Water Talk September 2014

ountry News Co

Water Talk Reaching Australia ’s richest agricultural region

E 12-PAUG RE T 014 FEpA tember 2 Se

Spy in the sky — page 8

Unwrapping the water table mystery — page 2 and 3 | Water storage commitments — page 4 Leaving no footprints on the land — page 6

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PAGE 2—‘Water Talk’, September, 2014

water talk

Irrigation not as ong-term monitoring of L watertable levels in the Shepparton Irrigation

Salinity programs officer Noel Watts takes a measurement at an Ardmona bore site.

Region has revealed that irrigation is not quite the bogey-man it was once feared to be.

The latest research shows that rainfall on a wet catchment is the main driver of watertable behaviour.

Goulburn-Murray Water’s Customer Support head Phillip Hoare said high watertables, and the associated salinity problems, peaked in the mid1990s — then watertables dropped away in the extended drought with a low point in 2009. ‘‘Watertables again rose in response to significant rainfall in 2010, 2011 and 2012,’’ he said. ‘‘Now that more normal weather conditions have returned, it is important to continue monitoring to identify when and where groundwater pumping will be beneficial in minimising any salinity impacts.’’

G-MW is starting to measure more than 1600 observation bores across the Shepparton irrigation region which includes the Murray Valley, Shepparton, Central Goulburn and Rochester irrigation areas.

Continued on page 3

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‘Water Talk’, September, 2014—PAGE 3

water talk

bad for watertable as thought From page 2 He said watertable monitoring was a key way of informing salinity management in the region.

Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority’s Sustainable Irrigation manager Carl Walters said last year’s map showed the area of land where the watertable was within 3 m of the surface had increased from 9000 ha to 151 000 ha between 2009 and 2013. ‘‘If these watertable levels get within 2 m of the surface they become a real cause for concern,’’ Mr Walters said. ‘‘This mapping project helps in planning and developing salinity management programs and implementation of government funding initiatives.’’

Mr Walters said approaches to tackling the problem included efficient irrigation, surface drainage and appropriate sub-surface drainage or shallow groundwater pumping. ‘‘The balance and connection between all of these actions in the right places at the right time has been critical so far in our region, and the communitydriven planning for response has proven to be the key,” he said.

Mr Hoare said the majority of bores were located on public land, however there were many sites on private land and access to these sites was pivotal. ‘‘G-MW thanks landholders for partnering with the study,’’ Mr Hoare said.

The monitoring will be undertaken by G-MW staff.

The Water Table Study is jointly funded by Goulburn Broken CMA and G-MW. A copy of the 2014 August Water Table study map will be available later this year. ➤ For more information phone G-MW Salinity Programs Officer Noel Watts on 5826 3791.

Last year’s watertable map. The red areas are of concern.

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The 2009 drought year map.

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PAGE 4—‘Water Talk’, September, 2014

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Swamp’s future mused

By Geoff Adams

M

ore than 30 people attended a public meeting in Leitchville to discuss the future management of Kow Swamp.

Goulburn-Murray Water (G-MW) convened the meeting to gain feedback to be used when developing the Kow Swamp Land and On-Water Management Plan.

G-MW’s Catchment Services general manager Graeme Hannan said the meeting was productive with many thoughts about the issues facing Kow Swamp raised and possible solutions put forward. ‘‘The attendees were assured that Kow Swamp will be continuing its vital role as part of the Torrumbarry Irrigation District and Mid-Murray storages,’’ Mr Hannan said.

Issued raised included management, cultural heritage, bird habitat, boating, fishing and recreational activities.

Mr Hannan said these issues would be considered in developing the Kow Swamp Land and On Water Management Plan. ‘‘The plan being developed is aimed at enhancing the values

Water picture looks good

The future of Kow Swamp is now under consideration by Goulburn-Murray Water. at Kow Swamp into the future, not just for water storage but also for improving water quality, valuing cultural heritage and increasing environmental and recreation values,’’ he said. ‘‘During the coming six weeks a draft plan will be developed

(RIGHT) Water resource diagrams from the Northern Victoria Resource Manager.

are accurately represented and the actions for improvement are supported.’’ ➤ To fill in the online survey or register your interest in a draft copy of the plan go to http://www.gmwater.com.au/ kowswamp

6,000

Available Resources

Shortfall to LRWS ~110 GL

5,000

Campaspe, Loddon & Broken Trade Commitment to GoulburnForecast InÁows to Eildon and Goulburn Weir

45 216

Water in Storage 4,000

1,400

1,675

Remaining Commitments

arry-over water for C irrigation constituted about one-third of the water

set aside for irrigation in the Goulburn system at the start of the irrigation season.

