the City of Albany engaged GHD Pty Ltd to investigate options for alternative water supplies and develop a sustainable & reliable water supply concept design to ensure the amenity of the area and reduce the reliance on mains water. The overall project was broken into 3 stages and split over 3 years.

STAGE 1

ANZAC Peace Park

ANZAC Peace Park was completed in 2010 to commemorate the departure of soldiers who served in the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) during World War I. The park consists of mainly open turf areas with

some large planted gardens and an overall area of 2 hectares.

WA Museum Grounds

Home to the Museum of the Great Southern, the grounds consist of approximately 0.9 hectares of turf.

Both areas are linked to the existing small Festing Street pump station that draws water from three limited open water sources. The challenge since the completion of ANZAC Peace Park in 2010 has been managing this limited water supply to maintain a healthy turf surface across these two important areas.

GHD Pty Ltd investigated many possible options and recommended concept designs utilising the existing open water sources in conjunction with stormwater harvesting techniques. Over a period of 12 months, during which regular flow and water quality tests were taken, the investigation highlighted a stormwater base flow of approximately 105 litres per minute in close proximity to ANZAC Peace Park.

It was proposed that the stormwater base flow be harvested into water tanks.

Based upon irrigation requirements it was concluded this base flow was sufficient for the demand. In conjunction with City staff, a design interconnecting the existing pump station with the base flow stormwater supply was created. Interconnecting the Festing Street pump station created a backup should it be required.

An aluminium stop board / weir was installed within the stormwater system which directs the water through a redundant 300mm drainage pipe linked to an existing sump within a decommissioned drainage basin at ANZAC Peace Park. The basin, approximately 1m below grade, semi enclosed and screened with existing plantings, offered an excellent location to install the two interconnected 110 Kl Kingspan / Heritage Colourbond water tanks. An Orange SPG-1500 submersible fixed speed sump pump was chosen for the required duty and

its ability to handle suspended solids. The Orange SPG-1500 sump pump, which transfers water into tank 1, is controlled via a Kelco float switch located in tank 2. It also has a built-in float switch for run dry protection.

With a proven track record for reliability, service and parts back up, a Lowara 15SV07 vertical multistage pump with Hydrovar VFD was chosen for the new pump station. The decision to utilize the Hydrovar with the 15SV07 was due to various stations requirements. Dripline, Hunter MP rotators, Hunter Pro sprays and Hunter i25 rotors make up the 26 stations across the two parks.

The Lowara 15SV07 pump draws from and is located adjacent to tank 2. It is connected via a Netafim 50mm Spin Klin dual automatic self-cleaning disc filter to the 100mm PN9 irrigation main using an 80mm galvanised air release gooseneck. The Spin Klin filter was chosen for its reliability and compactness along with a short and efficient backwash cycle.

This project also coincided with a rolling upgrade to the City's existing

central irrigation system and field controllers. The Hunter IMMS4 central software and Hunter ACC controllers are slowly being retrofitted with Hunter ACC2 & ICC2 field controllers linked to Hunter's cloud based Centralus platform. For the ANZAC Peace Park project the Hunter ACC2 controller has been installed and is connected to Centralus via a Netgear 4G LTE modem.

Electrical contractor, J & S Castlehow electrical services (EC457), supplied, installed, and commissioned the new pump station. This included a new switchboard, pump controls, telemetry system and a 250m sub-main which was located within an existing underground conduit thus removing the need for extensive trenching within the established park grounds.

Stage 1, of the project was undertaken by City of Albany staff during the latter part of the summer season whilst still maintaining the water supply to both parks. The outcome has seen a reliable irrigation system utilising a water supply that would have otherwise gone directly out to sea.

STAGE 2

In 2024 stage 2 of the upgrade will take place at Foundation Park which is a large open area of approximately 1.2 hectares primarily used passively. It includes a children’s playground and is also used by local dog clubs for obedience training along with general park users.

The park is irrigated using Hunter i25 gear drive sprinklers and uses mains water. The aim for this site is to reduce the use of valuable mains water to a point where it will only be utilised as a backup if required.

A new 390 m pressure main using 75mm PN10 metric poly pipe will be installed in the road verge to Foundation Park. This proposed main will be interlinked to the existing ANZAC Peace Park main at the WA museum grounds from the Festing Street pump station. It is planned for directional drilling to be used for most of this main including three road crossings. The Festing Street pump station will be converted from a 24-

vac pump start to a pressure system allowing for on demand filling of a proposed 110 Kl Colourbond water tank at Foundation Park.

A new pump set will be installed to supply the Foundation Park irrigation requirements. It is envisaged a reduction of mains water use in the order of 7200 Kl annually.

STAGE 3

It is proposed that 2025 will see stage 3 of the project implemented. Lawley Park is a 1.8 hectare semi formal area with garden beds and sweeping lawns. Overlooking the port area of Princess Royal harbour, it offers a peaceful area used by many to picnic and relax. It also is the home to the Lawley Park Tennis Club. Using mains water, approximately half of this park is irrigated using Hunter PGP ultra sprinklers. The aim for this site is also to reduce the use of valuable mains water to a point where it will only be utilised as a backup if required.

Over a period of several months GHD

Pty Ltd identified a storm water base flow of approximately 25 Lt per minute on average within a close proximity to the park. It is proposed to install a fixed speed submersible sump pump within an existing drainage pit at this site. A new 590 m pressure main using 75mm PN10 metric poly pipe will be installed to Lawley Park along a road reserve. As there are no road crossings along the route it is envisaged open trenching will be used for this main. A 55 Kl Colourbond water tank will be installed along with a new pump set to supply the Lawley Park irrigation requirements. It is envisaged a reduction of mains water use in the order of 3400 Kl annually.

Conclusion

The project to date has secured the City of Albany's foreshore water supply requirements into the future. Stage 2 & 3 will dramatically reduce the City's reliance on valuable mains water, something that the City of Albany is consistently striving to do.

The Evolution of Elliotts Filtration: Pioneering Excellence in Iron Filtration

For over two decades, Elliotts Filtration has been at the forefront of developing and advancing its iron filtration systems.

The journey began when the concept of iron removal was entrusted to Mark Pipes more than 25 years ago, back then a one-man band. Today, Elliotts Filtration stands as a testament to him and his team of 14, their dedication and years of relentless research and development, has earned Elliotts a reputation for excellence and unwavering support in the field.

Elliotts iron filtration systems have not only withstood the test of time but have emerged as the undisputed leaders in the field within Western Australia. Over the next three issues, we embark on a journey to explore the history, development, and impact of Elliotts Filtration now having over 500 systems installed the state of WA.

