Water talk april 2014 (low res)

ountry News Co

Water Talk Reaching Australia ’s richest agricultural region

E 16-PAUG RE FEAAprTil 2014

Federal funding favours spray irrigation — page 13

Dry start to 2014 — page 3 | Automation field day — page 4 | G-MW pricing examples — page 6

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PAGE 2—‘Water Talk ’, April, 2014

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Whole farm plan specialists

water talk Opinion:

Removing the basin’s barriers ast year, we outlined the three L phases of work to be done between now and 2024 to help governments

decide where changes might be made in the Murray-Darling Basin to those things we call ‘constraints’.

We’re looking at two things here — one relates to physical structures along or near the river, such as bridges and roads, which stop us getting water to some areas in the volumes and at times it’s most needed.

The second refers to the river practices that have sprung up over the past century, mostly to support navigation and irrigation.

Some practices, or even the absence of them, mean we don’t use environmental water very efficiently.

They can include things such as river operations practices, and carryover and channel policies.

Last year we identified areas in the basin where we want to focus our attention for the work on the physical constraints.

They were chosen because by changing constraints in these areas, we’re likely to get the best environmental gains.

This year, we’re doing the first phase of work — the pre-feasibility phase — which involves looking in more detail at those areas.

We’ve already collected a lot of information from landholders and communities in our focus areas about how different flows might affect their land.

Since those discussions last year, we’ve made updated maps for these areas showing where water flows under different scenarios.

We’ve also done further work to better understand the potential effects on the river system if some river practices were changed or new ones were introduced.

Over the coming months, we plan to meet again with these groups about this new information and to build on the previous information we’ve collected.

The information will be developed into reports, including data and facts about a stretch of river — they won’t make any recommendations or decisions.

They will be used, however, as supporting material for a recommendation report to basin ministers at the end of the year, and therefore, we plan to publish them on our website before then.

The reports will describe the effects of delivering certain types of flows in areas, and what some options might be to lessen or overcome those effects.

For example, building bridges or buying easements might be considered as mitigation activities.

Separately, we’ll be working with the

Brent Williams basin governments and industry bodies to decide which river practice constraints should be a priority focus.

While there are hundreds of different river practices, we’ll be focusing on just a handful that could help us use environmental water more efficiently.

Our guiding principles for this work recognise and respect property rights of landholders and water entitlement holders, such as irrigators.

And any recommendations won’t create new risks to the reliability of their water.

We’ll be holding discussions with interested stakeholders about these throughout the year.

Progress made on both areas of constraints work will be included in the endof-year report to ministers.

Once ministers have considered the report, which will be published, they’ll decide whether there’s merit in continuing this work, and if so, where the focus should be for the next phase in 2015.

It’s important to remember that this is the first of three phases.

Things such as detailed property-level costings of mitigation activities and deciding which constraints to change will be dealt with in future phases.

Right now, the focus is on collecting the information so we’re best placed to present options to ministers at the end of the year about where to focus the next phase.

— Brent Williams general manager Murray-Darling Basin Authority

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‘Water Talk ’, April, 2014—PAGE 3

water talk

Year starts with lower rainfall

By Laura Griffin

R

‘

It could be described as a modest amount of moisture — the soil is not bone dry, but there is no moisture at depth.

Rainfall totals given in mm, according to the Bureau of Meteorology

’

DEPI agronomist Dale Boyd

ground was dry before January’s protracted heat. ‘‘Anything that falls before about mid-February is likely to be

Echuca

6.5

27.6

14.4

26.8

24.0

31.1

44.9

Kyabram

10.0

32.9

17.0

29.3

28.0

29.8

55.0

h 20 14 Marc

Long -te Febru rm ar y a verag

Febru ar y 2 014

Long -te Janu rm ar y a verag

Janu ar y 2 014

e

e

Tota l fo 3 mo r first nths of 20 14

February were well below and March was just below.

Mangalore recorded well below average rainfall in January and February but March was above.

Benalla’s rainfall was above average in January and March, but February’s rainfall was about half the historic average.

Mr Boyd said these differing rainfall totals were due to isolated thunderstorm events.

It is not uncommon for northern Victoria to start some years with little or no soil moisture profile, so Mr Boyd expected farmers to start sowing as per rotations, perhaps with leaner inputs at the beginning, which they would evaluate as the season continued.

The agronomist said because last spring’s rainfall was below average and up to harvest crops have high water demands, the

Long -te Marc rm h ave rage

ainfall for northern Victoria farmers has been a mixed bag in the first three months of the year.

DEPI agronomist Dale Boyd, who is based in Echuca, said for many towns in the region, January was quite dry, February was in decile six — that is to say in 100 years of data, its total rainfall fell within 60 to 70 per cent of the average range — and March continued the trend of being closer to the average rainfall. ‘‘It could be described as a modest amount of moisture — the soil is not bone dry, but there is no moisture at depth,’’ Mr Boyd said.

In Echuca for example, all three months were below average, particularly in January when only 6.5 mm of rain was recorded compared to the historical average of 27.6 mm.

Deniliquin recorded even less than Echuca in January, with only 5 mm recorded; February’s rainfall was below average but March’s was 5.9 mm above.

Kyabram’s rainfall totals for the first three months of 2014 were all below average, with January having the most significant difference between the amounts of rainfall measured — this year was less than a third of the historic average.

In Shepparton, January and

Mangalore

12.6

38.8

11.2

35.3

57.8

36.2

81.6

Shepparton*

16.4

33.0

19.6

33.8

34.6

34.9

70.6

Benalla

50.5

40.7

17.3

35.9

80.0

43.7 147.8

5.0

28.0

19.4

28.2

29.0

23.1

Deniliquin

evaporated or germinate summer weeds.’’