Goulburn-Murray Water reports 357 Gl was held in the Goulburn, compared to the total available to irrigators of 1036 Gl. Environmental water holders were entitled to 400 Gl, and water corporations 114 Gl. Eildon was holding about 86 per cent of its capacity last week.

In the Murray system, less water, 266 Gl, was being held as carry-over in the irrigation entitlements.

The Murray system opened with 90 per cent of highreliability water shares and the Goulburn, Campaspe and Loddon opened with 100 per cent.

The Murray system is expected to have 100 per cent high reliability by October 15, even under dry conditions.

The Broken system should receive 100 per cent LRWS seasonal determinations by November 15 under dry conditions.

that identifies the issues raised by the community and other stakeholders and proposes actions for improvement. ‘‘The community and other stakeholders will be invited to make comment on the draft plan to ensure that the issues

Goulburn systems: Breakdown of water in store and commitments, August 15, 2014

Gigalitres (GL)

SICK OF EXCESS WATER BILLS OR DIRTY WATER?

Commitments for 2015/16 Remaining Allocated Volume (incl Carryover)

3,000

NRSWS Policy Reserve for 2015/16

1,360

Channel Distribution Losses to 15 May 2015

2,000

Trade Commitments to Murray System 3,255

275 176 216

1,000

440

Urban and Environment AGL Hydro Entitlement Storage and River Losses

26

471

Volume Below Minimum Operating Level

215

0 Available Resources

Remaining Commitments

Murray systems: Breakdown of water in store and commitments, August 15, 2014 4,000

Available Resources

10

3,000

312

Vic Share of Water in Transit

210

Vic Share of Forecast InÁow to Murray System

216

3,000

Vic Share of Goulburn Valley Account 1,763

Vic Share of Water in Storage

2,500

Gigalitres (GL)

WATER BORES

water talk

Remaining Commitments Balance

2,000

Remaining Allocated Volume (incl Carryover)

218 3,041

1,500

Murray Early Reserve Policy

308 79 536

1,000

Channel Distribution Losses to 15 May 2015 Environment Vic Share of SA Non-Dilution Entitlement

290

500

390 184

0 Available Resources

Remaining Commitments

Vic Share of SA Dilution Flow Vic Share of River Losses Upstream of SA Vic Share of Evaporation

‘Water Talk’, September, 2014—PAGE 5

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PAGE 6—‘Water Talk’, September, 2014

water talk

Decades of caring for the land

By Geoff Adams

I

‘‘ have a theory that I like to leave a farm I have had in better conditions than I found it.

I think that’s what we are trying to do in the catchment as well.’’

Numurkah farmer Allen Canobie has bought and sold a number of properties since he moved to the region in 1975.

A successful dairy farmer, he was one of the early representatives on a Goulburn Valley committee which celebrated its 75th meeting two weeks ago.

The group has helped change the landscape of farming in the region, after confronting the threat of rising watertables and salinity.

Mr Canobie was reflecting on more than 20 years of attention to the farming environment and public service. ‘‘I think it’s improving.

We’re becoming more productive. ‘‘We are becoming more environmentally friendly as well,’’ Mr Canobie said when asked about how much progress had been made over those years. ‘‘We have come a long way, but that does not mean we can’t keep moving ahead. I am an optimist.’’

Allen Canobie with a bush refuge on his farm. The 2 ha were planted out to protect century-old box trees.

Mr Canobie said the discovery of rising watertables and the emerging threat of salinisation to irrigation areas in the 1980s were the impetus for a range of environmental actions.

There was a push for better drainage which resulted in the creation of

properly constructed drains for the Muckatah drain and the Mosquito Depression.

The Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority committees pushed for funding for whole farm plans which led to better on-farm drainage and the demand for efficient land grading led to the

widespread use of laser grading.

Mr Canobie became involved in a drainage committee as a representative of Numurkah Shire Council, when he was a councillor.