Tackling the Iron Challenge

The presence of iron in bore water poses significant problems, from staining surfaces to feeding iron-eating bacteria. Elliotts Filtration's innovative approach gives our clients what they need.

1. The delivery of high-quality drinking water for livestock.

2. Significantly increases longevity and maintenance of vital irrigation systems by alleviating iron fouling in pipes and sprinklers.

3. Improved photosynthesis in plants and turf and underscores the broader environmental sustainability for future generations.

4. Alleviates staining on paths and infrastructure.

Two of the earliest systems to date were installed back in 1992 and 1993 for Edith Cowan University in Bunbury and Edith Cowan University Mt Lawley and these are still working well today, both maintaining low iron levels. Elliotts have iron filtration systems from Eneabba in the north to Margaret River in the south, where each system plays its vital role in water supply.

Finally, Elliotts Filtration's journey of over two decades reflects an unwavering commitment to innovation, efficiency, and solving critical water quality challenges. The chemical-free, self-cleaning systems are designed and built in our warehouse, located in Greenwood and has not only revolutionised water quality in Western Australia but given a focus on our approach to Australia’s most precious resource. Elliotts Filtration continues to shape the future of water filtration solutions in the region. Visit us at www.elliottsfiltration.com.au

Optus Stadium: A Remarkable Feat

One of the standout achievements is the installation at Optus Stadium. This 5x60 module system handles a formidable flow rate of up to 30 litres per second, even with bore water containing a staggering 16.0ppm of iron content.

The filter efficiently reduces this iron content to well below 0.3ppm, boasting an impressive 0.0ppm keeping levels below the 0.3ppm threshold is imperative to the aesthetics of the entire complex. www.elliottsfiltration.com.au

Glenelg Golf Club pairing biodiversity with turf management and producing award-winning results

Glenelg Golf Club is located 15 minutes from the Adelaide CBD, and 5 minutes from Glenelg and Adelaide Airport. Glenelg Golf Club is a tier-one, private Par 71 course with 18 holes and bent grass greens. It hosts approximately 70,000 rounds of golf per year.

Tim Warren, the Course Superintendent, has served in this position for the past 5 years. Upon his arrival at Glenelg, plans were already in place to upgrade the course, which involved rebuilding certain holes. However, Tim opted to pursue alternative course enhancement strategies, and the aging irrigation system became the catalyst for initiating the upgrade process.

The review of the course was guided by a comprehensive approach, which led to the decision to retain revetted bunkers as a distinctive course feature. Given its

location within the Adelaide Sand Belt, the primary objective was to highlight Glenelg as a quintessential South Australian course with a unique feature. This was achieved by naturalising the roughs with seasonal grasses and wildflowers that offered vibrant colours and seed heads, deviating from the conventional style of irrigated roughs typically seen on golf courses.

The main concept behind the transformation was to turn the golf course into a more natural-looking landscape. This approach not only added biodiversity it also aims to reduce turf maintenance and irrigation needs for the newly revegetated sections. Over the course of the last 5 years, approximately 2.5Ha of rough have been successfully converted into naturalised areas, contributing to the overall vision of a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly course.

Irrigation upgrade

The team at Glenelg Golf Club embarked on a project to upgrade their aging irrigation system, which was a Toro Osmac Satellite, hydraulically controlled system. Due to its age, and design, the system suffered from irrigation inefficiencies which included the failing of all isolation valves, necessitating full system shutdowns for repairs and maintenance.

The proposed irrigation design, aimed at more precision, features a hardedged system with no overspray for the vegetated areas. The Rainbird IC system, supplied by Rainbird Australia and Living Turf, was selected as the central control system, and both companies supplied all necessary hardware, heads, wiring and the central controller. To run the system, four existing Grundfos CR64 pumps are utilised pumping from four 250-kilolitre holding tanks.

For trial purposes, before the commencement of the full installation commencing, a new irrigation system was installed on the driving range in 2019. This gave the club a chance to assess the performance of the Rainbird IC system before making the commitment to embark on a full course replacement.

The choice of poly as the mainline, sub-main and lateral pipe network has been intentional, considering the course’s topographical variations having its location at the highest point of the Adelaide Plains, as well as sections of the course at, or below sea level allowing for pipe movement without damage.

Waterpro provided a concept plan and the design is altered by the course construction crew allowing for redesigned fairway widths, while Living Turf supplied Lemmco LV series rising mains for lateral valves.

To enhance irrigation efficiency and cater to the sandy soil conditions across the course, Soil Scout soil moisture sensors from Finland are currently being investigated for use through the fairways. These sensors feed information back to a central control PC, enabling efficient

application of water, wetting agent, and fertilisers.

The in-house installation of the mainline, laterals and valves is being carried out by Irrigation Technician, Dan O’Sullivan and the course team, hole by hole. The project commenced in November 2020 and is expected to conclude by late 2026.

Tim estimates that the new irrigation system will result in water savings of approximately 25-30%, showcasing the course’s commitment to sustainability and responsible water management.

Aquifer recharge

Thirteen years ago, an Aquifer Recharge and Storage Recovery system was installed at Glenelg Golf Club. The system includes four 250 kilolitre tanks situated near the pump shed, providing a combined storage capacity of 1 meg. The site accommodates 3 supply bores, 1 production bore and 2 injection bores.

Glenelg Golf Club plays a crucial role in mitigating flooding risk to the Adelaide Airport. The system pumps water from the local Brownhill Creek. The water is deliberately slowed down and filtered through ASR ponds around the course before being injected into the aquifer.

To monitor and manage the system effectively, Tim utilises software developed by a local supplier. This software allows him to keep track of various parameters, including which pumps are running, the flow of water in and out, and the system’s pressure, among other data. The implementation of the Aquifer Recharge and Storage Recovery system demonstrates Glenelg Golf Club’s commitment to sustainable water management practices while actively contributing to flood risk reduction and water conservation efforts in the region.

Biodiversity

In 2022, Glenelg Golf Club achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first South Australian club to win the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association’s prestigious Claude Crockford Sustainability and Environment Award. This recognition was a result of the work of Tim and Biodiversity Manager, Monina Gilbey, in creating a more environmentally sustainable and biodiverse course.

One of the many wide-ranging projects includes the successful acquisition of a Green Adelaide Grassroots Grant. The project involves the three other tier-one golf clubs in Adelaide: Royal Adelaide, Grange and Kooyonga.

