PRODUCTIVE WATER The Journal for Irrigators in NSW ISSUE. 06 | Summer 2013

Investigating Israeli Irrigation

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Snowy Hydro’s website also has a dedicated Water Resources section with information on everything related to water. Find out what the current water levels are for the Scheme’s main storages, details about our water licence obligations, or learn more about our Cloud Seeding Project. Visit the website now for all the latest, go to: www.snowyhydro.com.au/water Editorial by Andrew Gregson, CEO of the NSW Irrigators Council Productive Water I’ve heard the word “done” a lot in the last few ISSUE 06 SUMMER 2013 days in reference to the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, albeit in a range of contexts.

EDITOR I’ve heard “we’ve been done”, I’ve heard “the Andrew Gregson Greenies got done” but perhaps most troubling [email protected] of all I’ve heard “it’s done”. EDITORIAL ASSISTANT The good news is that we’ve ended up with Mark Moore a Plan drastically better than it might have [email protected] been, thanks in no small parts to the efforts of community and irrigation leaders who give their LAYOUT & DESIGN time to NSWIC. As the article inside attests, the Matt Elmer Plan is a long way from perfect, but a long way [email protected] 0418 577 357 from what it might have been. High-profile lobbyist, Andrew Gregson AD SALES has headed up the New South Wales By no means, though, is it “done”. The Joe Edgley Irrigators’ Council since 2007. During implementation period lies ahead, and it is in this time he also served as founding [email protected] CEO of the National Irrigators’ Council. that period that danger lies. During the last four years, we invested a whole lot of resource into NSW IRRIGATORS COUNCIL He is a fierce campaigner for the ensuring the Plan was a discussion point around Level 9 rights of his members and a daunting the dinner tables of Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide 15-17 Young Street foe for anyone suggesting their water and Brisbane. We took a rural issue and made SYDNEY NSW 2000 allocations should be cut. it important in urban electorates. That, to a [email protected] Gregson has been a prominent large extent, assisted in softening the impact of 02 9251 8466 commentator in the debate over the the thing. The danger now lies in those same Draft Murray Darling Basin Plan. dinner tables thinking it is “done” whilst we get “done” in the implementations. A barrister and solicitor with ALL SUBMISSIONS REMAIN THE PROPERTY OF qualifications in economics law, from The PRODUCTIVE WATER MAGAZINE. ALL CONTENT IS University of Tasmania and the University We need to be on top of - and involved in - COPYRIGHT TO PRODUCTIVE WATER MAGAZINE of New Mexico, Gregson has also worked Environmental Watering Plans, Water Recovery AND CANNOT BE REPRODUCED IN WHOLE OR as a the chief of staff and state director PART WITHOUT WRITTEN AUTHORISATION OF Strategies, Environmental Works and Measures of the Tasmanian Liberal Party. THE PUBLISHERS. PRODUCTIVE WATER makes no programs and countless funding and charging guarantees, warranties or representations of any kind, whether express or implied, as to the accuracy, decisions. Each and every one of those has reliability, or completeness of the information the capacity to turn the Plan on its head and leave us with the sort of outcomes provided. PRODUCTIVE WATER will not be liable for that we don’t want. Now is the time for detail, the time to be vigilant and the time incorrect use of the information and will assume no responsibility for consequences that may result to be well informed. We need to hear from you and you need to hear from us. from the use of the information. PRODUCTIVE Thanks for staying in touch. WATER is not responsible of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance on such information. The opinions expressed in PRODUCTIVE WATER Make no mistake - water is scarce and there are many competing demands. and PRODUCTIVE WATER online do not necessarily Ensuring sufficient Productive Water is and will continue to be an ongoing and reflect those of the editors or publishers. difficult task. It’s far from done...

Cheers,

Andrew Gregson

04 PRODUCTIVE WATER SUMMER 2013 PRODUCTIVE WATER summer 2013 05

New Media Environment Good or Bad? National Irrigators Chief Tom Chesson says the changed media environment presents challenges for representative groups. NSW counterpart Andrew Gregson is of the view that those challenges might be outweighed by opportunity. They each analyse what the modern media environment means for irrigator peak groups.

The media landscape has been in a state of flux for several years as digital technology penetrates consumer markets to a degree where electronic communication is second nature to most. Tablet computers are commonplace, smart telephone handsets are the new normal and rapid data transfer sees news become stale even before the 6pm bulletin. Newspapers are now digital, photographers are expected to record video as well as still, journalists are asked to turn their hand to video editing to create “multimedia” content and every story has to be ready for multiple sites, from internet to hand held to print.

That change has been happening for a long time - and uptake of technology will no doubt continue.

Recent developments in Australia, Tom Chesson - National Irrigators Council Press (all Fairfax papers) used to have though, will have a more profound - Lobbying Gets Harder journalists who specialised in key impact on how news is generated, areas such as agriculture. Today this gathered, interpreted and published. After giving evidence to the second is becoming increasingly rare and the Seismic changes are underway at the Windsor Inquiry on the Basin Plan, newsrooms are being amalgamated two major sources of news media in I spent a few hours ‘trawling’ the with the same journalist now not only Australia - Fairfax and News Limited. Parliamentary Press Gallery and covering numerous areas, but also Both have recognised that their speaking to journalists from across writing for all Fairfax publications traditional revenue streams have the media spectrum. Cuts at Fairfax (think David Wroe – not only is he the shrunk, that the face more competition and News had just been announced, environment/water reporter for the Age from smaller (and leaner) operations so there was clearly plenty of concern and SMH he is also the Age Chief of and that their labour-intensive industry for the future from those I spoke Staff). It is a very similar story with is possibly unsustainable. Both have with. I am very concerned that the News Ltd. moved to dramatically reduce their changes to key media organisations costs - including cutting thousands of will not bode well of rural and regional Increasingly it is only the ‘issue’ of the jobs. Many of them are journalists. and agriculture industries. The day (that is, what the Prime Minister media landscape is going to change and Opposition Leaders are pushing) What does that mean for the future of dramatically over the next few years. or the latest scandal which is being advocacy and lobby groups like NSW Unsurprisingly, it was the main topic of reported. There simply aren’t enough Irrigators Council and the National conversation amongst the journalists in journalists left in the newsrooms to do Irrigators Council? Only time will tell, the Parliament House Press Gallery. all the hard yards needed to verify a but there are two distinct views of story and bring it to fruition. the future summarised neatly by the The reason for this is many media Chief Executive Officer’s of those two institutions such as the Age, The Just one example of why this is not organisations, Tom Chesson (NIC) and Sydney Morning Herald, The Financial a good is the fact that the Journalist Andrew Gregson (NSWIC). Review, Canberra Times and Rural who writes about water and regional PRODUCTIVE WATER Summer 2013 06

issues for the Australian Newspaper audio sharing site AudioBoo, short have some of their workload lifted. To in the press gallery also writes about message service Twitter and the more raise that as an issue when the media refugee and asylum/boat arrivals. So broadly used Facebook. Each of these was already wounded with the loss of a few months ago, when the story allows us to deliver short, simple many of its own, though, showed both broke of another refugee tragedy, messages that supporters can share a remarkable insensitivity and, perhaps all of her time was rightly devoted directly with their contacts. Our Twitter more importantly, an outstanding lack to this tragedy. As a result another feed is followed by around 800 users, of judgment for somebody whose job story about another inquiry into the including State and Federal Ministers, it is to deal with sensitive issues and Murray-Darling Basin is going to go journalists and key decision makers. the media! unreported. Journalists already do Our YouTube video site has seen not have the time to cover every issue footage viewed thousands of times. NSWIC has worked with journalists for and this will get progressively worse. many years to assist in identifying and That social media revolution has been researching stories. On our website, The ability to get stories up in the going on for a while. We’ve responded journalists have access to a range of mainstream media is shrinking as by making sure we offer a “surround background information on irrigation quickly as the pool of journalists. It sound” product that includes using the and its many facets. They also access has already occurred within radio and latest technology as well as continuing to a list of contacts for farmers across TV where must stations have one or the more traditional approach - the State and across commodities who two reporters generating content for maintaining relationships with the have identified that they’re happy to stories for each of the capital cities media, providing well-crafted releases chat on a range of stories. Perhaps and national news bulletins. and providing assistance where the most significant change that will possible in identifying, researching and come from fewer journalists is greater It is not all bad news as there will packaging stories. use of these types of resources. The also be increased opportunities for role of the lobby group will extend to providing good quality content. It is less certain how lobby groups assisting as well as suggesting stories can and will respond to the structural in the first instance. There are dedicated ‘rural’ reporters change of the Australian media; for the main newspapers such as Sue primarily, the fact that less journalists Press releases used to be send Neale from the Australian for example will be available and those left will via facsimile. Journalists would sort and we should be contacting them be expected to create more content through the large pile on the fax where ever possible, similarly the ABC across more formats in a shorter machine to see if anything was is increasingly picking up content from timeframe. sufficiently interesting to generate a its regional networks and broadcasting story. The rule for lobbyists was to it on its peak News and Current Affairs On the initial announcement back in call to say a fax was coming, send programs. June, one public relations practitioner the fax and then call to see that it expressed the opinion that the arrived. Along came email to replace The long and the short of it is that change would be of great benefit to the fax - but more than that. When we need to have something to ‘tell’ that sector. She suggested that an a fax arrived, the journalist had to the journalists which is ‘new’ and can overworked or time pressed journalist retype the text, giving them plenty compete with all the other issues was much more likely to accept and of opportunity to edit, add their own out there. It is why events such as use material directly provided to flavour and “filter” the story. With an the Griffith rally in late June are so them. The conclusion the practitioner emailed media release, a journalist important. hoped people would reach was clear is able to simply grab chunks of text - public relations firms will now be and drop it into a story, adding a few even more successful in managing the bylines, perhaps some analysis and media. Understandably, she suffered maybe a response if the story clearly a significant backlash as journalists has two sides. It’s less time consuming whose jobs and futures were already for the journalist and the lobbyist Andrew Gregson - NSWIC - Lobbyists at stake took to social media to flay alike - and dovetails nicely into online Become More Useful this unsuspecting scapegoat. content.