In the 1980s he joined the Salinity Program Advisory Committee, which played a

key role in tackling salinity issues in the Goulburn Valley. ‘‘Ever since then I have been involved in environmental management. Salinity was a major issue then. ‘‘To remain sustainable we had to become involved.

You can’t isolate yourself

within the boundaries of your own farm. ‘‘There are bigger issues.

And by getting involved in your community you gain a lot for yourself. ‘‘My hope is that more young people will become involved in rural environmental issues. ‘‘Don’t hesitate to join in.

You will get a lot out of it.’’ ➤ Mr Canobie was one of a number of scientists, engineers, farmers and environmentalists who got together recently to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Farm and Environment Working Group, which is part of Goulburn Broken CMA’s Sustainable Irrigation Program Advisory Group.

The group has developed policies for the farm and environment program, oversighted program work and linked with groups in other regions.

Carl Walters from Goulburn Broken CMA told the anniversary meeting the committee had played a critical role in the development of the region over the past 20 years.

There were 82 former members of the group, at least half of which were community representatives.

‘Water Talk’, September, 2014—PAGE 7

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PAGE 8—‘Water Talk’, September, 2014

water talk

Drone has eye on recovery

By Geoff Adams

M

iniature cameras, sound recorders and aerial drones are being used to monitor the recovery of Kinnairds Wetlands from a fire which swept through the area earlier this year.

Although the frogs, spoonbills and herons of the 96 ha wetlands near Numurkah are largely unaware, Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority is closely watching the recovery and measuring the impact of environmental watering delivered since the fire.

The wetlands was photographed with the use of a remote-controlled drone aircraft in March and again in August. The latest series of still photographs will be stitched together to form a large aerial map which can be compared to the earlier set of photos.

When Country News called at Kinnairds Wetlands in August, the drone operator, James Rennie, was worried

responded really well,’’ Ms Wood said. ‘‘In March when we were out here, it was dead quiet.

Now we can hear the birds.’’

While we were talking, pelicans were on the water and other birds circled in the sky. ‘‘It’s already different.

Since the water was delivered the change has been impressive.’’

Small video recorders hidden in the wetlands take 30-second snapshots of activity.

The vegetation is also recovering.

Ms Wood said two threatened species of plants identified in the wetlands were also coming back: Moira grass and Myriophyllum porcatum. The latter, also known as ridged water milfoil, is a partially submerged plant.

Ms Wood is taking particular interest in this plant because mapping has shown the Kinnairds Wetlands population is the largest in Victoria.

that his $40 000 system was at risk from predator birds. ‘‘Hawks can attack and damage the aircraft,’’ Mr Rennie said. ‘‘Eagles can carry them off.’’

He was scanning the skies around the largely polystyrene drone with a pair of binoculars. The Australian versions of the drone’s remote-control have been fitted with a special button which allows the operator to put the aircraft into a steep vertical climb when a bird is about to pounce.

While he was watching the skies, environmental water officer Jo Wood was concentrating on more terrestrial issues.

The wetlands vegetation provides important habitat for the many insects, reptiles, birds and mammals that feed and breed in the wetland.

The CMA delivered an environmental watering of about 170 Gl in April, designed to help the area recover. ‘‘The wetlands have

Jo Wood from the CMA with drone operator James Rennie before sending the tiny aircraft into the sky over the swamp.

James Rennie from Australian UAV launches the 1 m-wide polystyrene plane.

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The tiny plane sometimes comes under attack from wedge-tailed eagles.

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The effect of the February fires can still be seen.

A spoonbill at Kinnairds Wetlands.

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An aerial shot taken by the Australian UAV drone over the wetlands.

‘Water Talk’, September, 2014—PAGE 9

water talk

Changes have been powerful

By Cathy Walker

F

ifty years ago, an Australian-made McCormick International A414 diesel tractor would set you back £1092 — from this distance an attractive proposition, if you can live without airconditioning and GPS. Perhaps the 93 hp John Deere 4010 marketed in 1964 would have more appeal: it featured a ‘‘scientifically designed, medically approved, fully adjustable seat’’.

The January 1964 edition of Power Farming and Better Farming Digest reveals that back then, James Hardie and Coy were flogging Fibrolite-brand asbestos cement pipes to irrigators, waxing lyrical about ‘‘the miracle that water brings’’, while for just a few shillings an acre a Wood’s Rotary Cutter and Mower could destroy just about anything.