The project aims to protect and conserve remnant indigenous vegetation found on their courses and to connect pockets of habitat within and between the courses. Glenelg Golf Club has been working with the City of West Torrens to increase the efficacy of the habitat corridors. This initiative promotes the movement of wildlife through the urban area and helps to foster a more diverse and resilient ecosystem.

Local ornithologist, Penelope Paton, OAM, has undertaken quarterly bird surveys at Glenelg Golf Club for 32 years. A remarkable 93 bird species have been recorded at the course. Among them are birds such as Yellow Thornbills and the Superb Fairy Wren, which returned to the course after a prolonged absence of 12 years, indicating the positive impact of their conservation initiatives. Occasionally spotted on the course is the Red-Necked Stint – a migratory bird

that flies from Coorong near the Murray Mouth to Siberia every year – a return trip of 30,000 km.

In an extraordinary display of blending golf and sustainability, the team organised what is believed to be one of Australia’s, if not the world’s, first golf course degustation dinners. Renowned native food chef and club member, Andrew Fielke, curated a five-course dinner with paired wines. Produce was gathered from the golf course to serve to diners, showcasing the potential of using locally indigenous plants for food and promoting sustainable agriculture.

Another project that supports the work of Green Adelaide to rewild the Yellowish Sedge Skipper which was last seen in Adelaide in 1985. It is thought that the sedge skipper became extinct due to indiscriminate spraying and lack of its habitat plant: Gahnia filum (Chaffy Saw Sedge).

For the last 20 years, work has been undertaken to assess the habitat and the feasibility of reintroduction of the Yellowish Sedge Skipper. Tony Flaherty from Green Adelaide has been working with Alex Stolarski, from EntoSearch, who has been contracted by Green Adelaide, to collect larvae from healthy populations of the sedge skipper in other parts of South Australia to release them in Adelaide. Most of the releases have been conducted north of Adelaide in the Greenfields Wetlands and south of Adelaide in the Aldinga Washpool.

Alex Stolarski believes that hydrology plays a part in the breeding success of the Yellowish Sedge Skipper. He believes that the vigour and health of the Gahnia plays a part in the quality of the plant for larval food and areas that stay damp in summer provide better Gahnia.

An accidental burn from an errant firework in Gahnia plantings at the Aldinga Washpool, confirmed suspicions that fire had a role in maintaining these sedgelands for sedge skipper breeding. The soft, fresh growth was perfect for the caterpillars to create their silk cocoon in the foliage – the caterpillar's silk up stems of the Gahnia and join them together to create a shelter.

There have been a few sedge skipper releases at Royal Adelaide Golf Club and to increase breeding success, some of the Gahnia plants in a remnant wetland were trimmed and burnt. There are plans to irrigate the wetland during summer.

The revegetation of out-of-play areas and rough at Glenelg Golf Club has yielded multiple benefits, including enhancing course definition and uniqueness, conserving water, and promoting increased biodiversity. By restoring these areas, beneficial insects and birds have returned to the course, contributing to a more vibrant and sustainable ecosystem.

Tim Warren underscores the importance of assembling the right team, seeking appropriate advice, and diligently monitoring and measuring the outcomes of their initiatives. He encourages a proactive approach, embracing challenges, and challenging conventional norms when necessary.

Both Tim and Monina have a long list of future projects. Their vision for the future includes a wide range of exciting projects, such as implementing a STEM program for schools as part of the ASTMA’s and Golf Course Superintendents Association of America’s First Green project, expanding the kitchen garden, continuing works under the Green Adelaide Grassroots Grant, organising another innovative degustation dinner and further enhancing the course.

An insect survey by Alex Stolarski, funded by a Green Adelaide Grassroots Grant, found 344 insect species living at the course – including a jewel bug found only at Glenelg Golf Club and Grange Golf Club – and not at the other three remnant sites in the survey.

This insect diversity leads to an increase in bird life and other fauna, such as microbats. A microbat survey by Harry Rust from the University of Adelaide, funded by Green Adelaide, found five microbats visiting the course over three seasons. This included a Little Forest Bat which is rarely seen on the Adelaide Plains.

While some members may question the value of investing in naturalised rough areas, Monina wisely emphasises the positive publicity and benefits that come from a more biodiverse course. She says that it shows that their golf course contributes positively to urban biodiversity and that golf courses, and other green spaces, are key to protecting local flora and fauna in an increasingly urbanised environment.

Through the combined dedication and expertise of the team at Glenelg Golf Club, they have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to sustainability, biodiversity, and conservation. Their endeavours exemplify a commendable commitment to environmental stewardship and the integration of biodiversity conservation into golf course management.

Their remarkable achievements serve as a model for other golf courses and sports turf facilities, inspiring further efforts in preserving and nurturing the environment while maintaining worldclass playing conditions.

Together, Tim and Monina exemplify a remarkable commitment to responsible and forward-thinking golf course management, demonstrating that a well-executed balance between golfing excellence and environmental conservation is not only achievable but also vital for the long-term health and success of a course.

Find out more about Irrigation at Glenelg Golf Club

Find out more about Glenelg Golf Clubs environmental programs.

Waterwise Irrigators Spring into Action to Save Water

To mark the start of Spring, Water Corporation launched its metro Waterwise programs on 1 September. The popular waterwise offers help residential customers in the Perth and Peel region save water in their garden. There are two waterwise offers available this year – the Weather-based Irrigation Controller Rebate and Spring Irrigation Check.

Weather-based Irrigation Controller Rebate

The Weather-based Irrigation Controller rebate provides up to $300 towards the purchase and professional set-up of an eligible controller. Customers can choose to purchase a new controller, or a module to upgrade their existing controller to make it a smart weather-based one. Eligible products were selected on a range of criteria and are listed below:

The Hunter controllers were the most popular choice for last year’s rebate offer, with more than 980 customers selecting one for their garden. To be eligible for the rebate, customers must use an endorsed waterwise garden irrigator to set-up and program their controller. Last financial year, this generated more than 1,500 hours for the irrigation industry.

GET SMARTER WITH YOUR SPRINKLERS AND SAVE

Waterwise endorsed irrigation design shops are promoting the rebate in-store with shelf advertising and flyers. Customers claim the $300 credit by completing an online application form and providing an invoice for their controller and set-up and the checklist completed by the waterwise irrigator who installed it. There are 1,500 rebates available until 31 May 2024, unless exhausted earlier.

Spring Irrigation Check

The Spring Irrigation Check is the most popular Waterwise offer, helping homeowners save water in their garden by having a Waterwise Specialist check for leaks and help to program their controller.