The changing media landscape offers Scapegoat? Absolutely. There is an With less journalists, the simplicity of both challenges and opportunities for undeniable element of truth in what packaged content is likely to become lobby groups. she had to say. At an objective level, even more appealing. Rather than it would be simple human nature send a media release to electronic Social media has provided a direct for a journalist who is under time sources and wait for a telephone call reach and penetration that even five pressure to accept at face value to arrange an interview if the story years ago simply did not exist. We material provided to them by a third has enough interest, lobbyists may well now have an opportunity to deliver party. They’ve less time to check the push the boundaries of the content material directly without it being background of the story, perhaps don’t sent in the first instance. NSWIC has filtered by a third party source. NSW have the skills to quickly edit into made significant use of audio content Irrigators Council takes advantage of multimedia platforms the packaged provision site AudioBoo in the course a range of social media platforms, content with which they’ve been of the Basin Plan debate. Through a including video sharing site YouTube, provided and might even be grateful to PRODUCTIVE WATER summer 2013 07

simple smart phone application, we record audio as it happens (say, a speech at a meeting or rally) which is then uploaded from the handset directly to the internet. Automatic SAVE THE notifications of the upload are then sent via Twitter and Facebook as well as to direct subscribers. Users are able to access that audio file, transfer it to their own use, edit and broadcast. It was in this way that DATE some of the key speeches from the Perspectives on Irrigated Agriculture Deniliquin Basin Plan meeting last year made it to radio in Sydney only minutes after they were made - without the station having to send a journalist on a two day jaunt.

The opportunity for packaged content 9 July 2013 extends to video. When ABCs 730 put together a story on the Murray- Darling Basin Plan in early 2012, Canberra the footage of key speakers was { provided by NSWIC. We take broadcast quality images and upload them to YouTube, making certain media outlets know they are free to access that NSWIC will be hosting a one day forum in Canberra material. We don’t edit it, so we don’t necessarily control the story. It’s a fine on 9 July to consider perspectives on the future of line between providing what you want shown and editing too hard to the extent that obvious bias precludes any irrigated agriculture. Noted international speakers uptake.

Change in the media landscape is together with Australia's finest will address critical neither necessarily good or bad. Whilst there will be less journalists to undertake the thorough research and issues from their various perspectives. background to dig out stories, fact check them and produce consistently high quality pieces, the opportunity for lobby groups to provide greater assistance will also become apparent. Numbers will be strictly limited, so look out for your Of course, that same opportunity will exist for lobby groups not necessarily in support of what our stakeholders invitation. Alternately, contact our office now on 02 want. It’s very much a dual edged sword. 9251 8466 to be on the mailing list to ensure you're the Perhaps the most important understanding of the issue, though, is first to hear of details. that we’ll all need to consider more closely the veracity of what we read, hear and see. PRODUCTIVE WATER Summer 2013 08 Local Land Services NSW Merging CMA’s, LHPA and DPI WORDS: Katrina Hodgkinson, NSW Primary Industries Minister

I recently announced Local Land Services – a new approach What is Local Land Services? to delivering services to farmers and landowners across rural and regional NSW. Farmers will have better access to independent, professional advice under the new Local Land Services with a focus Local Land Services will fundamentally change the way on agricultural research, development and extension that NSW primary producers access government- and ratepayer- improves productivity across the primary industries sector. funded services, information and advice. Local Land Services will provide a single point of contact This reform is long overdue. for: • agricultural advice Many of you will be familiar with the Ryan Review which I • plant and animal pest control and biosecurity commissioned to explore the operations of Livestock Health • natural resource management & Pest Authorities. • emergency and disaster assessment and response.

The Ryan Review found “evidence of systematic weaknesses Local Land Services will consider the scope and range of in corporate governance and accountability … to the issues that farmers deal with on a daily basis: from climate, NSW Government and ratepayers, and … room for greater soil type, water source, water supply, crop selection: the list administrative efficiency”. goes on.

Questions have also been raised about the transparency Water-use efficiency, agronomy, pest management services and accountability of Catchment Management Authorities; - all delivered through the new Local Land Services - particularly in light of the significant amount of grant will make it easier for farmers and landowners to drive funding these bodies manage on behalf of the State and productivity in their own businesses. Federal Governments. Gone are the days of dealing with multiple agencies to get For a long time, there has been widespread vital advice and services. acknowledgement among our farming community that the system for providing Government-funded agricultural and This new modern approach will see better co-ordination, natural resource management advice could be improved. less duplication and more equitable service delivery by replacing Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs), As Minister for Primary Industries, it is my responsibility Livestock Health & Pest Authorities (LHPAs) and agricultural to act on these concerns, and provide leadership and advisory services currently provided by the DPI. direction for our sector in order that it remains strong and vibrant into the future. Importantly for irrigators, the NSW Office of Water remains part of the DPI, so Water Sharing Plans remain the The NSW Government will continue to allocate $1.1billion to responsibility of the Office of Water. the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) however we need to drive greater efficiency for these dollars. Building Local Land Services The Stakeholder Reference Panel, an independent body To stand still is to let ourselves down - our farmers, our guiding development of Local Land Services to be fully landowners and our staff - because we won’t be doing the operational in January 2014, has been established and is best job we can. getting on with the job.

Being relevant and responsive to farmer needs is at the The Panel is providing advice on: centre of Local Land Services. • Regional boundaries • Governance arrangements • Rating systems PRODUCTIVE WATER summer 2013 09

One of the first pieces of work produced by the Panel As part of this process, Agriculture NSW in particular has is the set of draft regional boundaries that create 11 made structural changes to ensure it works effectively with individual Local Land Services. Local Land Services, and continues to provide world-leading research and development results. Draft maps and some principles on how the boundaries were chosen are available at Industry Development Officers based within the DPI will www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/locallandservices continue to be a trusted source of technical information while Local Land Services Advisory Officers will provide the Stakeholder and community groups are invited to have their frontline services that primary producers depend on. say on draft boundaries until Friday 7 December. Further issues for consultation and discussion will also be posted They will be tapping into the latest research and providing here. new innovative solutions, as well as holding field days and on-farm visits, just as current extension officers do. Consultation sessions will be held across the State in February / March next year. Local control

What are the other changes going on within DPI? Local Land Services is putting local farmers and landowners in charge of the budget, resources and services they use. The NSW Liberals & Nationals inherited a significant financial challenge in NSW due to the debt and Boards and offices will be regionally-based and governed infrastructure backlog inherited from Labor. It is critical for by locally elected and skills-based Board members. NSW to be responsible with its expenses. With the ability and the freedom to make decisions about The States are currently facing a collapse in GST revenue the activities and functions they focus on in their own that is unprecedented, with NSW receiving $5.2 billion less region, each Local Land Service will prioritise outcomes that in GST revenue than forecast last year. will benefit the people in their own patch.

As part of this Government’s approach to responsible fiscal Local Land Services is a key part of the NSW Government’s management, the Department of Primary Industries has 10 year plan to rebuild our economy, return quality been asked to find recurrent budget savings of $30 million. services, strengthen our local environment and communities This equates to roughly 300 jobs from across Catchment and restore accountability. Management Authorities, Agriculture NSW, Biosecurity NSW and DPI Business Services. Have your say: www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/locallandservices

While the responsibility for delivering these budget savings The ‘Have Your Say’ website has been established for rests with the DPI, I have requested that they take a community and stakeholder input to enable farmers, strategic look across the agencies to reduce duplication, landowners and stakeholders to share experience, ideas provide an effective skills base for Local Land Services, and feedback. and build a strong agency workforce which is resilient and efficient. If you would like the Stakeholder Reference Panel to consider a particular issue in the development of Local Land Services, please visit the site.

I encourage you to have input into this exciting new approach to service delivery.

Another website for more information on the Local Land Services is www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/locallandservices

This article was provided by NSW Primary Industries Minister, Katrina Hodgkinson, at the request of NSWIC. NSWIC does not necessarily endorse the content of the article. NSWIC has called for caution in the process given the important role the CMAs play, including the development of Environmental Watering Plans under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan. We will maintain an active engagement with the Minister and the Government on this issue. PRODUCTIVE WATER Summer 2013 10 Improving surface irrigation WORDS: PETER MOLLER

Surface irrigation is the predominant method of irrigation in Australia. Historically, other methods such as sprinkler and drip have been considered to be the most efficient ways to irrigate, however with recent technological advances, surface irrigation is now able to compete with drip and sprinkler irrigation in efficiency of water use.