Soil moisture probes will indicate how that profile develops

through autumn and winter, which Mr Boyd said was increasingly useful to farmers compared to predictions of what would come.

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53.4

*Shepparton’s long-term averages taken from Tatura Institute of Sustainable Agriculture

Waiting for weather A

utumn has the least predictable rainfall of the seasons.

But DEPI climate specialist Graeme Anderson said a good rainfall during autumn and winter was particularly pertinent as an El Nin ˜o could develop.

Because there were no broader signals at this stage to signify the amount of rain that would fall in coming months, farmers and climate specialists alike could now only wait for some ‘‘good weather systems’’ Mr Anderson said.

He said climate models were pointing towards a possible El Nin ˜o event, but scientists would continue to look at indicators, including temperatures of the Pacific Ocean in coming month. ‘‘In northern Victoria El Nin ˜o tends to — but does not always — correlate with a dry spring,’’ Mr Anderson said.

‘‘It doubles the chances of a dry spring. ‘‘It will be important to follow what is happening in the Pacific Open because it is an important moisture source for the rain that falls in northern Victoria.’’

He said the impact of a drier than average spring on crops depended on the soil moisture profile. ‘‘It would be very good to get some weather systems before it, in autumn and winter. ‘‘We are looking for a good autumn break.’’

The Bureau of Meteorology’s chief executive Rob Vertessy said reports released by the bureau and the CSIRO last month showed temperatures across Australia were on the rise and autumn and winter rainfalls in southern Australia were decreasing across the long-term.

He said the duration, frequency and intensity of heatwaves and extreme fire weather risk had increased. ‘‘We have also seen a general trend of declining autumn and winter rainfall, particularly in southwestern and south-eastern Australia, while heavy rainfall events are projected to increase,’’ Dr Vertessy said. ‘‘Australian average annual rainfall has increased slightly, largely due to increases in spring and summer rainfall, most markedly in north-western Australia.’’

According to the bureau’s national rainfall outlook, issued on March 26, in most of Victoria and southern NSW there was no significant shift in the odds towards either a wetter or drier than normal season during April to June.

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PAGE 4—‘Water Talk ’, April, 2014

water talk

Field day to show latest technology EPI and Goulburn Broken DCatchment Management

Authority are holding a free farm field day to showcase the latest in irrigation technology and management in the Goulburn Murray district on Thursday, April 10.

The field day will start at Lukies’ outblock near Katamatite, where participants will see an operating Valley Universal machine, then view the improved surface irrigation layout at Lukies’ home farm, with newly installed computer-based automation.

Presentations from DEPI and Goulburn Broken CMA specialists will provide updates on the Farm Water program and research on the effects of surface irrigation flow rates on irrigation performance.

Lukies’ outblock is on BenallaTocumwal Rd, 5 km north-west of Katamatite, between Fields Rd and Cassidy Rd. The field day will start at 10.15 am and lunch is included.

For catering purposes, register your attendance with Darren Carnie at DEPI Echuca on 5482 1922 or darren.carnie@depi.vic.gov.au Get Up-to-date regional rural news and event updates from Country News

twitter.com/countrynews_mmg

Upgrade brings flexibility

By Laura Griffin

U

pgrading the irrigation system on part of the Ryan family’s Lancaster dairy farm as part of the Farm Water program round two is not only economically viable but has provided more flexibility in irrigating to brothers Nick and Tony.

Nick told about 40 farmers and service providers at a DEPIhosted field day at the family farm last Thursday, because the supply channel was not on the backbone, their delivery system was changed as part of an NVIRP project and the farm layout had to be reconfigured.

With the new connection point it would be difficult to irrigate with a gravity system, so the Ryans chose a pipe-andriser system for most of the area to be upgraded.

The Farm Water round two project covers 70 ha of the 260 ha home dairy block and of that, 51 ha is under automated pipe-and-risers and 19 ha is under improved border check irrigation.

The project also includes 11 ha of laser grading on bays serviced by the pipe-and-riser system.

Nick said the project meant they had better use of the land, including converting 11 ha of dryland and 15 ha of annual pasture to perennial pasture serviced by pipe-and-risers; and 34 ha would remain perennial pasture but had improved irrigation.

He was confident this was allowing them to grow more feed in their pasture-based feeding system.

The Ryans milk 750 cows and also have a 65 ha outblock growing annuals.

Nick was pleased with the performance of the upgraded irrigation system, although there had been some teething problems including equipment needing to be replaced and software to learn.

The Ryans had to retrofit concrete guards around the Rubicon 400 ml risers to stop erosion.

Brendan Hehir said pipe-andrisers had been installed at his family’s Wyuna dairy farm and it was interesting to hear how the

Ryans had got the system working well.

DEPI senior irrigation modernisation officer Rabi Maskey used the Ryan family’s farm as a cost-benefit case study and said irrigators needed to consider their own circumstances when weighing up irrigation investments.

He said the Farm Water program assessed the upgrade would save 180 Ml of water, of which half was transferred to the government.

In return, the Ryans received a total of $330 000; half on transfer of the 90 Ml and the balance on completion of the works.

Mr Maskey, who is based in Tatura, said the upgrade would allow a feed production increase of 232 tonnes/year of dry matter and other benefits included savings with water, labour, vehicle use and channel spraying costs. ‘‘In the Ryan family’s case, the investment can be economically viable with or without financial assistance from the Farm Water program,’’ he said. ‘‘However, the magnitude of the benefit is sensitive to the productivity increase from the investment.’’

Mr Maskey said with the incentive it would take six years for the Ryans to break even, and without it would take 14 years, although he did concede that the pump cost was not included because that had been installed as part of the NVIRP project.