The Spring Irrigation Check includes an endorsed Waterwise Garden Irrigator visiting residential homes to:

• Check for leaks and issues in the irrigation system

• Check the irrigation controller settings & set optimal run times for the garden

• Provide advice on how to efficiently use the irrigation system

The check doesn’t include significant replacement of parts or controllers, irrigation system redesigns, fixing complicated issues or garden maintenance.

There are 2,000 spaces available until 31 May 2024, however due to its popularity, the offer closed early (in October) last year.

A team of 17 experienced waterwise irrigators will travel throughout the Perth and Peel region for this year’s offer. Thank you to all our Waterwise members who will be busy helping Water Corporation customers with their controller set-up and sprinkler checks.

Building Excellence: The WA State Football Centre Project

The WA State Football Centre stands as a testament to the dedication and passion for the sport of football in Western Australia. This project aimed to create an internationalclass facility that meets FIFA standards and serves as a hub for elite athletes to community players.

The grand vision behind the WA State Football Centre

The WA State Football Centre project had an ambitious scope that extended beyond the construction of two rectangular pitches. Its planning was meticulous, with a clear vision of becoming a centre of excellence for football in the region. The key objectives of this project included:

• Creating elite playing surfaces: the primary goal was to build eliteclass football pitches that meet FIFA requirements, rivalling the quality of surfaces of the main stadia venues such as Optus Stadium HBF Park, Allianz Stadium and AAMI Park.

• Enhancing community access: while designed to cater to athletes,

the project also aimed to provide community players with access to a diverse range of facilities from full sized hybrid turf grass to smaller sized synthetic pitches.

• Sustainability: sustainability was a paramount consideration, from water sourcing (bore water) to reusing existing growing medium materials, reducing the need for importing large volumes of sand.

The short-term benefits were immediately evident as the pitches became operational in July 2023, meeting the FIFA standards. Long-term advantages include nurturing local football talent, promoting the sport, and contributing to the state's football ecosystem.

In terms of design, the WA State Football Centre was driven by a commitment to creating elite surfaces. The hybrid turf system is composed of the HG Sports Turf Hero products, ensuring optimal playing conditions. One unique aspect was the slight elongation of the senior pitch, allowing for north-south movement of goal locations to distribute wear evenly.

Crafting elite surfaces

The scope of works for this project encompassed a range of components, including:

Field of Play system: perched water table profile with a hybrid turf grass system. The profile consisted of the following components:

• Variable depth gravel layer with network of 450,300 and 170mm megaflo pipes, 300mm site won rootzone sand and a combination of HG Sports HERO hybrid grass (40mm), wintergreen couch grass and oversewn with Barenbrug Striker Gold ryegrass blend. A FIFA compliant synthetic collar was installed along the sides of each pitch.

Irrigation system: a tailored irrigation system was designed and constructed, utilising bore water, which required the installation of new aquifer bores. Key features of the system included:

• Five GRUNDFOS MS-4000 shrouded submersible bore pumps.

• Water meter compliant with Department of Water and Environmental Regulations and AS3565 or AS3778.

• Water treatment system to provide 12L/sec with an upstream pressure of 300kPa and a maximum residual level of iron in the water delivered to the storage tank is 0.3mg/L (ppm).

• Colorbond steel with reinforced concrete based irrigation pump station structure.

• 292 kilolitre water storage tank.

• Four GRUNDFOS Hydro Multi-E model 2CRE15-8, 7.5kW three phase multistage pumps with motors incorporating an integral variable frequency (speed) drive operating at up to 60Hz (3600RPM)

- Refer Figure 2.

• Rainbird 8005 part and full circle rotors have been installed in each field with 3 zones of 6 rotors per zone. Field #1 and #2 have different spacings owing to their different dimensions - Refer to Figure 1 below.

• Aquaflex soil moisture sensors were installed in each field.

Bringing the WA State Football Centre to life

HG Turf Group were engaged by Broad Construction to deliver the field of play components, due to the site also consisting of the construction of pavilions, car parking, fencing and other associated elements.

The delivery of the pitches required daily coordination with other contractors on site to ensure works

were being completed in a sequence that would not result in re-work or damage due to overlapping schedules. The civil works and construction of profile concluded in January 2023 with the turf grass system being installed in February. The fields of play hosted Women World Cup 2023 teams from mid-July.

Innovative installation methods were employed for the drainage and irrigation systems. A trenchless installation approach was adopted, where both systems were laid on top of the subgrade, surrounded by drainage gravel. This method ensured minimal disruption and efficient installation.

The key driver for this project was to meet FIFA requirements for the Women World Cup 2023, and this goal

was successfully achieved. However, there were challenges. The late-season turf installation coincided with a cold and wet period, causing issues with the couch grass achieving full coverage. To address this, rye grass was introduced to enhance turf coverage and maintain green aesthetics.

Sustaining greatness through ongoing maintenance

Ongoing maintenance is critical to preserving the high-quality playing surfaces at the WA State Football Centre. HG Turf Group have been engaged to undertake the ongoing maintenance. A tailored turf management plan has been devised to guide the day-to-day maintenance activities ensuring that the turf grass system is prepared in line with the intended levels and hours of use. Ongoing performance assessment will provide evidenced based data to verify the pitch is performing at the level it has been designed.

Towards the future: expanding the legacy of WA State Football Centre

The journey of the WA State Football Centre is far from over. Plans are in place for the development of additional community fields at the back of the newly constructed pitches. These plans, which aim to cater to a wider range of players, are on track to be implemented in the near future, pending funding. This expansion is a testament to the project's commitment to fostering football at all levels.

In conclusion, the WA State Football Centre project has transformed a previously disused area into a vibrant hub for football in Western Australia. With its commitment to excellence, sustainability, and community engagement, this project serves as a model for football facilities worldwide. Its journey continues, with the promise of even more growth and opportunities for football enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels.

Figure 1 – Pich 1 Irrigation system layout.

Figure 2 – GRUNDFOS multistage pumps installed in pump station

Carina Loop Waterwise Demonstration Garden: A Model of

Sustainable Landscaping in Perth

Water conservation is a pressing challenge faced by many communities across Australia, particularly in regions with hot and dry climates like Perth. With water resources becoming limited and climate change exacerbating aridity, it is crucial to adopt waterwise practices in both public open spaces and private gardens.

The City of Joondalup created the Carina Loop Waterwise Demonstration Garden in Ocean Reef to reduce water use and enhance biodiversity, improve aesthetics, and serve as an educational resource for the local community.