Victorian farmers Russell and Cathy Pell have recently converted part of their property to this new, more efficient method of surface irrigation, termed “precision surface irrigation”. The Pells have an 830 hectare dairy and mixed cropping property in Wyuna, near Shepparton. In 2009, the Pells began planning to find the best strategy to make irrigation less time- consuming and improve the quality of their crops while reducing water use. They carefully considered a Russell has been impressed by the irrigated so often, saving water, effort range of options, including converting effect that having accurate soil and money. The reduced number of to drip, before choosing to upgrade moisture data has had on the way he irrigations meant more growing time to precision surface irrigation. The irrigates: “The soil moisture probes and higher yields “Each time you water cost of implementation, their existing have been a real learning process. The you can lose about two days growing investment in surface irrigation, thing that I’ve learnt is that I watered time, so by reducing the number ongoing power use and soil type were twice as often as I needed to; that I of irrigations last season I got an all factors that influenced the Pells’ was probably not letting that moisture extra 10 days of growing time during decision. get down far enough. I’ve been summer.” irrigating for close to 40 years and to In addition to some channel and bay learn so much in one year made my Another important component of reconfiguration, the Pells’ upgrade other 39 years look pretty average!” precision surface irrigation is the use involved four key components: of shorter run times and high flow “I had always believed that the plants rates, which improves the efficiency of • Four soil moisture probes took water from the top 30 to 35 cm the irrigation process. “The real aim is providing up to the minute of soil, but the soil moisture probes to get water on and water off really information on crop water showed that the roots were actually quickly and the faster we can do it, demand so they can taking water from as far down as the better we like it,” Russell explains. determine the optimal time to 70 cm”. The ability of the plants to “The quicker it dries off, the better the irrigate draw water from so far down meant plants do. High-flow irrigation is really • Forty three high-flow bay that the maize did not have to be getting a large stream on to your bays gates so they can get water on at higher flow rates over shorter periods of time to Precision surface irrigation reduce infiltration below Precision surface irrigation is way of improving the efficiency of existing surface the root zone, runoff and irrigation systems to minimise waterlogging, deep drainage losses and tailwater waterlogging, which affects losses. It appeals to many irrigators who want to improve yields and quality, plant growth at a lower cost than switching to an entirely different type of system, such as • Automation of the bay gates sprinkler or drip. so that they can be remotely opened and closed Precision surface irrigation can encompass a variety of modifications but most • Software that lets them view often involves monitoring soil moisture to accurately determine the optimal soil moisture status, schedule time to irrigate, high flow irrigation rates over a shorter time and some form the opening and closing of of automation to precisely control the opening and closing of bay gates and bay gates in advance and valves. Technological advances in recent years have made remotely-controlled, monitor the progress of automated surface irrigation a viable alternative which can improve the efficiency irrigation in real-time from of surface irrigation to a level which is on a par with pressurised systems. their laptop or smartphone PRODUCTIVE WATER summer 2013 11

for a designated time. Previously the farm historic best of 22 and a a big workforce in the rural sector, process took about six hours per bay. district average of 16 something like 1%. We’re coming With high-flow we’ve watered some in • An increase in revenue of $1000 to the crossroads, where we’re going as quick as an hour and ten minutes per hectare for their maize crop to need to keep up and we know and as long as three to four hours, (based on a price of $200/tonne our systems will be challenged in but if I can set up everything between of dry matter and five tonne per the future and this sort of system one and a half and two hours, that’s hectare increase) will make it possible in the future probably what I’ll be aiming for in the • A reduction in the volume of to be able to carry some of those future. water applied per hectare challenges off.”

Irrigating using higher flows makes Having embraced the new technology, Peter Moller Is a qualified agronomist it necessary for farmers to consider Russell is happy to recommend and General Manager of Rubicon Wa- automation, as it can be difficult to precision surface irrigation to other ter’s FarmConnect division. physically get to each bay in time farmers in a similar position: “I’m a to effectively control the irrigation great believer in having people actually manually. “Automation is essential with out to have a look. As a farmer, I high-flow,” Russell says. “You’re kidding know that seeing is believing; you can yourself if you think you’re going to be talk about it as much as you like, but able to do it manually…it’s impossible you actually need to see it and you to keep up with.” need to talk to operators who actually use it.” In addition to being able to precisely control the flow onto their bays, the In order to remain viable, Russell Pells have found that automation sees a critical need for farmers to has given them better control over think in the long-term with regards their lives. As Russell notes: “I think to implementing technology on their last year, I never appreciated it until farms: “I think to remain farming I actually went back and did some into the future, you need all the manual irrigation in the Autumn. It technology you can have on all actually gives you a decent night’s aspects, from the dairy to machinery sleep, it waters quickly and does all to irrigation. Because the challenges those things that you always dreamt going forward are going to be many: of, but you thought you probably population going up worldwide at an wouldn’t see it in your lifetime.” alarming rate; and we haven’t got

Russell’s enthusiasm for the precision Lifestyle benefits surface irrigation system is supported In addition to the improvements to the quality and quantity of crops produced, by the results: “I felt I had much automation has provided the Pells with significant lifestyle benefits. better control over the water. I’ve certainly grown a better product Automation ensures that Russell no longer needs to manually go to the bay outlets and that’s what we’re really after: to throughout the night to open and close gates because now the Pells can program the actually get a good product being gates to open and close automatically. The system also provides users with an SMS produced and we’ve been able to notification, if any issues occur with the automatic process, giving Russell and Cathy achieve that by fast watering and peace of mind that they will be made aware of any issues much earlier than if they controlled watering.” were still irrigating manually. The soil moisture probes provide the additional benefit of monitoring and reporting back to Russell and Cathy, if and when irrigation is necessary. The implementation of precision Russell is now able to use the time that he previously dedicated to manually opening surface irrigation resulted in the and closing gates, to managing other aspects of the farm. following outcomes for the Pells: The lifestyle benefits of automation quickly became apparent when Russell and Cathy • A reduction in the number of took their annual week-long holiday over the 2011/12 New Year period. The Pells were irrigations to five, from up to ten able to enjoy their holiday, with the confidence that they had the systems in place to irrigations in the seasons prior to provide optimum irrigation to their fields via the web or smartphone. implementation • Elimination of stress associated “The system we would have used prior was to actually irrigate everything, whether it with waterlogging or dry deficits, was a bit on the damp side, or a bit on the dry side, then have everything set to which increased the number go as soon as we got back. With this, it allows us to keep on the same program to of productive days of summer monitor while we are away.” growth, allowing the crop to yield closer to its genetic potential The information that the Pells received from the soil moisture probes provided them • An increase in crop productivity, with information on crop water demand, plus they had capability to commence with their 2011 maize crop irrigation, while they are away from the farm: “The moisture probes were working to yielding 27 tonnes of dry matter tell us what moisture was required and when the moisture was required, so we could per hectare of compared to a engage and start irrigating while we were on holidays. It was happening here, when we weren’t here, which was fantastic.” PRODUCTIVE WATER Summer 2013 12

The Arava Valley - an ideal place for irrigated agriculture? Making the Middle-East Deserts Bloom

WORDS: Andrew Gregson, CEO of the NSW Irrigators Council

The Arava Valley, south eastern Israel, where popular lore one to two inches of rainfall a year in this arid zone 150 has it that farmers have “made the desert bloom” through metres below mean see level), they have to flush it through extraordinary use of limited water resources. We couldn’t with more water. help but think as we drove through this classic desert landscape - with its regular ‘camels on road’ warning signs The water is coming from two aquifers stacked atop one - that something just didn’t stack up. The feeling only got another. The first is around two hundred metres and the stronger when we came across the top of a dune to be second seven hundred meters - both below surface level, fronted with the first of the farms that we were to visit. add another 150 for mean sea level. At present, the use of the upper aquifer in particular appears to be unsustainable Under hectare upon hectare of shade cloth, the farmers as its salt load is increasing. The lower aquifer is, of of the Arava Valley grow relatively enormous quantities course, more expensive to pump from. We got the feeling of capsicum, tomatoes and various other bits and pieces that the area expects to be connected to the national (including ornamental fish) for export to Europe and North water grid at some point in the medium term. If not, they’re America. They grow it on soil that has been trucked in in serious trouble with these aquifers it would seem. using water that is pumped from between two hundred metres (that’s already a lot) and one kilometre below At present they’re using around fifty to sixty cubic metres ground. The soil is so bare that they then have to add of water per hectare per day, but recall that much of that all sorts of fertiliser to it to make the whole shebang is to wash salt through the soil. With less salinity, they’d productive. To add to the challenge, the water that they’re expect to achieve around half that. At the same time, extracting is - as you’d expect this close to the Dead Sea they’re experimenting with salt-tolerant plant varieties on the - heavy in salt load (it’s 750mg of salt load). They have assumption that they’ll be facing a long term salinity issue. to use around twice as much as they’d otherwise get away Fascinatingly, on the infrequent occasion when a nearby with in order to wash the salt load through the soil. Above reservoir is able to capture stormwater runoff they’ve found the roots in a build up of salt - below the roots is the it difficult to manage. Their plantings have been designed same - and they aim to simply keep the root zone fresh. If to deal with salinity and don’t respond well to a sudden salt intrudes to that root zone (generally as a result of the change to fresh water. In the same way, they actually need PRODUCTIVE WATER summer 2013 13

to irrigate after rainfall to keep the water moving downward as it will pick up salt on the surface.

Such a remote location brings issues with it that are familiar to Australian growers - it’s difficult to attract labour. With such intensive practices, labour requirements are quite high. They need around 1 employee per hectare on capsicum operations and three times that for tomatoes.

Their aim is to hit the off-season markets in Europe and the US so that they achieve a price premium from we consumers who are keen to eat fresh produce in a homogenous fashion all year round. To a not-insignificant extent, they seem to be achieving that. A price premium is also attached to the organic methodology that they’ve engaged. They’re also achieving massive productivity - they’re getting 80 tonnes of capsicum per hectare and up to 200 tonnes of tomatoes. The majority of the production Arava Valley is organic, for which they’re achieving a 20% price premium.

But something doesn’t stack up. The systems are unquestionably state of the art - it’s massive productivity in the middle of the desert. But why here? Why would you pump water from that deep, live in the middle of nowhere, deal with some of the worst soils in the world and suffer massively high temperatures in the summer, to the extent that everything has to be grown under shade cloth?

