Q uarterly Publication of Irrigation Australia (WA Region)
IN THIS ISSUE
Redevelopment of Sullivan Logistics Stadium
Irrigation Australia training in a remote WA community Way of Water: The WaterSmart Dams project
Transforming a Hobby Farm with modern irrigation
The role of flushing in drip irrigation maintenance
Better water eficiency and plant health with Vortex
Training & Events Diary
Event
Date Location
Electrofusion & Butt Welding 1 - 2 May
Irrigation Pumps & Systems 6-May
Certificate III in Irrigation Technology Commences 12 May
Certified Irrigation Installer 13 - 16 May
Certified Irrigation Installer 27 - 30 May
Electrofusion & Butt Welding 29 - 30 May
Certificate III in Irrigation Technology Commences 2 June
Meter Installation & Validation 3 - 6 June
Irrigation Systems Efficiency 3 - 5 June
Certified Irrigation Installer 3 - 6 June
Irrigation Pumps & Systems 10-Jun
Certified Irrigation Installer 10 - 13 June
Keysborough VIC
Virtual Delivery
Keysborough VIC
Keysborough VIC
Brisbane QLD
Brisbane QLD
Paterson NSW
Virtual Delivery
Perth WA
Perth WA
Virtual Delivery
Paterson NSW
Certificate III in Irrigation Technology Commences 16 June Perth, WA
Meter Installation & Validation 17 - 19 June Keysborough, VIC
Electrofusion & Butt Welding 26 - 27 June
Paterson NSW
Member Event - University of WA 29 May Crawley WA
Welcome to all members and stakeholders to the autumn edition of The Overflow!
These words are being penned immediately following Cyclone Alfred’s weekend of wet weather in Brisbane – for most of those in our office fortunately a minor inconvenience, and we hope the same for our readers.
New website and head office
Have you checked out www. irrigationaustralia.com.au yet? Thanks to a mammoth effort we have a brand new web site with a vastly improved layout and some nice new tools, including a map interface for our membership and certification directories. We’re keen to hear what you think – the changes will hopefully make it a lot easier to bring you new content as it happens with a much more serviceable interface for our staff.
By the time you read this, our head office staff will also have moved to a new location: 1/35 Paringa Road, Murrarie, QLD. Still located in Murrarie, just further to the East. The new space is much more practical for our needs, with less unused meeting space and a warehouse that provides greater flexibility for storage and training equipment.
Training news
We’re working hard to increase training enrolments following a quiet irrigation season on the east coast. As part of this effort, we’ll soon launch our new training platform and introduce a revised membership framework, developed with input from external marketing experts.
A range of new training materials is also in rapid development, including some new online-only courses and a microcredential for Queensland members – Irrigation Efficiency
CHAIR CEO FROM THE
and Practical Skills – which is being developed with financial support from the Queensland Government.
Every course we deliver is being redesigned to offer more flexible delivery options with a new, feature-rich learning management system. Our goal is to tailor both content and delivery to ensure you get the most value from your investment in developing your team’s skills and knowledge.
Please check out the recording from our 2 April webinar showcasing the new system. We’d love your ideas on the types of training you’d like to see –where and when.
Irrigation careers
We’ve been making progress on careers projects to support the rollout of www. irrigationcareers.org.au. Keep an eye on the e-news for updates as they happen. These include a partnership with AtWork Australia, which offers potential staff placements with federal government financial support, and our new talent hub with Goheadhunt – a cost-effective, alternative to traditional recruitment, designed to better match potential candidates with employers.
New Irrigation Futures sponsor: Rivulis
Finally, we’d like to welcome Rivulus to our amazing list of irrigation futures sponsors and supporters. For any other organisations interested in being part of this great initiative and to jump on the back of our big upcoming marketing campaign, please reach out to Dave by emailing dave.cameron@irrigation.org.au
What is happening in WA
Djeran season is upon us which sees a break in the really hot weather, something we are all looking forward to. Dewy mornings, cool nights and cross fingers for precipitation.
This year marks 20 years of the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme—an important initiative supporting waterwise practices in Australian households. Introduced in 2005, the scheme has played a significant role in improving water efficiency by promoting the use of appliances designed to reduce water consumption and encourage the adoption of water-saving technologies.
Just in time for the irrigation season, Water Corporation has released its newly designed catch cups. Featuring a shorter stem for improved stack ability, the updated design is now packaged in boxes of eight, an increase from the previous six. The initial allocation has been distributed to Waterwise Irrigation Design Shops, with strong demand seeing the first batch quickly exhausted and discussions underway for follow-up orders.
Planning for the Waterwise Irrigation Expo is well underway, with delegate registration now open. The program has been released, featuring an impressive line-up of expert presenters and quality exhibitors at the trade show. Guaranteed to be a great day of learning and networking. Adding to the fun, we’re organising a golf competition - either ‘best putt’ or ‘nearest to pin’ –with generous prizes already donated. Dust off those clubs and get practicing! Don’t miss out- register now. And yes, MC Waters will be back with a fresh round of reticulation dad jokes!
As the ultimate gathering for Western Australia’s urban landscape industry, the 2025 Waterwise Irrigation Expo serves as a vital platform for industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders to connect, share insights, and explore the latest technologies that drive efficient and sustainable water solutions.
Only one exhibition booth and two exclusive sponsorship opportunities remain! Plus, the event program is live, with delegate registrations now open! Contact rebecca new@irrigation org au for more information
Regional Update
A RUNDOWN OF WHAT’S BEEN GOING ON IN THE WA REGION, BY
IRRIGATION AUSTRALIA’S NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP MANAGER, REBECCA NEW
Welcome to the Autumn edition of The Overflow.
What a start to the year it’s been for the Irrigation Australia team with the first few months having been a whirlwind of activity. Despite the busy pace, our unwavering focus has remained on one core priority: supporting our valued members and advocating for sustainable practices in irrigation.
As we step into 2025, we are more committed than ever to enhancing communication, strengthening engagement, and delivering even greater value to our members. We’ve been actively exploring innovative initiatives to better connect with you and ensure your unique needs are met. One exciting development is the refinement of our member categories, which is now live. This allows us to deliver more tailored communications, ensuring you receive updates specific to your sector—whether that’s new training opportunities, industry news, or essential updates. To view your membership category, simply log into the member portal.
These improvements reflect our continued commitment to better serve our members and ensuring you get the most value from your membership. Your feedback is incredibly important to us, and we invite you to share your thoughts on how we can improve further.
As we look forward to the year ahead, we’re also taking steps to evaluate and refine our membership and sponsorship levels in collaboration with a marketing consultant. This review will help ensure these levels are equitable and will also allow us to better support membership growth in the face of increasing costs.
Here’s to a new year filled with opportunities for growth, collaboration, and success. We look forward to continuing this journey with you!
WATERWISE IRRIGATION EXPO 2025 - REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN!
We are excited to announce that registrations for the highly anticipated Waterwise Irrigation Expo 2025 are now open! Join us on Wednesday, 13 August 2025, at the Novotel Vines Resort for a full day of industry networking, cutting-edge technology showcases from exhibitors, and insightful presentations— including insights from the team behind the irrigation project at The Vines Golf Course. Plus, we have a few surprises in store! See more on page 41 for the full program.
To enhance your experience, we have secured discounted accommodation at Novotel for attendees wishing to make the most of the resort or those traveling from afar. Contact us today to reserve your room.
At the time of writing, only ONE exhibition booth remains, along with TWO sponsorship opportunities—a final chance for businesses looking to maximise their presence at this premier industry event. Don’t miss out! Email rebecca.new@irrigation. org.au to secure your spot today.
Here’s to a new year filled with opportunities for growth, collaboration, and success. We look forward to continuing this journey with you!
WATER CORPORATION’S WATERWISE IRRIGATION REBATE CONCLUDES FOR 2024/2025
The Waterwise Irrigation Rebate for the 2024/2025 season has officially concluded and the feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive. As an exclusive program available only to businesses endorsed under the Waterwise Programs, it has not only provided financial support to customers purchasing weather-based irrigation controllers or water-efficient products but has also helped fix leaks and improve irrigation systems for greater water efficiency. More importantly, it has raised public awareness of the industry and the importance of engaging a Waterwise specialist.