Waterwise Landscaping for a Sustainable Future

Traditionally, lush green lawns have been a ubiquitous feature in gardens and open spaces, but they demand large amounts of water.

In contrast, waterwise gardens, characterised by the use of mulch and native plants, require much less water while providing essential habitat and shade. Once established, these gardens need minimal watering during summer, making them an ideal choice for sustainable landscaping practices.

The Carina Loop Waterwise Demonstration Garden

The Carina Loop Road island, covering approximately 270sqm, previously had

lawn and exotic trees that required regular irrigation from the region's groundwater supply. Recognising the need for a more sustainable approach, the City transformed this area into a thriving waterwise garden, including the following key initiatives:

1. Planting Over 1,000 Native Plants: The City carefully selected Western Australian native plants in consultation with local residents. These droughttolerant and climate-adapted plants, including ground covers like banksia species, pigface, and kennedia, have significantly reduced the water requirements of the garden.

2. Incorporating Limestone Walls and Seating: Aesthetically appealing limestone walls were incorporated into the garden design to enhance the overall charm of the space and serve as comfortable seating, making it an inviting place for residents and visitors to relax and enjoy nature.

3. Educating and Raising Awareness: The garden features informative signage that educates local residents about the importance of waterwise practices and encourages them to implement similar strategies in their own gardens. This creates a ripple effect, fostering a community-wide commitment to sustainable water use.

The Carina Loop Waterwise Demonstration Garden has yielded numerous positive outcomes for both the environment and the local community, including:

1. Reduced Water Use: The transformation of the road island from traditional lawn and exotic trees to a biodiverse, waterwise garden has significantly reduced water consumption, conserving approximately 220,000 litres of water per year.

2. Increased Biodiversity: Over 1,000 native waterwise plants and four native trees were added to the garden, enhancing biodiversity and providing vital habitats for local fauna and essential pollinators.

3. Urban Heat Island Mitigation: The strategic planting of trees within the garden contributes to mitigating the urban heat island effect, a phenomenon commonly observed in

highly populated areas with minimal green cover and surfaces like buildings and pavements that absorb, store, and radiate heat. As these trees mature, they are expected to significantly increase tree canopy cover, creating a cooling effect for the local community.

4. Aesthetics and Community

Wellbeing: The Carina Loop Waterwise Demonstration Garden provides a serene space for relaxation, leisure, and rejuvenation, promoting community engagement and fostering a sense of pride among residents.

The City of Joondalup's Carina Loop Waterwise Demonstration Garden is an example of how thoughtful design, sustainable practices, and

community engagement can lead to resilient, vibrant, and waterwise public spaces. By incorporating locally native plants, optimising water use, and actively engaging the community through educational programs and outreach initiatives, the City has set a commendable benchmark for waterwise communities in Perth and beyond.

The Carina Loop Waterwise Demonstration Garden serves as a powerful testament to the potential of Waterwise landscaping and environmentally conscious practices in water conservation. The success of this project contributed to the City of Joondalup being named the 2022 Platinum Waterwise Council

of the Year award and paved the way for meaningful partnerships with organisations like the Water Corporation. The transformation of the Carina Loop Road island into a self-sustaining, vibrant, and waterwise garden was proudly co-funded by Water Corporation's Waterwise Greening Scheme and forms part of our ambition for the City to be a leading waterwise community.

As water resources continue to face challenges due to changing climatic conditions, the Carina Loop Waterwise Demonstration Garden will remain a guiding inspiration for greener, more sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing urban landscapes. By encouraging residents to contribute to the conservation of precious water resources through the creation of waterwise gardens in their homes, the City of Joondalup reinforces its commitment to a more sustainable and water-conscious future for its residents and the environment alike.

Passion for turf and golf collide in bucket list moment for City of Cockburn Parks

When turf is your professional passion, and golf is your personal calling, a trip to the 2023 ISPS Handa Australian Open in Sydney is a hands-down bucket list moment.

Thelma Mason is Parks Leading Hand (Maintenance) at the City of Cockburn in Perth Western Australia, and this year will represent the City at the prestigious tournament after a successful nomination by two colleagues.

She will be one of four placements nationally in the Work Experience and Placement Program as part of the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association Women in Turf Strategy.

‘T’, as she’s known, will help with preparation of The Australian Golf Club in Sydney before and during the tournament, which is celebrating its 106th year.

“T has been part of the Cockburn team for eight years,” City of Cockburn Parks Operations Coordinator Alison Waters said.

“We highly value this sort of passion and expertise among our staff, so it’s wonderful to be able to offer opportunities like this from outside the local government sphere. It sparks fresh enthusiasm and helps develop skills that can be shared among eager team members.”

A keen gardener for many years, T began playing golf as an 11-year-old, along with five sisters growing up in Taranaki, NZ, following in the footsteps of their golfing parents.

“My first job was gardening and I’ve been in the game for a long time, it’s therapeutic and I wouldn’t do anything else,” T said.

“I’m looking forward to getting into the nitty gritty (at the Australian Open).

The new technology in lawnmowing is exciting and diverse, it’ll be nice to learn a few more things in the turf space.

“It’s a special time, thanks to my colleagues for nominating me!

“The crew at Cockburn are exceptional, we work well as a team and are mostly in Success and Hammond Park, we all bring our best selves to work each day and have different skill sets. We’ve built good relationships with the locals and their four-legged friends who visit our parks and reserves.”

Modest about her handicap when playing competitively, T won the WA Mixed State Championship in Perth in 2007 and scored a hole-in-one during a Royal Fremantle Golf Club pennants competition. One of her sisters holds two course records in NZ.

T is on track to finish her Horticulture Certificate 4 training this year.

Fresh take on waterwise gardens for public housing

A Mosman Park public housing complex for seniors is the location for a new waterwise gardens approach that goes beyond saving water and into creating better connections among residents and nature.

The approach will inform waterwise landscaping design policy at future public housing projects to boost water efficiency, while also bringing social and community benefits.

The garden makeover at the corner of Stirling Highway and Wellington Street was completed late May, the result of a joint project by our Demand Delivery team, Department of Communities and environmental consultants The Forever Project, as part of our Waterwise Public Housing Program.

“The garden aims to save water while bringing many other environmental, social and mental health benefits, including giving residents the chance

to interact with nature as well as each other,” said Senior Advisor - Demand Delivery Nadia Auletta in Customer and Community Relations. “Already the residents – along with local birds –seem to be really enjoying it. One told us it's a real life-saver and is already making such a positive difference.”