The answer became apparent as we drove along the ‘Peace Road’ through the ‘Badlands’ to our next stop - the Hatzeva Reservoir. Along both sides of the road was a barbed wire fence with the unmistakeably forbidding no entry sign alone with text in Arabic, Hebrew and English reading very simply; “Do Not Enter - Minefield”. Landscape of the Arava Valley This is about as close as a political strategist is every going to get to cutting edge danger. Mines. A minefield. A real one. With things that go bang.

They’re left over from the significant conflict between Israel and Jordan. Whilst a peace agreement has been signed between the two of them, this is still frontier territory. These farms are right up to the border - and I mean right up to the fence. On one side is a shade-cloth covered farm, on the other side is a minefield.

Standing on the side of the Reservoir talking to the farmer who’d shown us around it became apparent what this all is. It isn’t an agricultural settlement - it’s a de facto military settlement. Israel took the land and quickly realised that in order to hold and secure it, they needed a population here. But how on earth do you get people to move to the middle of nowhere to populate a dangerous desert with very little water?

The answer was agriculture - and the government has spent a fortune to make it happen. Despite the enormous productivity that they’ve achieved, the costs remain far more than just daunting - they’re just about impossible to cover. The farms are all highly labour intensive (which, of course, adds to the population base that they’re seeking), they have to use incredibly expensive materials to overcome the elements (shade cloth, drip technology for irrigation, Capsicum under shade netting in the Arava Valley PRODUCTIVE WATER Summer 2013 14

pumps from incredible depths) and it isn’t close to any of their markets. It has been government dollars to develop everything (apparently around 75%, but possibly higher) and to provide ongoing financial support.

Don’t get me wrong - the people here have achieved incredible things. They have, indeed, made the desert bloom with mind boggling technology and an iron will. What needs to be understood, though, is the reason that it all happened. Moreover, the question of efficiency has to come into it. If they’re not producing a profit in the absence of government funding or farming sustainably (the aquifers are under significant pressure), is this efficient or sensible production? Our conclusion was simple - agriculture was cheaper than a military base. There’s at least some return on the agricultural production to offset the costs and so the country is better off. Trialling rice on drip in the Arava Valley Research Station We spent some time with the water officer of the local town, Moshav Hatzeva. This is more of a co- operative village arrangement than the formality of a kibbutz. There are around 130 families here who are part of the community. There farms are built right up to the Jordanian border, again under shade cloth. An ample fence and significant security surrounded the village. Inside we talked water meters. With water so scarce, metering and measurement is a big issue. The water supply entity for Hatzeva telemeters all water use and provides that data back to farmers, although they find at the moment that few are using it. Their meters are required to provide accuracy of plus or minus 2% under laboratory conditions, but there is no specified in situ requirement. The water supply entity receives its water from the state-owned company before distributing it to farmers. They receive two separate levels of water quality and have to shade them together prior to delivery to their customers/ members.

Our next stop was the agricultural research facility, which is vital to the continued existence of operations here. They know that they need to continue not only water use efficiency, but to provide crops that can be profitable if subsidies ever decline. To that extent, they’re prepared to PRODUCTIVE WATER summer 2013 15

have a crack at just about anything. In an area that receives between 1 and 2 inches of rainfall per year on average, they’re looking to develop 3,500 hectares of irrigated crop under shade nets. The water for some of that will come from as far down as 1,500 metres with between 265 and 350 EC in salinity. They’re looking at desalination powered by solar systems which use nanofiltration rather than the standard reverse osmosis process on the basis that the former allows them to essentially “dial in” a salt concentration rather than remove the lot. Having grown salt-tolerant plants, they don’t want to remove any more salt than strictly necessary. On the test system that they have, they’re processing 5 cubic metres a day and using it to irrigate capsicum which is yielding 15 kilograms per square metre.

They’re also working on strawberries grown with desalinated water (in an enclosure that requires air Date Palms in the Arava Valley conditioning) in soil bags trucked in from elsewhere and they’re assisting farmers to diversify to crops including clown fish for the aquariums of Europe. You’ve just got to give it to these people - they are having a serious crack at farming in perhaps the least likely spot on the planet.

Our final stop for the day was at a date palm plantation using extremely low quality water that’s being recycled from local settlements. They don’t waste a drop here. This stuff is applied by spray as the brine-like quality of it is such that drip systems would quickly end up clogged. The water is virtually black and you can see the salt leaching through the soil - yet still, here in the middle of the desert, palm trees are flourishing.

We needed to get our guide back home. He was going to guide us as far as Be’er Sheva, where he’d continue west to his peaceful country retreat on one of the most dangerous borders in the world (Gaza - it went pear shaped two days later) and we’d turn north to Tel Aviv. In looking at the map, that involved a fairly circuitous route south with a climb up out of the Dead Sea Valley as we headed towards Eilat on the Red Sea. Dubi (our guide), though, had other ideas...

Strawberries in soil bags in the Arava Valley PRODUCTIVE WATER Summer 2013 16

We turned off to the west and headed directly toward massive, truly massive, desert hills. I couldn’t see a way through them and wondered what it was that Dubi was taking us to see before doubling back and continuing on our merry way. About a kilometre out, I saw the dots that revealed themselves as forty gallon drums marking an insanely steep switchback pattern straight up the what-seemed- vertical mountain. I don’t mind reporting what came from my mouth; “oh, bugger me...”

Dubi stopped at the base of the hill. I can admit to a small relief that perhaps he was just showing us a silly road from the base - the sort of road that you see in documentaries. Impossibly steep, ridiculously narrow and good only for South American buses. He called us over to a blank spot of desert where he explained that this wasn’t any old road - this one was pretty special.

The road itself was built a few decades ago by the British, but it was on a path used for centuries before that. This was the old Silk Route from Europe to the Far East. Marco Polo had trod this same path - and now it was time for a Kia seven seat family sedan with an underpowered diesel engine to attempt the same.

That’s clearly not challenge enough, of course. In this, the driest place on the planet, the middle of a desert, where water comes from over a kilometre underground where it has rested peacefully for hundreds of years - the skies opened up. Not just the spitting that teased every moisture starved plant in the place yesterday, but proper, grown up rain.

How on earth do I describe it? The elation of driving on the Silk Route. The majesty and desolation of the desert, seen in spectacular three dimension. The beauty of rain falling on such a barren landscape. The sheer sphincter-widening terror of a road that seemed quite regularly narrower than the vehicle and steeper than a Korean engine could possibly contemplate.

It was marvellous. Even more so when we reached the top and trepidatiously looked back down. PRODUCTIVE WATER summer 2013 17

But it wasn’t over.

The road kept climbing out of the Dead Sea valley and up to the Negev Desert. Whilst not as steep as it had been, it was still serious enough to merit comment. The challenge now was coming from the water. It was still raining, but the water that had already fallen really had nowhere to go. The ground is rock hard, so there’s no option to seep in. So where does water go? Well, downhill first of all - but primarily along the path of least resistance. Or, as it is more commonly known, the road...

There were large tracts of the road that simply disappeared. All we could see was a sheet of water rushing at us. Fortunately, we were following Dubi who just kept on moving, even though his wheels were up to 40 centimetres under fast flowing water. I figured he was confident and he was showing me where the road was, so why not? It wasn’t until we were through the lot that I learned that the poor fellow was particularly unsure. Of course he was. He lives in a country that sees little rain and was in a location that gets less than two inches a year - and he was faced with flash flooding!

So we made our way through that and congratulated ourselves on a fascinating journey.

And that, I think, is the key to Israel. They deal daily with stuff that to us is merely conjecture. And I don’t just mean the Israeli’s, of course - I mean people on either side of the border and, indeed, even within the borders of what is Israel. Buggered if I know how they do it.

We continued on to Tel Aviv, checked in to a quite delightful beachfront hotel and drank beer. I presume Marco Polo once did the same.

The Silk Road out of the Arava Valley PRODUCTIVE WATER Summer 2013 18

The Murray-Darling

BasWORDS: Andrew Gregson, in Plan CEO of the NSW Irrigators Council The Details

Introduction

The Murray-Darling Basin Plan became effective as a Regulation when signed into law on 22 November by Minister Tony Burke.

As a Regulation, it did not need to be approved by the Parliament to come into effect. On the execution of the Minister, it immediately became law. It was, however, subject to the disallowance of Parliament.

The Parliament does not have the capacity to amend the Regulation. It merely has the capacity to consider a motion disallowing it. If such motion is successfully moved, the Regulation will be struck not only from the time of the motion being carried, but from the time that it was made. That is, it will be considered to have not been made.

