better irrigation • better environment • better future

www.irrigationfutures.org.au

Established and supported under the Australian Government’s Cooperative Research Centres Program

© Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures, 2006 Established and supported under the Australian Government's Cooperative Designed by USQ Graphics, Media Services, DeC (06-454) Research Centres Program Cooperative Research Centre for IRRIGATION FUTURES

PO Box 56, Darling Heights Qld 4350 » CRC IF Vision Ph: 07 4631 2046 | Fax: 07 4631 1870 Email: [email protected] Our vision for irrigation practice and water use in Australia is that by 2020, as a nation we will have: www.irrigationfutures.org.au • Defined and implemented the principles of sustainable irrigation practice in all environments;

• Processes that resolve the water use compromises necessary for people’s needs, the environment, production and amenity.

» CRC IF Mission

We facilitate cooperative research and training networks and programs which continuously improve better irrigation irrigation policy, tools, practices and processes to:

• double irrigation water use productivity;

• improve profitability for commercial irrigation enterprises; and

• protect and enhance our landscapes and environment.

» CRC IF Values

better environment • Leadership

• Excellence

• Creativity and innovation

• Outcome focus

• Honesty and sensitivity

• Teamwork and collaboration

• Kool & funky better future » Contents

1 » Executive Summary...... 2 1.1 Chairman’s report...... 2 1.2 CEO’s report...... 3

2 » Governance, structure and management...... 5

3 » Context and Major Developments during the Year...... 9

4 » Commercialisation, Technology Transfer, Utilisation...... 11 4.1 Commercialisation and utilisation strategies and activities...... 11 4.2 IP management...... 16 4.3 End-user involvement and impact on end-users...... 17

5 » Research...... 19 5.1 Research activities and achievements...... 19 5.1.1. Policy and Planning for Change...... 19 5.1.2. System Sustainability – Rural and Urban ...... 25 5.1.3 Future Irrigation – Practice and Technology...... 31

6 » Education and Training...... 37

7 » Collaboration...... 44 7.1 National Collaborative Linkages...... 44 7.2 Collaboration with other CRCs...... 46 7.3 International Collaborative Linkages...... 47

8 » Specified Personnel...... 48

9 » Communications and Marketing...... 49 9.1 Media...... 53 9.2 Public Presentations...... 53

10 » Publications...... 54 10.1 Books or Book Chapters...... 54 10.1 Books or Book Chapters...... 54 10.2 Refereed Journal Articles...... 54 10.3 Conference Publications...... 56 10.4 Reports...... 61

11 » Grants ...... 64

12 » Performance Measures...... 65

13 » Financial information...... 67 13.1 In-kind Contributions...... 67 13.2 Cash Contributions ...... 71 13.3 Resources ...... 73 13.4 Allocation of Resources Between Categories ...... 74

14 » Auditors report...... 75

[] 1 » Executive Summary

1.1 Chairman’s report

I open this report by noting that we have continued to see substantial change in the organisation, programs and staffing arrangements of the Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures (CRC IF), this being reflective of the dynamic environment within which we operate. Social, environmental and economic pressures on irrigation policy and practice remain at the fore and continue to evolve in their expression and impact, and a number of significant opportunities for freshly directed R&D have also emerged. In addressing achievements of the CRC IF during these past twelve months, I note the detailed reports of the CEO/Chief Scientist and the content of this report and make specific comment on: • The high level of interaction and cooperation between individual researchers that has added a much needed dimension to interstate and cross regional irrigation research and extension. • The building of a substantive body of reports, papers, brochures and software products that embody many outputs from our first three years of operation. • An unprecedented level of interaction with participants and external clients that continues the critical relationship building process between the CRC IF as a research provider and end user, from policy developer to irrigation enterprise manager. • The graduation of our first CRC IF supported post-graduate and the building enthusiasm and potential capacity of our student cohort. • The initiation of the Regional Irrigation Business Partnerships™ (RIBPs) as a means of engaging with and delivering outcomes from the Irrigation Toolkits™ and System Harmonisation™ programs from our next phase of research and influence. It is heartening to see that the over $30 million committed in cash and seconded RD&E has enabled a significant consolidation of current capacity, enhanced development of future capacity and has generated novel, effective ways of more rapidly delivering R&D to keenly interested irrigation communities and public agencies. Our prime staffing change arose with the loss of our inaugural CEO, Matthew Durack, who resigned to take up a senior position in agribusiness; this move created some initial challenges, however, the commitment of Dr Wayne Meyer to the Interim CEO role, and the subsequent appointment of Ian Atkinson to the Chief Executive position, has seen progress substantially uninterrupted. My sincere thanks are extended to Matthew for his leadership in the early days of the CRC IF and for the legacy of a well distributed and connected regional network of researchers and irrigation interests, both public and commercial. Similarly, sincere thanks are extended to Wayne for his ongoing commitment and excellent contribution during his five months as Acting CEO and the delivery of the new four year R&D plan. During this period, we also saw the term of appointment of all Board Members conclude with Dr Peter Cullen, Dr John Williams and Mr Stephen Mills standing down. The very considerable enthusiasm, insight and intellect contributed by these notable personalities will provide an enduring and substantial impact on the thinking applied to national R&D

[] Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures and its delivery. The subsequent appointment by the participants of new Board Members, Associate Professor Diana Day, Mr Russell Cooper and Professor Snow Barlow, together with the re-appointment of the remaining original Board Members, will see the Board retain adequate continuity and a very high level of insight, foresight and credibility. The future of irrigation in the increasingly complex and challenging Australian environment will be highly dependent on relevant, quality R&D and the CRC IF is very well structured and positioned to deliver across our diverse regions. In fact, a major outcome from our first three years in operation is the focus and form of the R&D plan now established for the next four years. The plan will deliver tools and processes for future sustainable and profitable irrigation. Peter Hayes Board Chair 1.2 CEO’s report

It has been a year of consolidation and seeing some genuine influence from our efforts. We have focused on finishing partner initiated projects started at, or before, the beginning of the CRC IF and bringing these together with projects directed at collating what we know and defining the critical research needed. This has taken a concerted national perspective to position our research. Our efforts are increasingly directed through a much tighter focus on our stated mission and outcomes. It has been obvious through the year that the initial imperative of setting up systems and encouraging teams to form and work together has been replaced with getting on with the business of the CRC IF. At Board level, there has been a stronger emphasis on strategic positioning, understanding the work of the CRC IF and its relationship with partners and further refining our processes to inform and influence. We know we are well positioned within the National Research Priorities of “Water – a critical resource”, “Transforming existing industries” and “Responding to climate change and variability”. The National Water Initiative, through the National Water Commission, is providing new opportunities that we are exploring with our Partners. With the benefit of two years of operation, it became increasingly obvious that we were very thinly spread and our efforts were small relative to the size and geographic breadth of the irrigation sector. This increased realisation caused a reassessment of how best we could achieve our mission. We are simply too small to try to cover all aspects and all locations of irrigation. We have, therefore, signalled in our planning for the next four years that we will focus on just a few regional areas, we will maintain some generic activities and we will use our partners and existing networks to increase our influence. This strategy has flowed through to our financial planning that indicates a conservative approach during the last two years in the expectation of a more directed and concerted effort in our next phase. As this report clearly shows, our output is growing and our influence increasing. The success of our Annual Research Forum is particularly encouraging because it represents the largest and most concentrated gathering of irrigation researchers seen in Australia. This was complemented by the prominence of CRC IF researchers and post-graduates presenting at two key industry conferences (Australian National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage Conference in Mildura, October 2005, and the IAA conference in Brisbane, May 2006).

[] Internally, the project and program teams have fostered a level of information exchange across regions, irrigated commodity interests and urban and rural perspectives that is unprecedented in Australian irrigation science. The “product development” workshop in March 2006 highlighted the depth of experience in commercial development among some of our staff. It also highlighted our need to identify the “implementers” and “influencers” that exist among both our internal and external clients. This forum also helped reinforce our intention that we direct our efforts both to inform and actively influence at all decision making levels, from policy options through to irrigation enterprises. This intent was further captured at our most recent EMG gathering that concluded we were about “making a difference through quality research and influence”. The first of our overseas visitors, Professor Glen Hoffman, viewed some of our activities early in 2006 and provided a report to the Board.