Now asbestos is a dirty word, clearing land is problematic and the bells

‘

Water is conveyed through the main channel over a distance of 31⁄2 miles with a fall of only 18 inches . . . This very small fall shows that extreme accuracy is essential in surveying and levelling operations.

’

Power Farming and Better Farming Digest and whistles on tractors could not have been dreamed of.

But some constants remain: the optimism of farming being one.

Power Farming ran a lengthy feature on largescale cotton irrigation, which was predicted to have ‘‘an assured and bright future’’.

In the Namoi Valley, on the newly created Auscott Pty Ltd cotton property, 100 hp six-cylinder RollsRoyce Falcon engines were powering two Ornel 24-inch

Floodlifter axial flow pumps to irrigate 1600 ha. The operation, the magazine reported, was ‘‘run by a knowledgeable American, Mr J A Blasdell’’. ‘‘Water is conveyed through the main channel over a distance of 31⁄2 miles with a fall of only 18 inches, consequently it is the head of water in the channels which causes the flow rather than the fall in the land. This very small fall shows that extreme accuracy is essential in surveying and levelling operations.’’

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PAGE 10—‘Water Talk’, September, 2014

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Consistency is the key uring the past 15 years D Corowa-based Upton Engineering invented and

then commercialised a mobile racetrack irrigator which had seen the watering system implemented by many of Australia’s leading turf racecourses.

The turf track irrigator machines have also been successfully exported to New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States and South Africa, including to leading race courses in each country.

Upton Engineering has recently completed the development of a new racetrack irrigator with the project involving significant input from Greg Groves who, at the time, was assistant racecourse manager at the Caulfield racecourse of Melbourne Racing Club.

Mr Groves is now the racecourse manager at the Mornington racecourse, also owned by Melbourne Racing Club.

The key feature leading to the design of the original Upton Racetrack Irrigator was the need to provide a consistent watering pattern across the full width of a grassed track.

This was to ensure that the track surface and racing condition was common regardless of the track width.

Traditionally, racecourses have been watered by hand-held

Top time for water sellers rier than normal conditions D across the Southern Basin, combined with trade restrictions and

The new model Upton Racetrack irrigator released by Upton Engineering at Corowa. The first new machine has been purchased by Melbourne Racing Club for its Caulfield racecourse. hoses or by in-ground or permanent sprinkler systems and both are incapable of providing a common surface condition.

The new Upton Racetrack Irrigator has been developed using an advanced computeraided design platform, high-tech components and highly durable materials.

Another key feature was the need to provide water application at low pressure — in this instance down to as low as 10 psi at a water flow of 15 litres/sec.

The new version is designed

to be towed behind a low horsepower tractor to water 400 m runs of the track.

The water is applied via a 24 m folding galvanised steel boom which can achieve a maximum water spray width of 30 m.

The boom is able to be manually folded on the fly if the track width varies or if there are external obstructions on the track perimeter.

Among the advanced features are a control circuit that is powered by a small solar power installation that is mounted on the irrigator.

Other options are a wireless remote operation system control for the operator and a digital water application display.

The machine obtains its hydraulic power from the connection to the small towing tractor.

Mr Groves said the irrigator had achieved what he thought were the key considerations.

These include a robust and compact design, ease of operation, and significant advances in low-pressure accurate irrigation technology.

high opening prices for Temporary Allocation Water, are resulting in great opportunities for water sellers.

South Australia and Victoria are currently trading similarly between $100 and $105/Ml with limited allocation available, while in NSW allocation is trading at $95 to $100/Ml. Ruralco Water believes that with the opening of the irrigation season in Victoria, trading will increase and prices may continue to climb as the warmer months approach, provided of course we do not receive a large rain event in September or October.

South Australian trade into the Victorian Murray is likely to hold firm and the restriction of trade from the Goulburn to the Murray remains in place while the volumetric limit has been reached.

Good prospects also exist for sellers of permanent entitlement, with SA entitlement trading strongly at $1850/Ml. There is high buyer inquiry in all Victorian zones, while sellers are in limited supply. Recent trades of Victorian Murray Zone 7 and Goulburn have seen trades processed at $1700/Ml, while both NSW Murray high security and general security also remain strong, trading at $2000 for high security and $1000 for general security below the Barmah Choke, and $860 above the choke.

