Overflow Magazine Spring 2020

Quarterly Publication of Irrigation Australia (WA Region)

NO. 62 SPRING 2020

IN THIS ISSUE No better time to be Waterwise

Innovative Organic Biofiltration Media

Increasing Water Security, Quality and Efficiency

Readily Available Water explained

Back to basics: Seasonal adjustment

Future-proofing Western Australia’s south-west

Dairy Australia partners with Australian agriculture

Report: Lawn is an excellent bushfire retardant

Hartfield Park Managed Aquifer Recharge

Installation Practices of Residential Irrigation Controllers

New water treatment plant for Bunbury

- Spring 2020 Lifelong learning keyThe to Overflow business growth

1

Contents

Keep up-to-date with irrigation in Australia, visit the IAL website at www.irrigationaustralia.com.au

No better time to be Waterwise

6

Increasing Water Security, Water Quality and Water Efficiency for the City of Perth and CBD

8

Back to basics: Seasonal adjustment

12

Dairy Australia partners with Australian agriculture to deliver smarter irrigation

14

Hartfield Park Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) – 2020 Season Update 16 New water treatment plant to meet future needs of Bunbury

18

Innovative Organic Biofiltration Media

22

Readily Available Water explained

24

Designing a sustainable irrigation scheme to future-proof Western Australia’s south-west

26

Report confirms: Lawn is an excellent bushfire retardant

30

Installation Practices of Residential Irrigation Controllers

34

Lifelong learning key to business growth

36

New awareness campaign to inspire waterwise action at start of National Water Week

39

Mark Your Diary November 4-6

Meter Installation & Validation (3x half-day virtual)

17

Certificate III in Irrigation Technology (Nov intake)

17-19 Irrigation Pumps & Systems (3x half-day virtual) 18-20, 23, 26 & 27 IRRICAD Design (6 x half-day virtual) 3-4

Basics in Wiring & Electrical Troubleshooting (2x half-day virtual)

For further information please visit: www.irrigationaustralia.com.au/training/training

Cover: Langley Queens Gardens, see City of Perth article, page 8

National Contacts Bryan Ward - Chief Executive Officer Geoff Harvey - National Training & Marketing Manager Marike Froneman - Accountant (part time) Andres Jaramillo - Training and Certification Officer Chris Delphin - Business Administration Manager Kahla McKinless - Training & Certification Assistant Tracy Martin-National Membership & Regions Manager

WA Contacts bryan.ward@irrigation.org.au geoff.harvey@irrigation.org.au marike.froneman@irrigation.org.au andres.jaramillo@irrigation.org.au chris.delphin@irrigation.org.au kahla.mckinless@irrigation.org.au tracy.martin@irrigation.org.au

Rebecca New – IALWA Administration Support (08) 6263 7774 email: adminsupport@irrigation.org.au Ellen Slobe – IAL WA Projects Officer (08) 6263 7774 Mobile: 0458 291 643 email: ellen.slobe@irrigation.org.au

Authorised sprinkler testing signs If you are testing a 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 authorized work and avoid a possible infringement, you might like to have a sign clearly displayed at the front of the property. These signs are available from the IAL (WA).

Now available in: Magnetic ($75) GST Exclusive.

All signs approximately 400mm x 300mm.

To download the order form please click here.

2

The Overflow - Spring 2020

Chairman's Report

From the CEO Bryan Ward

Clinton Hort

Welcome to this Overflow edition.

At the recent IALWA Annual Regional Meeting, we could reflect and acknowledge the time and dedication offered by the volunteers on the WA Regional Committee and various subcommittees. They really are the lifeblood and strength of the industry.

I would like to offer heartfelt thanks to the Regional Committee and sub committees for their generous contribution over the last 12 months. We are a volunteer organisation in WA, and our committee members work tirelessly for the benefit of the industry that generally goes unrewarded.

To put up their hand and offer their time selflessly to volunteer for the Irrigation Australia committee shows their commitment to the industry. We welcome and appreciate their support. It can be challenging to leave personal objectives behind, but the work they do benefits the industry greatly, their knowledge and insight into how it all comes together is invaluable and gives the industry some balance. This is where our strength is built from.

In particular, we acknowledge the support of Shaye Holmes and Les Oliveri who are leaving the committee this year.

Shaye assisted on the Overflow Sub-Committee over the last couple of years during its transition into a “virtual” magazine.

This move is really driving value for our advertisers, and article content continues to have the best information available. Les is moving on after serving on the IALWA committee for close to 30 years, as WA Treasurer for the past 15 years and the national Board for 6 years. We wish Les all the best in retirement.

We now welcome several incoming committee members, and will publicise assigned roles in the next Overflow edition when they are assigned.

Also, without the support of important partners, we could not achieve the outcomes that we do for the Western Australian Irrigation Industry. We are very privileged to have the support of several agencies, including the Department of Water & Environmental Regulation, Water Corporation and Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. We value the relationship that we have developed over the many years. The outcomes we have achieved together ensures the Irrigation Industry in Western Australia remains relevant and sought after for advice.

Enjoy the rest of the issue.

Clinton Hort IAL (WA) Industry Chairman

Life is never dull in the irrigation industry and 2020 is proving to be a year that we will not forget for some time. Starting with bushfires and severe drought across the country, then a coronavirus that has impacted our health and economy and now the Bureau of Meteorology has declared a La Niña phase which typically results in increased rain for eastern and northern Australia. Whilst the rain is most welcome, severe floods and increased risk of cyclones are not.

Our primary producers are hardy folk and have become very adept at coping with extreme weather, but we hope they get a decent period of stability in the months to come.

COVID-19 resulted in the postponement of our conference from September 2020 to July 2021 however consideration is being given to a further postponement to ensure that this event can proceed in a safe manner and we are able to maximise the number of international visitors that can attend. An announcement regarding this can be expected soon.

Our training team have adapted well to delivering training in the virtual online world and the range of our courses has expanded since the coronavirus restricted face-to-face training. We have been fortunate that WA has been one of a very few places that we have been able to continue to deliver a mix of classroom and virtual online delivery. New courses added include a Storage Meter Installation and Validation Certification, commercial and urban design, electrofusion and of course the new Certificate III Irrigation Technician which is a recognised trade qualification.

Irrigation Australia have had an office at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development offices in South Perth for 15 years and we have greatly appreciated the support received from the Department. Due to some issues relating to this office building our staff were working from home for some months. Irrigation Australia has now taken a lease on a premise in Cockburn Central. We are very pleased that the WA team of Tracy, Ellen and Rebecca are now able to work from the same office and we extend a welcome to Irrigation Australia members to pop in and meet the team!

Bryan Ward Chief Executive Officer

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

The Overflow - Spring 2020

3

Regional Update Tracy Martin - National Membership & Regions Manager and Ellen Slobe - WA Projects Officer

Dear Members, Industry Colleagues and Interested Parties, Welcome to yet another Spring edition of the Overflow magazine.

Western Australia is fortunate enough to be in a position with the Covid pandemic to host events with no number restrictions, and subsequently the member event which was scheduled for March and got deferred, was back on the calendar for August 20th.

71 members embraced the cold morning air at Ozone Reserve, East Perth to learn about the City of Perth’s irrigation network, recent projects for water security, water quality and water efficiency presented by Blake Humble.

Elliotts Irrigation (Mark Pipes) presented on the supply and installation of the groundwater filtration system (40LPS) and Aquamonix (Don May) presented on the supply of the Rainman irrigation central control system. (Read more about this on pg 8)

City of Perth event

4

City of Perth event

The WA Committee co-hosted a half day field event with DPIRD, DWER, Vegetables WA and Perth NRM targeting the Carabooda – North Wanneroo area. This event showcased the outcomes from the 22 on-farm assessments that Irrigation Australia was contracted to undertake on behalf of DPIRD in late 2019, as well as showcasing water efficiency use in view the landholders/owners will have their water allocation reduced by 10% in the future. Soil moisture, irrigation pumps, drip line and controller/sprinkler manufacturers were invited to exhibit their latest water efficient technologies as part of the field day activities.

Participants were split into groups and whilst the inside presentations took place, the other group ventured outside to undertake various field demonstrations covering components such as; dye testing of drip irrigation, DU testing and the all-important soil water discussion.

The Overflow - Spring 2020

The event concluded with the Minister for Agriculture the Hon Alannah MacTiernan addressing the audience followed by a light dinner over a networking session. Due to the success of this event, Irrigation Australia will continue to investigate opportunities to deliver similar in 2021.

The Annual Regional WA Meeting was held on 20th October at South Perth Bowling Club. Nominations have been called for the 2020/21 year and 18 nominations have been received.

All nominees have been accepted and will meet in November to determine their voluntary position on a respective committee.

The Regional Committee meets on the 3rd Tuesday of every month and incorporates the Core Executive, along with the Chairs of the respective sub committees. This provides an opportunity for all works that have been carried out to be reported on, actions to be identified and forthcoming decisions to be discussed and determined.

Pictured below: Carabooda Water Use Efficiency Field Day

The Committees are: • Core Executive • Members Interests/ Technical Sub Committee • Waterwise Sub Committee • Overflow Sub Committee • Training Sub Committee • Rural Sub Committee I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many volunteers who participate in these various sub committees - these volunteers provide guidance on regional activities that not only align with stakeholder provision for services agreements, but also the WA Strategic Plan. Without their support, the region would not achieve the KPI’s that it does.

Irrigation Australia (WA Region) hosts a variety of events showcasing, public open space, commercial sites of interest in the Perth region as well as agricultural sites in various locations. Sites are chosen on accessibility, availability and irrigation specifics, however collaboration with stakeholders also provides opportunities to showcase the irrigation industry. Some events are open to the wider irrigation industry, whilst some are exclusive to members only.

Member events are extremely popular and provide knowledge transfer to attendees, the opportunity to enquire and ask “why did you do it this way?” they also provide the opportunity to network and meet industry colleagues as well see products in-situ. These events are promoted out to our members by email invitation and are generally fully subscribed within a matter of days of promotion. If you are interested in membership with the peak industry Association, please visit this link to view the membership categories and suite of services included available https://www.irrigationaustralia.com.au/ membership-information/membershipcategories

social media channels. Members and industry are encouraged to distribute this to the community at every opportunity.

At the time of writing, preparations are in place to hold the rescheduled Bunbury Waterwise industry launch on 28th October, with support from Aqwest. We look forward to engaging with the industry in Bunbury and have the support of several smart controller suppliers who will be coming along to demonstrate their products. There is a renewed focus on introducing the waterwise programs to the South West region – any industry members who are interested to obtain information on how Waterwise endorsement might assist their business are encouraged to contact WA staff.

As mentioned in our CEO, Bryan Ward's report, Irrigation Australia (WA Region) has commenced operations from its new premises, since 24th September. Please take note of new address & phone details: 1st Floor, U2, 26 Hammond Rd, Cockburn Central WA 6164 PO Box 3401, Success WA 6964 PH: (08) 6263 7774

Waterwise

With Spring well underway, the Waterwise members are busy in the peak irrigation season. As reported in the last edition of Overflow, Irrigation Australia released the “Guide to a Water Efficient Garden” document on 1st September and continues to promote this online through various

The Overflow - Spring 2020

5

No better time to be

Waterwise According to the Bureau of Meteorology, this winter was Perth's equal warmest and fourth driest on record. This year Perth’s year-toend winter rainfall was 27.6 per cent below the long-term average – a stark reminder of the impacts of climate change and need for Perth to be waterwise.

A key to our waterwise future is ensuring irrigators, both old and new, understand how to use water efficiently and that they adopt waterwise practices in their daily work. The Department works proactively with Irrigation Australia to assist irrigators in achieving this.