A motion to disallow can be moved in either House. The Australian Greens indicated immediately on the release of the Plan that they would move to disallow it in the Senate. In the House, motions were moved by both Nationals Member for Riverina (Michael McCormack) seconded by Liberal Member for Murray (Sharman Stone) as well as Independent Member for Kennedy (Bob Katter) seconded by Independent Member for Denison (Andrew Wilkie). None of the motions were successful in attraction the support of either house. PRODUCTIVE WATER summer 2013 19

A Broad Overview of the Basin Plan Compensation for All Reduction

The Plan sets a target volume of 2,750 gigalitres. The Water Act envisaged that the risks of reduction of water for sustainable diversion would be shared. The first The target volume, however, is largely irrelevant. There’s an 3% of the reduction based on total diversions (not the Adjustment Mechanism such that environmental outcomes reduction volume) would be without compensation. That are measured in equivalent volumes rather than actual is, in excess of 300 gigalitres would have been acquired volumes. The Plan targets outcomes equivalent to 3,200 without any payment whatsoever. Further, any reduction gigalitres with a volume of water held in entitlements at attributed to climate change would have been without potentially 2,550 gigalitres. compensation. The move to market and infrastructure acquisition again made this provision redundant - although In essence, the Plan adopts a “building block” approach. it remains available for any future Basin Plan. 2,100 gigalitres will be acquired as a first block (through both infrastructure and purchase). The second block of Adjustment Mechanism up to 650 gigalitres comes from Environmental Works and Measures (EWM). Any shortfall in that amount will be The Water Act envisaged a simple “just add water” replaced with purchase. A third block of 450 can only be approach that did not take into account environmental use sourced with infrastructure programs. efficiency. The addition of an Adjustment Mechanism (AM) to allow Environmental Works and Measures (EWM) projects To an extent, the acquisition methods are contained within to offset up to 650 gigalitres was a significant positive the Plan (to the extent that it covers the Adjustment move. That said, it is vital that NSWIC (and others) remain Mechanism). The full detail is not within the Plan, but this vigilant to ensure the full 650 is achieved. is backed by a Water Recovery Strategy that provides further detail. The Strategy is not part of the Plan and is The also allows for upward movement. NSWIC sought - and not required to be approved by Parliament. won - a commitment that this would only be achieved through infrastructure investment rather than purchase. The timeframes for implementation are complex. The headline implementation date is 2019, although recognition is Infrastructure Acquisition given that some projects will not be completed by that date (although must be commenced). Those projects are provided The Water Act does not envision infrastructure investment an additional five years (until 2024) for full implementation. as a means to acquire water. Whilst the concept of investment was clearly part of the National Plan for Water Identification of Positive Outcomes Security, it has considerably expanded since that time through the evolution of the Water for the Future package. In public comment at the release of the Plan, NSWIC made it clear that significant positive changes have been made Further investment in infrastructure through appropriation over the duration of its development. These changes were of another $1.78b has recently occurred. This was the brought about by the concerted efforts of representative second of the Bills put to the Parliament to change the groups, communities and individuals who fought a Water Act. Originally, the Bill said an additional “up to” hard campaign over several years. They should not be 450 gigalitres would be required. The Regional Australia discounted as hard won gains. Committee, which includes Members from all sides and is Chaired by Tony Windsor (Independent Member for New No Reliability Reduction England) recommended against a change proposed by the Government to remove the words “up to”. Fascinatingly, The Water Act envisaged the Plan being implemented via only a few hours later those same Government Members State Water Resource Plans (Water Sharing Plans) reducing and Mr Windsor then voted for the change - contravening in each valley to total volume that could be extracted. their own recomendation in a most peculiar fashion. This would have resulted in a drop in reliability for all entitlement holders (or at least all of a class of entitlement Commencement and Conclusion Timeframes holders if the State determined to remove all water from General Security). The dramatic policy change from both On the original timetable, the Basin Plan was to be sides of Federal politics to acquisition of “the gap” by either implemented in NSW at the rollover of Water Sharing purchase or infrastructure was a major positive change. Plans. That would have seen the full impacts visited in most NSW inland valleys in 2014. Aside from the transition Replacement of Risk Assignment with Market period being far too short, it would have resulted in a Compensation severe competitive disadvantage against Victoria whose implementation timeframe was 2019. Pursuant to our The Water Act envisaged a compensation scheme known strategy, we convinced the NSW Government immediately as Risk Assignment for the reliability reduction described after the State election to demand a 2019 implementation above. This was a complex scheme with major risk visited which swiftly saw the Commonwealth agree Basin wide. upon Water Access License holders. It became redundant Through further work with the Commonwealth, with us for the first Basin Plan when on market and infrastructure noting a 5 year transition period in the Act, the final acquisition was won. implementation date is now 2024. PRODUCTIVE WATER Summer 2013 20

Apportionment of Shared Reductions the Government, Rob Oakshott, Tony Windsor, Adam Bandt and Andrew Wilkie. With the methodology of shared reductions appearing subsequent to the Guide to the Basin Plan, NSWIC quickly During the debate on the amendments, the Opposition worked on ensuring interstate equity in apportioning such pledged to change the Act should they win the next reduction. The Basin Plan now apportions shared reductions election. They’re also written letters to a number of parties based on shares of diversion limits as at 2009 including (NSWIC included) pledging that commitment. urban water use. This latter is important as it means that neither Adelaide nor Canberra are immune from the Plan. No Apportionment of EWM

Recognition of System Constraints We had anticipated that apportionment would be extended to EWM. Departmental officials in a briefing prior to the Across NSW - and in the Murray Valley in particularly - release on 22 November seemed perplexed when we asked NSWIC and our Members argued that constraints to delivery questions in this respect, eventually conceding that it was of environmental water were not being considered in the not apportioned. face of rising demands for environmental resumption. It must be remembered that the reduction from “between Had the EWM been apportioned, it would have given every three and four thousand” in the Guide to 2,800 in the State incentive to be involved in both presenting their next iteration was, as described by MDBA Chairman Craig own projects and supporting projects from other States. Knowles, as a direct result of that constraints argument. As Ministerial Council requires a unanimous vote, an Whilst constraints remain a significant concern, the effective veto is therefore handed to every State - including recognition of their existence and the commitment to South Australia. With no incentive to be involved and no develop a management strategy must result in serious apportionment of outcomes (including purchase if EWM is consideration of this aspect in the coming twelve months. not filled to 650 gigalitres), South Australia has an incentive to minimise EWM and maximise purchase. Apportionment could have solved this - but a cap on purchase would Identification of Negative Outcomes achieve a similar outcome and shortfall would be directed to infrastructure. Recovery Volume Water Trading Rules are Weak NSWIC has long advocated that 2,750 gigalitres as a target recovery volume is simply too high. The Government has The Water Trading Rules within the Basin Plan are not steadfastly refused to alter this figure and hence it remains considerably strengthened, as demanded by NSWIC after in the Basin Plan. the last draft.

No Cap on Purchase Conclusion NSWIC has advocated that a cap be placed on purchases. This would serve to protect irrigators and communities We were never going to get a Basin Plan that we liked. At from purchases replacing EWM projects and, indeed, the bottom of all of the debate, discussion and tension infrastructure projects. The Commonwealth Government the Basin Plan was, is and always will be about removing has not agreed to this demand and it does not appear in productive water for ill-defined reasons. In a press either the Plan or the Water Recovery Strategy. conference subsequent to Minister Burke releasing the Basin Plan, we said quite clearly that this is a poor policy The NSW Government has committed to a cap based on decision that Australia will eventually look back on with their terms (3% in any decade) which are not dissimilar to regret. In a world that is facing water and food scarcity, ours. Whilst fraught with legal difficulty, this is an excellent Australia will increasingly be looked to for the provision of fallback position. food and fibre. Green ideology will neither feed nor clothe people. When the Federal Government refused to cap purchasing, arguing that it was “implicit” if the States came up with Our aim, then, was the achieve the least worst outcome. 650 EWM projects, we approached the Opposition asking We wrote a strategy four years ago that we’ve diligently them to adopt the policy. Our first position was to have implemented. Through that - and through the support of them announce that they would change the Water Recovery our Members and communities - we’ve moved the Basin Strategy should they win Government, but with some Plan a vast distance, but it will still quite rightly leave a internal pushing from relevant Members and Senators their lasting negative impression. position changed to moving amendments to the Bill to amend the Water Act. That is, the Opposition took up the position of placing a cap on purchase (at 1,500 gigalitres - or less than 250 gigalitres of further purchase) not only in policy but in the Act itself. The amendments that they moved were defeated 68 votes to 66. We went very close to achieving a significant victory. Voting against a cap were 1 PIONEER IN DRIP IRRIGATION SOLUTIONS 47 YEARS GROWTH 112 COUNTRIES IN WHICH WE OPERATE 2,600 LOCAL EXPERTS 5,638,721 SATISFIED CUSTOMERS & STILL GROWING

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Australia in the Asian Century

Australia’s capacity to become a food bowl for Asia WORDS: Stefanie Schulte PRODUCTIVE WATER summer 2013 23