He said there were also intangible benefits including convenience, flexibility and lifestyle benefits.

DEPI agronomist Dale Boyd said farmers upgrading irrigation systems on their farm should consider including soil moisture probes to maximise benefits by irrigating at the right time to ensure moisture was available to roots.

Mr Boyd, based in Echuca, said the Ryans had found the data from the two soil moisture probes useful during the shoulder of the seasons.

He said soil moisture probes could also measure how far water from rainfall events had penetrated, whereas previously it had been guess work and was often over-estimated.

DEPI senior irrigation modernisation officer Rabi Maskey found the benefits of the irrigation upgrade on the Ryan family’s farm outweighed the costs.

Nick Ryan can time the risers so one is closing while the next one opens, and the automation systems means he can do it anywhere with internet access.

Christine Rojek of Switzerland is helping on the Hehir family’s Wyuna farm. She is pictured with Brendan Hehir.

DEPI Echuca irrigation extension officer Kathy Long and Deniliquin sheep farmer Robert Thomson.

‘Water Talk ’, April, 2014—PAGE 5

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PAGE 6—‘Water Talk ’, April, 2014

water talk Typical customer impacts gravity, pumped & D&S Gravity irrigation Small Real

Medium Nominal

Real

Large Nominal

Real

%

$

%

$

%

$

%

$

Shepparton

4.22%

11.81

6.57%

18.36

- 2.26%

205.20

-0.06%

5.69

Central Goulburn

6.55%

15.54

8.95%

21.22

- 0.47%

43.40

1.77%

Rochester

7.04%

16.02

9.45%

21.50

- 0.27%

42.73

Loddon Valley

3.55%

13.24

5.88%

21.93

- 0.65%

Murray Valley

6.84%

16.02

9.25%

21.64

Torrumbarry

6.72%

16.06

9.12%

21.79

Nominal

%

$

%

$

- 2.66% 1,455.06 - 0.47%

257.02

163.11

- 0.72%

340.02

1.51%

709.65

1.98%

314.90

- 0.42%

203.62

1.82%

884.68

160.92

1.58%

389.14

- 0.68%

373.85

1.55%

850.58

- 0.21%

24.17

2.04%

238.62

- 0.31%

102.96

1.94%

653.51

- 0.29%

68.33

1.96%

466.74

- 0.26%

170.37

1.98%

1,296.21

Impact of proposed pricing on Goulburn-Murray Water customers.

Smaller bills for some irrigators

oulburn-Murray Water is G claiming a typical largesized gravity irrigator in the

Shepparton Irrigation Area will save more than $250 on their 2014-15 water bill, based on proposed water prices.

G-MW managing director Gavin Hanlon said the total costs and prices to customers for 2014-15 were lower than those detailed in Water Plan 3. ‘‘G-MW’s savings initiatives mean that running the business is

costing customers less,’’ Mr Hanlon said. ‘‘It demonstrates we’re on track to remove $20 million in operating costs in five years.’’

Figures released last week show a typical medium-sized gravity irrigator in the Shepparton Irrigation Area will receive a water bill slightly lower than last year and large irrigators’ bills will reduce by about $250.

Irrigators in the five other irrigation districts — including

Central Goulburn, Rochester, Loddon Valley, Murray Valley and Torrumbarry — will receive price increases lower than the current rate of inflation.

G-MW is now seeking feedback from its customers before it moves to finalise 2014-15 pricing. ‘‘We’re urging irrigators to have their say on proposed water prices so we can use this information in our proposed 2014-15 pricing to the Essential Services Commission,’’ Mr Hanlon said.

‘‘We want to know how water pricing will impact irrigators, if there are any pricing issues G-MW should focus on and any other concerns about the draft tariff strategy.’’

To view the draft tariff strategy and tables outlining the proposed changes or to provide feedback, go to: www.g-mwater.com.au/ gmwpricing Customers will also be asked for information on which area they are from and their thoughts on

G-MW’s pricing objectives and approach.

The water corporation also announced it would extend the time frame for irrigators to provide feedback on its proposed 2014-15 pricing strategy.

Irrigators have until April 30 to provide feedback to be included in G-MW’s proposed 2014-15 pricing to the Essential Services Commission and May 30 for all other feedback.

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‘Water Talk ’, April, 2014—PAGE 7

water talk

Scientists warn of climate threat he climate change threat to T the Great Barrier Reef and the Murray-Darling Basin is a stark

reminder that we’re not immune to the risks detailed in a major United Nations global warming report, Australian scientists warn.

The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report said the impacts of a changing climate were already being felt across the globe, but most nations were ‘‘ill-prepared’’ for the worst.

Left unchecked, a warming climate would increase the likelihood of ‘‘severe and pervasive impacts’’ that could prove challenging to manage or be simply irreversible, the report warned.

For Australia that means an increasing risk of extreme weather conditions such as droughts and bushfires, and irreparable damage to the Great Barrier Reef, which was singled out in the report.

The findings from more than 300 lead authors from 70 nations were released in Japan last week, and quickly saw environmental, aid and political groups urging world leaders to do more.

United States Secretary of State John Kerry said the cost of inaction was ‘‘catastrophic’’ and warned that unless quick and dramatic steps were taken to combat climate change our way of life was ‘‘literally in jeopardy’’.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott was more muted, saying the IPCC

Scientists say the future productivity of the Murray-Darling Basin is under threat from climate change. message had been clear for years and the government was committed to reducing emissions through its Direct Action plan. ‘‘The CSIRO, among many other reputable scientific organisations, has cautioned against attributing any particular weather event to

man-made climate change,’’ Mr Abbott said. ‘‘Australia is a land of droughts and flooding rains, always has been, always will be.’’