Seven of the 38 actions from the Waterwise Perth Action Plan (Plan) launched by Minister for Water Dave Kelly MLA in 2019, incorporate irrigation elements in urban areas.

In playing its role to deliver the Plan, the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) is working with stakeholders to establish a shared perspective and responsibility to conserve valuable water resources, with clear actions to ensure Perth becomes a leading waterwise city by 2030.

6

The current two-year action plan is the beginning of a 10-year journey.

The focus of the first 12 months of the Plan has been the start of a long-term education and engagement program for a waterwise Perth, with the irrigation industry an important stakeholder group participating in the program.

DWER Executive Director Strategy and Engagement Patrick Seares said workshops, ongoing meetings with local government and industry, as well as presentations to partners and stakeholders, was a critical element of the Plan’s success.

“Each of the eight partner agencies involved in the Waterwise Perth Action Plan contribute to, and benefit from the Plan’s outcomes,” he said.

“Having these agencies – whether it is the Department of Communities, Water Corporation or local government – work with us hand-in-hand to deliver the outcomes has been crucial to broader community ownership of the Plan.”

These outcomes include recreation opportunities, connectivity, culture and community, better long-term planning, climate change resilience and adaptation and liveability.

The Overflow - Spring 2020

“Some of the items we need to push ahead with are increasing participation in the Waterwise Golf Course Program to reach another 22 golf courses,” Mr Seares said.

The Waterwise Golf Course Program aims to engage WA golf courses in a concerted effort to increase irrigation efficiency and sustainable use of water helping to provide security for the golfing industry.

“Currently there are 11 golf courses undertaking accreditation within the program, with a further 10 registered to commence accreditation.

“Waterwise programs in other sectors have achieved substantial water savings in irrigated spaces, and golf is one that can help make a difference.

“Golf courses are considered a substantial water user and due to their high profile water use, they can be a leader in promoting efficient and effective water management, as well as provide tree canopy and green areas for recreation, biodiversity and to help keep urban areas cool.”

While the Waterwise Councils program continues to be embraced with all 32

greater metropolitan local governments now participating, the Waterwise Perth Action Plan has a target for 100 per cent of councils as certified Gold by 2030.

“A continuing culture of improved irrigation practices is driven through this program,” Mr Seares said.

“Right now we have 22 Gold, seven endorsed and three working toward endorsement.

“The Waterwise Greening Scheme provides the opportunity for Waterwise Councils to receive up to $10,000 of co-funding each year to support waterwise greening initiatives.

“People are actively requesting clear information and guidance on what actions they can take.

“Seeing evidence of others in the community adopting waterwise behaviours will build the change we need.”

Mr Seares said transitioning to a leading waterwise city means changing the way we manage water in our urban landscape between now and 2030.

“This change can only be delivered by the joint efforts of State and local

government, the irrigation sector, traditional owners, the community and the urban development industry,” he said.

The Waterwise Perth Action Plan was developed following engagement and collaboration from over 50 organisations and more than 200 individuals. To read the Plan and learn how you can be waterwise visit https:// www.dwer.wa.gov.au/waterwise.

For inquiries or feedback, please contact waterwise@dwer.wa.gov.au.

“Greening with waterwise plants and trees can help with local water quality, improving community health and wellbeing, increasing biodiversity, improving local amenity and cooling local communities.

“We will continue to work with the Water Corporation to enhance this program and support local governments in their continuous improvement across the water cycle and adoption of waterwise principles.

“We are also working with local government and developers to determine feasibility of alternative water supplies for public open space in areas without groundwater available including the north east corridor.

“Assisting schools, universities and other institutions to reduce groundwater use through a new Waterwise Grounds Program is also on the agenda.”

“We recognise the fantastic existing programs and resources,” Waterwise Cities Program Manager Winsome MacLaurin said.

“Our goal is to adopt an approach that brings so much of the excellent work already out there together.

“Early research is telling us that the public is both willing to know what the issues are and what they can do about them.

The Overflow - Spring 2020

7

Increasing Water Security, Water Quality and Water Efficiency for the City of Perth and CBD By the City of Perth

The City of Perth’s Parks and Environment team is responsible for the care and maintenance of 120 hectares of greenspace including heritage parks and gardens, foreshore reserves, pockets parks and other greenspaces. Of these 120 hectares, 106 hectares are irrigated during the summer months, with more than 104 separate irrigation systems in operation.

Groundwater is drawn from both the superficial aquifer (West Perth) and the deeper Leederville aquifer (Langley Park and Ozone Reserve).

With more than 60 hectares of CBD greenspace reliant on one water source, the City of Perth has recently commenced a range of water security initiatives, including an alternative water supply strategy, main drain research and monitoring program and the drilling and commissioning

8

of a secondary Leederville aquifer groundwater bore.

The construction of the Ozone Reserve Leederville Aquifer bore commenced in May 2019. The bore was drilled using a rotary mud method to a total depth of 360 meters. 54 meters of 520mm O.D steel surface casing was installed with 100 meters of 393mm O.D FRP and 191 meters of 278mm O.D FRP to case the bore hole. 69 meters of 218mm O.D stainless steel screen was installed with a 0.5mm aperture. Bore development was completed via airlifting and jetting across 48 hours and test pumping was undertaken for 24 hours.

The static water level being 5.0 meters, and at 80 litres per second, drawdown was 11.96 meters. Groundwater quality is 1.84 mS/m (electrical conductivity) with a pH of 6.3 at 17.2 degrees Celsius. The final pump selection was a Grundfos SP 160-

The Overflow - Spring 2020

3AA producing 45 litres per second at 45 meters of head. The bore and pumping system was commissioned in October 2019.

Fortuitously, two weeks after commissioning, the City of Perth’s Langley Park bore failed due to water ingress into the pump motor via the pump cable. As a result, the pump had to be pulled and the motor replaced.

During this down time the Ozone Reserve bore was put to duty and supplied over 30,000kL to keep the City’s CBD green spaces irrigated.

Groundwater is pumped directly through a groundwater filtration system, located within Ozone Reserve, to remove dissolved iron and is then stored in Lake Vasto for irrigation purposes. In 2017, the City of Perth released a tender for the replacement of its Ozone Reserve groundwater chemical treatment system. The

tender specifications called for the supply, installation and commissioning of a non-chemical groundwater filtration system capable of filtering groundwater at a flow of 38LPS with an iron content of 20PPM, ensuring that the maximum residual level of iron in the water delivered into Lake Vasto had an iron content of less than 0.3PPM. A 6 x 60-inch modular tank system was engineered with independent remote control and monitoring capabilities allowing the ability to monitor flowrates through each unit. The lake level is also monitored allowing a comprehensive 24-hour, 7-day a week overview of system operation and performance.

Computer graphing and trending is carried out over each module, along with metering and total water usage allowing the City to compare trends and usage over the future months and years of operation. The system was also designed to have zero water wastage.

Wellington Gardens Langley Queens Gardens

Stirling Gardens

Aeration pumps oxidate the soluble iron in the bore water, turning it into a solid. The media in the filtration modules then capture this. This process continues for 15 hours of borepump run time before the system will automatically backwash to rid itself of the captured iron. A rinse cycle then flushes the modules collectively for 3 minutes before returning the system to service. During backwash and rinse cycles, all water is returned to Lake Vasto via a concrete backwash tank which is compartmentalised to allow the dissolved iron to drop out as it flows through the backwash tank.

The lifespan of the filtration media is expected to be over 30 years before need to be replaced.

The heart of the filtration system is the filter controls which operate through a SCADA system, featuring a touchscreen interface. This enables the team to monitor and adjust lake fill levels, received emailed fault alerts, and even reset the pumps should it fault for any reason.

The groundwater filtration system came online in early February 2018 with current water quality data showing the iron content to be 0.0PPM. Maintenance challenges mainly consist of iron fouling on the inlet side of the filter manifolds, the aeration pump impellers, as well as the submersible pump fouling up over time. The

Ozone Reserve Pump Station Flow Meter

Ozone Groundwater Filtration System

expected maintenance cost of the new non-chemical groundwater filtration system is estimated to be $15,000.00 per annum, compared with a maintenance budget of $131,164.00 per annum for the previous chemical treatment system.

The project included the replacement of 104 existing irrigation controllers, installation of 77 RainMAN RTUs, RainWAN Wireless Nodes, 24VAC and Decoder Systems, city-wide cellular communications, 2 x Solid State Weather Stations, 20 x soil moisture sensors and local and remote water meters. The project was rolled out smoothly with a seamless “hot swapout” of the system where the contractors; Total Eden Watering Systems, decommissioned old controllers and recommissioned new units on the same day to avoid downtime. Wireless Nodes were installed in various locations, which each connect to the nearest RTU. To resolve challenges caused by buildings disrupting communications, 4G modems were installed to ensure coverage, using a closed encrypted data network.

For the upcoming 2020 irrigation season, 68 of the 77 RTUs will have the irrigation schedules informed by ET data. In the front-end, water budgets are calculated for each park based on historical evaporation rates and the City’s groundwater allocations. Each month the maximum allowable ET replacement (mm) per irrigation event is entered into the irrigation central control to ensure the City’s groundwater usage

Due to the reduced maintenance cost, it is estimated that the capital replacement cost of $545,890.00 will be recouped in savings within the next 5 years. The useful life of the filtration system is expected to exceed 15 years. Therefore, the net cost savings over a 15-year useful life period are approximately $1,000,000.00 During 2019, the City of Perth commissioned a city-wide irrigation central control management system.

The RainMAN system controls 104 irrigation systems, with 77 main controllers (RTUs) controlling groundwater, storm water and scheme water fed irrigation systems.

10

Ozone Groundwater Filtration System

The Overflow - Spring 2020

does not exceed its allocation/budgeted amount. The irrigation central control uses the ET data to determine station runtime length to replenish soil moisture levels. 20 soil moisture sensors are also used to monitor irrigation effectiveness and inform irrigation management decisions during rainfall events. The irrigation central control also provides real time data on water use and pump system faults.

Utilising the irrigation central control for the 2019/20 irrigation season, the City has seen a massive saving in groundwater use, with a total of 200,129 kilolitres (kL) saved.

Specifically, use of the Leederville Aquifer Bores located in the CBD have also seen a saving of 107,227kL. Electrical costs associated with the operation of pumping infrastructure have decreased. In major parks such as Langley Park and Ozone Reserve, the City has seen more than $2000 saved thanks to the irrigation central control. Additionally, there are efficiencies in staff time and vehicle transport costs associated with physically travelling to each irrigation controller to turn off the controller during rainfall events which is now achieved by a few clicks of a mouse.

you can’t beat

The Original

the Philmac compression fitting range is made in Australia for Australian conditions

NEW Easy Lok Joins large bore metric pipe fast and reliably every time.

PHI0817 09/20

Back to basics: Seasonal adjustment Recent customer research has shown that many people over-water their gardens by failing to allow for seasonal adjustments.

We all want to care for our gardens as best we can, however, as the seasons change, so too do the watering needs of lawns and gardens.

This represents an important educational opportunity for irrigators and irrigation design stores. By taking a

minute to explain seasonal adjustment to customers, and even helping set up seasonal adjustment on their irrigation controllers, we can achieve big water savings while providing excellent customer service.

The table below shows the adjustments that should be made (in Perth and the South West) to irrigation controllers’ “seasonal adjustment” setting to avoid over-watering.

You can share this with your customers, and encourage them to learn more at watercorporation.com.au/ sprinklers *The Winter Sprinkler Switch Off applies to scheme and bore water users in Perth, Mandurah and parts of the South West and Great Southern regions between 1 June and 31 August each year.