There are nine sections with thousands of waterwise native plants, 10 shady trees, rock and log features, herbal and medicinal plants, fruit trees, bird baths, gabion seating, open spaces, and patches where residents can grow vegetables.

The Town of Mosman Park are also keen supporters of the project with a donation of tuart trees for the landscaping.

The project started with a pop-up garden in late 2022 where we held two workshops that attracted 25 of the complex’s 73 residents to share their preferences and wishes. Based

on consultation, The Forever Project designed the garden.

“We got an overwhelmingly positive response with active involvement from residents who are so excited at having a nice garden around the complex. Meaningful connections were made with lots of sharing of ideas and wishes went into designing this shared space,” said The Forever Project Managing Director Chris Ferreira.

Department of Communities’ Climate Action and Sustainability Project Manager Melissa Manley said “This approach to creating gardens not only benefits residents, it also contributes to urban greening and cooling, reduces water use through planting waterwise plants and using products made of recycled brick diverted from landfill, and encourages biodiversity by providing a habitat for beneficial insects, birds and reptiles.”

The new waterwise gardens aim to help connect residents with nature and each other, and to inspire future waterwise landscaping at other public housing complexes.

Reducing water use state-wide in public housing

Our Waterwise Public Housing Project began in 2019 in partnership with Department of Communities to analyse water consumption and improve fixtures, education, account statements and leak management.

The project expanded in 2021 to retrofit waterwise fixtures like dual flush toilets and showerheads in 10,000 properties statewide, including in some remote Aboriginal communities and regional towns.

Now it’s starting to encourage the creation of waterwise gardens in some public housing.

So far the wider project has helped save more than 360 million litres of drinking water, or a reduction in use of around 20 percent.

The grass might be greener – turf

trial

The Mosman Park garden is also the site of a separate year-long trial and research program that begins this month to find the best approach to growing lush but more water efficient lawns.

The trial is run by The Forever Project in conjunction with the Mosman Park garden project, but funded separately by Cwise, a leading recycling compost carbon company and waterwise approved and smart approved product supplier, Baileys Fertilisers . We’re

supporting it by backing a study to demonstrate the reduction in water use, conducted by one of The Forever Project’s research students.

The program will involve experimenting with compost, wetting agents, and irrigation to grow the best lawn in the most time and cost efficient, waterwise and environmentally friendly ways.

We look forward to sharing the findings in a year’s time, which we hope can be used to help the wider community grow more waterwise lawns.

Funding boost for local governments to reduce groundwater use

Local governments have been provided with $4 million in funding to help reduce their groundwater use under the 2022 Gnangara groundwater allocation plan.

The Gnangara Waterwise Councils Grants Program is a joint initiative between Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) and Water Corporation that focuses on the local governments with large groundwater entitlements that are most at risk from the urban heat island effect.

The cities of Joondalup, Perth, Wanneroo, Vincent, Swan and

Stirling, and the Town of Bassendean submitted project proposals that will help to reduce their groundwater use and they received funding in July 2023. The City of Bayswater and the Town of Cambridge are also finalising their project scopes to be considered for funding.

Climate change impacts means that groundwater abstraction from the Gnangara groundwater aquifers needs to be reduced to bring the system back into balance. The funded projects will assist the eligible local governments to reduce their groundwater use by 10 per cent from 2028 in line with the requirements

of the 2022 Gnangara groundwater allocation plan.

Supported projects include the redevelopment of parks to include waterwise principles and create resilient open spaces. Local governments will also undertake activities to improve tree cover, upgrade irrigation systems, install weather stations and smart irrigation control systems as well as harvest stormwater as an alternative water source for irrigation.

The City of Vincent, for example, will use a portion of their grant to investigate the recycling of wastewater from the Beatty Park Leisure Centre for irrigation of the adjacent green space, Beatty Park Reserve.

“The City of Vincent’s project will look at the potential for wastewater reuse as sustainable, alternative water sources.” DWER Program Manager Leanne Hartley said.

“The projects will allow communities to continue to use our city’s beautiful green spaces, whilst also reducing our reliance on Perth’s precious groundwater.”

Where there is limited or no groundwater availability, DWER will work with local government and state planning agencies to develop public open spaces and investigate additional water sources that best suit the local situation.

“In most cases, by reducing irrigation of non-active areas, implementing waterwise principles, and utilising opportunities for trading, transfers and agreements between licensees, existing groundwater supplies will be adequate to meet future green space irrigation demand,” Ms Hartley said.

The Gnangara Waterwise Councils Grants Program is part of the Government of Western Australia’s Kep Katitjin – Gabi Kaadadjan –Waterwise Perth Action Plan 2, which aims to establish leading waterwise communities for Boorloo (Perth) and Bindjareb (Peel) by 2030.

Pictured below: Hon Simone McGurk MLA, Minister for Water with City of Vincent staff and program partners DWER and Water Corporation at Beatty Park Leisure centre.

City of Karratha named Gold Waterwise Council

The City of Karratha became a Waterwise Council in 2017 and has maintained continual endorsement since this time.

The City’s Airport is recognised as a Platinum Waterwise Business and the City’s three aquatic centres, which include the Karratha Leisureplex, Roebourne Pool and the Wickham Recreational Precinct are all recognised as Waterwise Aquatic Centres.

In May 2023, the City of Karratha was awarded Gold Waterwise Council status at the Water Corporation’s 2023 Waterwise Awards, making it the second regional WA council to receive this recognition.

The award was announced in Perth by Water Minister Simone McGurk and the certificate was presented to City of Karratha Mayor Peter Long by Water Corporation Regional Manager Sharon Broad. The award recognises the City as a leader in water efficiency

and acknowledges the demonstrated achievement in best-practice water management.

City of Karratha Mayor Peter Long said being recognised as a Gold Waterwise Council was a step toward becoming Australia’s most liveable regional city.

“I’m incredibly proud of our efforts to become a Gold Waterwise Council, this is a great achievement for our hardworking teams,” Cr Long said.

“We have made significant progress using our recycled water, proactively identifying and fixing our aging infrastructure, as well as optimising connectivity between drainage corridors, ensuring they are a critical element that underpins the urban design of our towns.”

“One example of this was our Effluent Reuse Network upgrade, where we

upgraded our network to provide an improved and sustainable recycled water supply for use in grassed public spaces within the City of Karratha.”

The City’s Parks & Garden team manages 24 public open spaces using recycled water including 8 ovals and 8 parks which total over 47ha of green space across the five townships of the City of Karratha. In addition, the City manages and irrigates the Karratha Golf Course which boasts 18 turfed fairways and greens, totalling 11.5ha. These facilities play an important role in promoting the liveability of the region and is a significant achievement given the hot climate and unreliable rainfall of the Pilbara region. Managing these important public assets is only possible by using treated reuse water from the four Water Resource Recovery Plants across Karratha, Dampier, Wickham and at the Karratha Airport.