Labor and the Australian Greens accused the government of ignoring the climate science, while

environment groups pointed to species degradation and the health risks posed by worsening heatwaves.

The IPCC said climate change was being felt everywhere regardless of a nation’s wealth, and the future bounty of the Murray-

Darling food bowl and Queensland’s dazzling reef could be at stake. ‘‘Developed countries are not immune, being rich is no protection from climate change,’’ Australian National University Associate Professor Frank Jotzo said.

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PAGE 8—‘Water Talk ’, April, 2014

water talk

Crunching the numbers fter the hot dry summer, A many dryland graziers are weighing up the benefits and

impacts on farm profitability with the possibility of investing in irrigation.

DEPI irrigation specialist Dennis Watson said in some cases the cost of irrigation would be higher than the benefits, however, farmers could make an economic return. ‘‘Farmers with irrigation may be grateful for having some form of irrigation, but this can be based on a feeling rather than a sound economic base,’’ Mr Watson said.

The costs associated with irrigation are: ➤ Water costs, either permanent with annual Goulburn-Murray Water fees or buying on the temporary water market. ➤ Pumping costs — diesel and/or electricity. ➤ Labour. ➤ Set-up costs. ➤ Extra outlays, such as fertiliser, seed and sprays.

Mr Watson said a combination of the costs could make the difference between a sound economic decision and an uneconomical one. ‘‘These costs per hectare per year will vary depending on the type of system, water pressure and fuel source used, together with where the water is sourced.

Help for thirsty stock truggling NSW farmers will have S access to higher rebates to install water infrastructure to help stricken

DEPI irrigation specialist Dennis Watson said in some cases the cost of irrigation would be higher than the benefits, however, farmers could make an economic return. ‘‘For example, an efficiently run centre pivot system powered by electricity may cost $800/ha, compared to a high pressured travelling gun powered by diesel could be as high as $2600/ ha. ‘‘There is also the consideration of extra input costs, including additional fertiliser applications and sprays which could mean

upwards of $300/ha for perennial-based pastures or over $500/ha for fodder crops when factoring in seed and sowing cost. ‘‘All these costs need to be examined alongside realistically considering how much extra feed may be grown as a result of the irrigation. ‘‘The cost of this extra grown feed can then be compared

It’s on again

against buying feed such as lucerne hay or grain. ‘‘Many irrigators crunch the number and come out in front but there are also many who do not. ‘‘The grass may always be greener on the other side of the fence when it is irrigated but it is not always going to be the cheapest source of feed.’’

animals.

The federal and NSW governments have signed an agreement to raise the limit for the emergency water infrastructure rebate claims by $20 000.

Farmers would be able to access rebates of up to $50 000 to install water infrastructure for emergency animal welfare needs.

Federal Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce said farmers could use the rebate to install pipes, tanks, bores, troughs, pumps and for delivery and general installation costs. ‘‘It will make a big difference to primary producers,’’ Mr Joyce said. ‘‘The rebate can cover up to 75 per cent of the cost of purchase, delivery and installation of water infrastructure for emergency animal welfare needs — it will make a big difference to primary producers. ‘‘The rebate can be used for the purchase and installation of water infrastructure including pipes, tanks, bores, troughs, pumps and delivery and installation costs. ‘‘Farmers who have already received the rebate are now eligible for an additional rebate. The additional rebate from the Australian Government will be automatically paid to all approved applications.’’

NSW Primary Industries Minister Katrina Hodgkinson said Commonwealth support for this program, which the NSW Government first introduced for primary producers in north-west NSW in November, was welcome.

2OI4

Irrigation and Energy Expo showcasing industry innovation

ATTENTION EXHIBITORS

Shepparton Showgrounds – May 28 & 29, 2014

Showcase your business at the 2014 WTC Irrigation Expo With a hugely successful event in 2013, the 2014 expo promises to be even better. The expo provides the perfect opportunity to promote your products and services to thousands of people attending the event over two days. Many previous exhibitors have commented that ‘the right people’ attend and buy their products.

To be held again at the Exhibition Shed at the Shepparton showgrounds, which is a purposebuilt undercover venue with extensive car parking.

With competitive site fees and a guaranteed

audience, exhibitors will receive excellent value for money. If you’re participating in the On-farm Water Progams or Modernisation this Irrigation and Energy Efficiencty Expo is for you.

To book your exhibition space please complete the prospectus documents available from our website, www.wtcexpo.com.au and email them to andrew.chittick@totaleden.com.au or mail to Andrew Chittick at Rob Rye Irrigation, 19 New Dookie Road, Shepparton, Victoria 3630.

Book early to secure your site!

Sponsorship Opportunities – Align your business with this fantastic event.

Final days to register

Contacts Sponsorship Wendy Buck Chair WTC Irrigation Expo wendy@wtcexpo.com.au

Exhibiting Andrew Chittick Expo Treasurer andrew.chittick@totaleden.com.au

Phone: 0438 052 630

Phone: 0400 671 172

Or visit our website www.wtcexpo.com.au.

The expo has built strong attendance from a select audience specifically interested in purchasing irrigation technology, with over 2000 people attending the event in 2012 and 2013.

The expo has also built strong support from the Commonwealth and Victorian governments, with MAJOR SPONSORS:

ountry News Co Reaching Australia ’s richest agricultural region

SPONSORS:

high-level public figures attending the expo.

We offer a flexible sponsorship model and can tailor sponsorship opportunities to your specific needs. Please email wendy@wtcexpo.com.au to register your interest.

‘Water Talk ’, April, 2014—PAGE 9

water talk

Market launched aterfind has W launched Australia’s first live forward water

market — the Waterfind Forward Water Market.