Time of year

Seasonal adjustment

January–February

100%

March

80%

April

60%

May

Use manually, as necessary

June–August

System turned off*

September

Use manually, as necessary

October

60%

November

80%

December

90%

12

The Overflow - Spring 2020

By Neil Lantzke

L

M ANYWHER O R F 2 EW C C A ITH S S CE E C L AC

ADD CELLULAR TO YOUR ACC2 MANAGEMENT OPTIONS Gain more freedom and flexibility to manage your ACC2 irrigation controller on the go with the new A2C-CELL-E module. A2C-CELL-E enables powerful Centralus™ central control capabilities from your cellular device to maximise water savings and receive instant alarms and flow histories. That's the power of innovation.

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL IRRIGATION |

Learn more. Visit hunter.direct/acc2

National Free Call: 1 800 HUNTER Toll Free Fax: 1 800 651 680 www.hrproducts.com.au hrsales@hrproducts.com.au

Built on Innovation®

Tel: 1 300 856 368 Fax: 1 300 856 369 www.nelsonirrigation.com.au info@nelsonirrigation.com.au

Suite 7, 202 Ferntree Gully Road, Notting Hill, Melbourne, Victoria, 3168, Australia Tel: 61 3 9562 9918 Fax: 61 3 9558 6983

Dairy Australia partners with Australian agriculture to deliver smarter irrigation Dairy Australia is partnering with the cotton, sugar, grain and rice industries in a project to deliver the benefits of new efficient water use technologies to Australian farmers.

Over half of dairy farmers nationally use irrigation with some farms in certain regions relying totally on irrigated water. Smarter ways of irrigating can provide big efficiency benefits and this partnership project aims to increase average farmer profits by $20,000$40,000 annually.

As part of its contribution to the Smarter Irrigation for Profit phase II project (SIP2), the dairy industry has established 17 research and colearning ‘optimisation sites in dairy regions of Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and New South Wales. Dairy Australia is helping to manage many of these sites.

Dairy Australia Managing Director, David Nation, said that the collaboration of five Rural Research and Development Corporations, five universities and four governmental organisations underlined the

14

importance of the project for Australian agriculture.

“SIP2 is one of Australian agriculture’s major collaborative investments – it will be a game changer for many dairy farmers who rely on irrigation. Efficient water use is vital to sustain dairy farming in one of the most variable climates on earth,” said Dr. Nation.

SIP2 is supported by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment as part of its Rural R&D for Profit program.

Dairy Australia is investing $1.7 million in the project, part of an overall dairy investment worth $7.7 million made possible by the support of Agriculture Victoria, the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture and University of Southern Queensland. The total investment by all partners in the broader cross-sector SIP2 project is $22 million, maximising the combined funding of levy paying farmers.

Group Manager of Farm Profit and Capability, Peter Johnson, said Dairy Australia’s participation in the project’s first phase had shown big opportunities

The Overflow - Spring 2020

for dairy farmers to reduce costs by producing more feed from the same amount of water or less through better timing and scheduling of irrigation.

“The technologies we are trialling through our investment in SIP2 can really help farmers maximise the potential of their irrigation by providing real-time data for timely irrigation decisions. Put simply, data-driven decisions can reduce input costs associated with power, water and labour, whilst optimising the amount of dry matter yield produced. But applying the water at the right time at the commencement of the season, and after rainfall, is the foundational principle that establishes how efficient an irrigator can be throughout the rest of the season.

“The SIP2 optimisation sites involve local farms and the project aims to increase the number of farmers adopting technologies, data and practices that improve water productivity and irrigation performance.

This knowledge can then be made available to farmers across the country,” Mr Johnson said.

site and this will continue through the irrigation measurement period to the autumn break

FACT BOX

This led to the decision to start-up the centre pivot on 26th September as soil moisture was in steady decline since mid-September as evapotranspiration (ETo) increased.

Background

The irrigation has pushed soil moisture back into readily available water (RAW) where Michael will attempt to maintain it across the season. SWAN systems forecasts are used to predict rainfall and ETo. Pasture growth rates will be monitored, and water and power use efficiencies will be calculated at the end of the season.

Maximising yield potential: Key questions to be investigated at Peninsula Downs

Michael Twomey, Peninsula Downs

The Twomey farm is one of several within Peninsula Downs dairy operations in WA’s South-West, managed by Michael. The farm uses irrigation strategically on two areas of the farm: • 55ha managed as an early germination grazed ryegrass (April – mid-December); and • 45ha millet/chicory/clover managed for summer grazing.

Michael believes his summer pasture production can be improved by considering the variable factors that may be impacting upon maximising yield including soil type, selection of plant species, getting the right star start-up time for irrigation and ongoing irrigation scheduling.

“I am really keen to schedule irrigation events based on soil moisture monitoring and then measuring dry matter responses,” Mr Twomey said.

“I think that SIP2 has a lot of potential benefits for my farming system.”

Michael has been closely monitoring the soil moisture at the optimisation

• Can a green drought scenario be avoided by commencing irrigation earlier in the season (mid-spring) to extend the biennial ryegrass?

• Will the adoption of using an irrigation strategy based on depleting and refilling within in the readily available water (RAW) zone throughout the dry season increase dry matter production in year two and three of the project?

• Is the current pivot irrigation system operating efficiently according to specification and therefore is there potential to maximise production uniformly across the site?

• If the system takes advantage of offpeak power rates by increasing the application volume but decreasing irrigation frequency can soil moisture be maintained within RAW? Smarter Irrigation for Profit Phase II is supported by funding from the Australian Government department of Agriculture, water and the Environment as part of it Rural R & D for Profit program,and Dairy Australia.

For more information visit www. dairyaustralia.com.au or contact Site Coordinator Peter Hutton: huttop02@ gmail.com

Dardanup, WA Irrigation Optimisation site Western Dairy

• 220ha farm, 220ha milking platform, 100ha irrigation • Milking herd: 430 Friesian/Jersey cross cows • Optimisation site 5ha: early germination biannual ryegrass/ oats/ white and sub clover/chicory Water Supply • Water Entitlement: 0.5GL pumped by bore from the Leederville Aquifer into a farm dam that also receives surface run-off • 3 x 75kW pumps, pontoon mounted on the dam.

• Combined pumps supply 200L/ sec allowing three centre pivots to operate simultaneously Optimisation site irrigation system • Centre Pivot: 12ha, 4-span, 3600.

Optimisation site irrigation system • Capability to segment irrigation via wheel speed manipulation • Pre-project Irrigation scheduling decisions • The pivot at the optimisation site currently set to deliver 30L/ second. 8mm is applied every second day over a 10hr off-peak power window.

Technologies being trialled Three 40cm probes have been installed at the inner, middle and outer ring of the centre pivot at the optimisation site. Multi soil moisture monitors will provide improved insight into the true uniformity and rate of application of the centre pivot system over time. Probe sensor readings are taken at 10, 20, 30 and 40cm increments every hour and this data can be accessed via a smartphone.

IrriPasture and Pasture.io have been adopted as decision support tools. Pasture yield measurements are taken using a rising plate meter before and after grazing.

Hartfield Park Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) 2020 Season Update

By City of Kalamunda

The Project has seen two significate changes prior to the 2020 harvesting season. The Woodlupine main drain extraction set up has had a major overhaul and the City of Kalamunda in conjunction with Project Engineering WA Pty Ltd (ProEng) has successfully trialled a new Double Acting Valve capable of both storm-water injection and extraction.

Upgrades to the drain extraction setup included a new extraction pump mounted at the surface, model number (CRNE 64-2-1 N-F-A-E-HQQE 50 Hz) and the installation of a Rotorfulsh RF600 Self-cleaning Intake Strainer.

Rotorfulsh RF600

The extraction pump was upgraded to facilitate an increase in harvesting yield from the existing 6L/sec to a maximum 18L/sec, this rate will also accommodate for future expansion. The pump has also been relocated from the subsurface wet-well to the surface in order to simplify servicing requirements.

The pumping hydraulic characteristics were calculated as follows: pump flow rate to be 20.5 L/sec (73.8m3/hr) @ 52m TDH, in order to deliver a flow of 18 L/sec to the MAR plant plus 2.5 L/ for the Rotorfulsh RF600 Self-cleaning Intake Strainer.

16

Cross section of the upgraded extraction setup Woodlupine main drain Forrestfield

The Grundfos CRIE64-2-1 18.5Kw Multistage pump with integral VFD was selected in order achieve the hydraulic pumping requirements of the site.

The Rotorflush RF600 Self-cleaning Intake Strainer was trialled with the objective of reducing pump servicing and suction screen blockage.

The strainer has been selected to accommodate a full scheme system capable of 90m3 P/hour.

The previous setup required cleaning and maintenance after approximately 10,000kL of harvested stormwater. The new system has successfully harvested close to 50,000kL of storm-water without any maintenance intervention required. This was objectively confirmed using a submersible camera (image below) to inspect performance and monitor debris build up in the wet well. This inspection was undertaken at approximately the half-way point of the winter harvesting season.

The Overflow - Spring 2020

Submersible camera inspection mid-season

New Injection Valve Trial

Borehole injection valves are used to control the flow of water being injected into a borehole for the purpose of recharging a subterranean aquifer.

ProEng has developed a new Double Acting Valve that performs both injection & extraction of water, in a single construction. The double acting valve comprises a 316 stainless steel outer casing and a 316 stainless steel inner piston. The inner piston moves within the outer casing to open and close a number of ports on the outer

New ProEng Double Acting Valve

casing to allow water to pass through.

The materials of construction have been chosen to minimize corrosion and enhance the durability of the valve.

The piston is actuated using existing hydraulic pressure from the headworks.

As such the same water that is being injected into the bore is used to open and close the valve. In the event that one of the seals in the valve starts leaking, the only fluid that will leak is the same water being injected.

Two control lines run from the headworks to the valve. One line is used to open the valve and the second is used to close the valve.

This arrangement allows for exact positioning of the piston relative to the outer casing. The two control lines are connected to four solenoid valves on the headworks, two solenoid valves per control line. One of the two solenoid valves is connected the high-pressure feed from the headworks and the second solenoid valve is open to atmosphere. To move the piston, one

Removal of existing ProEng injection only valve

solenoid valve on each control line will open. For instance, when opening the valve, the solenoid connected to the high-pressure feed on control line one will open, whilst the solenoid opens to atmosphere on control line two will open. To close the valve the solenoid valve open to atmosphere on control line one will open, and the solenoid connected to the high-pressure feed on control line two will open. The control system is designed to open and close the necessary solenoid valves to gradually open and close the injection valve to control flow.

The control system automatically calculates the period that each solenoid valve will be open using the existing PLC, to allow the piston to move either a small amount or a larger amount, depending on the difference between the current flowrate and the flowrate setpoint.

The double acting valve has two process connections, with one connected to a rising main (top

connection) and the second capable of being connected to an extraction pump discharge (bottom connection).

The piston in the valve is hollow, which provides the ability to not only reinject water, but also extract water. When the valve is placed in extraction mode, the piston is moved into the fully closed position. The pump connected to the bottom will be started and water is sent through the hollow inner of the valve and up the rising main. A non-return valve is installed on the pump discharge such that when the valve is in injection mode water does not flow through the pump. If the valve is used for reinjection only, the bottom connection is plugged.

This set up retrofits to the existing PLC, with water flow, total flow, pressure, temperature, time and water level in the injection bore logged and recorded every 60 seconds.

The new Double Acting Valve has been successfully trialled at the Hartfield Park MAR site during the 2020 winter harvesting season, with no maintenance intervention required during the trial.

The fundamental reason for trialling this valve is to have the option of using the new decided injection bore as an extraction bore in summer. This provides much needed risk mitigation and redundancy to the system in the event an existing bore fails during the irrigation season.