The Waterwise Programs website has played a crucial role in connecting residents with endorsed professionals.
The program saw: 30,842+ visitors to the website
24,841+ users accessing the member directory
1,080+ direct messages sent to members Between September 2024 and March 2025.
Be Wise ... Choose Waterwise
Discussions are already underway with Water Corporation to shape the next phase of the rebate for the 2025/2026 season. If you’re interested in becoming a Waterwise-endorsed specialist and helping residents improve their irrigation efficiency, visit the Waterwise Programs website for more details.
GET YOUR BUSINESS NOTICED IN THE NEW IRRIGATION AUSTRALIA DIRECTORY!
Our newly upgraded website features an enhanced, userfriendly business directory designed to help customers find you with ease. To ensure your business is listed correctly, we need a few details from you:
✔ Send your business logo and a company bio to info@irrigation.org.au
✔ A completed JotForm for privacy compliance – Click HERE to access the form
Important: Without these details, we won’t be able to include your business in the directory. Don’t miss this opportunity—submit your information today!
Please note: This listing is available exclusively to company members and is not included in individual memberships. Certified Professionals can list in the Certification Directory by completing the form HERE
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.
Gain access to the members only portal on the Irrigation Australia website Through the portal you can manage your Irrigation Australia membership, register your staff/employees for training, and access members only documents, presentations, and other materials MEMBERS ONLY PORTAL
TRAINING DISCOUNTS
Receive significant member dis nationally accredited irrigation t and qualifications delivered by Irrigation Australia in city and regional areas and virtually
ADVERTISEMENT DISCOUNTS ON IRRIGATION AUSTRALIA PUBLICATIONS
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
CERTIFICATION DISCOUNTS
Receive significant member discounts on the joining fee and renewal fee to the Certification Program administered by Irrigation Australia
ACCESS E-KNOWLEDGE
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
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 network, and discuss new challenges and technologies.
CONFERENCE, TRADESHOW & EXPO DISCOUNTS
Receive member discounts on attending and exhibiting at the Irrigation Australia International Conference & Exhibition, as well as regional Expo’s
DISCOUNTS ON WATERWISE ENDORSEMENT (WA Only)
Receive 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
FREE LISTING ON IRRIGATION AUSTRALIA'S WEBSITE
List your business on our Member Directory on the Irrigation Australia website (available to company memberships only)
Leederville Oval was the home ground for West Perth until 1993 when they shifted to Arena Joondalup. East Perth Football Club relocated to the oval in 2003 and Subiaco Football Club moved
In recent years the ground has deteriorated, with organics accumulating in the top of the profile creating drainage problems and a slippery surface during winter rainfall. Sting nematodes, a common Western Australian problem, combined with poor irrigation uniformity, severely impacted turf health at the ground.
The City of Vincent in partnership with NewGround Water Services and its subsidiary Sports Turf Construction have recently undertaken the establishment of the Sullivan Logistics Oval playing surface redevelopment. The WA Government contributed more than $4 million dollars in funding for the project to bring the stadium up to tier 2 Standard. Previously the ground had been used for a Women’s AFL Derby between Fremantle and West Coast. This event showed what a great venue Sullivan Logistics Stadium is due to its location in the heart of Leederville. Leederville is only three kilometres from Perth’s Central Business District, as described as a culinary and cultural melting pot with cafes, restaurants and boutique retail outlets.
While the location is perfect for the development its location created some challenges in particular access to the ground which was off the busy Vincent St. All materials removed and installed had to be bought through the back of the grandstand.
A tight time frame was important as the ground had to be ready for the 2025 WAFL football season. A start date of the project was the 21st of October 2024 and the finish was the 28th February 2025.
Dave Gerrard, the Coordinator Parks Strategy and Projects for the City of Vincent wrote a scope of works, put the works out to tender, confirmed contractors over an eight-week period. Dale Morrissy, the Manager of Community Facilities managed the project working with Mr Gerrard. Thomas Gosling, Coordinator of Sports and Rec liaised with the clubs and managed the funds.
A tight time frame was important as the ground had to be ready for the 2025 WAFL football season. A start date of the project was 21st of October 2024 and the finish was the 28th February 2025.
The project has two stages, with the first being a new playing surface watered with a new irrigation system. In 2028 water allocations for sports turf in Western Australia will have a reduction of 10%. A new irrigation system will assist in the City of Vincent being able to meet these requirements via the contractor who takes over the ground on completion. A target of 75% Distribution of Uniformity was set for the new irrigation system design to align with the industry minimum “standard” a target that was met.
Stage two is upgrading lighting to meet broadcast standards allowing for WAFL, AFLW and possibly AFL matches in the evening or night.
• 200 lux for club training
• 500 lux for club games
• 1000 lux for televised games
The lighting upgrade will also have a benefit to the local community with the ability for lower brightness so the oval can be utilised under dimmed lights in the evening.
One of the limiting factors on the site was the narrow entry point off a busy road. The light towers were bought in in five sections and 10 kilometres of cable were required to connect them.
PLAYING SURFACE
The total playing area is 20,000m² with the area inside and including the boundary fence increasing the area to 22,500m². Playing surface of the oval is designed to be 170 metres long and 130 metres wide and 5 metres run-off from boundary line and fence.
It was planned to remove 300mm of the existing soil that was nematode infested and laden with organic matter that had accumulated over the years. Care had to be taken that no spill of this material was transported on machinery or people onto the newly cleared oval surface. Therefore all material was removed before new material was bought in.
Sting Nematodes (Ibipora lolii) were the main concern as this plant parasitic nematode is widely known for the damage it can cause on the turf root system especially on sand profiles growing kikuyu.
Before the sand was delivered it was stockpiled at the quarry and at least two samples were taken to ensure the sand was within the supplied specification. Before topsoil sand was bought to site the Irrigation Mainline and Electrical Conduits and goal post footings were installed.
The soil that was bought into the oval had to be separated with the bottom 200mm being sand as per specification. Compost was mixed off site at the quarry to a 30% Compost/ 70% Sand by volume for the top 100mm of the rootzone. The compost was supplied by Veolia with the trade name of Vitagro and an analysis was included. Vitagro is a certified Organic Soil Conditioner and AS4454 Certified. It is made from various sources of Garden and Food waste, is composted for 18 weeks and left to mature for a further 4 weeks. It was felt that the compost also had an ability to reduce Sting Nematode infestations or at least reduce their impact.
After the sand and compost had been installed and levelled the irrigation laterals and sprinklers were added before the final trim. Turf was then laid including the synthetic turf and boundary fence.
Saturated Hydraulic conductivity after compaction had to be >100mm per hour after 32 drops from 150 mm height or what is considered maximum compaction. Moisture levels were maintained in the profile to ensure sufficient soil consolidation prior to planting. A Clegg hammer (2.25 kg, 455 mm drop height) was used to test with Drop 1 and Drop 4 with surface hardness (GMax) > 40.
Several hold points were in place before turf was laid. Laboratory analyses had to be reviewed by the principal’s representative for sand and compost. Two days before the turf was laid the principal’s representative had to inspect the site for an independent assessment for compliance that all required surface preparation had been completed.
IRRIGATION
Mainlines were DN100 Class 12 with a 450 mm cover. Back filling of was completed to the satisfaction of the City of Vincent representative and compaction was achieved by either plate compaction or wheel rolling.
TABLE 1: SAND SPECIFICATION BOTTOM 200MM.
Sprinker radius (m)
• Hunter I40-SS-ON – No 23 nozzle = 19.8
• Hunter I40- SS-ON – No 15 nozzle = 16.8
• Hunter I40-SS - No 23 nozzle = 19.2
• Hunter I40 -SS – No 10 nozzle =15.5
• Hunter I20-SS – No 6 nozzle = 13.1
• Hunter I20 – SS – No 3 nozzle = 11.9
• Hunter I20 -SS No 4.5 LA nozzle =10.7
• Hunter I20- SS No 2.5 LA nozzle =10.1
• Hunter I20- SS No 2.0 LA nozzle = 8.5
Installation of thrust blocks on all RRJ mainline fittings, including elbows, bends, reducers, tees and isolation valves was included. The pipe or fittings were covered with a protective membrane of PVC when adjacent to concrete. Electrical conduit for the 2-wire path (DN25) and placed in the same trench as the mainline with a minimum clearance of a 100mm from the sidewall of the mainline.