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‘Water Talk’, September, 2014—PAGE 11

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Flood investigation funded he community of T Bridgewater has received $250 000 for

flood investigation and mapping from a joint project between the Victorian and Commonwealth governments.

Water Minister Peter Walsh said the project would involve flood mapping and an assessment of mitigation options for the town. ‘‘As the community is well aware, Bridgewater was hit

by flooding three times between September 2010 and January 2011. During the January 2011 flood, 177 homes and 16 businesses were inundated, which had a lasting impact on the area,’’ Mr Walsh said. ‘‘This investigation will develop flood models which enhance our understanding of flood extents, depths, velocities and the potential impacts of the flooding of the Loddon River at Bridgewater. A range of flood mitigation options will

also be assessed for the town.’’

The project will be managed by North Central Catchment Management Authority with support from Loddon Shire Council.

The Victorian Government is providing $187 050 for the project through the FloodZoom program and the Federal Government is contributing $27 950 through the Natural Disaster Resilience Grants Scheme (NDRGS).

The T-L Irrigator is is the only continuous move hydraulic pivot in the marketplace.

Dynamic water delivery range ince 1988 Water S Dynamics has sold, serviced and installed

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The business is proud to have worked closely with T-L and their customers during this time to make T-L one of Australia’s leading irrigation brands.

During the past 30 years Water Dynamics has built a vast amount of knowledge covering all facets of T-L Irrigators.

Water Dynamics provides the full range of ancillary services relating to T-L Irrigators, from design and selection through to installation and servicing.

The company’s spare parts department is an essential part of its service and the Yarrawonga branch stocks a significant amount of T-L parts.

Water Dynamics’ T-L services are backed by three of the most experienced T-L Irrigator people in Australia.

Water Dynamics refers all T-L inquiries via Yarrawonga branch manager Paul Moat to T-L sales representatives Len Langford and Richard Lloyd.

Mr Langford was the first person to bring T-L Irrigators into Australia and Mr Lloyd has worked with T-L Irrigators for more than 20 years.

The T-L hydraulic centre pivot is manufactured by one of the three main pivot manufacturers in the world.

It is the only continuousmove hydraulic pivot in the marketplace and was specifically designed for low-speed, high-torque applications and operates well in all conditions.

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Farm drainage problems?

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Are you struggling to get machinery across parts of your farm?

Sick of getting bogged in the same area each harvest?

Are water-logged areas costing you money?

ictorian Water V Minister Peter Walsh has recognised the

contribution of John Dainton to the Goulburn Valley’s irrigated agriculture industry and environmental health.

Speaking at the launch of The Story of John Dainton’s Role in Mending the Goulburn Broken by John Northage, Mr Walsh said Mr Dainton’s efforts to tackle salinity in the 1990s paved the way for the region’s current major irrigation projects. ‘‘This book is fitting recognition of John, who is a widely acknowledged community leader in the Goulburn Valley,’’ Mr Walsh said.

Nationals candidate for Shepparton Greg Barr said John Dainton recognised that salinity caused by rising

If you answered yes to any of these questions, the professional team at Onleys are ready to help > Dryland survey

and drainage design > Irrigation survey and design At the book launch were, from left, former Department of Premier and Cabinet officer Graham Hunter, former catchment manager Bill O’Kane and former DEPI senior executive Ron Harris. watertables was a major threat to irrigated agriculture and the environment. ‘‘He brought together diverse groups in the community to lead a catchment-wide approach to managing natural resources, which captured the attention of researchers

and social scientists from around Australia,’’ Mr Barr said. ‘‘John Northage, supported by a fellowship from the former Land and Water Australia, recognised the importance of recording John’s path from dairy farmer to community leader.’’

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SURVEY DESIGN IRRIGATION SURVEY DESIGN IRRIGATION SURVEY DESIGN IRRIG

PAGE 12—‘Water Talk’, September, 2014

Using premium quality PN4 pipe and Australian Standard welding, we can guarantee you a successful project.

6387 Murray Valley Highway, Cohuna Phone (03) 5456 2233 Fax (03) 5456 4715 Graham Webb: 0428 562 233 Michael Bicknell: 0427 504 154 www.gmpoly.com.au