Testing the Control lines

The new valve also provides the added advantage of reducing operating cost, previously contracted services and specialist equipment such as a crane, was required to remove the injection valve to install a submersible pump in order to convert from injection to extraction.

The Overflow - Spring 2020

17

From left: Aqwest Board Chair Stan Liaros, Water Minister Dave Kelly, Aqwest Chief Executive Officer Gary Hallsworth and Bunbury MLA Don Punch.

Article by the City of Albany

New water treatment plant to meet future needs of Bunbury Aqwest’s new $15 million water treatment plant, which will meet the future water supply needs of Greater Bunbury, was opened by Water Minister Dave Kelly in September.

The Ngoora Moolinap water treatment plant (Glen Iris) secures a sustainable water supply for Aqwest’s 35,000 customers and will be capable of producing 12 megalitres of drinking water per day.

18

The new water treatment plant forms part of Aqwest’s Urban Water Supply Strategy to relocate production away from the sensitive seawater/freshwater interface between the Yarragadee Aquifer and the Indian Ocean.

Water for the Bunbury area is currently drawn from several bores along the coast where, due to the impacts of climate change, the risk of increasing salinity levels threatens water quality.

The Overflow - Spring 2020

The new operations will extract water from a high quality, sustainable inland groundwater source, creating greater water production cost efficiencies and delivering benefits to customers.

Aqwest worked in collaboration with local Aboriginal Elders on the new name which reflects the Aboriginal history of and connection to the land.

Above: Gloria Dann, Melba Wallam, Phyllis Bennell, Sharon Cooke and Brett Hill.

Ngoora Moolinap will be open for community and school tours so people can learn about where their water comes from, the water treatment and distribution process and the history of the land.

Fast Facts “We are delighted that local Aboriginal Elders have been so involved with this project, which started with the naming of the plant and will continue with the landscaping and murals to tell and preserve the story of the land and its people.”

“Construction of this new water treatment plant is Aqwest’s largest capital works project of the last decade and is integral to our long term planning to secure a sustainable, high quality water supply for the Greater Bunbury region into the future.” said Aqwest Chief Executive Officer Gary Hallsworth.

• 12 megalitres of water would fill five Olympic swimming pools!

•

The Yarragadee Aquifer was formed during the Jurassic Period and in some areas the age of the groundwater is more than 30,000 years.

Make your projects flow with appFLO valves Whether it’s an Engineering, Plumbing, Irrigation, Fire Protection or Mining project, we stock a full range of valves & fittings to suit.

S U P E R I O R A P P L I C AT I O N F L O W

Ball, Gate, Globe, Butterfly, Check Valves, Strainers & more... We’ve got you covered.

WAFER CHECK VALVES

RESILIENT SEAT GATE VALVES

GAS

GENERAL PURPOSE

DZR

BUTTERFLY VALVES

SYDNEY BRISBANE MELBOURNE ADELAIDE PERTH TOWNSVILLE

‘Y’ STRAINER

CAMLOCK

aapindustries.com.au

other options “Kep Kwoba” meaning “fresh water” and “Gabi Boorawa” which means “water hole”.

Armed with the “Moullinup” name and her three options for the remainder of the name, she visited 17 local Elders who chose the name they thought best reflected the new plant.

Naming of new plant pays tribute to Aboriginal heritage The Aboriginal heritage around the location of Bunbury’s new water treatment plant has been reflected in the official naming of the new facility.

Pictured above (from left): Aboriginal Corporation Noongar Language Specialist Charmaine Councillor, Aqwest Board member Rhonda Norman, Aqwest Chief Executive Officer Gary Hallsworth and IPS Aboriginal Engagement Consultant Joanne Hill.

The Ngoora Moolinap Water Treatment Plant in the Bunbury suburb of Glen Iris, was named following consultation with local Aboriginal elders and means “water sitting in a well” and “swampy place”.

Excited by her find, Charmaine then read through databases of Aboriginal word lists complied by the WA Museum and the University of Adelaide to try and uncover its meaning.

In her investigation to assist Aqwest to name the facility, local Noongar Language Specialist Charmaine Councillor from the Wardandi Miya-k Kaadadjiny Aboriginal Corporation discovered that “Moullinup” was a place name in the Glen Iris area which had been lost over time.

Eventually finding it meant “swampy place”, Charmaine continued her research to find another Aboriginal word which described the new water treatment plant.

She came up with “Ngoora” which means “water sitting in a well” and two

Where does Aqwest operate?

Aqwest is a West Australian Government Trading Enterprise responsible for providing drinking water to the City of Bunbury and surrounding areas.

of Harvey and Myalup to south of Capel.

This includes Bunbury, parts of Dalyellup and the Picton industrial area, however its operating licence matches the boundary of the Greater Bunbury Regional Scheme, from north

Aqwest operates independently from the Water Corporation and is the sole provider of water for the Bunbury region.

“They were all excited and impressed that the area had an Aboriginal place name “Moullinup” that was already there and about celebrating the connection back to the country through the Noongar language,” Charmaine said.

“They all agreed that “Ngoora” was the closest representation of a Noongar word to describe something, so the name “Ngoora Moolinap” was the final result.

Due to many spellings of Noongar words it was important to make changes of the old to the new spelling system that is used today. This also supports the current school based programs across the South West.

“Noongar is an endangered language and because of historic events there are very few Aboriginal people and even our Elders who can speak it. In fact there are just five people in the South West of WA who can speak it fluently, so many words from the past are lost,” Charmaine said.

“To be able to use those words again is very exciting and has helped us bring our language alive again.”

HARVEY

AQWEST’s OPERATING LICENCE AREA

BINNINGUP

Map Key Current Water Supply Assets Operating Licence Area Roads / Highways Towns

It produces water from an integrated treatment and distribution system.

MYALUP

AUSTRALIND

BUNBURY

EATON

DALYELLUP

20

The Overflow - Spring 2020

BOYANUP PEPPERMINT GROVE BEACH CAPEL

DONNYBROOK

Distributed in WA by

IRRIGATION HAS NEVER BEEN

SMARTER

CHECK OUT THE e-HME SMART PUMP The range of Lowara Smart Pumps feature Xylem’s permanent magnet smart motor, providing market leading wire-to-water efficiencies that exceed the most progressive global standards. Installing a Lowara Smart Pump into the right application can save thousands of dollars and pay for itself quickly. With the e-HME, you also get a wide range of monitoring, control and safety features, right out of the box. There is no need to configure and this protection helps save on maintenance and repair costs. Plus, you can operate single or multi-pump systems of up to three pumps, with no need for an external control panel or PLC.

So make the smart move.

1800 LOWARA | xylem.com/au

Innovative Organic Biofiltration Media “Readily Available Water” through infiltration and treatment of contaminated water run off Purpose designed for specific landscape and rain garden applications, Organic Biofiltration Media allows for the efficient infiltration and treatment of contaminated water run-off from roads, car parks or other impermeable surfaces. The purified water can then be stored and re-used to irrigate landscaped areas. A wide range of plant species can be grown in such media that can also take up stored water by natural capillary action.

Over 100 international and local independent scientific studies have shown conclusively that this Organic Biofiltration media containing recycled materials can treat stormwater, industrial run-off and some industrial waste waters. Formulations are custom designed using a blend of tested and accredited components, in customised proportions, that are engineered for specific performance requirements such as pollutant removal, lifespan, hydraulic conductivity, compaction and plant growth. To support sustainability outcomes, those formulations include a minimum of 25% and up to 100% community recycled materials.

Organic biofiltration media reduces costs, time, and increases sustainable outcomes while improving the performance of vegetated biofiltration system such as rain gardens, detention basins and bio swales.

This media also supports robust plant establishment and sustainable growth.

22

High inherent water holding capacity and natural microbial activity creates a favourable growing environment and provides resilience in times of climatic stress.

It doesn’t require any additional fertiliser application to achieve plant establishment and growth due to the plant available nutrients inherent in the media in extractable form that nourish plants through mechanisms such as cation exchange. This results in significantly higher nutrient uptake into the vegetation (e.g. phytoremediation) thus avoiding leaching into the environment.

Purpose designed for rain garden applications Rain gardens are popular across Australia as a cost effective and beautiful way to reduce run-off in individual properties as well as in streets, parks and schools.

Raingardens are self-watering, low-maintenance gardens designed to protect our rivers and creeks, by capturing stormwater that runs off hard surfaces when it rains. It is designed to

The Overflow - Spring 2020

temporarily hold and soak in rainwater run-off that flows from roofs, driveways, patios or lawns.

Raingardens are easy to maintain, especially those with native Australian plants. They do not need to be watered, mowed or fertilised as much.

Organic Biofiltration Media in such a situation will greatly support the process and promote further efficient water usage.

Some examples of popular public rain gardens: Federation Square Carpark Raingarden (Melbourne CBD), Lambert Street Raingardens (Richmond) and Kings Square development (Perth CBD). Some councils such as Wollongong City Council (NSW) promotes rain gardens as a watersaving measure in their city. Richgro’s Organic Biofiltration Media, Ecomedia, is being used at Herron Park Estate and by the City of Melville.

Prolonged droughts in Western Australia has meant there is less water available for home gardeners, both in terms of natural rainfall and because of water restrictions. Gardeners are looking at different ways to overcome this dire situation and to prevent their gardens from becoming a wasteland.

One method is to build a rain garden.

Organic Biofiltration Media Ecomedia is a product made by Richgro under licence for Star Water Solutions.

Article by Richgro

• • • •

Readily Available Water explained Scheduling irrigation requires an understanding of how much water your soil can hold and how much of that water your crop (plant) can use.

Introduction

Water in the soil that is easily extracted by the plant is called Readily Available Water (RAW). To schedule irrigation with confidence that you are providing the crop with enough water, you need to understand how much of the water your soil can hold that is available to your crop.

A plant's roots get the water it needs to grow from the surrounding soil. This water is held by the soil with increasing strength as the soil dries out. This makes it harder for the plant to get the water and therefore affects its growth.

The relationship between crop stress and the amount of water held in the soil is shown in Figure 1. Some key terms relating to Readily Available Water (RAW) are “field capacity” and “refill point”: • Field capacity is the maximum

STEPS IN IDENTIFYING READILY AVAILABLE WATER Step 1: Dig a hole

Dig a hole within the root zone of your crop. For perennial crops, dig under the canopy in an area watered by the irrigation system. Try to dig to 1 metre or at least 30cm past the main root zone (where the fibrous roots are).

Turf will require a hole of only approx.

30 cm as this would be the maximum effective root depth.

Step 2: Identify the effective root zone

amount of water a soil can hold after drainage.

• Refill point is when the plant has used all readily available water.

Beyond refill point, as the soil dries out, the plant needs to work harder to extract water, stressing the crop. The area between field capacity and refill point is called Readily Available Water (RAW) — water in the soil that is easily extracted by the plant.

Unless you are trying to stress your crop (for example, with deficit-irrigated wine grapes) aim to maintain RAW at all times.

The amount of Readily Available Water varies with soil type, crop/plant type, rooting depth and irrigation system.

Follow these six steps to work out your crop’s RAW.

Figure 2 The effective root zone of a citrus tree can be seen in the top 30cm

The effective root zone is where the main mass of roots is found (see Figures 2 and 3). This is typically one to two-thirds of the depth of the deepest roots. Some crops, such as irrigated pasture, citrus, bananas, avocados and low-chill stone fruit, develop a mass of shallow roots with only a few roots penetrating deeper into the soil.

Figure 3 Fibrous roots which comprise the effective root zone may only extend a third as far as the deepest roots

Step 3: Identify different soil layers

Figure 1. Relationship between soil water and crop stress

24

The Overflow - Spring 2020

If you have different soil layers within the effective root zone measure the depth of each of these in metres.