This market mechanism enables clients to remove water market uncertainty and plan for future irrigation requirements.

The Waterfind Forward Water Market is an extension of the current spot market, enabling the contracting of temporary or permanent water parcels at a set price to be delivered at a future date.

The launch of this market

has been made possible by regulation changes which provide the legal basis to conduct forward water trades and ensure that no one conducting these trades is in breach of the Corporations Act. ‘‘We understand that security of markets and settlements is a core issue for water market participants,’’ Waterfind chief executive officer Tom Rooney said. ‘‘Transfers through Waterfind’s Forward Water Market will be conducted through Australia’s only

quality assured online water exchange which utilises independently audited trust accounts standardised contracts and best in practice settlement procedures.’’

By utilising Waterfind’s Forward Water Market, irrigators are able to: ➤ Remove uncertainty and decrease risk in the water market. ➤ Lock in buy and/or sell prices. ➤ Secure dates for the lodgement of water trade. ➤ Forward plan water requirements.

Trade welcomed Basin Authority Murray-Darling chairman Craig Knowles has

welcomed the news that the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder has decided to trade environmental water on the temporary market. ‘‘We have been calling for the temporary trade of environmental water for at least the past two years, in line with the Commonwealth Water Act, and as part of our work on the Murray-Darling Basin Plan,’’ Mr Knowles said. ‘‘I am delighted that the CEWH has decided to go down this path.

‘‘Far from this being a retrograde step for the environment, temporary trade means that water for the environment can be fully valued and take its place for the first time in Australia’s history alongside other classes of water. ‘‘Environmental water must take its place in a market-based system in order to extract the highest and best environmental benefits. ‘‘This move by the CEWH demonstrates a further maturing of water management in Australia and, importantly, gives people more confidence to invest in the water market with increased certainty around the CEWH’s activities.’’

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PAGE 10—‘Water Talk ’, April, 2014

water talk

Irrigation investment is rowing summer corn is a G new move for Scott Anderson and it’s one that’s

The pump shed. Scott Anderson says he now flicks a switch to irrigate his crops.

The solar-powered transmitter communicates with GoulburnMurray Water in Tatura to monitor water flow.

paying off.

The Boort broadacre farmer started growing the high yielding crop in 2012 when his irrigation infrastructure was upgraded as part of Goulburn-Murray Water’s Connections project. ‘‘This project ticks every single box,’’ Mr Anderson said. ‘‘I used to have to constantly spray channels to get rid of weeds, I’d have to fix any blow-outs, so I’d be working two to three bits of equipment before I even started watering. ‘‘With this system I just go up and turn a key.’’

At Mr Anderson’s property, 4 km of channels were replaced with underground pipe-and-risers that can be operated individually to flood irrigate bays. ‘‘Time is the huge advantage (with this new system),’’ he said. ‘‘When I turn the key I can be watering the furthermost paddock

and I’ve got water going out immediately. ‘‘We were only getting 10 Ml out of the wheel a day, now I can get 24 Ml a day if I want to. Watering is certainly a lot quicker than it was.’’

Mr Anderson said it was the speed and the financial benefits that encouraged him to grow corn during the summer.

While winter crops are yielding about 5-6 tonne/ha, corn is producing more than double this growth rate at 14 tonne/ha.

Mr Anderson runs his 2230 ha property with wife Sam and children Kate, 17, Daniel, 15 and Emma, 11.

They now grow about 140 ha of corn in summer and 600 ha of winter crops including wheat, barley and canola.

The family runs about 2000 cross-breed ewes for fat lambs and 250 head of Angus cattle.

G-MW’s Connections project is connecting landowners to the backbone.

Scott Anderson has started growing corn as a summer crop.

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‘Water Talk ’, April, 2014—PAGE 11

water talk

already paying its way The water corporation is investing more than $2 billion from the state and federal governments to improve the delivery of water to irrigation businesses across the GoulburnMurray irrigation district.

G-MW managing director Gavin Hanlon said the project was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to improve irrigation services and resize the corporation’s existing network to support the varied and exciting opportunities for irrigated agriculture across the region. ‘‘The G-MW Connections project will invest $2 billion to connect customers’ irrigation businesses to the backbone channel so they benefit from improved services and a more efficient and automated channel network,’’ Mr Hanlon said. ‘‘The project will also decommission channels that are no longer required, which means

many customers can adopt simpler farm layouts and G-MW can minimise the costs of operating and maintaining the channel network for the benefit of all customers. ‘‘In many places long open earth channels are being replaced with state-of-the-art piped systems or shared systems. ‘‘These systems, whilst still connecting landowners, have limited seepage and evaporation issues making water use more efficient. ‘‘The system isn’t losing water before it gets to the customer; this means that we and our customers are able to do more with less.’’ In 2018, when the Connections project is complete, it expects to operate about 3500 km of channels supplying water to about 12 000 irrigation outlets. ➤ For more information go to www.gmwconnectionsproject.com.au

Pipes and risers have replaced Scott Anderson’s original channel system.

No changes to irrigation water allocations he Murray, Goulburn and T Loddon system seasonal determinations are unchanged

at 100 per cent high-reliability water shares.

The Broken and Bullarook system seasonal determinations remain at 100 per cent HRWS and 100 per cent low-reliability water shares.

The Campaspe system seasonal determination remains at 100 per cent high-reliability and 46 per cent low-reliability.