Australia has for decades been termed Mineral Dependency Competing pressure for “a land of plenty” - rich in land, resources natural resources and highly productive Australia’s growth over the last decade labour. It is therefore no surprise that has been intrinsically linked to the Australia’s agricultural producers Prime Minister Julia Gillard suggested development of its resource sector. have increasingly found themselves in her opening speech to the Global Expenditure on mineral exploration competing for vital input factors - first Foundation Conference in May 2012 in 2010-11 was 72% higher than in and foremost water resources. The that Australia could become a food 2006-07 and during the same period, exponential expansion of mining and bowl for the rapidly growing economies the value of exports from mining more coal seam gas operations on the east in Asia; than doubled to $136 billion. With this, coast of Australia has meant that a the industry contributed 55% of the large proportion of water licences have total value of goods exported from been transferred away from agriculture “Just as we have become a Australia (2010-11), an increase of resulting in less inputs being available minerals and energy giant, 37% from 2006-0713. for food and fibre production. Australia can be a great provider of reliable, high- The investments made and financial Additional to a reduction in inputs, incentives given to mineral extractive agricultural producers are also quality food to meet Asia’s industries has lead to a near solitary concerned about the impact mining 1 growing needs.” reliance on finite natural resources has on the quality of water resources. to drive Australia’s growth. Despite Current regulation for mining and coal While this statement clearly shows some contrary opinions, many consider seam gas operations is inadequate Australia’s strong connection with its the current development path to to protect Australia’s water and land mineral and energy sector, it also be unsustainable and as such have resources. To what degree current highlights the growing focus on other advocated for a diversification of regulation falls short from optimal industries to provide for Australia’s products and services that will sustain can be seen in the recently proposed future growth. Agriculture is often Australia’s position in world markets. Aquifer Interference Policy in NSW4. cited as a possible candidate to drive For that purpose, many have turned to While industries have for the past two ongoing development and prosperity, agriculture and argued that if properly years tried to develop a regulation yet questions about Australia’s managed, Australia could provide for that addresses aquifer interference capacity in regards to food and fibre an indefinite food and fibre production activities, the recently proposed policy production are widely discussed. This that could service both the domestic has not delivered a sensible solution paper will argue that Australia has and international markets. for how mining will be able to coexist the capacity to be a high quality food with irrigated agriculture. The result and fibre producer, but current policy While Australia’s abundance of land, has been that water resources have objectives and regulations do not allow natural resources and diverse climate been highly exposed to long term Australia to fully utilise its potential. patterns provides an ideal environment damage. Such a notion seems to be supported for further agricultural expansions, by Senator Joe Ludwig; current policies and regulations offer For the benefit of Australia and its conflicting incentives for agricultural agricultural sector, the protection producers. Furthermore, obstacles in of water resources needs to remain “What we have to be able to the form of market price fluctuations, absolute and unconditional. Without structural changes and climate a solid guarantee provided through do (...) is be well positioned variability, cannot and should not adequate regulation and a continuous to support those businesses, be ignored in this context. These focus on the protection of agriculture’s support agriculture, support obstacles will likely be responsible most vital inputs - water and land- processes and exporters all the for the development of Australia’s Australia’s capacity for becoming a way through to meet those agricultural sector and ultimately food bowl for Asia will be diminished. 1 answer the question whether Australia demands.” has what it takes to become the food bowl for Asia. As this comment highlights, Australia’s role in Asia has not yet been clearly defined and will depend to a significant degree on future policy setting as this will decide whether Australian agricultural producers are able to place themselves in an optimal position to meet the growing demand in Asia.

1 The Australian, We can be a food bowl for Asia declares Gillard , 04/05/2012, http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/we-can-be-the-food-bowl-of-asia-declares-gillard/story- fn59niix-1226346265990 (accessed 19/10/12) 2 Efficient Farming, Plan looks to secure national food security, 17/07/2012,http://www.efarming.com.au/News/agricultural/17/07/2012/174065/plan-looks-to-secure-national-food-security.html 3 Australian Bureau of Statistic, Year Book Australia 2012 , http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/[email protected]/Lookup/1301.0Main+Features292012 (accessed 19/10/12) 4 Department of Primary Industries (Office of Water), NSW Aquifer Interference Policy, http://www.water.nsw.gov.au/Water-management/Law-and-policy/Key-policies/Aquifer-interference PRODUCTIVE WATER Summer 2013 24

Conservationist policy Energy Costs Variable Agricultural Production Not only do agricultural producers face In light of lower water availability, increasing competitive pressure for Australian agricultural producers It should be remembered that water resources from mining and coal have responded with structural Australian agricultural producers seam gas operations, but Australia’s adjustments on-farm that has lead are under no obligation to grow a growing preference for conservationist to greater water efficiencies. Whilst particular food crop. The continuous policy has prioritised the needs of great success has been achieved search for the best profit opportunities, the environment over the needs of in respect to water efficiency, many has led production of a particular crop productive water users with the effect of the new installations have shown vary significantly from year to year. that agricultural producers have been to be highly energy intensive. By Favourable cotton prices in recent forced to ‘do more with less’ and pay trading off ‘water intensity’ for ‘energy years provided an ideal example to more for the privilege. The Murray intensity’ , many agricultural producers illustrate this point. Prices for cotton Darling Basin Plan is a prime example have seen their input costs increase in the years 2009 and 2010 reached of how agricultural producers have significantly. In NSW alone, regulated up to $600, which was substantially had to adjust to a future with lower retail electricity prices will increased higher than the average over the water availability. The progressive by 18% in 2012/136. For businesses last 20 years ($448)7. The large price water recovery by the Commonwealth who are price takers in international increases have caused an explosion of Government for the environment has commodity markets, such large input cotton to be planted in the southern already transferred a large quantum cost increases have narrowed the region of NSW, which is generally not of productive water (1433GL as of overall profit margins and caused known as a dominant crop in this 30 September 2012)5 away from food many to look for opportunities to region. and fibre production with large scale increase revenue or reduce costs to implications for agricultural producers remain financially viable. It seems that Furthermore, dependent on water and their communities. agricultural producers currently find availability, agricultural output can vary themselves at the crossroad between substantially between years. A crop It is evident that there exist a two other federal policy objectives that symbolises the high variability of disconnect between different federal - to preserve more water for the agricultural output is rice. It’s feature policy objectives. While contemplating environment and emit less carbon - as an ‘opportunity crop’ can easily Australia’s capacity to become a food which are two goals that agricultural be highlighted in the period between bowl for Asia, more of the industry’s producers find increasingly difficult to 2003-2009. The 2008 rice crop of vital input factor is transferred to the align. To maintain or expand current 19,400 tons was the lowest in the environment. To position Australia as production and service the growing Australian rice sector’s history (since a high quality, reliable food and fibre food demand in Asia, the issue of 1928), representing just over 1% of producer, a thorough re-evaluation energy cost in agriculture will remain a normal production. In comparison needs to take place that determines contentious issue. to these extremely low figures, rice what Australian agricultural sector production recovered to 205,000 tons needs to become a food bowl for While Australian agricultural producers in 2010 and reached 800,000 tons in Asia. have shown great ability to adapt to 20118. Such large output variability lower water availability, federal and casts doubt over Australia’s potential state government need to ensure to be a stable provider of food that newly installed equipment can be products for Asia as it will be difficult utilised optimally. As such, an urgent to guarantee the supply of a given review into the causes of recent quantity of food products. electricity price increases need to be conducted and sensible policies needs to be implemented that will support the industry in this respect.

5 Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder, About Commonwealth Environmental Water, http://www.environment.gov.au/ewater/about/index.html (accessed 19/10/12) 6 Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal, Changes in regulated electricity retail prices from 1 July 2012, June 2012, http://www.ipart.nsw.gov.au/Home/Industries/Electricity/Reviews/Retail_ Pricing/Changes_in_regulated_electricity_retail_prices_from_1_July_2012/12_Apr_2012_-_Consumer_Fact_Sheet/Fact_Sheet_-_Changes_in_electricity_prices_from_1_July_2012_-_April_2012 7 Farmarco, Pricing of Australian Cotton, http://www.farmarco.com.au/commodities-pricing-cotton.php (accessed 19/10/12) 8 Berrigan Shire , Rice Industry Case Study, 11 October 2010, http://www.berriganshire.nsw.gov.au/Portals/0/documents/central%20murray%20%20synthesis%20report%20part%202%2022%20Dec. pdf and AFN, Record Revenue announced by Australia’s major rice producers, http://www.ausfoodnews.com.au/2012/07/25/record-revenues-announced-by-australia%E2%80%99s-major-rice-producer. html (accessed 19/10/2012) PRODUCTIVE WATER summer 2013 25

Climate variability Water Storages Conclusion

Not only do agricultural producers As a result of variable climate As the analysis has indicated, Australia vary planting decisions based on conditions, Australia has constructed has the potential to become a food international commodity prices multiple water storage facilities that bowl for Asia, however considerable but climate variability has had a enable the capture and subsequent obstacles remain to utilise this substantial impact on the decisions release of water that allow agricultural potential. Without an alignment of taken by agricultural producers. As production. The majority of the current different policy objectives, and a the recent large scale floods have water storage facilities are located consolidated support for agricultural shown, water inflow into Australia’s along the Great Dividing Range and industries it will be difficult to position prime agricultural land - the Murray the last major dam construction Australia as a provider for high- Darling Basin- varies significantly took place in 1987 in NSW10. With quality reliable food products in Asian between years . Inflows into the region growing population pressure and markets. were as high as 117,907 GL in 1956 increasing climate variability, it is and as low as 6,740 GL in 20069. doubtful whether the current storage Additionally, recent studies have These highly variable inflows and facilities are sufficient to cater for the indicated that demand patterns in hence differing water allocation have increased domestic and international Asian economies are progressively directly influenced planting decisions demand. changing12. The continuous growth and agricultural output quantities. and associated rise in living standards Such large scale variability in output A current Inquiry into the adequacy have caused a change of preference levels as a result of climate variability of water storages is taking place to towards higher protein food items. will not place Australia in the most determine whether the current facilities Questions therefore need to be asked favourable position to become a are sufficient to cater for the ongoing what the ‘food bowl’ will have to reliable food bowl for Asia. needs of Australia. This inquiry will consist of in order to be attractive be interesting also for agricultural for Asian economies. If Australia’s While limited opportunities exist to producers as the initial construction production does not match the mitigate Australia’s variable climate of regulated infrastructure has allowed growing and changing demand pattern conditions, options exist to mitigate irrigated agriculture to expand and in Asia, the question of capacity might the risk faced by agricultural thrive. Should the inquiry find that remain of secondary importance. producers. As the United States have water storage facilities are currently shown, crop insurance is an available insufficient, this will like place a financial instrument that could help cap on possible agricultural output agricultural producers to moderate the quantities and hence will likely limit risk of adverse climate conditions and Australia’s capacity to be a food bowl provide sufficient incentives to commit for Asia. to the planting of a particular food crop. In order to establish Australia as Associated with Australia’s water a food bowl for Asia, such incentive storage facilities is the question of mechanisms should be explored. water charges. Agricultural producers who operate in regulated systems in NSW are charged a fee for the services provided by the operator of those regulated infrastructure11. Those water charges have steadily increased over recent years and have thereby contributed considerably to overall input costs for agricultural producers. Similar to the issue on electricity prices, agricultural producers face a further input crisis in terms of higher bulk water charges that places significant financial constraints on agricultural producers.