Step 4: Identify gravel/stone in each layer

Stone and gravel reduce the amount of water that can be held by a soil. A very stony soil will hold much less water than the same soil without stones.

Grab three good handfuls of soil and using a 2mm sieve remove all stone and gravel (Figure 4). Place the pile of stones and gravel next to the pile of soil and visually estimate the proportions of each (for example, 60% stone and 40% soil). *assessing the content of gravel/stone in the soil is not applicable to a turf situation.

Figure 4 Sieving shows the proportions of stone and gravel in soil

Step 5: Identify soil texture(s)

Identify the texture of each soil layer within the effective root zone. The amount of water held by a soil and available to a plant varies with texture (see Table 1). For example, a loamy soil can hold more readily available water than a sand.

As the soil contains 20% stone, reduce the RAW by 20%. To do this, multiply by 0.8.

Adjusted RAW = 60mm/m x 0.8 = 48mm/m.

Figure 5 Forming a ribbon with moist soil helps identify soil texture

Hence, for a rooting depth of 0.3m:

Step 6: Calculate RAW

Total root zone RAW = 48mm/m x 0.3m = 14.4mm.

1. Identify the depth of the effective root zone.

2. Identify the depth of different soil layers within the effective root zone.

3. Determine the soil texture and percentage stone/gravel of each layer.

4. Select the crop water tension group from Table 1 and identify the RAW value for each soil texture layer (mm/m).

5. Reduce the RAW figure(s) by the % stone/gravel in the soil.

6. Multiply the thickness of each soil layer by its adjusted RAW value.

7. Add up the RAW for each soil layer to obtain the total root zone RAW. A citrus crop growing in a sandy loam soil containing 20% stone, with an effective root depth of 0.3m and a

To –20 kPa Water-sensitive crops such as vegetables and some tropical fruits

Soil texture

strategy to irrigate at 40kPa would have the following calculations: From Table 1, the RAW for a sandy loam soil at 40kPa = 60mm/m.

Example calculation

Soil texture can be assessed in the field by the feel of a moist soil sample

Water tension (0 kPa at saturation point)

when worked between your thumb and forefinger (Figure 5).

To –40 kPa Most fruit crops and table grapes, most tropical fruits

If your irrigation system wets the entire cropped area, use this figure (RAW mm) to schedule irrigations.

If you irrigate with a drip or microspray system that does not wet the entire cropped area, you need to convert RAW mm to RAW litres. See Converting Readily Available Water to litres for drip irrigation.

Thanks to WA Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development for allowing Irrigation Australia to reprint an edited version of this Information Sheet. https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/citrus/ calculating-readily-available-water For information, contact David Rowe, Research Officer T: 08 9368 3607 E: david.rowe@dpird.wa.gov.au

To –60 kPa Lucerne, perennial pastures, crops such as maize and soybeans, wine grapes (except where partial root zone drying is being practised on wine grapes)

To –100 kPa Annual pastures and hardy crops such as cotton, sorghum and winter crops

Readily Available Water (mm/m)

Sand

30

35

35

40

Loamy sand

45

50

55

60

Sandy loam

45

60

65

70

Loam

50

70

85

90

Sandy clay loam

40

60

70

80

Clay loam

30

55

65

80

Light clay

25

45

55

70

The Overflow - Spring 2020

25

Designing a sustainable irrigation scheme to future-proof Western Australia’s south-west Article originally published in Pump Industry Magazine, June 2020. Supplied by Southern Forest Irrigation Scheme.

The Southern Forests region around Manjimup and Pemberton is one of Western Australia’s most significant horticultural regions, however climate change is expected to limit water availability in future years under current water management practices. Therefore, to support the sustainability and expansion of the region, the Southern Forests Irrigation Scheme (SFIS) will provide a new, innovative way to secure reliable, good quality water supply all year round by improving water storage and distribution through a new dam, pipeline and pumping infrastructure. Pump Industry magazine sat down with Jeremy Bower, Chief Executive Officer of the SF Irrigation Co-operative, to find out more about the design of the project.

The Manjimup-Pemberton area of Western Australia is one of the state’s prime food hubs and the largest economic contributor from irrigated agriculture.

However, it is predicted that this area will be one of the hardest hit by climate change, with models predicting rainfall could decline up to 20-25 per cent in coming decades – with reduced rainfall already being experienced.

The effects of this have been further exacerbated with the closure of a number of sub-catchments due to full water allocation in the region since 2012 by the Department of Water.

26

Currently, farmers self-supply their water in on-stream and on-property dams to capture and store water for irrigation during summer.

However, rainfall and inflow to dams is highly variable in some areas with poor water quality sometimes occurring at the end of the irrigation season.

Furthermore, the inability to capture water without an adequate dam site in various locations has constrained the growth of the irrigation industry in the region.

This current system of water capture also lacks the infrastructure to share

The Overflow - Spring 2020

this precious resource and put it to its most productive use.

In order to drought-proof the region’s horticultural water supply and to expand the potential as a supplier of quality fruit and vegetable to domestic and international markets, the SFIS is being developed by the SF Irrigation Co-operative Limited (SFIC) in partnership with the State Government.

The SFIS was originally proposed under the previous State Government’s Water for Food program and offers the opportunity to supply water in a model that fits with the National Water Initiative and to stimulate economic investment.

Oversight of the scheme moved to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) under the current Labor Government, and then in June 2017 the SFIC was established to lead the project development and will own and operate it once completed.

“Over the past three years, there’s been extensive environmental surveys, catchment modelling and monitoring, and environmental flow studies to ensure first and foremost that the environment is not adversely affected by the scheme now and into the future.”

The scheme received funding from the State Government, from the Federal Government’s National Water Infrastructure Development Fund, and from local growers via the first round of water sales.

The SFIS takes into account the unique requirements and environment of the region, with a reservoir to be constructed approximately 3km away from the river source.

Designing the SFIS: taking inspiration from Tasmania The most common method for water management in agricultural regions in Western Australia is the use of onstream or gully dams for farms, but the State Government wanted a more sustainable method that would protect the region’s agricultural industry, as well as the environment.

In 2015-16, various options were assessed including building bigger dams in some of the sub-catchments and approaching farmers to sell their excess water to those dams.

However, these options proved to be unviable. Jeremy Bower, Chief Executive Officer of the SFIC, said this led to the WA Government taking inspiration from a solution in Tasmania.

“Tasmania has now built 15 irrigation schemes where a major water source, such as a river, has been linked to a pipe network to deliver water to farms in certain districts.

Studies were completed for the location of the reservoir and pipe network, and expressions of interest for water purchase were sent to the local farming community to ascertain the water demand and the likely scale of the scheme.

Originally, the demand was over 11 gigalitres (GL) of water, however this was subsequently reduced to 9.3GL by the Department of Water to reduce cost.

Following this, reliability studies were done to ensure the capability of the scheme to be sustainable over dry periods.

“The end result was a 15GL dam and approximately 250km of pipeline to over 90 farms thus far. We have approximately 1.7GL of water available for future sale, which if sold, would create a scheme that delivers water to over 100 farms in the district,” Mr Bower said.

Mr Bower said there have been some concerns around water trading but that the rules and system being implemented for the SFIS does not permit water investors’ or speculators’ involvement.

“You must be a member of the SFIC to participate in this scheme and to become a member you must be a landholder (lessee) and/or own a farm in the scheme district, with appropriate plans for agricultural use,” Mr Bower said.

“It’s taken time for certain stakeholders to understand, but being able to pipe water between properties is actually one of the most sustainable parts of a water scheme.

If farmer A doesn’t require all his water allocation for his business for one year or even over a certain number of years, instead of that water sitting in an on-stream dam, or being lost out of the system, he could reduce costs and sell the water to a neighbour for agricultural use.

This method ensures water is always put to its highest productive use and not wasted. “It’s not about making money trading water, it’s recognising that water is becoming an increasingly scarce resource and we need to get smarter about how we manage it.

It’s about providing the most efficient system to ensure the provision of good quality, reliable water for a really important Western Australian food producing region.”

These schemes have been very successful in terms of increasing productivity and being sustainable.

Tasmanian Irrigation assisted the WA State Government in assessing the potential for a scheme in the Southern Forests region including completing a business case that clearly demonstrated that the region could support a similar scheme and would bring significant economic benefit to the south-west,” Mr Bower said.

The Overflow - Spring 2020

27

The pumps that will bring water to the farms

The proposed water supply system for the SFIS has been modified based on feedback from community and key stakeholders by changing the design to minimise direct impact on the river and its riparian vegetation.

For example, the headworks have been re-designed to use submersible pumps adjacent to a deep pool created by a natural rock bar instead of constructing a man-made weir across the river, which would have created a large inundation area flooding vegetation.

In addition, the pump stations have been separated to reduce the footprint at the river by around 80 per cent.

The harvest pump site at the river will utilise a set of five to seven submersible pumps housed within a discrete concrete wet-well capable of pumping up to 200ML per day.

These pumps will be connected to a 3ML balance tank at a boost pump station located approximately 100m from the river in a sound-proof shed.

The water will then be pumped via a set of seven to nine variable speed drive end suction pumps through a 3km pipeline to the 15GL reservoir in the Record Brook gully.

At the dam, a distribution pump set containing eight horizontal variable speed drive pumps will be installed, which will move water to header tanks located at the highest points through separate northern and southern delivery lines.

The water will then be gravity fed through an approximately 250km pipeline network to the SFIC farmers.

Mr Bower said the proposed system requires significant pumping infrastructure as the scheme will only abstract water from the river during large flows predominantly through the winter months and only when the minimum flow threshold (set by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER)) has been exceeded.

28

It is important that these rates of extraction can be achieved to ensure that water is only extracted within permitted river flow criteria so that environmental flow is not impacted.

“Submersible pumps have been utilised in Tasmanian schemes and have clearly demonstrated their low environmental impact and their water harvest capability when high river flow rates occur during narrow seasonal windows,” Mr Bower said.

“This new design, with the submersibles and using a natural rock bar to provide adequate suction depth really reduces our footprint, as well as noise and visual impact.”

The SFIC has worked closely with river ecologists from DWER, as well as independent scientists and expert panels to ensure the minimum flow restrictions before pumping are correct and to ensure the river ecosystem is maintained.

Monitoring stream flow

In order to adhere to the strict pumping controls and to accurately measure and record stream flow for pump station control, the SFIS is investigating options for state-of-the-art monitoring equipment.

Mr Bower said the investigation is in the early stages, but the chosen equipment will have the level of accuracy required by DWER and is a condition of the water abstraction licence.

The Overflow - Spring 2020

“We’ll be guided by DWER on what is needed and where it is required.

DWER have monitoring stations that may be utilised.

“There is technology available that can provide a high level of accuracy and we will decide this through the detailed design process.”

Finalising the design and the tender process

Working with farmers has been important throughout the design process, with the design and pipe network ultimately controlled by their requirements and their knowledge of the region.

“We are currently working with local landholders along the proposed construction corridor to finalise the alignment for the infrastructure.

Farmers’ local knowledge has been utilised to complete the design.

Knowing where there’s a high point or a low point or a wet spot or something that is better to avoid is invaluable,” Mr Bower said.

Before the COVID-19 restrictions, the SFIC team was visiting landholders to ground-truth the alignment of the pipeline with farmers.

However, consultations are now online until in-person visits recommence, but despite this change, Mr Bower said the new process is working well.

“We’ve got alignment maps drawn up and we’re sending those by

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

email. Farmers are marking them up and we’ll ground-truth them when restrictions are lifted,” Mr Bower said.

Along with community consultations, other preliminary work is being done including completing preliminary design of the dam and second stage geotechnical work.

Earlier this year, DPIRD tendered and awarded a contract to complete these works.