Resource manager Mark Bailey said the available resources had not improved since the last update was issued in mid-March. ‘‘The status of the available resources meant the shortfalls to low-reliability water in the Goulburn, Loddon and Murray systems could not be closed this season,’’ Dr Bailey said. ‘‘The final shortfall in the Goulburn and Loddon systems is about 140 Gl. The Murray system shortfall is about 510 Gl. ‘‘Although a LRWS seasonal determination was not possible, there are reserves established to ensure the 2014-15 season will

Summary of seasonal determinations The seasonal determinations for northern Victorian water systems on Tuesday, April 1, 2014 are:

Water System

High-reliability water share

Low-reliability water share

Murray

100%

0%

Broken

100%

100%

Goulburn

100%

0%

Declared December 10, 2013

Campaspe

100%

46%

Declared January 10, 2014

Loddon

100%

0%

—

Bullarook

100%

100%

—

Low risk of spill declaration Declared December 10, 2013 —

Seasonal determinations for the Murray, Goulburn and Loddon systems are unchanged. start with good HRWS seasonal determinations in the Goulburn, Loddon and Murray systems.’’ Allocation trade from NSW to Victoria is limited to a net annual volume of 200 Gl, or the volume that keeps the risk of spill in the

Murray system below 50 per cent, whichever is the lesser.

The spill risk limit now allows more than 200 Gl of trade.

Therefore, the net annual volume of 200 Gl applies for the rest of this season, unless advised otherwise.

The volume owed to the Murray system from the Goulburn system’s inter-valley trade account is about 60 Gl. Trade from the Goulburn, Campaspe and Loddon systems to the Victorian Murray, or to NSW

and South Australia, is allowed while the total volume owed to the Murray is less than 200 Gl. Dr Bailey reminded customers participating in the water trading market that the Murray-Darling Basin Authority had relaxed the rule controlling allocation trade from upstream of the Barmah Choke to downstream users.

The MDBA will regularly review the ability to trade across the Barmah Choke and may lift the relaxation at any time during the season.

Dr Bailey said entitlement holders in the Murray system were reminded that from the end of the 2013-14 season, the 100 per cent limit on carryover would apply so that entitlement holders could not carryover more than their full water share volume.

An outlook for seasonal determinations in the 2014-15 season will be issued on Thursday, May 15.

The first seasonal determination announcement for the 2014-15 season will be issued on Tuesday, July 1.

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PAGE 12—‘Water Talk ’, April, 2014

water talk

Keeping costs down quest to provide cheaper A irrigation construction costs has led a northern

Victorian man to develop a new business.

Shaun Church, who grew up on a dairy farm and has five years’ experience in the water infrastructure industry, has created United Buying. ‘‘I wanted to find a cheaper alternative for farmers buying poly pipe,’’ Mr Church, from Cohuna, said. ‘‘There’s a lot of installations going on at the moment and I believe we can get a better outcome for irrigators. ‘‘Prices for irrigation works are escalating, so this is a way I can help farmers keep the expenses down and enable them to get more infrastructure for their dollar. ‘‘The way the business is set up I have got lower overheads and we can achieve a better price uniting all farmers to buy.’’

Farmers register their interest in purchasing nominated pipe sizes and lengths.

Mr Church’s business negotiates with the Australian pipe manufacturers based on volume purchases.

After the negotiations are concluded and a price is set he contacts the farmers who then have the option of taking up the purchases or not.

Trading rules change soon uidelines are now available to explain G new water trade rules due to take effect in July.

Shaun Church’s new business uses bulk buying to reduce farmers’ costs.

Up to this point there is no commitment required. ‘‘Once we have achieved the best price possible we will send you an email that includes all pipe sizes and our negotiated prices,’’ Mr Church said. ‘‘If you would like to proceed with our pipe prices, we need you to select an installation company, either one you have in mind or we can provide one we recommend. ‘‘The installation company will visit the proposed project site and consider all factors

regarding installation, including metres required, pipe sizes and fittings needed. ‘‘A quote will be submitted and, if successful, it will provide United Buying with the required metres and pipe sizes to be ordered. ‘‘We take full payment for the pipe required and give an approximate delivery date. ‘‘The installation company orders all fittings and schedules the project.’’

Mr Church said the concept was a simple one — of getting a group together to buy in bulk.

‘‘Others are already using group buying with energy and insurance,’’ he said. ‘‘This concept is helping our farmers get the best possible price on both pipe and installation. ‘‘Installing at a per metre rate is the most cost-effective for farmers.’’

Mr Church sources the pipes from one of the four Australian manufacturers who comply with Australian standards. ➤ For more information phone Mr Church on 0428 564 575 or go to: www.unitedbuying.com.au

Murray-Darling Basin Authority spokesman David Galeano said the new rules would give everyone trading in the basin much better access to market information. ‘‘Using the water market has been standard business in the basin for many years now, but trading activity in the basin has been complicated by a lack of transparency in the water market,’’ Mr Galeano said. ‘‘The new rules coming in on July 1 as part of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan will improve the way people can operate within the water market.’’

Mr Galeano said the most important change for individuals trading water would be the new requirement to declare their sale price.

Otherwise, most changes would apply to basin governments and irrigation companies. ‘‘Governments will now have to explain the characteristics of the different types of water entitlements so people wanting to trade have a better understanding of what they’re buying,’’ he said. ‘‘The MDBA will publish all of the states’ water trading rules in a central location to make them easier to find. ‘‘From July, governments will only be able to restrict trade where the restriction meets certain criteria under the new rules. State agencies will also need to ensure that their water announcements are publicly available. ‘‘This will mean increased transparency — buyers and sellers will have more information on the true value of water in the market.’’

➤ The guidelines explaining the rule changes are available on the MDBA website at mdba.gov.au For more information about the rules phone the MDBA hotline on 1800 230 067.