At each valve decoder there was allowance for sufficient looped control cable to be able to extend the cable 1 metre above finished level.
A flushing valve was installed close to the bore for future chemical treatment of the mainline for the build -up of iron.
Bermad 50 mm 200 Series normally closed 24-volt, 50 Hz DATA valves were installed. Purple OM marker balls were placed inside each valve box to assist with future location if needed. Laterals were installed using DN80, DN40, and DN25 SWJ Class 12 piping, with a 350 mm soil cover
Sprinklers installed were Hunter I20-12 and Hunter I-40-04SS on surrounding banks and non-playing surfaces (Opposing Nozzle within the playing surfaces).
All programming of valves as per valve schedule was entered into existing Digital SDS decoder-based controller.
There are 13 stations with a total of 29 valves, with no more than 3 valves assigned to any single station. Individual valve flow rates range from 4.93 L/s to 7.02 L/s, resulting in total station flow rates between 11.95 L/s and 16.17 L/s.
TURF
Kikuyu (Cenchrus clandestinus) was planted and one of the strict guidelines was that it had to be free of other grasses. Turf quality was assessed at the turf farm prior to harvest and at the time of delivery.
Sting nematodes (Ibipora lolii) and populations of other plant -parasitic nematodes had to be within the thresholds shown in the following table.
TABLE 2: NEMATODE THRESHOLD.
Nematode sampling occurred at the turf farm by an independent Turf Consultant from the location the turf was to be harvested. In addition, samples were taken at the time of delivery. Inspection at the turf farm was completed four weeks prior to harvest.
WEEDS, PESTS AND DISEASES
Turf had to be free of any visible weeds, including any off types of kikuyu differing in colour, leaf width or turf density.
The turf had to be free of disease and insect damage or contain armyworm (Spodoptera spp.) larvae and billbug (Sphenophorus brunnipennis) adult and larvae.
Thatch had to be less than 10 mm defined as a layer of dead or composing leaf and stem material that develops above the soil surface and below the green leaf layer.
New goals and point posts were installed in the same place as the previous goals but two extra sleeves allowing extra movement of the posts were installed, improving wear management.
PLANTING
The turf grass was planted once the irrigation system had been commissioned and was fully operational. All turf delivered to site was planted within 24 hours of being harvested.
Turf was laid as jumbo rolls and the and the City of Vincent required that there was no gaps, overlays, or vertical steps between rolls. Immediately after the completion of laying, the turf rolls were consolidated using a plate compactor or smooth drum roller to produce a firm, even and level surface. The
finished surface had no obvious holes, undulations, or localised depressions.
Turf for the 22500m2 was laid over eight days, with turf delivered on the Monday 13th January laid on Tuesday to Friday and repeated the following week. The surface was ready for planting prior to Christmas 2024 but it was decided to wait until after Christmas to protect those laying it due to a very hot weather. It was also better for the quality of the Turf.
Just two weeks after the ribbon-cutting ceremony, twelve games were played at the Stadium - three per day over consecutive weekends.
Newground Sports Turf Construction Manager Adam Strachan oversaw the project and the newly employed Operations Manager, Craig New, supported Strachan in the completion of the project. He said like all construction jobs there were challenges, but the project was delivered on time.
The City of Vincent team successfully delivered the project within a very tight time frame.
Bespoke Irrigation Australia Training
Meets Local Demand in Remote WA Community
Demonstrating its commitment to meeting local training demands in Western Australia, Irrigation Australia recently partnered with the Waalitj Foundation to deliver customised, accredited irrigation efficiency training in Leonora.
Over the three days, participants spent considerable time in hands-on workshops, developing practical skills through activities such as dismantling components and troubleshooting faults. Learning basic design principles was a surprise to most participants, particularly when applying these newly developed skills to the installation of a pressurised irrigation system from their design. Participants applied knowledge to developing techniques for process development and undertook complex tasks which were unfamiliar to them.
ABOUT WAALITJ FOUNDATION
The Waalitj Foundation is an Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisation (ACCO) dedicated to providing education, employment, and business opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. Through targeted programs, the Foundation empowers individuals, families, and communities, having positively impacted over 60,000 people nationally across Perth, regional WA, Victoria, NSW, ACT, and Queensland.
CUSTOMISED TRAINING TO ENHANCE JOB-READY SKILLS
Recognising diverse community and individual requirements, Irrigation Australia tailored the workshop "An Introduction to Irrigation System Efficiency" specifically for the Leonora community. Acquired skills will assist with the operation of the local hydroponic setup, cultivating tomatoes, cucumbers, and bok choy. It also enhances opportunities for local employment where skills are in demand with short supply to tap into.
Calvin Ashwin, Senior Activity Supervisor at Waalitj Foundation, highlighted the importance of tailoring training to participant needs, noting that hands-on activities and personalised teaching significantly enhanced course outcomes. Calvin praised Irrigation Australia’s trainer who’s engaging and effective communication style contributed to high participant satisfaction.
FLEXIBLE AND PRACTICAL TRAINING SOLUTIONS
Remote WA communities such as Leonora frequently face challenges accessing quality training. Customised short courses from Irrigation Australia offer a practical solution, accommodating diverse learning styles, employment schedules, and seasonal industry demands. Workshops prioritise practical skill-building over traditional classroom environments, maximising learner engagement and applicability of skills to immediate employment opportunities.
Recognising diverse community and individual requirements, IAL tailored the workshop “An Introduction to Irrigation System Efficiency” specifically for the Leonora community.
MICROCREDENTIALS COMPLEMENT ACCREDITED TRAINING
Irrigation Australia is actively working to provide microcredentials as part of its customised workshops. These targeted, short-duration training sessions will develop essential industry-specific skills, aligned to community need, offering clear pathways to recognised qualifications and certification with further accredited study.
CLEAR PATHWAYS TO RECOGNISED CERTIFICATIONS
By aligning customised workshops with formal qualification frameworks, participants can clearly see their progress toward recognised achievements such as the Certificate III in Irrigation Technology. This structured approach motivates continuous learning and career development, benefiting both participants and employers.
POSITIVE OUTCOMES AND COMMUNITY IMPACT
Community feedback from Leonora demonstrates the clear benefits of locally tailored training. Outcomes include increased participant confidence, higher rates of attendance, and greater employment readiness. All participants who began the training completed all three days - a noteworthy achievement in remote contexts.
A REPLICABLE MODEL FOR WA
The Leonora training demonstrates a replicable and sustainable model that can be adapted across other WA communities facing similar access and training challenges.
Delivered by Irrigation Training Australia RTO #91313, this model ensures training remains relevant, accessible, and responsive to local community needs.
For more information about the Waalitj Foundation, visit their website
To explore Irrigation Australia’s training offerings, click HERE
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Transforming a Hobby Farm into a Modern Irrigation System: A Gingin Property Project
Alarge-scale irrigation project is currently underway on a 50-acre rural property just a few kilometres outside of the Gingin townsite. This property, which has seen various uses over the years—including an emu farm and later a hobby farm with 100 mango trees—has an extensive but outdated agricultural irrigation system. The goal of the project is to modernise the irrigation system, transitioning from an old, DIY setup to a fully automated and efficient solution that will support the property’s evolving needs.
Currently used primarily as a long-term residence and a storage site for trucks and machinery, the property will soon also accommodate cattle breeding. The challenge lies in optimising water distribution from a solar-powered bore while overcoming flow and pressure variations to effectively irrigate lawns, gardens, paddocks, and a dam.
The ground conditions presented additional challenges, as they varied significantly across the property. Some areas were highly compacted, while others consisted of sandy soil and Gingin loam. There were also sections with solid, rocky terrain. Fortunately, the Geo Trencher was able to handle all these conditions with ease, making short work of trenching requirements across the site.
Additionally, the irrigation controller has been upgraded with a Rain Bird LNK2 Wi-Fi module, allowing for remote access and enhanced automation. Future work will involve adding additional stations and extending the mainline as needed. Upgrades to the bore and/or control system are also planned to improve flow stability throughout the day, a key consideration in the planning phase.
The first step in this project involved mapping out the existing agricultural pipework, a task made complicated by years of modifications and ad-hoc repairs. By utilising the Geo Trencher, precision and flexibility were achieved while navigating the property’s intricate layout.