Mr Bower said the SFIC planned to have these field investigations completed before the start of winter, but COVID-19 impacts on intrastate travel has impacted the schedule.

However, if these field and design tasks can be completed in the expected time frame, the SFIC is anticipating releasing tender documents early in the first quarter of 2021.

Mr Bower said two main tenders are expected to be advertised, with the project being run as design and construct contracts.

“We’re providing preliminary designs to reduce tender costs to enable more Tier 2 and 3 contractors to get involved.Once the contracts are awarded, we’ll need to see a completed design which complies with best practice,” Mr Bower said.

The project works will be split into two D&C contracts, with the dam works separate to the pumps and pipelines.

The SFIC is currently looking at the various tender requirements, including the desired performance and duty cycles, but this process is subject to approvals and environmental reviews confirming sustainability of the scheme.

Mr Bower said ideally the SFIC will engage local suppliers and contractors, or those based in Western Australia.

Orbit B-hyve Controllers 2020_HR Products Outlines.ai 1 25/02/2020 8:01:31 AM

However, the two head contractors will need Federal Safety Accreditation, so key suppliers will need to engage with those tendering for the work and to be part of the bid teams.

The names of companies tendering for the work will be posted on the SFIC website so suppliers and subcontractors know who to approach.

Ultimately, the contracts will be awarded to companies that can demonstrate they can complete works that will deliver the water and operate the scheme most efficiently.

Once the head contractors are selected, notification will be posted on the website.

For more information about the Southern Forests Irrigation Scheme and to keep up to date with the project, visit http://sfirrigationcooperative.com. au/.

Report confirms: Lawn is an excellent bushfire retardant

By Turf Australia Ltd. Originally published in Turf Australia Industry Magazine, Winter 2020 During the 2019/20 bushfire season in Australia more than 18.6 million hectares (46 million acres) of land was burnt. The impact of the fires was estimated to cost $3.9 billion to the economy, with insurance claims estimated to be approximately $1.9 billion. Almost 3,000 homes, and thousands of businesses and other buildings were destroyed (According to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy).

protection. Similarly, no work has been undertaken to understand whether synthetic grass has similar strategic properties.

It wasn’t the first high-consequence bushfire season and it certainly won’t be the last so bushfire planning and preparation remains at the forefront of public policy and the national conversation. A national Royal Commission and several State government inquiries into the fires are currently underway.

Keep reading for more detail but the good news is that the study confirmed that not only is living turf a natural bushfire-resilient retardant, but synthetic grass does not share those properties.

Fire agencies have long valued the role that turf (both in public spaces and in private lawns) plays in the strategic management of bushfire risk.

However very little research has been undertaken to confirm the scientific importance of living turf for fire

30

Until now.

Professional services company GHD was engaged by Hort Innovation to undertake a study on the benefits of living turf and its role as a bushfire retardant.

With the literature review completed, the project moved into the experimentation phase.

Partnering with the CSIRO’s Bushfire Behaviour and Risks group, samples of buffalo, couch and kikuyu were all subjected to ignition tests at varying fuel moisture levels to understand the combustibility of these turf types. The experiments were conducted at the high-tech Pyrotron facility at the CSIRO in Canberra, during the hot dry spring and summer conditions affecting major fires in eastern Australia at the time.

The varieties were tested according to different variables such as wind speed, length of grass and moisture levels.

Different fuel sources were also tested.

Ultimately, the experiments proved that living turf, even turf that was under severe moisture stress, was highly resistant to ignition, and had to be in a dead or near-dead state and desiccated to extremely low moisture content levels before it would sustain fire spread.

RESEARCH OVERVIEW

A literature review was initially conducted to review research that was already available in terms of flammability of turf and other materials, and the fire-testing standards of synthetic grass. The literature review also explored the extent to which is turf already being identified as a bushfire retardant.

The Overflow - Spring 2020

Editor's Note: Irrigation Australia promotes the importance of an efficient, functioning irrigation system where possible, to provide improved mitigation against fire.

with distinctly different results than uncut kikuyu. None of the 14 ignition attempts made in calm conditions with short cut kikuyu sustained combustion and only two of the 28 attempts in moderate or strong winds were sustainable, and only then, they were only successful at an ODW of 3.7% which was the driest conditions tested. Such moisture content can only be attained in dead grass, in hot and extremely dry conditions.

Ultimately, the experiments proved that living turf, even turf that was under severe moisture stress, was highly resistant to ignition, and had to be in a dead or near-dead state and desiccated to extremely low moisture content levels before it would sustain fire spread.

The literature review considered what impact, if any, water restrictions would have on the ability of natural lawns to retain its fire-retardant properties.

All but the most extreme levels of restrictions allow for some watering of lawns, whether that be on specific days or only during twilight hours. In almost all cases, this should keep lawns alive, even if visibly under water stress.

Fire resistance in action Non-sustaining ignitions

THE RESULTS Buffalo

In total, 72 ignition attempts were made in buffalo turf samples.

No live turf samples in a green, or partially green state (suffering severe moisture deficit stress) were able to be lit. Therefore, the 72 ignition experiments focused on dead or dying turf, in a very dry state at moisture contents well below what would be expected for a healthy or even drought-stressed lawn. The majority of testing concentrated on extremely dry conditions typical of a dead lawn on a day with severe bushfire danger.

Despite the extreme testing conditions applied, of these 72 attempts, only six samples ignited and only under incredibly dry and windy conditions.

Four of these samples required partial drying in an oven to get them to ignite.

Couch

Couch fared slightly less favourably, with 10 successful ignitions from 66 attempts. However, no live turf samples in a green, or partially green

state (suffering severe moisture deficit stress) were able to be lit. The successful ignition attempts were all attempts from the ‘extremely dry’ or ‘very dry’ moisture range.

Kikuyu

No live turf samples in a green, or partially green state (suffering severe moisture deficit stress) were able to be lit. 41 ignition attempts were made with ‘uncut’ kikuyu with 13 of combusting. With uncut kikuyu, there was a clear statistical significance in the level of moisture which would support combustion. All ignition attempts made at moisture contents below 11.2% ODW* were sustainable and those at higher moisture contents did not sustain in all wind conditions.

Such moisture content levels are only attainable in dead grass blades, in dry, very low humidity conditions.

Leaf blade moisture contents are expressed as mass of water as a percentage of oven-dried weight (ODW) of a sample.

An additional 42 ignition attempts were made with short-cut kikuyu,

While the ignition experiments confirm that live turf has fire retardant properties, how does this align with what has happened in real-life situations? According to Paul de Mar, project lead at GHD, there are many examples where post-bushfire assessment has shown strong alignment with the study.

“It is common in post-bushfire impacted areas to observe green, or partially green lawns remaining largely undamaged by fire surrounding either unburnt houses, or burnt houses where airborne ember attack has directly impacted the house but the surrounding lawn remains unburnt,” Mr de Mar said.

“Live turf is known operationally within fire agencies to both mitigate fire spread, and is a favoured means of providing defendable space near houses, to allow safe defence of properties. Lawns and walkways are a form of firebreak, which interrupt the path of surface fire spread – they can’t stop airborne embers but they can provide defendable space from where such embers can be safely put out.

During the 2019/20 fire season, and in many previous fire seasons, there are thousands of examples where

The Overflow - Spring 2020

31

SYNTHETIC GRASS IS NOT A SAFE SUBSTITUTE FOR LIVING GRASS Synthetic grass comprises a mixture of combustible plastics which are predisposed to melting and ignition. There is a great deal of variation on flammability between products with different types of plastic and additives used.

During the 2019/20 fire season, and in many previous fire seasons, there are thousands of examples where homeowners, or firefighters, or both, were able to use defendable spaces provided by maintained lawn areas to defend their houses against ember attack, saving their homes. home-owners, or firefighters, or both, were able to use defendable spaces provided by maintained lawn areas to defend their houses against ember attack, saving their homes.

Maintained lawns provide a healthy and clean environment which can make an important contribution to creating a defendable space around homes and infrastructure in bushfire prone areas.

For example, the Waroona bushfire which burnt through Yarloop in Western Australia in 2016 destroyed 181 houses. Green lawns are evident around destroyed houses (which succumbed to airborne ember attack) whilst others with surrounding green lawns, also subject to ember attack, were saved.

Jenny Zadro, Market Development Manager, Turf Australia says the findings are significant.

In 2018, Tathra in New South Wales was subjected to a high intensity bushfire which approached from the west through forest, but as shown in the image above, fire has not spread across maintained lawns. These lawn areas provided defendable space enabling firefighters to extinguish embers and save homes.

Summing it all up

The full scientific results of the experiment can be found on the Hort Innovation and Turf Australia websites.

However, the findings ultimately tell us that watered and mowed lawns are not combustible under any conditions associated with bushfires unless they are completely dead and have extremely low moisture contents. They also don’t melt or suffer permanent burn marks or damage.

32

“Put simply, this is one of the most important pieces of research that the turf industry has invested in. To uncover the scientific proof that our product can help protect homes in during Australia’s yearly bushfire seasons is game changing.

“Not only does it add a completely new element to the turf good news story but it opens up additional avenues for us to collaborate with professional and volunteer fire agencies, local government and other community organisations to help keep them safe.

“I encourage you to download all available resources on this project and explore how you can use them in conversations with your customers and stakeholders.”

A factsheet has been developed to help summarise the findings. This factsheet can be downloaded from the Turf Australia website and should be used to help you have discussions around this empirical, proven benefit of living turf.

The Overflow - Spring 2020

Owing to the variations of product and lack of international standard for fire testing in artificial grass, burning behaviour is difficult to test and evaluate. In addition, although fake grass sold typically passes legal standards relating to flammability and ignition, the standards are typically based around indoor settings and are significantly less extreme than testing undertaken as part of this project.

However, there have been numerous examples of where materials made by the same types of materials as many synthetic grasses have contributed to catastrophic fire events including the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire in London. The cladding used in this building contained a polyethylene core – a main ingredient in many synthetic turf products.

Separate to the risks around ignition and fire spread it should also be considered that if synthetic grass does ignite or melt, it results in the release of incredibly harmful toxins and chemicals.

For example, many synthetic grasses are made from polypropylene or polyethylene, the smoke from which is considered incredibly toxic. Firefighters will not enter an environment with such smoke without self-contained breathing apparatuses and as many volunteer fire services are not fully equipped with that equipment, other locations will be chosen to defend life and property.

PIONEER PRIME DIESEL DRIVEN SKIDS & TRAILERS

A comprehensive range of Auto Prime diesel packaged options for fixed and portable installations.

HWR SERIES

Wear-resistant pumps manufactured with high-chrome white iron to maximize resistance against destructive abrasives and maintain peak performance in light slurry applications.

VORTEX SERIES

A unique pumping solution that eliminates costly and disruptive downtime by passing through the most challenging solids using a recessed impeller.

WET PRIME SERIES

Self-priming pumps designed for reliable solids and clear liquids handling. Continues to reprime automatically after initial priming.

VERTICAL TURBINES

Submersible turbine pumps available in custom configurations to meet demanding application requirements.

SUBMERSIBLE MOTORS

Our submersible motors are tough, built to last and come in a variety of construction options.

END SUCTION CENTRIFUGAL

Close-coupled, electric motor driven pumps available in singleor three-phase standard voltages to fit your site requirements.

DRIVES & PROTECTION

Equip a Franklin drive to protect, monitor, and meet the different needs and demands of each application with the same pump.

CLEANWATER CENTRIFUGAL

Centrifugal pumps that feature heavy-duty ductile iron volutes, designed to handle tough applications with high efficiency.

VR SERIES

Vertical multi-stage pumps are available in high- and low-speed models for superior durability, efficiency, and performance in a wide variety of applications.