Connections Project

“It used to take me 14 days to irrigate 270 acres. Now I

ZO450521

my girls every weekend”

‘Water Talk ’, April, 2014—PAGE 13

water talk

Funds favour overhead works

By Laura Griffin

P

rojects to install overhead spray infrastructure seem to have been favoured for at least half of the six delivery partners who have received inprinciple funding under round four of the OnFarm Irrigation Efficiency program.

Irrigation Efficiency Partners, Australian Processing Tomato Research Council and Murray Irrigation Ltd are among the six delivery partners to receive different amounts of the $158 million Federal Government funding, which was increased from the $100 million initially announced.

Irrigation Efficiency Partners’ project director Kaye Dalton was thrilled to get the full $42.4 million inprinciple funds applied for, which is earmarked for 67 farm projects located in northern Victoria and southern NSW. These projects primarily involve the conversion of flood to overhead spray

irrigation technologies, and some drip irrigation projects and flood irrigation upgrades including pipes and risers and fast flow irrigation systems.

More detailed stage two applications for specific farms will need to be prepared and assessed by the Federal Environment Department. The delivery partners’ overall project will also be assessed for value for money.

Ms Dalton said in previous rounds, it took about 10 months between delivery partners getting inprinciple funding to works starting.

Australian Processing Tomato Research Council was awarded $11.5 million in-principle funds, which its industry development manager Liz Mann said was only half the amount for which it applied. ‘‘Only our proposed pressured overhead irrigation projects have been funded,’’ Ms Mann said.

She said between 25 and 30 northern Victorian farms would have their flood

irrigation systems upgraded, including broadacre farmers and some vegetable growers.

She will contact a list of growers whose projects could be funded, to submit more details.

The in-principle funds awarded to Murray Irrigation Ltd for round four is $29.2 million, which only covers a portion of the amount sought.

General manager Anthony Couroupis welcomed the in-principle funding, although he expressed regret not all of Murray Irrigation would be invited to complete a stage two application.

Projects in Murray Irrigation’s application included upgrading of surface irrigation infrastructure and also conversion of surface irrigation infrastructure to overhead spray infrastructure.

In coming weeks, Murray Irrigation will contact applicants about the status of their expression of interest.

Students play the new river management app.

Run your own river

ike to run your own LThe river system?

Murray-Darling Basin

Authority has developed a mobile game, called Run the River, to help educate students about balancing demands for water in a river system, the importance of good river management and some of the complexities of managing water for multiple purposes. ‘‘This game is an interesting and interactive way to teach students about some of the challenges involved with managing water in a river system so that water needs of towns, industries and the environment are met,’’

Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment Simon Birmingham said. ‘‘Each level of the game is based on a particular year in the Murray-Darling Basin’s climate history. ‘‘It gives you the same weather conditions based on actual data — some drought years, some flood years — and challenges you to manage the volume of water available that year. ‘‘As you progress from one era to the next, the towns and demands get bigger, there are more farms, and your job of making sure everyone gets their share of water becomes a lot harder.

‘‘It very much reflects the challenges we face in managing the MurrayDarling Basin; keeping the river and its ecosystems healthy and managing the basin’s water sustainably so that we can continue to support the industries and communities relying on that water. ‘‘These are really important lessons for our younger generation to learn.’’ ➤ Parents and teachers interested in the Run the River mobile game can find the app at the App Store and Google Play for Apple and Android phones and tablet devices.

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PAGE 14—‘Water Talk ’, April, 2014

water talk

GRDC funds irrigation projects hree irrigation farming projects have T been awarded funding by the Grain Research and Development Corporation.

The three projects — focusing on irrigated wheat and canola, double cropping and soils under irrigation — were successful through the dedication of the Irrigation Regional Cropping Solutions Network and the Irrigated Cropping Council.

Over the past 18 months the Regional Cropping Solutions Network — a collection of growers, researchers, agronomists and scientists — have worked together to discuss and develop projects that would aid

the productivity of an irrigated operation.

The Irrigated Cropping Council’s chief executive officer Rob Fisher facilitated the three projects. ‘‘It’s a great win for irrigation,’’ Mr Fisher said. ‘‘Through various parties collaborating on these topics it’s exciting to know we are going to have more answers for irrigators.’’ ➤ Irrigated wheat and canola: The project aims to improve adviser and grower knowledge of high yielding cereal and canola varieties under irrigated systems and specific agronomy management that

will improve profitability of cereals and canola under irrigation.

The project will have three core research sites in the Murrumbidgee region, Murray Valley and north-west Victoria and three satellite sites in the Lachlan region, southeast South Australia and Tasmania.

The overall outcome of this project is to demonstrate the increase in the production of irrigated cereal and canola varieties through improved agronomic management, selection of better varieties for their situation and to provide a greater understanding of the irrigation layouts across the sites and water impacts to attain maximum yield. ➤ Correct crop sequencing for double cropping: The aim of the project is to overcome the barriers in growing two crops under irrigation in 52 weeks or less.

There are a number of aspects that growers and their advisers need to consider to understand crop sequencing and double cropping under irrigation.

Double cropping entails more than just growing a winter crop then following it with a summer crop.

Many studies have been conducted looking at the feasibility and economic potential of double cropping, particularly in NSW. Trying to match a range of agronomic features such as maturity, herbicide tolerance and stubble management make double cropping a task that requires a lot of

detailed planning.

Key potential areas for improving the reliability and profitability of double cropping systems have been identified, including herbicides, irrigation layouts, delivery systems and schedules, yield and profitability, and stubble management.

Field days and on-farm demonstrations will be held regularly over the project’s lifespan. These will increase awareness of the project, extend the project findings and seek feedback on the issues and direction of the project from the broader irrigation community. ➤ Soils under an irrigated environment: Waterlogging is a significant constraint to winter crop production on many soils under surface irrigation in the GRDC’s southern region.