Key Objectives:
• Integrate remnants of the old manual irrigation system into a newly designed, fully automated system.
• Establish sufficient stations to ensure efficient irrigation across the 10,000 sqm of irrigated land.
• Ensure excess water is effectively redirected to paddocks and the property’s dam as needed.
A key design consideration was the property’s existing solarpowered bore. Since the bore’s operation is dependent on sunlight, water pressure and flow rates fluctuate throughout the day, creating challenges in system design. Another critical factor was the careful mapping of all existing pipework and services to avoid conflicts and ensure a seamless upgrade.
Scope of Works
• 1.5 km of trenching completed using the Geo Trencher.
• Installed 1,400 m of pipework, utilising a combination of 40mm and 25mm PVC connected to a 50mm blue line poly mainline.
• The system was divided into 12 irrigation stations, featuring:
o Irritol Richdel 40mm solenoids.
o Over 100 Hunter PGP gear-drive sprinklers.
o Rainbird ESP ME3 modular controller.
o A 50mm Bermad pressure relief valve positioned at the end of the mainline leading to the dam.
Given the scale and complexity of the project, installation has been carried out in stages. The bulk of the work was completed during the last winter, with additional stages continuing as per the client’s requirements and budget constraints.
The trenching work was executed using a newly acquired Geo Trencher from Geo Trencher Australia, powered by an Echo engine. This trencher has proven highly versatile—capable of tackling large-scale installations while also being nimble enough for smaller tasks like individual pipe runs and garden bed edging.
GEO TRENCHER PERFORMANCE
As qualified mechanics, the team found the trencher easy to maintain and exceptionally reliable. It has effectively handled various terrains, including debris, rocks, sand, and clay,
The trenching work was executed using a newly acquired Geo Trencher from Geo Trencher Australia, powered by an Echo engine.
significantly reducing installation time. The weight was found to be easily manageable, and the unit is highly manoeuvrable on short runs, leaving a neat, stable trench. Long runs were made even easier with the trolley attachments.
Since the job was done in stages, using a larger trencher was avoided, minimising damage to the existing lawn and underground services, such as power, water, and data cables, ultimately saving on costs. After-sales support has been excellent, providing spare wear parts and attachments as well as answers to technical questions. The only initial issue encountered was the chain slipping or jamming, but after adjusting the chain tension based on ground type, this was no longer a problem.
Using the Geo Trencher provided a significant advantage in identifying solid underground objects, helping to prevent damage to pipework and existing infrastructure. Small to medium debris, such as rocks and rubble, posed no issue for the trencher.
A primary challenge encountered is the fluctuation in pump flow and pressure due to sunlight variations throughout the day. This aspect makes designing and planning irrigation schedules more complex.
The project remains ongoing, with further expansions planned as the client’s needs evolve. By modernising this property’s irrigation system, the project has not only optimised water efficiency but also set the groundwork for a more sustainable, automated system. The continued integration of advanced irrigation technology will ensure that the property remains wellwatered and productive for years to come.
VNQP 5” SERIES
CONSTANT PRESSURE
SUBMERSIBLE PUMP
Way of Water
Western Australia is experiencing more long, hot and dry summers that affect rainfall quantity, intensity and distribution, and rural communities are bearing the brunt of the impact.
Increasingly and at a high cost, water needs to be transported to the regions during dry years to help tackle bushfires and provide water for livestock and spraying weeds, as well as other farming operations.
In 2022, to address the challenges of water security in the South West of WA the WaterSmart Dams project was announced. The project is a collaboration between The University of Western Australia, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, plus groups of motivated growers in regional towns and the Grower Group Alliance, which leads the southwest Western Australian Drought and Innovation Hub.
Associate Professor Nik Callow, from the School of Agriculture and Environment and co-director of the Centre for Water and Spatial Science, is leading the project’s research and development.
“Farming in WA is a great story of innovation, the way they have changed how we grow food and fibre to work with our climate and soils.”
“UWA is playing an important role by doing the science and being the broker of quality knowledge, but the other critical component is motivated and early-adopter growers who are keen to trial and implement the science,” Associate Professor Callow says.
The project builds on the WaterSmart Farms program which was initiated in 2021 and aims to develop knowledge and water planning tools for farmers in an agricultural area between Geraldton to Esperance.
“Farming in WA is a great story of innovation, the way they have changed how we grow food and fibre to work with our climate and soils,” Associate Professor Callow says.
“We’ve done really good work on improving cropping systems, we’ve been very clever in genetics and farming systems including world-leading agricultural research at UWA.”
ARTICLE BY THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Associate Professor Nik Callow.
“Unfortunately for the past 20 to 40 years we’ve forgotten about the research and development smarts around water.”
Outlining the challenges, Associate Professor Callow says many of the 180,000 farms dams in WA’s South West were built in the 1960s and 70s, and since then rainfall and farming systems have changed a lot.
“Farming properties have become a lot bigger, and some have 40 to 60 dams that are all the same size. No-till farming systems create poor catchments, meaning dams run out of water at the same time,” he explains.
“We’re looking at growers who are building large key dams, where they enlarge an existing dam to make it a lot bigger and combine this with a very-high performing catchment to give a water supply that can get you through the challenging years.”
The approach to improve water security has been two-fold with the team working to increase the catchment when there is rainfall and then suppress evaporation from the dams.
“We’re looking at methods to increase run-off by using repurposed tarpaulins, so instead of needing a rainfall of 10-to20 millimetres you only need one-millimetre of rainfall; this is a game-changer for water reliability,” he explains.
“One example of keeping the captured water, has been work with the Water Corporation evaluating methods such as floating tessellated covers to reduce evaporation.”
Demonstration sites, building farm-based water planning tools, workshops, field days and industry training have helped drive change and adoption at the grass roots level.
“Our research and solutions are making a real impact, delivering options so people are not running out of water during a drought,” Associate Professor Callow says.
“Water can become very valuable and expensive during dry times, so adopting new water security methods has the potential to create a resilient and climate-adapted farm business.”
*Reprinted with permission from The University of Western Australia
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Associate Professor Nik Callow on a field trip with researchers.
Ensuring peak performance: the crucial role of
flushing
in drip irrigation maintenance
In drip irrigation systems, flushing is key to ensuring the system runs smoothly over multiple seasons. In this article, with Australian irrigation conditions in mind, Matt Clift (Director of Global Product Management & Marketing, Rivulus) explains the essential aspects of flushing regimes, understanding the process, and highlighting when and why this practice is needed for long-term drip line longevity.
Flushing is one of the most important preventative maintenance activities in drip irrigation systems. If tiny debris, such as silt, clay, and particularly organic matter, passes through the filtration and coagulates within the irrigation system, it can cause problems. Flushing helps expels this foreign matter before it becomes a problem.
WHAT IS FLUSHING?
Contaminants like minerals or organic materials can be present in any water source. When the water travels quickly, this isn’t an issue as it stays suspended in the water, but when it slows down, it can begin to settle out and build up over time in the pipes. This buildup, if left unaddressed, can lead to clogging, compromising crop yield and necessitating costly replacements.
Flushing is the process of sending a higher velocity of water through the irrigation system to expel contaminants that may have accumulated over time. A key point is that a higher velocity, and therefore a higher volume of water, is required to flush.
Poor, infrequent or no flushing will cause clogging, and result in the loss of crop yield and ultimately the cost replacement of the system over time. Due to the increased water requirement to flush a system, this additional water needs to be considered in the hydraulics when first designing the system.
Above: Sediment build-up in the laterals
Right: Flushing of drip laterals
WATER VELOCITY AND FLUSHING
Higher flushing velocities are desired in poor water quality conditions, but practical constraints, such as available flow rate and pressure, must be considered during system design.
The success of flushing hinges on achieving sufficient water velocity (the speed the water travels through the pipe). In Australia, we have found that due to poor-quality water, we often recommend slightly higher flushing velocities. Submains should maintain a flushing velocity of at least 0.6 m/s, while drip laterals require a minimum of 0.4 m/s (at the end of the laterals). Striking the right balance is crucial, as insufficient velocity compromises the effectiveness of the flush. Higher flushing velocities are optimal, but practical constraints, such as available flow rate and pressure, must be considered during system design.