106-110 Micro Circuit, Dandenong South, Victoria 3175 , Australia Toll Free: 1300 FRANKLIN / 1300 372 655 Fax: +61 3 9799 5050 Tel: +61 3 9799 5000

www.franklin-electric.com.au

67 Proximity Drive, Sunshine West Victoria 3020, Australia Phone +6 1 399881650 Fax: +61 39988 1666

www.pioneerpump.com

Installation Practices of Residential Irrigation Controllers Automatic irrigation controllers have come a long way in recent years, with an array of innovative technology available for all budgets. Increasingly, full landscaping packages including complete irrigation system installations are included with residential land sales.

Generally, manufacturers’ specifications for automatic irrigation controllers recommend that a controller be installed on the wall and plugged into a 240volt mains socket outlet.

However, common practice in the Perth metropolitan region for installing residential irrigation controllers is to remove the plug/cord from the unit, and then “hard-wire” directly from a 240-volt mains supply to the controller transformer.

The direct connection of irrigation controllers is defined as electrical installing work in the Western Australian Electricity (Licensing) Regulations 1991 and can only be carried out by a licensed electrical contractor.

34

The Perth area appears to be the only region in Australia where this type of installation is standard practice.

So, why is this?

Irrigation Australia was recently asked this question, and we have liaised with various stakeholders across the industry including manufacturers, suppliers, irrigation installers and technicians, through to electrical contractors and electricity regulators. In short, there appears to be no definitive reason why hard-wired controllers have become common practice. Several theories, and “pro’s and con’s” have been provided and listed below.

Pro’s

It is suggested that hard-wired controllers may be a preferred option for aesthetic reasons; providing a neater installation. Additionally, security reasons have been cited, as it is much easier to steal a controller plugged into a power point than one hardwired to the home.

The Overflow - Spring 2020

Some have suggested an electrician’s task for hardwiring a controller is simply cheaper and easier than installing a socket outlet and is therefore the preferred option.

Having an irrigation controller on a plug and socket arrangement may avoid a situation where the resident might turn off the power inadvertently, causing the internal battery to drain and controller settings to be lost, thus resulting in systems running when they shouldn’t and potential fines for breaching watering restrictions.

Con’s

Currently, all automatic residential irrigation controllers are manufactured and supplied with a 240V plug and cord to be electrically compliant with the standards in Australia. Controllers are designed so that they can be simply plugged into a 240v mains power point and hung on the wall. The controller (with plug & cord) can then be safely installed by a competent person. The control voltage is stepped down via the transformer connected to the plug and cord to 24vac out to the field, so

there is no requirement for a licensed electrician to attend site if a controller fails or needs to be replaced. The controller can simply be unplugged and replaced by an irrigation technician.

Following the manufacturers’ installation guidelines prevents unnecessary hazards surrounding irrigation technicians or residents working on or near energised installations*. Isolation would simply require the user to unplug the unit, thus avoiding danger of electric shock or physical injury**.

The Australian Standards AS3000:2018 clause 4.1.2(e), titled “Selection and Installation of Electrical Equipment” states electrical equipment shall be selected and installed “in accordance with the requirements of this Section, and the additional requirements as specific in the manufacturer’s instructions”.

This poses the question for industry… what is the way forward? *For more information, see the OSH Regulations 1996 to provide further information on electrical hazards around live parts of an installation as it applies to all workplaces.

Extracts from the OSH Regulations 1996 - Electrical Work Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 Workplace safety requirements Part 3 Electricity Division 6 3.59A. Electrical work (1) A person who, at a workplace, is an employer, the main contractor, a selfemployed person, a person having control of the workplace or a person having control of access to the workplace must ensure that, before electrical work is carried out on a part of an electrical installation at the workplace, the part —

(a) is tested by a competent person to ascertain whether or not it is energised; and

(b) if it is found to be energised, is de-energised by a competent person.

Penalty for this subregulation: the regulation 1.16 penalty.

(2) Subregulation (1)(b) does not apply to electrical work carried out under the Electricity (Licensing) Regulations 1991 regulation 55(2). ** Power needs to be isolated (switched off) when a person enters a roof space if that is part of the course of works carried out.

3.59B. Work in roof spaces (2) A person who, at a workplace, is an employer, the main contractor, a selfemployed person, a person having control of the workplace or a person having control of access to the workplace must ensure that, before work is done in a roof space of a building at the workplace, the building’s electrical installation is de-energised by a competent person. Penalty for this subregulation: the regulation 1.16 penalty.

Pictured below from left: Rainbird ESP-ME3, Orbit B-Hyve, Hunter Industries X2 and Weathermatic SmartLine.

Images supplied courtesy of respective suppliers: Rain Bird, HR Products, Hunter Industries Inc. and Reece Group.

The Overflow - Spring 2020

35

Lifelong learning key to business growth

In a constantly evolving environment, business owners who commit to learning new skills will be better able to adapt to change and keep their business going in challenging conditions.

Many business owners feel that with all the responsibilities and tasks they already have, there is no time, need or capacity for them to learn new skills. However, studies have shown that adopting a ‘growth mindset’ — believing that your basic abilities are not fixed, and committing to learning and developing over time — is an important attribute for those who want to stay in business. People with a growth mindset prioritise lifelong learning so that they can consistently develop new and useful skills to get ahead.

36

The needs of your business can change over time. While you can always ‘buy in’ valuable professional advice and services from professionals including accountants, lawyers and consultants, there are many other needs you could meet yourself, if you develop the right skills and knowledge. These can include learning how to effectively use social media, understand your business financials, and refine your business plan.

Leaders who commit to learning new skills will be in a better position to

The Overflow - Spring 2020

steer their business forward, deal with challenges and seize opportunities.

Skills development is also important to many employees and offering these sorts of opportunities can help you retain good employees for longer, as they grow with your business.

What sort of learning is available to small businesses?

With business information readily available these days, there are many affordable ways to learn such as reading books and online articles, watching videos or listening to

range of affordable skills-building online workshops as part of their support for small business owners in Western Australia. Their interactive sessions cover topics designed both for new and established business owners who want to add to their skills. The workshops are available free of charge until the end of 2020, and at low cost after that, to support small businesses to emerge from the disruption of the pandemic. A full schedule of upcoming courses is available at smallbusiness.wa.gov.au/ workshops.

podcasts. For those who prefer to be instructed directly and learn with others, there are also short courses and workshops. At the other end of the spectrum, there are longer, more formal courses such certificates and diplomas offered by universities and other learning providers.

With a focus on keeping costs under control in a turbulent economy, there is significant demand for free and low cost learning opportunities for small business owners.

The rise of the internet and the social distancing changes due to COVID-19 resulted in an increase in demand (and supply) of online courses and webinars. Learning this way enables students to participate in skills development from the comfort of their own home or office, while accessing subject matter experts who can answer questions and provide insight into topics.

The Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) offers a wide

Organisations including chambers of commerce and industry bodies also frequently offer affordable business skills courses which, aside from providing learning opportunities, can allow you to connect with fellow small business owners.

Visit page 44 to view Irrigation Australia's upcoming training & learning opportunities!

Leaders who commit to learning new skills will be in a better position to steer their business forward, deal with challenges and seize opportunities.

The Overflow - Spring 2020

37

What types of training should you do?

The best type of training for your business is a topic that addresses the specific situations that you encounter. Considering how you will apply and practice what you learn is essential to making sure your learning investment is worthwhile. Many people find they learn most effectively through hands-on opportunities, so it’s useful to put new skills into practice before they are forgotten.

To decide what training you or your employees need to do for your business, ask yourself: • What am I trying to achieve for my business?

• What are the gaps in knowledge or skills that are holding my business back?

• What tasks could I cost effectively do myself in my business instead of outsourcing, if I had the skills?

• What am I interested in or inspired to learn more about, that I could apply to improving my business?

Making time for lifelong learning

Being a small business owner, you may feel that you don’t have much spare time to spend learning new skills. It is important to choose learning that fits into your available time, but to also consider whether you are using your spare time effectively. Recent studies show that Australians spend on average more than an hour and a half every day on social media and almost 14 million people have subscription or pay TV services. By dedicating a small amount of free time to meet your learning goals, you can slowly but surely build your skill base.

To succeed in small business, owners must be committed to growing and learning. Small business owners who are lifetime learners adapt to change more readily and can achieve great results for their business.

More information

Visit www.smallbusiness.wa.gov.au/ workshops for more information about the practical and affordable business skills training on offer from the SBDC. Small Business Development Corporation

38

The Overflow - Spring 2020

Practical support for your business 2020 has created many challenges, and also some new opportunities, for business owners. The situation with COVID-19 and its ongoing impact on the business sector is still evolving.

With small businesses making up 97 per cent of all businesses in WA and generating more than $50 billion each year, they are a critical part of our economy. If you own a small business in Western Australia, it’s important to know where to turn to when you are faced with challenges. The Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) offers a wide variety of practical and accessible resources to support you.

Tailored business advice If you are looking for advice on any aspect of business, a good starting point is the SBDC’s free advisory service. By calling 133 140 or using live chat on the SBDC website smallbusiness.wa.gov.au, you can ask an experienced business adviser questions about business matters ranging from partnerships and getting paid to importing and exporting, managing growth, marketing your business and more. Advisers are available to assist Monday to Friday, 8.30am-4.30pm.

Skills development This year, a variety of free online workshops have been made available to support small businesses through the COVID-19 crisis. In person workshops have also recommenced in a range of locations. The skills building workshops cover a wide range of topics from digital marketing to financial knowledge and can be used to develop skills in specific areas. An interactive workshop schedule is available on the SBDC’s website, allowing you to browse and book online.

Tenancy support Advice and support for commercial tenants has been in demand as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The State Government’s Commercial Tenancies (COVID-19 Response) Act 2020 was passed to help facilitate rent relief negotiations and support small business tenants who suffered a financial impact due to the COVID-19 restrictions. The SBDC website provides information about this legislation in an easy to understand format. The agency also offers a dispute resolution service for small business owners who are in dispute with other businesses or government agencies, including those related to commercial tenancy disputes.

Online resources and news Business owners can access a wide range of free downloadable resources such as business plan templates, cash flow forecasts and more from the SBDC website. The blog section is a useful source of current information on matters affecting small business owners in Western Australia. Topics include financial management, digital marketing and general advice on running your business, plus specific analysis on developments such as state and federal government budgets. This is also where any information about State Government initiatives and funding for small business is featured.

Connections There is a strong and vibrant small business community in Western Australia and it’s good to connect with others to share experiences and advice. The SBDC’s Facebook Group “I’m a Small Business Owner in Western Australia” (with more than 9,000 members) is particularly active. You can search and join the group to meet fellow WA business owners and learn from their advice and recommendations.

Contact the SBDC Visit www.smallbusiness.wa.gov.au or call 133 140 for practical support to help you run your business.

New awareness campaign to inspire waterwise action at start of National Water Week • State Government, through the Water Corporation, launches new climate change and waterwise awareness campaign at start of National Water Week • Think Climate Change.

Be Waterwise campaign to inspire action among individuals, communities and organisations to use water more wisely

Faced with the impacts of climate change and reduced rainfall, Western Australians are being urged to rethink their water use and reminded to practice waterwise habits as part of a new awareness campaign launched today by Water Minister Dave Kelly.

Launched on the first day of National Water Week (October 19-25), the Water Corporation's new campaign aims to educate the community on how climate change has reduced rainfall and impacted WA's water supply, how we as a State are responding, and what the community can do to keep up their waterwise practices.

This year's National Water Week theme is Reimagining our Water Future, which invites Australians to reimagine the way they use and reuse water to ensure there is enough for future generations.