9 NSW Parliament, The Basin Plan: legal debates and developments, August 2012, http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/publications.nsf/key/TheBasinPlan:legaldebatesanddevelopments /$File/The+Basin+Plan+-+legal+debates+and+developments.pdf (accessed 19/10/2012) 10 Sweetwater Fishing, Split Rock Dam - Manilla / Barraba. NSW, http://www.sweetwaterfishing.com.au/SplitRock.htm (accessed 19/10/2012) 11 State Water Corporation, 2012-13 Water Charges, http://www.statewater.com.au/_Documents/Library/Water%20Charges%20for%202012-2013%20for%20Regulated%20River%20and%20Fish%20 River%20Customers.pdf (accessed 19/10/2012) 12 Australian Government, National Food Plan, http://www.daff.gov.au/nationalfoodplan/process-to-develop/green-paper/green-paper-summary (accessed 19/10/2012) PRODUCTIVE WATER Summer 2013 26

Sub Surface Drip Irrigation in South Eastern Australia WORDS: Sam Birrell

“If you think of being able to engineer the ideal soil moisture level in the root zone for every hour of a crop’s life, from emergence to harvest, imagine how much more growing the plant will do, and how that will translate into yield”

Sub Surface Drip irrigation for “Irrigated cropping farmers with sub “The main driver of gross margin is broadacre and row crops is in surface drip irrigation systems are able yield” Mr Birrell said. “In terms of cost: a growth phase in south eastern to vary the application rate to keep seed cost, energy use and labour Australia. up with crop demand in a way that no (although reduced with automation) will other irrigation method allows. If you be similar no matter what the yield Netafim sales manager for Victoria think of being able to engineer the – fertiliser cost may change a little Andrew Pollard indicated that there ideal soil moisture level in the root depending on the forecast. In relation are over 1000Ha of sub surface drip zone for every hour of a crop’s life, to return, commodity price generally slated for installation over 2012-2013. from emergence to harvest, imagine can’t be controlled by the farmer “There are a number of projects in how much more growing the plant will but yield can. Farmers are obliged to northern Victoria, ranging from 15 to do, and how that will translate into throw everything at yield”. 250 Ha”, Mr Pollard said. yield”, Mr Birrell said. Andrew Pollard is optimistic. “As more “These growers are looking to grow There is a cost associated with any and more sub surface drip irrigation crops such as corn, lucerne and soy type of new irrigation installation; systems come on line, farmers will try beans with the drip irrigation systems. however, yield increases can give a new techniques, learn from each other There is also a trend toward double positive return on investment because and push the boundaries of what cropping winter and summer cereals in of increased gross margin. is possible with this technology for one 12 month period” broadacre and row cropping”. In an experiment in 2005-2006, CSIRO Netafim agronomist Sam Birrell said researchers compared furrow, overhead that the move to sub surface drip sprinkler and sub-surface drip irrigation indicated a broader trend toward on corn at the Coleambally research precision agriculture. farm. The drip irrigated treatment out yielded the sprinkler by 16% and the 1 “The most advanced cropping farmers furrow irrigation by 31% . 1 O’Neil, C et al (2006) Subsurface drip superior have been using precision agriculture to furrow and sprinkler again technologies for many years.” http://www.irec.org.au/farmer_f/pdf_173/Drip,%20 sprinkler%20%26%20furrow%20irrigation%20for%20 maize.pdf PRODUCTIVE WATER summer 2013 27

Improving Irrigation Efficiency through a Grower-led Approach in the Gwydir Valley

AUTHORS: Zara Lowien and Nick Gillingham With thanks to Nathaniel Phillis from Sundown Pastoral Co, Janelle Montgomery, NSW Department of Primary Industries and Anthony Fairfull, Aquatech Consulting Pty Ltd.

Summary and Highlights Background

• Demonstration of a successful grower-led, industry In the Gwydir Valley, furrow irrigation makes up more driven trial program with relevant and practical than 90% of irrigation methods practiced. In response to information for growers on on-farm water-use prolonged low water availability during the last drought, efficiency. growers in the Gwydir Valley began to question how they • Localised reference material on comparative water- could maximise their water use and maintain or improve use efficiency of four irrigation systems; furrow, their productivity. lateral, drip and bankless channel. • The water use efficiency performance of the lateral In the past alternative methods of irrigation have been system is consistently high between seasons attempted including pipe through the bank (PTB), overhead although, these gains come at a larger operational (Lateral and Pivot) and drip. There have been varied and maintenance cost that must be considered. levels of success with these methods; the reasons for their • Measurement of irrigation water applied remains success or demise are wide-ranging and not conclusive. problematic as a fine scale for the furrow and Many were attempting to decipher the practicality and real bankless channel systems and water balance efficiencies from these options. modelling was used during 2011-2012 to provide another measurement system. The questions and difficulties encountered were not uncommon across all irrigated cotton growing regions within Australia. However, the growers in the Gwydir felt that they need local, regionally specific information that could assist then in future decision making. PRODUCTIVE WATER Summer 2013 28

Following that discussion, in 2008 the Gwydir Valley Irrigators Association (GVIA) applied for funding from the National Water Commission to undertake a national water standards project aimed at improving irrigation efficiency in the Australian cotton industry, primarily in North West NSW. This project was accepted and began in August 2008 and was completed in April 2012, although the final results were not calculated until October 2012 due to ginning delays.

The project was different to other trials as it focussed on a grower-led approach, directed through the GVIA. The GVIA represents in excess of 250 irrigation entitlement holders in the Gwydir Valley, centred on the town of Moree. The Association aims to build a secure future for its members, the environment and the Gwydir Valley community through irrigated agriculture. The project by its conception was already fully supported from the growers who are also members of the Association.

The Concept

From the grass-roots desire within the Gwydir Valley Figure 1: Layout of the trial site Irrigators Association (GVIA), the decision was made to initiate local, grower-led trials to prepare those within the industry for a future with less water. Each system was measured using a holistic approach recording all and only the water used in the system, The project objectives and tasks were to be met through therefore not including the water lost getting to each establishing a grower-led approach for over-seeing and system or in storage before irrigation. implementing research that was valley specific but could also be used to inform the wider industry. This approach Each of the systems was trialled over two-seasons; 2009- was engrained within the establishment of a steering 2010 and the 2011-2012. Principally management of committee including technical representatives and local each irrigation system was as consistent as possible growers but was enhanced through the linkages that the across each of the trial areas i.e. plant variety, planting project had with the GVIA and importantly, its committee techniques, plant spacing, fertilizer, herbicide and insecticide and members. management were all consistent. Irrigation scheduling was also, although the lateral and drip were scheduled utilising The steering committee decided that the most beneficial different deficits. way to deliver of grower needs was to establish a range of practical and accurate irrigation systems which can be For the 2011-2012 season, the steering committee decided easily used by irrigators in determining future irrigation that each system should be utilised to its full potential, methods so as to maximise their water use efficiency. as any grower would. Hence, there were modifications to The result was the establishment of the four system the drip and lateral management regimes. This allowed comparative trial located on the property “Keytah” West for the application of fertilizers and nutrients through their of Moree (Figure 1). The trial aimed to provide accurate water delivery systems and a change in the pre-planting comparative information on the water use efficiencies of conditions as stubble was retained in each of these areas. four relatively common irrigation systems used across Australia and around the world. Hopefully this information The 2011-2012 season also saw the inclusion of an will help growers make more educated decisions on their alternative water measuring system for the trial as a irrigation practices in turn maximizing their productivity per back-up to the field measurement technology, which was megalitre. highlighted as one to the greatest challenges during the first season. This included trial site modelling using It was determined that the three systems that had the most WaterTrack™ Optimiser that utilised the raw trial data for potential for water savings and incorporation by irrigators each of the systems, storage measurements and integrated were lateral movers, drip irrigation and bankless channel. this into a trial site water balance. The results presented Furrow or siphon irrigation, is the dominant irrigation are those outputs as provided by the modelling. system in the Gwydir was recorded as a control to match results to.

As shown in Figure 1 the scale and layout of each of the systems vary but are centrally located on the farm. The drip is the smallest area at 11.43 hectares, the bankless channel, is 32.53 hectares, the furrow is 85.69 hectares and the two lateral movers are 122.95 and 122.99 hectares respectively. PRODUCTIVE WATER summer 2013 29

Figure 6 where the water-use efficiency performance of the furrow and drip decreased overtime whereas, the lateral improved. The bankless channel system was removed from the comparison due to the establishment issues in the 2009-2010 season.

Concentrating on the most recent season, 2011-2012 some of the variation can be explained by significant water logging that occurred during the two flood events, in particular affecting the drip and areas within the lateral as the 3 metre beds did appear to not drain as well as the formed up 1.5 metre beds.