In a perfect world, flushing water velocity should be 0.6 m/s for drip laterals, but this can be difficult due to the different hydraulic requirements between irrigation and flushing. Therefore, 0.4 m/s is acceptable. Below 0.4 m/s is insufficient to flush a system generally in Australian conditions.
WHEN AND WHAT TO FLUSH
Maintaining the integrity and efficiency of irrigation systems is contingent upon a well-structured flushing regimen, for both mainline and submains as well as the drip laterals.
Mainlines, submains, and drip laterals should all be flushed at the beginning of every season and after any damage or repair
upstream. In addition, drip laterals should also be flushed during the season.
Depending on the conditions, drip lateral flushing could be weekly in extreme conditions, to monthly with better conditions. Although these are time-based recommendations above, there is no “one size fits all”. When it comes to drip lateral flushing, there are 3 things to consider:
1. Water quality - the greatest determiner of flushing frequency is the quality of the water. Bore water requires less frequent flushing due to its cleanliness and only contains mineral contaminants. Systems drawing water from rivers or dams, with high organic material (that encourages algae growth in irrigation system pipes), necessitate more frequent flushing.
2. Drip lateral longevity needs - consider what the anticipated lifespan of your drip laterals is. Systems with longer drip lateral life requirements (for example orchards, vineyards, and permanent subsurface drip irrigation) demand more thorough flushing to ensure system longevity.
A vegetable crop using a drip line for only one season may require irrigation for a few months of the year. Flushing is therefore not as critical.
An orchard, vineyard, or permanent subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) system is a different story. In these cases, the drip lines are expected to last many years, and flushing becomes very important to ensure the longevity of the system.
In summary, multi-season and permanent drip installations will require a more thorough flushing regime than a single-season drip installation.
3. Water flow through the system: consider the plant’s water requirements (the irrigation application rate), as this will vary the amount of flushing required. The more water flowing through the system, the more frequent the need for flushing.
For example, a vineyard may require 6,000 m3/ha per season, while an almond crop may need 12,000 m3/ha. With higher water flow in the almond system, it is more likely for contaminants to build up and this necessitates more frequent flushing than the vineyard.
A vegetable crop using a drip line for only one season may require irrigation for a few months of the year. Flushing is therefore not as critical.
An orchard, vineyard, or permanent subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) system is a different story. In these cases, the drip lines are expected to last many years, and flushing becomes very important to ensure the longevity of the system.
HOW TO FLUSH
The following tables outline what valves should be closed, and which should be open after the system has been pressurized.
THE FLUSHING PROCESS
For drip laterals, when you flush, there will be four stages you need to keep an eye out for. Make sure that you wait for the second phase of clean water before closing the lines.
It is very important for your water velocity to be sufficient. If your water velocity is too low, consider 1. Opening fewer laterals at a time, and 2. If this still doesn’t work, you can change your hydraulic valves from “auto” to “open” in order to bypass the pressure regulating function of the valve. However, caution is advised to not exceed pressures that the system can handle.
A note about self-flushing line ends. These are small valves that are “normally open”’ (NO), but they close when the system reaches a certain pressure. This creates a short flush at the beginning and end of each irrigation system. The self-flushing line ends help clean the system, particularly the line ends, but they do not provide a high-velocity flush. Normal flushing is still required even if you have self-flushing line ends.
FLUSHING MANIFOLDS
If there is not a flushing manifold, the flushing is done manually through the opening of each drip lateral.
When a flushing manifold is installed, all drip laterals are connected to an end flushing manifold, which has a valve that vents to the atmosphere. Flushing is as simple as opening the flushing manifold valve to expel debris from the drip system.
To achieve the high velocity required for flushing, not all laterals of a block are opened at once. They are opened as sets to allow the higher velocity.
CONCLUSION
Flushing is an important component of drip irrigation maintenance, and this article should be considered as a highlevel guide. Additional information can be found in the Rivulis Drip Guides / Knowledge Hub at www.rivulis.com
Always remember that regular flushing helps ensure the longevity of the system by reducing clogging, ultimately protecting crop yield, and minimizing the need for drip line replacement.
THE FOUR STAGES OF THE FLUSHING PROCESS
Perth’s Groundwater Replenishment Scheme notches recharge record
Perth’s world-leading Groundwater Replenishment Scheme has reached a major milestone with 100-billion litres of purified recycled water –equivalent to 100 Optus Stadiums - recharged into climate-impacted groundwater aquifers.
Commissioned by Water Corporation in 2017, the scheme takes treated wastewater from the Beenyup Water Resource Recovery Facility in Craigie and purifies it to drinking water standards at the adjacent Advanced Water Recycling Plant.
Purified water is then recharged deep into underground aquifers where it is further filtered and used to support the sustainability of vital groundwater resources.
Groundwater currently makes up around 40 per cent of Perth’s drinking water, and supplies much of the water used by industry, horticulture, and to irrigate parks, ovals and public green spaces.
However, since 1980, the impact of climate change on rainfall has seen an alarming drop in groundwater levels.
Water Corporation’s Head of Treatment & Resource Recovery, Rino Trolio, emphasised the important role of groundwater replenishment in meeting the challenges posed by climate change.
“The impact of climate change on Perth’s water resources is clear - since 1980, rainfall has declined by 20 per cent and groundwater levels have fallen by as much as 10 metres in some areas,” Mr Trolio said.
“We’ve had to do things differently in Western Australia, and to turn to innovative projects such as the Groundwater Replenishment Scheme that reduce our reliance on rainfall.
“The impact of climate change on Perth’s water resources is clear - since 1980, rainfall has declined by 20 per cent and groundwater levels have fallen by as much as 10 metres in some areas.”
“Replenishing groundwater through the scheme allows us to abstract an equivalent volume of groundwater from elsewhere, which helps ensure the groundwater we use as drinking water is sourced sustainably.
“100 billion litres is a really significant milestone, and highlights to other Australian water utilities how beneficial such a scheme can be in a drying climate.”
The scheme, which has the capacity to recharge 28 billion litres of purified water each year, was the first of its kind in Australia and one of only three in the world when first commissioned.
In addition to water recycling, investment in climate-resilient water sources and water efficiency is fundamental to future water security across WA.
For more information about the Water Corporation’s Groundwater Replenishment Scheme, visit www. watercorporation.com.au/GWR
Water Corporation groundwater replenishment fact file
• Groundwater replenishment is the process by which highly treated wastewater undergoes advanced treatment to produce purified water, beyond drinking water standards.
• The water is then stored in deep underground aquifers until it is extracted years later, treated further, and supplied to Perth’s drinking water system.
• The recharge capacity was doubled in 2022 from 14 billion litres per year up to 28 billion litres of water into groundwater supplies each year – enough to supply up to 100,000 households.
• By 2035, Water Corporation’s overall goal is to recycle more than a third (35%) of wastewater.
• Water from the full-scale scheme is being recharged via both on-site and off-site recharge bores. This comprises both Leederville and Yarragadee bores, with the Leederville bores between 200 and 500 metres deep and the Yarragadee bores between 700 and 1,400 metres deep.
• Groundwater replenishment uses the same reverse osmosis treatment process as seawater desalination but is much more energy efficient – using around a quarter of the energy – as far less pressure is required to remove impurities from the treated wastewater than salt from seawater.
• This greater efficiency helps Water Corporation’s target of net zero emissions across all operations by 2035.
• Prior to operation, a Groundwater Replenishment Trial ran for three years, from 2010 to 2012, and was the first trial of its kind to be conducted in Australia, on that scale.
• The trial plant continued to operate until September 2014. From the start of the trial until closure in 2014, the plant recharged nearly five billion litres of recycled water into groundwater supplies.
• Stringent systems, processes and regulations ensure groundwater replenishment does not present any public health or environmental risks.
• The purified water from the advanced water recycling plant is so pure that minerals and chlorine would need to be added for it to be supplied as drinking water.
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Mon-Fri, 8am - 10pm
Building the Future of Landscape with Drip Irrigation
THE COEXISTENCE OF GROWTH AND CHALLENGES
The landscape industry, responsible for beautifying public parks, gardens, and urban spaces, has been experiencing rapid growth due to rising residential and commercial real estate demands. However, it is also faced with various pressing challenges, including the rising costs of labor, local regulations related to water conservation, and the complex nature of “land” itself - the variety of land shapes: walls, rooftops, curves, slopes… to name a few.