The educational campaign launched today, encourages Western Australians to make small changes to their daily water use practices and incorporates the tagline Think Climate Change.

Be Waterwise. The first part of the campaign will run until the end of December 2020 across print, broadcast and digital media.

The first television advert can be seen at https://youtu.be/M_7VQbWO9Fg Comments attributed to Water Minister Dave Kelly: "Responding to the significant impacts of climate change on our water supply has never been more important.

"Perth has just experienced its fourth driest and warmest winter on record and, and with higher than average temperatures and decreasing rainfall in the south-west of the State, we all need to continue being waterwise in the home and workplace to help conserve this precious resource.

"While the State Government is responding to the impacts of climate change on the ground, it is the Commonwealth Government that ultimately needs to be part of the global solution by engaging with the international community on the issue, and taking real action to reduce the causes of climate change.

"Addressing climate change requires collaboration and action from everyone - by thinking about the impacts of climate change on our water supply, and being waterwise, we can make a real difference."

WA's climate has changed significantly since the 1970s, with the State's southwest now one of the areas on the planet most affected by climate change due to declining rainfall. On average, we have seen a reduction of over 80 per cent in the amount of rainfall runoff into our dams compared to the 1970s.

While the Water Corporation continues to secure Perth's water supplies by adding more climate-independent sources to the mix, individuals, businesses, and governments all have a part to play in conserving our precious water resource.

The Overflow - Spring 2020

39

Waterwise Workshops In response to social distancing requirements, we are now running community virtual workshop videos with the aim of educating our followers in many aspects of the irrigation world!

These workshops will cover a series of topics, narrated by Waterwise Professional & Television presenter Darren Seinor!

Sit back, kick your feet up and enjoy our range of community videos! Click to watch Our Integrated Water Supply Scheme (IWSS) Rainfall… Once the key supplier of water for irrigation has been steadily declining in Western Australia, particularly over the last 40 years.

Join us, as we breakdown what’s happened and how there are measures being put in place to save precious water.

Irrigation Practices – Simple Measures to Improve Efficiency There are simple & easily achievable Irrigation Practices available that improve irrigation/water efficiency and are great horticulture practices.

From Hyrdrozoning techniques, to seasonal sprinkler adjustment settings, available sensors, meters & even simple tips & tricks. We cover them all in this quick workshop!

System Evaluation – Measuring Application Rates & Calculating Runtimes

Groundwater The water cycle shows how interconnected all water supplies are and how it is important to understand the journey, every water molecule makes.

System Evaluation is critical to an effective & efficient irrigation system. The principles of irrigation efficiency revolve around multiple core principles…

The following workshop will cover all aspects that revolve around system evaluation & will breakdown into simple steps, how you can achieve this.

Tune in to this workshop as we list the reasons why groundwater is so important, how much of it is accessible & the way we can harvest it.

Irrigation Controllers – Simple to Smart

Soil Water – An Important Consideration

The irrigation controller is the heart of the irrigation system.

They vary massively in complexity & capability, but always remain incredibly important.

Soil Water is an extremely important consideration for irrigation. Soil is generally formed in one of three states…

In this workshop, you’ll learn about the many different types of irrigation controllers, their purpose & why exactly you must have one.

For more information please contact us on: (08) 6263 7774| adminsupport@irrigation.org.au | www.waterwiseprograms.com.au © Irrigation Australia 2020

This simple workshop will help you better understand the ins & outs of why Soil Water could be such an important aspect of your irrigation system.

Water Update

Supplied by the Water Corporation Current graphs can be found at www.watercorporation.com.au

Water Usage Metro Region

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

Yearly Streamflow https://www.watercorporation.com.au/Our-water/Rainfalland-dams/Streamflow

Perth Rainfall Comparison https://www.watercorporation.com.au/Our-water/Rainfalland-dams/Rainfall

The Overflow - Spring 2020

41

RETICULATION SYSTEM.

Whether you are starting from scratch or wanting to improve your existing system, talk to a Waterwise Garden Irrigator for professional irrigation design, installation and maintenance services.

HAVE YOU VISITED THE WA WATERWISE PROGRAMS WEBSITE? If you prefer to do-it-yourself, get expert advice and quality parts from your local Waterwise Irrigation Design Shop (retail outlet).

www.waterwiseprograms.com.au

To find a Waterwise professional in your local area, simply scan our QR code to search the Waterwise Irrigation Directory, or visit our website wa.waterwiseprograms.com.au

Search the Waterwise Irrigation Directory

Alternatively please contact us on: (08) 9368 3136 | adminsupport@irrigation.org.au | wa.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

42

AAA Irrigation

Greenworx

Retic Turf & Soakwells Pty Ltd

Adonis Gardening & Irrigation

Growing Assets

Reticulation & Gardens Perth

Advantage Bores & Reticulation Services

Horizon West Landscape & Irrigation

Reticulation Pro

All water irrigation

Instant Gardens

Robert Reynolds

Allwest Bores & Reticulation

Irriscape Reticulation & Landscaping

Softscapes & Reticulation Pty Ltd

B & C Fiorini Pty Ltd

Jim's Mowing Wilson North

Sprinkler Fixers

BHG Garden Service

Joel Irrigation & Landscaping

Superior Landscaping & Reticulation

Bolesta's Backyard Creations

Landscape Elements Pty Ltd

The Garden Fixer

Bowie Irrigation

Landscape Works WA

The Greenscape Collective

Bradkaz Irrigation

LD TOTAL

The Retic Company

Brighton Reticulation

Love My Retic

The Retic & Landscape Shop

Brookwell Irrigation

Lowcut Lawnmowing

The Watershed Water Systems Midland

CHATT Services

Luke's Landscaping Co

Think Water Dunsborough

Chris’s Landscaping

Meticulous Maintenance Services

Think Water Geraldton

Civic Reticulation

Midwest Turf Supplies

Think Water Perth

Clackline Reticulation

MJ Landscaping

TLC Services Perth

Coast to Coast Irrigation

Mr Retic

Top Dog Landscaping and Reticulation

Condo Landscapes Pty Ltd

Newground Water Services

Total Eden

Country Landscaping Pty Ltd

Peel Scape Solutions

Turfed Out

Dynamic Property Solutions

Perdita Reticulation & Garden Solutions

Ultimate Blue Pty Ltd

Earlybird Landscaping

Perfect Home Solutions

WA Reticulation Supplies

Earth & Water Pty Ltd

Perth Lawns and Retic

WaterLink

Ecoedge Retic Supplies

Plantech Grounds Maintenance

Water Well Reticulation

Elliotts Irrigation Pty Ltd

Portworks

Waterwise Landscaping

Evergreen Blades

Pretty Blooming Good

Waterwise West

Evergrow Gardenscapes

Prime Landscaping Pty Ltd

Westcoast Reticulation Services

First Element Irrigation

PTC Irrigation

Wet Frog Retic

FPM Landscapes Pty Ltd

Pumps N Pipes Supplies

WF Landscape Industries Pty Ltd

Garden Solutions

Rain Maker Irrigation Services

Wild Earth Landscapes

GC Landscapes

Rapid Retic

Willetton Landscapes

Great Northern Rural Services

Retic Doctor

Greena Outdoors

Retic Express

The Overflow - Spring 2020

The website features an extensive and up-todate 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.

WATERWISE IRRIGATION DESIGN SHOPS Addwater Reticulation - Maddington

Think Water Perth

Controlled Irrigation Supplies - Joondalup

Total Eden Watering Systems - Balcatta

Elliotts Irrigation Pty Ltd- Greenwood

Total Eden Watering Systems - Bibra Lake

Pumps ‘n Pipes - Mandurah

Total Eden Watering Systems - Byford

Rainscape Waterwise Solutions - Bibra Lake

Total Eden Watering Systems - Canning Vale

Reece Irrigation - Canning Vale

Total Eden Watering Systems - Greenwood

Reece Irrigation - Malaga

Total Eden Watering Systems - Joondalup

Reece Irrigation - Osborne Park

Total Eden Watering Systems - Malaga

Reece Irrigation - Rockingham

Total Eden Watering Systems - Mandurah

The Retic & Landscape Shop- Southern River

Total Eden Watering Systems - Midvale

The Watershed Water Systems - Cockburn

Total Eden Watering Systems - Myaree

The Watershed Water Systems - Midland

Total Eden Watering Systems - Osborne Park

The Watershed Water Systems - Morley

Total Eden Watering Systems - Rockingham

The Watershed Water Systems - Subiaco

WA Reticulation Supplies - Armadale

Think Water Broome

WA Reticulation Supplies - Midland

Think Water Dunsborough

Watertorque – Muchea

Think Water Geraldton

SOUTH WEST WATERWISE PROGRAMS 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.

We welcome the following new members to the Programs:

WATERWISE IRRIGATION DESIGN SHOP

WATERWISE GARDEN IRRIGATOR PROGRAM

Country Water Solutions – Bunbury

ARB Landscaping & Fencing

Total Eden – Busselton

Country Landscaping & Irrigation Total Eden - Busselton

The Overflow - Spring 2020

43

Build On Your Professional Development Irrigation Australia’s range of nationally accredited courses and qualifications are designed to provide you with the right skills and knowledge to pursue a career in the irrigation industry.

Take a look at the topics being delivered over the coming months All sessions are delivered over half days and accessible from the convenience of your own office/home no matter your location.

Join Our Online Training

Certificate III in Irrigation Technology AHC32419 Duration: 18-24 Months Mode of Delivery: Face to Face & Virtual Classroom Delivery

This qualification reflects the skills and knowledge required to become an irrigation installer, operator, retailer or technician for residential, commercial or agriculture industries. Our courses provide an in-depth irrigation training program which is assessed against nationally recognised Competencies towards Certificate III in Irrigation Technology AHC32419 (Trade Level). The program also engages subject matter experts for specialised topics such as hydraulics, troubleshooting and basic irrigation design, to name a few.

Certificate IV in Irrigation Management AHC41119 Duration: 12-18 Months Mode of Delivery: Virtual Classroom Delivery

This qualification reflects the technical and supervisory skills and knowledge required to operate as supervisors and specialists within the irrigation industry. It applies to irrigation installation site managers and managers of irrigation systems in the irrigation servicing, horticulture and agriculture industries.

Contact the training department to register your interest.

Blended Learning

Plan your training for the months ahead!

Click on course name to view more information on website

NOVEMBER 4/11/20 - 6/11/20

Meter Installation & Validation (3 Half Days Virtual Classroom)

9/11/20 - 11/11/20

Storage Meter Installation & Validation (3 Days Face-to-Face) Narrabri NSW

17/11/2020

Certificate III in Irrigation Technology AHC32419 (November Intake)

17/11/2020

Electrofusion Weld Polyethylene Pipelines (1 Day Face-to-Face) Coopers Plains QLD

17/11/20 - 19/11/20

Irrigation Pumps & Systems (3 Half Days Virtual Classroom)

18/11/2020

Electrofusion Weld Polyethylene Pipelines (1 Day Face-to-Face) Coopers Plains QLD

18-20, 23, 26, 27/11/20

IRRICAD Design (6 Half Days Virtual Classroom)

23/11/20 - 25/11/20 3/11/20 - 4/11/20

DECEMBER 7/12/20-9/12/20

Practical Approach

Storage Meter Installation & Validation (3 Days Face-to-Face) Goondiwindi QLD Basics in Wiring and Electrical Troubleshooting (2 Half Days Virtual Classroom)

Storage Meter Installation & Validation (3 Days Face-to-Face) Narrabri NSW

Industry Expert Qualified Trainers

11/58 Metroplex Avenue, Murarrie Qld 4172 | 1300 949 891 | kahla.mckinless@irrigation.org.au | irrigationaustralia.com.au