Most severe losses are on heavy soils in rice layouts. Grain yield losses in winter cereals are estimated to be in the order of 20 per cent.

The project aims to increase grain production and profitability from surface irrigated soils in the GRDC southern region over the medium term (five-plus years) by improving the understanding of the interaction between crops (type and variety), soils (type and management) and irrigation (design and management), and their effects on crop production.

New valve on market ollowing on from the F success of its automated BladeValve

pipe-and-riser valve, Rubicon Water is now selling a manual version.

It’s an attractive option for farmers who can upgrade their manual pipeand-riser systems to FarmConnect automation and have the flexibility to spread the cost of full automation over several seasons or stages of development.

Once the manual valve has been installed it is a relatively simple process to retrofit the actuation components, power and radio node to utilise the web-based software and remote automation.

The manual BladeValve is available directly from Rubicon or through irrigation contractors who install pipe-and-riser systems.

The BladeValve has been developed to be installed in the field easily by irrigation contractors.

The manual BladeValve features the same robust, Australian-made construction that is the hallmark of Rubicon’s FarmConnect range of onfarm irrigation products.

FarmConnect products are designed to enable growers to precisely manage their irrigation by using less to irrigate crops while improving yields and quality.

The BladeValve continues the tradition of design ingenuity and high quality that has made the Shepparton company’s products popular worldwide.

Rubicon’s automated BladeValve (pictured) is now available as a manual version that can be automated later.

‘Water Talk ’, April, 2014—PAGE 15

water talk

Group to set priorities he National Farmers’ T Federation has welcomed the

establishment of a ministerial group to investigate water infrastructure projects.

Federal Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce will chair the group set up to identify infrastructure projects to deliver Australia’s future water supply needs.

The first task of the group is to identify priorities, investment and processes to fast-track development.

Mr Joyce said water infrastructure had to keep pace with economic opportunities in Australia’s region and with national population growth.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment Simon Birmingham said Australia’s naturally variable climate meant innovative and sustainable water infrastructure was needed. ‘‘The ministerial working group brings together key areas of the government including infrastructure, water, agriculture and the environment to push forward the Prime Minister’s goal of building productive infrastructure for the future,’’ Mr Birmingham said.

The group’s other members

‘

For some time now, the NFF has called for the identification of priorities, investment and processes to fast-track infrastructure development that provides real returns for agribusinesses.

’

NFF Water Taskforce chairman Les Gordon are Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss, Environment Minister Greg Hunt and Infrastructure and Regional Development Assistant Minister Jamie Briggs.

Under the guidelines outlined by Prime Minister Tony Abbott, the ministerial working group will: ➤ Identify how investment in water infrastructure, such as dams, could be accelerated, including methods for assessing feasibility and cost benefit analysis of particular proposals, the role of Infrastructure Australia, and financing. ➤ Identify priorities for investment in new or existing dams, including the merit of proposals already welldeveloped and the productivity and/or

economic benefits of new or existing dams. ➤ Outline how proposed approaches will improve the management of Australia’s water resources to support economic development, flood mitigation and respond to community and industry needs. ➤ Consider opportunities for groundwater storage (aquifers), water re-use and water efficiency to ensure investment in dams occurs where it is the most suitable solution. ➤ Take account of economic, social and environmental considerations, including consistency with National Water Initiative principles.

The working group will consult with state and territory governments to understand their priorities

and how they can best work together.

NFF Water Taskforce chairman Les Gordon said a focus on water infrastructure would help address Australia’s agricultural sustainability and promote development in Australia’s rural and regional areas. ‘‘For some time now, the NFF has called for the identification of priorities, investment and processes to fast-track infrastructure development that provides real returns for agribusinesses,’’ Mr Gordon said.

He said the group’s establishment gave the NFF reassurance that broader rural infrastructure needs were on the government agenda.

The ministerial group will develop an options paper by July, so it can be considered as part of both the Northern Australia White Paper and the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper. The NFF is also preparing submissions to the white papers. ‘‘We are confident the group will strike a good balance between fasttracking projects and ensuring there are robust business cases for new developments,’’ Mr Gordon said.

WATER SOLUTIONS! Carryover questions?

Joyce wants more dams he newly appointed chair of the federal T ministerial working group to identify new water infrastructure, Barnaby Joyce, wants to

look at construction of more dams.

Mr Joyce said now the approvals for Chaffey Dam in New England, NSW were completed at a federal and state level it was, ‘‘just a case of getting this piece of vital infrastructure for Tamworth and New England constructed and completed’’. ‘‘It’s also important we look at other areas in our electorate and throughout the nation where we can go about the construction of dams,’’ Mr Joyce said.

The capacity of Chaffey Dam is being increased with some major construction work.

Mr Joyce said water infrastructure had to keep pace with economic opportunities in Australia’s region and with national population growth. ‘‘Australia’s population is expected to reach 35 million by 2050 and we also have to take advantage of the growing wealth of hundreds of millions of people who live close by,’’ he said.

Mr Joyce said the storage capacity of water in Australia per capita was falling and the government must get the country into a position where it won’t ‘‘be exposed in dry periods as we have seen lately’’.

Mr Joyce said the committee had a list of more than 100 potential dam sites to examine as possible projects.

He said the dam site on the Apsley River in the Walcha Shire would be one of those examined.

Work had already begun on the foundations of the dam before then NSW Premier Neville Wran halted work in July 1983. ‘‘This ministerial working group gives us the opportunity to prioritise our water and infrastructure needs — both by upgrading existing infrastructure or building new infrastructure, and some of these are already in the pipeline.’’

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