In 2015, the City of Karratha, in association with the Water Corporation, Landcorp and Pindan completed a major upgrade of the Karratha Reuse Network. This involved upgrading infrastructure, replacing six of the 10 tanks that were failing, upgrading pipework between the Karratha Water Resource Recovery Plant and the tank sites, and electrical infrastructure. These upgrades addressed inefficient flows and pressures from the pumping systems. In addition to upgrading the infrastructure, the network was extended to connect new developments, and a new central control SCADA system was installed to control the allocation of recycled water to the ten primary tank sites around Karratha. These upgrades allowed an increase of water recycled to supply the City’s parks and ovals in Karratha, reducing the reliance on potable water. This has resulted in the City of Karratha having one of the highest ratios of water reuse in the State.

The recycled water produced at the resource recovery plants in Wickham and Dampier is used to irrigate parks and ovals, and the recycled water produced at the Airport plant is used to irrigate gardens, flush toilets and supply washdown facilities. The Airport achieved more than 50% improvement in water efficiency

because of using recycled water and joins an elite group of organisations across WA recognised as champions of water efficiency for achieving more than a 35% improvement in water use for two consecutive years.

Another waterwise initiative is using a Backwash Recycling System at the Karratha Leisureplex. Potable water is used to backwash the pool filters when the pressure reaches a threshold, rather than at regular intervals. This reduces water use and the backwash

water is then treated and used to irrigate gardens. These initiatives all contribute to reducing the City’s overall reliance on potable water.

In November 2021, the City published the Environmental Sustainability Strategy which identified a broad range of actions to improve our water management practices. Some of the future upgrades to the Effluent Reuse Scheme include increasing the capability of the SCADA control system to allow for real-time flow meters, greater monitoring and fault finding, increased access, reporting, and coding. Other upgrades will include installing variable speed drives to irrigation pumps to improve energy efficiency and upgrading infrastructure of the four remaining tanks with improved hardware on site.

To be recognised as a Gold Waterwise Council, the City’s water management practices were benchmarked against the Centre for Research Collaboration’s Water Sensitive Cities Index by an independent consultant. This is a requirement for any Local Government aspiring to be recognised as a Gold Waterwise Council. The benchmarking involved hosting a workshop in 2022 with stakeholders from the community, business, industry and a range of Government departments.

Karratha's certificate presentation with Mayor Peter Long and Sharon Broad

Karratha Waterwise urban landscape

The City was measured against seven goal areas that included governance, community capital, supply of essential services, productivity and resource efficiency, ecological health, quality urban space and adaptive infrastructure.

The results of the benchmarking workshop indicated that the City demonstrated the highest progress towards achieving Water Sensitive City status of all WA local governments. The consultant made recommendations that are designed to progress the City beyond current practice towards the ultimate goal of reaching Water Sensitive City status. These recommendations will allow the City to continue improving practices to ensure water security, protect waterways, mitigate flood risk, address climate change, combat urban heat, enhance local amenity, and create vibrant precincts with water.

Cr Long said the City remains focused on delivering actions that improve liveability, sustainability, and the community and cultural connection to water.

“Being recognised as a Gold Waterwise Council was one step toward becoming Australia’s most liveable regional city.”

Authorised sprinkler testing signs

If you are testing an irrigation system outside of water rostering hours, as a gardening industry professional, you are not required to register for an exemption with the Water Corporation. However, to promote that you are doing authorised work and avoid a possible infringement, we recommend you have a sign clearly displayed at the front of the property.

Updated designs are now available:

1. Magnetic

2. Corflute

3. Car Decals

4. Metal Swing and Stand

For pricing and product availability, please get in touch with the WA Office at 6263 7774.

Karratha Golf Course

Recycled water tanks

Enhancing productivity with modern soil moisture monitoring

Since its initiation in October 2022, a soil moisture monitoring project has yielded remarkable success in boosting efficiency and profitability for horticultural businesses in Western Australia.

Led by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), in collaboration with 15 fruit and vegetable growers from the southwest and Carnarvon, the project aimed at optimising irrigation scheduling through the implementation of cuttingedge soil moisture technology.

Funded by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, this initiative is part of a larger national effort, led by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub. Soil moisture monitoring technology in recent years have made achievements in removing the labour-intensity of irrigation and making it more streamline. Automated data collection at regular intervals eliminates the need for constant on-site checks and maintenance.

DPIRD Research Scientist, Bill Bateman, emphasised the project’s

goals, stating that it seeks to familiarise growers with the technology and assess various sensors suited for different soil and crop types. With data interpretation support from scientists like Mr. Bateman, growers can fine-tune their irrigation systems, reducing water and fertiliser wastage, and enhancing efficiency. Ultimately, this translates to significant time and cost savings for the growers.

The project involved installing soil moisture sensing equipment on five avocado farms and five apple orchards in the South West, as well as five tomato farms in the Carnarvon horticultural district. Data is accessible through an online cloud platform, providing graphs that display volumetric water content over time. Growers have been guided on how to interpret this data, enabling them to understand their soil’s water holding characteristics and determine the most opportunistic timing and duration for irrigation scheduling. The end goal is to minimise yield losses while optimising water and fertiliser usage.

While soil moisture monitoring adoption is still growing in Australia’s

irrigated agriculture, this project plays a pivotal role in enlightening growers about the technology’s benefits for their operations. By leveraging soil moisture monitoring data, irrigation systems can be fine-tuned, reducing operational costs and increasing crop margins, ultimately driving sustainable and profitable growth.

To foster knowledge sharing and experiential learning, the project has planned to conduct field walks and field days, providing opportunities for participating growers to share their experiences and insights through the 15 case studies.

For more information about the field walks contact:

Bill Bateman, Research Scientist

Email: bill.bateman@dpird.wa.gov.au

Important Disclaimer: The Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the State of Western Australia accept no liability whatsoever by reason of negligence or otherwise arising from the use or release of this information or any part of it. Copyright © State of Western Australia (Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development), 2023

Water Usage Metro Region

https://www.watercorporation.com.au/Our-water/ Rainfall-and-dams/Water-use

Yearly Streamflow

https://www.watercorporation.com.au/Our-water/ Rainfall-and-dams/Streamflow

Perth Rainfall Comparison

https://www.watercorporation.com.au/Our-water/ Rainfall-and-dams/Rainfall

HAVE YOU VISITED THE WATERWISE PROGRAMS WEBSITE?

www.waterwiseprograms.com.au

The Waterwise Garden Irrigator Program is a joint initiative of the WA Region of Irrigation Australia and Water Corporation, with a goal of optimising water-use efficiency of domestic irrigation systems in Western Australia. Endorsed Waterwise Garden Irrigators are fully trained in water efficient practices and can design, install, repair and maintain home garden irrigation systems.