A SOLUTION THAT WORKS AT THE CORE
Like farming, water is at the core of almost everything about the landscape. Therefore, it is wise to tackle these challenges from the practice of irrigation. Drip is one of the fastest-growing segments in the landscape sector
Different from conventional sprinklers, drip irrigation systems use water more efficiently. With drip irrigation, water moves slowly through the soil profile, not through the air. So virtually every drop is used rather than running down the street, evaporating before getting to the plants’ roots, hitting the wrong places or being effected by wind and pressure.
IN THE GARDEN WITH NETAFIM
Transform gardens with easy-to-install landscape solutions, offering efficient watering options for both small and large gardens.
Explore Netafim’s Precision Irrigation Solutions for your next irrigation project? Visit: www.netafim.com.au
Drip pipes can cover more square footage than their traditional counterparts with the same amount of water. This is especially meaningful for areas with drought concerns or strict policies regarding water usage. This also reduces up-front material costs for those switching to drip from a traditional spray system.
Importantly, drip irrigation pipes can cover odd shapes better than any traditional solutions, forming the lifeline beneath the green and allowing growers to make the most of their usable land despite unusual field shapes and sizes.
The future of landscape lies in the wider acceptance and application of effective, reliable drip irrigation. By conserving water and promoting plant health, it’s a forwardthinking solution to creating and maintaining landscapes, offering a smart, sustainable approach for the landscape industry, balancing beauty with environmental responsibility.
TRAINING & CERTIFICATION
Expand your opportunities in an industry full of growth!
WHY CHOOSE IRRIGATION AUSTRALIA?
Irrigation Australia provides a wide range of high-quality training programs, delivered by industry experts who are passionate about the training that they are delivering
We provide a unique blended learning experience, focusing on a practical approach, which allows our students to learn by doing!
PRACTICAL FOCUS
BLENDED LEARNING
COURSE VARIETY
REGISTER YOUR STAFF FOR A PRIVATE IRRIGATION TRAINING COURSE!
Irrigation Australia is proud to offer tailored training solutions for private groups across the country. Whether you’re part of a company, community group, or organisation, our industry-recognised training programs are designed to meet your unique needs
With a minimum group size of 8-10 participants, we provide flexibility in course content, resources, equipment, and trainer selection, ensuring the training aligns perfectly with your goals.
Get in touch today to discuss how we can bring customised, high-quality irrigation training directly to you! Email Sam.OBrien@irrigation.org.au for more information
15
Knowledge pathways to discover!
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
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Click here to complete our easy Expressions of Interest form and our team will be in touch soon!
Enhancing Water Efficiency and Plant Health with Vortex Technology
Water conservation and improved irrigation efficiency are crucial in maintaining healthy landscapes while reducing resource consumption. The installation of vortex technology in irrigation systems has demonstrated remarkable benefits, from substantial water savings to enhanced plant and soil health.
OPTIMISING WATER USAGE
The integration of vortex technology has shown a significant improvement in water efficiency, reducing water use by up to 30-40%. This optimisation ensures that water is effectively available to turf, plants, and trees, maximising hydration with minimal waste.
HEALTHIER TURF AND PLANTS
With better water absorption, turf and plant health see noticeable improvements. The energised water enhances soil structure, unlocking essential nutrients and improving water movement within the soil. This allows the root system to uptake water and nutrients more efficiently, leading to lusher landscapes without the need for excessive watering.
ENHANCED SOIL HEALTH AND WATER RETENTION
Vortex technology contributes to better soil health by promoting the movement of water through the soil. This not only improves nutrient availability but also increases water retention, reducing the frequency of irrigation while sustaining plant growth.
IMPROVED IRRIGATION SYSTEM PERFORMANCE
By reducing friction loss in pipes, vortex technology minimises pressure loss, leading to improved sprinkler coverage. Additionally, it helps prevent the buildup of iron and calcium deposits within the irrigation system, effectively softening the water and extending the lifespan of the infrastructure.
COST AND MAINTENANCE BENEFITS
A notable advantage of vortex technology is the reduction in irrigation run times. This leads to lower pump running costs and reduced maintenance expenses. Furthermore, the system requires no ongoing maintenance, operates without electricity, and boasts an impressive lifespan of over 30 years.
The installation of vortex technology in irrigation systems has demonstrated remarkable benefits, from substantial water savings to enhanced plant and soil health.
REAL-WORLD SUCCESS STORIES
Gwynne Park, City of Armadale
In December 2023, vortex technology was installed at Gwynne Park, where the irrigation system is approximately 35 years old and lacks head-to-head coverage. Despite these limitations, the improvement in turf health has been evident. The City of Armadale has also reduced its irrigation schedule from seven days a week to four, achieving a 5% reduction in water use on those days without any additional site work beyond scheduled maintenance.
Due to the significant improvements in soil health and the condition of the turf, the City of Armadale has not had to carry out the scheduled fertiliser application. This is a direct result of the efforts made in enhancing soil quality. See the photo from the end of March 2025 for a visual representation of these positive changes.
Read the feature article on the vortex install for the City of Armadale HERE
The City of Armadale has [also] reduced its irrigation schedule from seven days a week to four, achieving a 5% reduction in water use on those days...
After
Curtin University, Midland Campus
Like the Armadale site, Curtin University Midland faces challenges due to its irrigation being off scheme water, restricting watering to twice a week as per Water Corporation regulations. The vortex installation aimed to maximise the efficiency of these two watering days. Since its implementation in November 2024, turf and garden health have improved significantly with no additional site modifications apart from mowing.
Other Successful Installations
• Kondinin Oval: Achieved a 25% water reduction.
• Hyden Oval: Also reduced water use by 25%. These ovals depend on dam catchment water, making every saved drop crucial.
• Touchwood Nursery (main supplier to Bunnings): Noted improved plant health, increased water retention in pots, and reduced watering needs.
• Various market gardens and farms in South Western Australia have experienced similar benefits.
LOCALLY BUILT FOR SUSTAINABLE WATER MANAGEMENT
Vortex technology is proudly Australian-made in Bunbury, ensuring quality while supporting local industry. Its effectiveness in reducing water consumption and enhancing landscape health makes it an invaluable tool for sustainable water management.
By adopting this innovative solution, councils, businesses, and agricultural sectors can achieve significant water savings, cost reductions, and long-term environmental benefits.
THANK YOU TO OUR IRRIGATION FUTURES SPONSORS
At Irrigation Australia, we are deeply committed to building a sustainable Australian irrigation industry through applied research, high-quality skills and careers development, and balanced policy advice.
We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the following leading irrigation companies which sponsor our 'Irrigation Futures' initiatives. Their invaluable support, which often includes financial contributions and the provision of modern equipment and facilities for our students, plays a vital role in shaping the future of our industry.
Irrigation Futures provides a model which builds real opportunities for engagement and offers a unique chance to shape a sustainable future for irrigation. If you’re interested in supporting our initiative, please reach out for more information.
INTRODUCING
IRRIGATION CAREERS
DIVE INTO THE WORLD OF IRRIGATION
Irrigation Careers is 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. Help keep Irrigation Careers a valuable resource by sharing your passion and expertise. Contact us today to contribute quality content, career testimonials, and feedback to inspire and empower the future leaders of irrigation!
Explore a diverse array of career opportunities
Get inspired with career testimonials from experienced professionals
Start your journey in irrigation today
Learn more about Irrigation Australia's nationally recognised Training & Certification programs
Enrol in one of our introductory courses!
Ready to kickstart your journey in the irrigation industry? The Irrigation Insights - Induction Course is a free online learning resource, designed as the ultimate introduction for newcomers
Offering a comprehensive overview of the industry, this course is the perfect starting point for those exploring career options, gaining work experience, or looking to onboard new employees
Discover fun facts about the irrigation industry
Are you reading to dive into the basics of irrigation in Australia’s unique environment?
The Introduction to Irrigation (Part A) is an online course, designed to provide foundational knowledge for anyone entering the industry
This course offers practical, easy-to-understand insights to get you started, awarding you with a Statement of Completion at the end!