However, the drip system suffered a breakdown during the peak heat-wave of summer resulted in crop stress which is believed to have caused substantial yield penalties. As the trial area is a small scale there isn’t a back-up pump system, but in any commercial scale operation back-ups

Figure 2: Lateral and drip fields with soil moisture monitoring equipment that is used for would be considered. irrigation scheduling. Soil variation within the furrow field resulted in uneven The Results germination and nearly 5 hectares being replanted, which may have played a role in its poorer performance for the The water use and yield season summaries are presented 2011-2012 season. Although the crop yield is considered below in Figure 4: 2009-2010 Summary and Figure 5: 2011- comparable to the regional average of 10-13 bales per 2012 Season Summary. hectare (as advised by Cotton Seed Distributors Ltd.) but is lower than the yield from other trials on the farm These summaries present the megalitres per hectare of measuring 12.8 bales per hectare. irrigation water applied (in blue) and total seasonal water use (in red), which includes soil moisture, effective rainfall More importantly, there are considerable difficulties with and any applied water. Effective rainfall establishes how accurately and consistently measuring the irrigation water much rainfall filled the soil profile throughout the season; applied in the furrow field. The modelled results as this is generally calculated as a percentage of rainfall used. presented show much higher applied irrigation water from those collected in the field but accuracy was questionable. The average production for each of the systems is also Hence, for consistency it was determined to use all presented in the green columns as measured by bales of modelled data, which utilises a variety of hydrological cotton per hectare. relationships to determine the trial site areas water balance.

Total seasonal water use and production indices are then combined to determine the Gross Production Water Use Index (GPWUI). This index allows for standardised comparisons to be made between results, but also between other farms, regions and seasons. The higher the GPWUI the more water efficient the crop. There is considerable variation between the two-years of data collected for each of the systems. This is highlighted by the percentage difference in GPWUI in

Gross Production Water Use Index Bales/ML 1.60 30%

1.40 20%

1.20

10% 1.00

Difference 7%

0.80 0% Bales /ML Bales 0.60 -10%

0.40 Difference -14%

Percentage differnce in GPWUI in differnce Percentage Figure 3: Cotton picking of the bankless channel field. -20% 0.20 Difference -22%

0.00 -30% Furrow Lateral Drip 2009-10 2011-12 Difference PRODUCTIVE WATER Summer 2013 30

2009-2010 Season Summary 2011 - 2012 Season Summary 16 1.60 16 1.60 2009-10 Average Yield Bales/ha 2009-10 Average Yield Bales/ha 2009-10 Average Yield Bales/ha 2009-10 Average Yield Bales/ha 2011-12 Average Yield Bales/ha 2011-12 Average Yield Bales/ha 2011-12 Average Yield Bales/ha 2011-12 Average Yield Bales/ha Furrow 12.06 Lateral 10.86 Drip 11.47 Bankless 9.80 Furrow 11.60 Lateral 13.40 Drip 10.70 Bankless 12.50 14 1.40 14 1.35 1.40 1.22 1.27 1.28 1.30 12 1.20 12 1.20 1.16 1.12 1.05 10 1.00

10 1.00

8 0.80 8 0.80 ML/ha ML/ha Bales/ML Bales/ML 6 0.60 6 0.60

4 0.40 4 0.40

2 0.20 2 0.20

0 0.00 0 0.00 Furrow Lateral Drip Bankless Furrow Lateral Drip Bankless 2011-12 Irrigation water index ML/ha 2011-12 Total Seasonal Water Usage ML/ha 2009-10 Irrigation water index ML/ha 2009-10 Total Seasonal Water Usage ML/ha 2011-12 Average Yield Bales/ha 2011-12 Gross Production Water Use Index (total) Bales/ML 2009-10 Average Yield Bales/ha 2009-10 Gross Production Water Use Index (total) Bales/ML

Figure 4: 2009-2010 Season Summary. The water applied and used by the crop for each Figure 5: 2011-2012 Season Summary. The water applied and used by the crop for each system is presented with its average production output. Total seasonal water use and system is presented with its average production output. Total seasonal water use and production indices are then combined to determine the GPWUI. Due to establishment issues production indices are then combined to determine the GPWUI. Variation between the and re-planting, the bankless channel results are excluded from consideration. systems is evident and is believed to be linked to the field variation.

However, in our current energy price market and high input costs for fuel and labour, water-use efficiency considerations are not the only driver for irrigators in determining whether to alter their irrigation systems. While the lateral move for example appears to be consistently a highly water efficient system, the ongoing operational and maintenance costs of this technology is also being questioned.

A summary of costs incurred to establish and operate the trial are presented below in Table 1 and highlight the considerable cost premiums to establish and operate systems like the lateral move and drip. This information is based on actual data collected by the Sundown Pastoral Co Management Team, where estimates are stated this is determined from a variety of estimates from other farms.

Table 1: Summary of system input costs.

Input Furrow Lateral Drip Bankless Channel

• Existing system developed 20 • Actual costs in 2006 years ago setup cost would • Actual costs 2009Total • Estimated setup • Machine = $3,200/Ha Capital Setup Costs not be relevant. • Cost = $8,547/Ha cost today = $1,000- • Earthworks = $680/Ha • Estimated setup cost today = $1,500/Ha. • Total = $3,880/Ha $800-$1,200/Ha.

Estimated Ongoing Maintenance Cost per $61.50 / Ha $92.00 /Ha $79.00 / Ha $32.00 / Ha Annum

Operating Energy Cost 1.15 litres per meg per Ha 35.4 litres per meg per Ha 37.5 litres per meg per Ha 0.72 litres per meg per Ha (Fuel usage)

Actual - 5.24 hours per Ha for season (NOTE-Very high due to the small Estimated Operating scale ). Labour Cost (in hours) 0.58 hours per Ha per 0.67 hours per Ha for season 0.30 hours per Ha for season to irrigate the cotton season Estimate of an Optimal System crop. (fully automated on 100 ha's + ) 0.21 hours per Ha per season

Challenges and Limitations

There were many challenges encountered during both The trial design or in particular, the trial layout is another seasons of the trial program; however many of these were limiting factor and affects the accuracy of collecting inherent trial design features or due the seasonal issues data and the robustness of the system (and seasonal) throughout the region. For example, widespread flooding comparisons. There is believed to be greater accuracy in with cooler than average summer temperatures during the measuring the lateral and drip systems, as controlled by 2011-2012 season, resulted in lower than anticipated yield internal pumps and sensors versus the furrow and bankless returns although the trial results are within the regional channel. averages. PRODUCTIVE WATER summer 2013 31

The differing scales of each of the systems, soil variation, This interaction has been pivotal in providing additional and the irregular layout of the furrow field, not to mention insight and information which cannot easily be the out-dated version of the bankless system (original communicated in print and maintained the relevancy to the rooftop design which is now replaced with a newer design) end-user. The comments and questions at the most recent are all challenges that must be accepted and cannot be January 2012 field day are in direct support of this, where changed. Only through greater repetition and trialling the questions were free-flowing from the crowd regarding the systems over more seasons, will provide the opportunity for positives and negatives associated with actually farming more conclusive comparisons of the systems. with these systems.

Many of the management issues identified in the first growing season, were not evident in the second as the Sundown Pastoral Management Team had time to further experience the operation of the new systems i.e. the bankless channel, lateral and drip systems.

Project Evaluation

The evaluation of the project in April 2012 limited the capacity o to fully assess the outcomes of the project. This is heightened by the fact the 2011-2012 project results are not complete and irrigators do not have that crucial second year of data to make their conclusions on. However, in the interim the results from the evaluation of the project were overwhelmingly in support of the trial program and how it has operated over the project term. The project has been more successful than envisaged. The success of the project has been a result of the grower led approach resulting in a broad-ranging engagement strategy and the adaptive management strategy by the steering Figure 7 Growers attending the 2012 Innovation in Irrigation field day at Keytah, Moree. committee in support by the National Water Commission Around 90 attending the field day which was dominated by cotton growers but also included has helped to ensure the project was relevant to the agronomists and agribusiness, to view the trial progress and hear about other innovations being applied on the farm. The drip field is in the foreground. irrigation industry.

The real achievement of the project is has been the testing The broad ranging engagement strategy was also positively of the grower-led research approach, which has resulted received and ensured that there was a multitude of ways to in the project maintaining its relevance and the interest of capture information on the trial program. All opportunities irrigators in the Gwydir and beyond. As the approach was to extend and promote the project were explored and different to other trials, it was seen as one of the few trials the link with growers meant that these opportunities were where information and discussion was on the practicalities at events where growers were interested and that the of adopting irrigation efficiencies and that was useful to information provided was what growers wanted. This others operations. included participating in NSW Irrigators Council ‘Sharing the Knowledge’ tours, presentations at the Irrigation Australia The grower responses collected from the independent Limited and Australian Cotton conferences in addition to evaluation confirmed that the grower-led approach was a local events like annual general meetings and field days. practical way to increase the knowledge of and uptake of irrigation efficiency practices. The trial program increased The Trials Future grower knowledge of irrigation alternatives and provided growers data that was meaningful. This data was valuable The Gwydir Valley Irrigators Association (GVIA) and Sundown and was relevant to them; it was easily understood and Pastoral Co were cognisant of the significant investment in could be used to make informed decisions for their time and resources by both parties and the National Water operations. Commission to establish the trial at Keytah.

The approach also enhanced the effectiveness of the The GVIA has received alternative funding from the Cotton education and extension program through field days and Research and Development Corporation to continue this direct grower interaction. The one on one interaction was trial for at least another season, aiming for 2013-2014, well supported by print material and workshops, which recognising that the trial will not be operating in 2012-2013 effectively communicated the results to the broader cotton as per Sundown Pastoral Co’s management regime. industry. Growers felt comfortable interacting with the management staff at field days and other times. It is The GVIA will continue to adopt and manage the grower-led important to note that Sundown Pastoral Co in particular approach when implementing trial and any off season trials welcome visitors and provide updates and talks outside of in the future. The GVIA committee and staff believe that the scope of the project. this framework ensures the programs greatest success in engaging and informing growers about water-use efficiency.

For a brochure containing final result summaries and discussions please visit the GVIA website www.gvia.org.au Point. Click. Grow.

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