WATERWISE GARDEN IRRIGATORS

AAA Irrigation

Adonis Gardening & Irrigation

Advantage Bores & Reticulation Services

Alessio’s Gardens

All Round Retic and Landscaping

Allwest Bores & Reticulation

Aqueduct Irrigation Services

AR Landscapes

Backyard Creations

Beyond Reticulation

BHG Garden Service

Bowie Developments

Bowie Irrigation

Bradkaz Irrigation

Brighton Reticulation

Brookwell Irrigation

Bruce Landscapes

Candid Reticulation Services

Canning Irrigation Services

CHATT Services

Chris's Landscaping

Civic Reticulation

Clackline Reticulation

Coast to Coast Irrigation

Cockburn Property Maintenance

Country Landscaping & Irrigation

CS Reticulation

CT Irrigation

Donewell Contracting

Dynamic Property Solutions

Earlybird Landscaping

Earth & Water Pty Ltd

Elite Drilling & Reticulation Services

Evergrow Gardenscapes

Fastlane Maintenance

First Element Irrigation

Fluid Irrigation

Garden Solutions

Greenworx

Growing Assets

Handy Fixers Property Maintenance

HomeCare Reticulation

Instant Gardens

Joel Irrigation & Landscaping

Josh's Lawn & Garden Service

Kinetic Landscaping

KRH Irrigation

Landscape Elements Pty Ltd

LD TOTAL

Landscape Australia Construction

Living Eden Property Maintenance

Matt Duncan Reticulation & Landscaping

Midwest Turf Supplies

Mr Retic

Newground Water Services

Northend Reticulation & Turf

Nutrien Water

Oasis Reticulation

Olive Branch Landscapes

One Two Tree Irrigation & Landscaping

Outdoor Garden Services

OZ Commercial Maintenance Services

Peel Scape Solutions

Perdita Reticulation & Garden Solutions

Perth Lawns and Retic

Perth Landscaping Experts

Perth Retic Repair

Perth Reticulation Experts

Plantech Grounds Maintenance

Portworks

PTC Irrigation

Pumps N Pipes Supplies

Purely Irrigation

Rain Maker Irrigation Services

Rapid Reticulation Remedies

Regenerative Gardens & Reticulation

Renoscape

Repair Your Retic

Retic Express

Retic Man

Retic Mate

Retic Repair Man

Reticulation Pro

Rob’s Retic and Lawn

Ryan Daly

SK Retic

Sodexo

Softscapes & Reticulation Pty Ltd

Sprinkler Fixers

Summer Retic

Superior Landscaping & Reticulation

The Garden Fixer

The Greenscape Collective

The Retic & Landscape Shop

The Retic Chick

The Retic Guy

The Watershed Water Systems Midland

Think Water Capes Region

Think Water Geraldton

Think Water Perth

Tidy Gardens Australia

Tim Davies Landscaping

TLC Services Perth

Triton Electrical Contractors

Turfed Out

Ultimate Blue Pty Ltd

Under Pressure Retic

Urban Reticulation

VIP Home Services

Wanda’s Gardening & Landscaping

WaterLink

Water Smart Services Pty Ltd

Water Well Reticulation

Waterwise Landscaping

Westcoast Reticulation Services

Western Irrigation Pty Ltd - Greenwood

Wet Frog Retic

WF Landscape Industries Pty Ltd

Wittens Irrigation & Design

Yurra Pty Ltd

The website features an extensive and up-to-date business directory where the community can search for their local Waterwise members, based on their location. Head to the search directory at www.waterwiseprograms.com.au for members’ contact details, or if you’d like information on how to become an endorsed Waterwise business.

With an increasing number of DIY enthusiasts installing and maintaining their own irrigation systems, the Waterwise Irrigation Design Shop Program was developed to raise the standard of irrigation advice and design services offered by staff at counter level of specialist irrigation retailers. Endorsed staff have the knowledge and skills to provide their customers with waterwise advice, products and services.

Several Waterwise Garden Irrigators and Design Shops were randomly selected for audit in the 2022/23 period. Successfully audited businesses are acknowledged with this customised logo.

In recognition of their unwavering dedication to water conservation, we proudly commend our esteemed Waterwise Garden Irrigators for their steadfast participation in the program for over a decade.

WATERWISE IRRIGATION DESIGN SHOPS

Controlled Irrigation Supplies

Joel Irrigation & LHP Landscaping

Nutrien Water - Canning Vale

Nutrien Water - Forrestdale

Nutrien Water - Greenwood

Nutrien Water - Joondalup

Nutrien Water - Malaga

Nutrien Water - Mandurah

Nutrien Water - Midvale

Nutrien Water - Myaree

Nutrien Water - Neerabup

Nutrien Water - Osborne Park

Nutrien Water - Rockingham

Peel H20 Solutions - Mandurah

Pumps ‘n Pipes - Mandurah

Rainscape Waterwise Solutions - Bibra Lake

The Retic & Landscape Shop - Southern River

The Watershed Water SystemsCockburn

The Watershed Water Systems - Midland

The Watershed Water Systems - Morley

SOUTH WEST WATERWISE PROGRAMS

The Watershed Water Systems - Subiaco

Think Water - Broome

Think Water - Capes Region

Think Water - Geraldton

Think Water - Perth

Think Water - Wanneroo

WA Reticulation Supplies - Armadale

WA Reticulation Supplies - Midland

WA Reticulation Supplies - Rockingham

Western Irrigation - Greenwood

Irrigation Australia has recently launched the Waterwise Irrigation Programs in the South West region of WA, with the support of local water utilities; Busselton Water and Aqwest.

WATERWISE IRRIGATION DESIGN SHOPS

Country Water Solutions – Bunbury

Nutrien Water – Bunbury

Nutrien Water – Busselton

WATERWISE GARDEN IRRIGATORS

ARB Landscaping & Fencing

Country Landscaping & Irrigation

Country Water Solutions

Fastlane Maintenance

Fergies Total Lawn Care

LD TOTAL

Nutrien Water - Busselton

Russell’s Retic

Summer Retic