STRENGTHENING THE IRRIGATION WORKFORCE
NEW INITIATIVES AND PARTNERSHIPS
Irrigation Australia is proud to introduce several new partnerships that reinforce our commitment to strengthening the irrigation workforce:
Introducing the Irrigation Australia Talent Hub
In collaboration with GoHeadhunt, we are launching the Irrigation Australia Talent Hub - a smart platform connecting skilled professionals with leading employers in irrigation, water management, and landscaping.
Benefits for job seekers:
Access exclusive job opportunities
AI-powered recruitment tools
Personalised career support and mentoring
Direct connections with top employers
More details on this partnership will be shared soon!
Benefits for employers:
Access to a curated talent pool
Smart hiring tools for streamlined recruitment
Featured job postings for increased visibility
A cost-effective recruitment solution
Expanding employment pathways with atWork Australia
We are also beginning an engagement process with atWork Australia, a national employment services provider offering tailored workforce solutions across the country.
This collaboration provides employers with access to a diverse pool of job-ready candidates, financial support for accredited training, and government wage subsidies of up to $10,000. By working together, we aim to enhance workforce planning, reduce hiring costs, and create meaningful employment pathways within the irrigation industry
Introducing myfuture - A career resource for future irrigation professionals
In late 2024, we collaborated with Education Services Australia to elevate our industry’s profile on myfutureAustralia's national career information service myfuture supports career planning, pathways, and transitions by providing insights and resources for those guiding career choices. We're excited to announce that Irrigation Careers has been added the the myfuture site as a helpful industry website under select occupation profiles!
Mega ‘fatberg’ pulled from Water Corporation plant
A mega ‘fatberg’, estimated to be the largest seen in WA, has been removed from Water Corporation’s Woodman Point Water Resource Recovery Facility in Munster, the biggest wastewater treatment plant in WA.
Weighing an estimated 30 tonnes, the congealed, putrid mass of ‘rags’ – including non-flushable products like wet wipes, paper towel and sanitary items – was removed over two days by an excavator.
Combined with fats, oils and grease to form so-called fatbergs, non-flushable material causes blockages in the sewer network and clogs wastewater pumps, which can result in wastewater overflows, posing a potential public health risk.
In 2023, Water Corporation responded to 1,329 preventable wastewater blockages caused by fatbergs and non-flushable materials – up from 1,152 in 2022 and 918 in 2021.
Water Corporation Head of Treatment and Resource Recovery
Rino Trolio said: “This work was part of our ongoing preventative maintenance program across more than 100 wastewater treatment facilities, including at Woodman Point, hundreds of sewer pump stations and around 18,000km of wastewater main throughout the state.
“Despite being labelled as such, not all products labelled as ‘flushable’ can be flushed down the loo. Most wet wipes, for example, don’t disintegrate like toilet paper.”
In Brief
• 30-tonne mass of non-flushable material removed from wastewater treatment plant
• Sewage waste mountain estimated to be biggest recorded in WA
• Reminder to the community to bin non-flushable products, fats, oils and grease
“The issue is non-flushable material doesn’t disintegrate properly and gets matted with fats, oils and grease mistakenly put down the sink. None of this material should be in the sewer network. As a reminder, only the 3Ps – pee, poo and toilet paper – should go down the toilet.
“It’s a year-round, time-consuming and expensive job to unclog this waste material and keep the pipes flowing. It’s also an unpleasant task for our operators, as you can imagine, even more so on a hot day!”
In Australia and New Zealand, a new ‘flushability’ standard (AS/ NZS 5328 Flushable Products) outlines the criteria for products that can be labelled as ‘flushable’ and safely flushed down the toilet, ensuring they disintegrate properly and don’t cause sewer blockages.
Rino Trolio continued: “Despite being labelled as such, not all products labelled as ‘flushable’ can be flushed down the loo. Most wet wipes, for example, don’t disintegrate like toilet paper.
“Unfortunately, wastewater blockages are a reality faced by every water utility in the world but they are entirely preventable. We do our bit but also need the community to help us keep our sewer network flowing freely.”
In addition to its ongoing preventative maintenance program at wastewater treatment facilities and pump stations, Water Corporation spent more than $1 million last year unclogging blockages from its sewer network and expects this figure to increase this year – costs ultimately borne by taxpayers.
Perth Region
Water Update
DO YOU NEED HELP WITH YOUR IRRIGATION SYSTEM ?
Be Wise ... Choose Waterwise
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.
FIND A WATERWISE SPECIALIST
Search our endorsed Waterwise Members Directory for expert help near you.
Waterwise Garden Irrigators
Waterwise Irrigation Design Shops
THEWATERWISE IRRIGATIONEXPO
As the ultimate gathering for Western Australia’s urban landscape industry, the 2025 Waterwise Irrigation Expo serves as a vital platform for industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders to connect, share insights, and explore the latest technologies that drive efficient and sustainable water solutions.
This year, the Waterwise Irrigation Expo will be held at the Novotel Vines Resort in Perth, offering a fresh venue for industry professionals to come together. With new features and an inspiring location, the 2025 event promises to build on the successes of our previous events, driving innovation and sustainability in irrigation practices!
SINGLE DELEGATE
Member Price: $150
Non-Member Price: $300 + GST +GST
MULTI BUY
Member Price: $750
Non-Member Price: $1500 +GST +GST (6 for the price of 5!)
P R O G R A M
REGISTRATIONSOPEN
6:30AM 7:30AM-8:15AM
OPENINGPRESENTATIONS
Welcome by Alison Waters - WA Regional Chair
Presentation from TIACS
Background on the TradeMutt / TIACS story
How to access professional mental health counselling through TIACS
How to engage in conversations about mental health
Presentation from Hunter - Major Event Sponsor
Innovation and technology in irrigation
Sustainable water management
Future trends in irrigation
Presentation from Dave Cameron - CEO of Irrigation Australia
Daniel Ferguson - Department of Water & Environmental Regulation
Andrew Ogden - Western Irrigation
ROTATIONALSESSIONSCONTINUED
1:30PM-2:30PM
SESSIONSCONCLUDED 3:30PM
MEETOUR2025EXHIBITORS
Amiad Water Systems is a world leader in water treatment and filtration solutions, and for 60 years has devoted its passion and commitment to developing a comprehensive line of water filtration systems for applications in the irrigation and industrial markets Our products are integrated into the core of water filtration and treatment systems such as micro-irrigation, membrane protection, wastewater treatment, potable water treatment, cooling systems and seawater filtration and are built for efficiency and reliability, backed by our commitment to excellence and best customer service With our screen, disc, microfiber and media technologies and broad range of automatic, semi-automatic and manual filters, we can effectively treat and filter water according to each customer’s specific requirements
PREMIER SPONSOR
Wholly owned and operated in WA since 2006, APT Water supplies pumps, ancillary water products and turn-key solutions to the WA market With a proud history of quality products and the highest level of customer support, APT Water is renowned for reliability, after sales and unmatched product knowledge Brands we supply include; Lowara, Goulds, Filtersafe screen & Azud disc filtration and Permaglass bore casing and column Our in-house design, fabrication and testing supports turn key packages and customer confidence in supply
Aquamonix is dedicated to minimising environmental impacts for growers, governments and corporates, while also improving industry productivity and community resources We do this using our market leading hardware and technology platforms to engage directly with local customers and globally via our channel partner network Through our end-to-end solutions, Aquamonix provides the hardware, monitoring, connectivity and smarts that enable effective water management and environmental stewardship Our bespoke products are ideal for accurate water measurement, efficient irrigation, and the reduction of environmental harm With a proven track record and strong focus on our customers in the irrigation, resources, and government sectors, we continue to invest in Australian innovation and technology
We make water simple BD Water seamlessly integrates water solutions across irrigation, bores, and licensing We help farmers, developers, and commercial property owners secure sustainable water access with minimal hassle Whether it’s building efficient irrigation systems, drilling reliable bores, or handling complex licensing regulations, we deliver innovative, reliable solutions tailored to each client’s needs
Davey have been a leader in pump and water solutions since 1934 – both in Australia and across the world For over 90 years, our customers have come to Depend on Davey every day, to provide perfect pressure, healthy drinking water, protection from fire and flood, relaxing pool or spas, or irrigation to run farms or businesses Our products are used in some of the world’s toughest conditions, which is why they are built with dependability and reliability at their core
As the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, we support Western Australia’s community, economy and environment by managing and regulating the state’s environment and water resources We act to ensure our water resources meet the needs of the community, ecosystems and economic development We are committed to tackling the impacts of climate change on our precious water resources and to collaborating with industry on water saving initiatives and to create climate-resilient waterwise communities
LANYARD SPONSOR
Franklin Electric was established in Australia in 1962 to support the water industry Franklin Electric offers an extensive range of water pumps, submersible electric motors, VSD, controls and protective devices It has earned the reputation as a technical leader in all of its specialties, with products being used in residential, industrial, agricultural, mining, municipal, commercial and fueling applications No matter the project, Franklin Electric has a solution to meet your requirements MOVING WATER – MOVING FORWARD
MEETOUR2025EXHIBITORS
PREMIER SPONSOR
Grundfos Pumps Pty Ltd is part of a global network delivering pumping expertise and innovation in over 80 countries
Established in 1980, we serve the needs of Australia’s mining, industry, agriculture, utilities, property and domestic sectors
We also provide Australians with rapid access To the latest pumping technologies and innovations, including ongoing improvements in performance, materials, special applications, power sources and operating efficiency Tried and tested, Grundfos pumps deliver unequalled reliability and superior efficiency fulfilling all water needs, every time
HR Products is an Australian company specializing in the design, manufacture, and distribution of irrigation and water management products Established in 1979, the business caters for a diverse range of irrigation products and solutions for agricultural, commercial, and residential applications With a strong focus on innovation and sustainability, HR Products partners with leading global brands and offers expert advice to optimise water efficiency and support environmentally responsible irrigation practices
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Hunter Industries’ is committed to building high-quality irrigation products and backing them with outstanding service and support Hunter Industries is a global manufacturer of smart, water-efficient irrigation products for residential, golf and commercial use
KISTERS specialises in the gathering, processing and reporting of environmental data from all over the world, creating innovative and data driven solutions that harness the power of data and technology Our mission is to empower customers with truly reliable data-driven insights and technology they can trust to help them make the decisions they need to keep life thriving
MACSPRED® is a leader in Forestry Vegetation, Industrial Vegetation and Aquatic Weeds Management Manufacturing and distributing specialist herbicides in Australia since 1985, for use in non-agricultural areas MACSPRED® introduced granular herbicides first to the industrial markets, and then to the stateowned and private forestry companies across Australia Backed by a national team of herbicide specialists and now part of Syngenta Professional Solutions, MACSPRED® provides local know-how backed by global support Delivering best practice results, and meeting customer needs Visit MACSPRED® at booth #19 to explore their latest innovations, including Clipper® Aquatic Herbicide
Nelson Australia leads the irrigation sector with innovative solutions that improve yields, water efficiency, and sustainability In partnership with trusted brands like Nelson Irrigation, Hunter Industries, and FX Luminaire, we support growers, dealers, and the residential and commercial sectors With a nationwide team of experts, we provide high-quality sprinklers, valves and controllers helping clients make smart irrigation investments backed by reliable support in tough conditions
Established in 2018, today NewGround is supported by a group of passionate water management experts with over 100 years of experience delivering innovative and practical water and irrigation solutions to the Australian market Backed by more than 100 years of combined experience and an in-depth knowledge of commercial irrigation installation best practices, our team of skilled, water-wise experts are committed to finding the right water management solutions for our clients NewGround has evolved since its inception and now offers the following services to local communities and Councils, as well as commercial, agricultural, mining, and industrial water sectors: Design, Irrigation, Water engineering, Drainage, Turf Maintenance ,Irrigation, Pump and Bore Maintenance, Facility management, Sports turf construction plus lots more
MEETOUR2025EXHIBITORS
Pentair and its iconic Australian brands Onga & Southern Cross are highly respected and reputable brands that customers can trust Providing a comprehensive range of end-suction, vertical multistage pumps as well as tanks, submersible motors, controllers and accessories From irrigation, Farming, agricultural, domestic, firefighting, water transfer and submersible applications - Pentair has you covered Our customers can rely on us for our expertise and sound advice as we remain committed to delivering the best solution combined with exceptional service
Since its inception in 1929, Philmac has been a company synonymous with invention, quality and reliability Pioneering the plastic compression fitting more than 60 years ago, it is humbling to know that Philmac continues to set the standard today Philmac provides a broad range of water management solutions servicing agriculture, irrigation, civil, water authority and plumbing sectors Philmac is the only range of poly compression fittings designed and made in Australia Water is precious Put your trust in a Philmac original
PLASSON is a global leader in pipe connection solutions, with over 60 years of expertise Serving sectors like agriculture, plumbing, and mining, they offer durable and reliable fittings suitable for a range of environments Their Australian team provides excellent customer service and technical support, ensuring high-quality standards for every project PLASSON's innovative products are trusted in both urban and rural applications, supporting infrastructure development and environmental sustainability
Profitably providing defect-free, high value product and service solutions that promote the intelligent use of water for worldwide irrigation applications Achieving customer satisfaction by being the customer’s best choice today and in the future Achieving customer satisfaction by meeting or exceeding customer expectations
Reliance Worldwide Corporation (RWC) and its global family of brands, including SharkBite, Reliance Valves and John Guest, provide a comprehensive range of plumbing solutions Recently, Holman has joined the RWC family, adding their expertise in outdoor watering and PVC products to the extensive range of products offered by RWC Together, RWC offer innovative solutions to efficiently manage water both into and out of the home
Reefe Pumps Australia is the main brand of Ascento Group Australia, an Australia-owned and operated company supplying pumps, pump stations, controls and water conservation solutions The business started in 1976 and has serviced the pump industry since 2007 Our national head office is in Lytton, QLD, with six other offices/warehouse in Australia, giving national coverage to all our distributors We are optimistic about the future and are moving forward with confidence and strength, growing our business through ‘quality service’ and respect for customers and our suppliers –BETTER, FASTER, EASIER
RGD Corporation is a Western Australian based global business specialising in the manufacture, importation and distribution of high quality irrigation & agricultural products to the rural, irrigation, marine, industrial and mining industries With one of the most diverse product ranges in the industry and exceptional delivery times, RGD is the best choice when placing your next order
Signal specialises in Australian-engineered irrigation control systems for councils, schools, growers, and commercial landscapes Integrated with the SignalCloud platform, the technology provides real-time remote access via any mobile device With features like data monitoring, scheduling, and fault detection, Signal ensures precise and efficient water management Designed for reliability and scalability, Signal’s solutions simplify operations, conserve resources, and empower users to manage irrigation networks with ease Proudly designed in Australia, Signal is the trusted choice for user-friendly, waterwise irrigation management
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SWAN Systems is a cutting-edge water accounting and visualization platform designed to optimize irrigation management As the industry's premier comprehensive software suite for water management, SWAN provides decision support by integrating key business and agronomic touchpoints Unlike solutions that focus on single points of measurement, SWAN offers a holistic approach, ensuring irrigation practices are aligned with business goals to achieve optimal outcomes With advanced insights and seamless integration, SWAN transforms water management into a streamlined, data-driven process
Toro Australia is a manufacturer and supplier of advanced irrigation products and turf care machinery Toro helps customers care for commercial and residential properties, sports fields, public green spaces and golf courses Toro values the trust customers place in their people and products, and has a genuine desire to help customers solve their most important challenges in a sustainable way Toro’s irrigation product range consists of sprinklers, (central) control systems, valves, sensors and fittings Toro products are available from a national dealer network
Vinidex is a leader in Australian manufacturing and supply of advanced pipe systems and solutions We are a proud Australian manufacturer, with a strong history of over 60 years in Australia with proven long-term performance and reliability Vinidex is backed by the strength of Aliaxis, a global leader in plastic piping solutions, with around 16,000 people worldwide This allows us to connect our customers with innovative technologies from around the world
Water Corporation provides water, wastewater and drainage services across WA We work closely with irrigation specialists and manufacturers through a variety of programs to support the industry and state to stay Waterwise
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THE
WATERWISE IRRIGATION EXPO
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Don’t miss out - secure your spot at the 2025 Waterwise Expo today and be a part of the future of sustainable water solutions!