“I was very impressed with the excellent collaboration among agencies in South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria dealing with irrigated agriculture and the environment. It was obvious that there was strong cooperation among state agencies, CSIRO, universities, growers, water suppliers, communities, and environmentalists. This excellent cooperation is no doubt fostered to a large extent by CRC IF.”

Professor Glen Hoffman, formerly USDA and University of Nebraska

This observation is very encouraging as it goes to the heart of the reason for a CRC, to foster and encourage cooperation. We are looking forward to interaction with Dr Henrique Chaves, University of Brasilia, who will provide some perspective of our connections through northern Australia. The dynamic environment in which we operate is no better illustrated than by observing the changes in our Partner organisations. While this is inevitable, it means that we have to renew the relationships continually with our Partner contacts and often revisit the rationale for the CRC IF. We continually try to find occasions for Partner representatives to meet with Board members and staff to extend their appreciation of the CRC IF. We had a very successful interaction during the CRC Association Hypothetical and dinner which was the first major CRC IF event. The CRC IF co-sponsored the Hypothetical (“Water, not a drop to drink”) and featured three of the eight panel members. We invited twelve senior stakeholders to the Hypothetical and dinner, joining the twelve CRC IF members for an informal networking opportunity with the theme of linking rural and urban water users. It was a very successful re-enforcing event. Our three initial research programs came to a close at the end of this year with Steven Raine (Tools and Techniques), Shahbaz Khan (Sustainability) and Glen Starkey and John Wolfenden (Policy and Change) as Program Leaders. These people have played a critical role in bringing our first three years of research through and helping us build on it. I am indebted to them for their commitment to making our CRC a developing success. I look forward to being a part of the next phase of our development and to make a difference through better irrigation, better environment and better future. Dr Wayne Meyer Acting Chief Executive Officer

[] Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures 2 » Governance, structure and management

The CRC for Irrigation Futures exists as an unincorporated joint venture but operates within corporate governance guidelines established under Corporations’ Law. The CRC IF is governed by a Board chaired by Peter Hayes. The Board is appointed by our partners, who have similar rights and responsibilities to shareholders within a corporate environment. The CRC IF is managed by the Chief Executive Officer who is accountable to the Board. The day-to-day management of the CRC IF is undertaken by the senior management group. The team consists of four dedicated management positions and seven research program and four zone leaders drawn from our partners. The team meets regularly on a face-to-face basis and by teleconference, fortnightly. The CRC IF places considerable importance on being regionally active and nationally significant. The CRC IF has established four zones, three covering broad agro-climatic zones and an urban zone, which operate as the doorway for Zone-specific research issues to be addressed within the CRC IF (Section 4.2). Partners and supporting institutions

The CRC IF has fifteen core partners, representing six universities, five state departments, two water service provides and two national bodies. The following institutions were partners in 2005-2006: Australian Government Land and Water Charles Sturt University CSIRO Goulburn-Murray Water New South Wales Department of Primary Industries Queensland Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Water South Australian Research and Development Institute South Australian Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation Sun Water Victorian Department of Primary Industries University of Melbourne University of New England University of South Australia University of Southern Queensland University of Western Sydney

Supporting institutions in 2005-2006 were: BSES Irrigation Association of Australia Murray Irrigation Ltd Murrumbidgee Irrigation Ltd University of Queensland

[] Operational structure Figure 1. CRC for Irrigation Futures Organisational Chart

PARTICIPANTS FORUM

BOARD INDEPENDENT COMMITTEES BOARD Audit and Finance Research and Education Recruitment Communication CEO CHIEF SCIENTIST

KNOWLEDGE BUSINESS RESEARCH PROGRAM ZONE MANAGEMENT TEAM MANAGEMENT TEAM MANAGEMENT TEAM MANAGEMENT TEAM

Governing board

The CRC IF is directed by an independent, skills-based governing board which provides strategic direction and oversight of CRC IF activities. The partners appointed personnel to the Board for a period of three years. Appointment is based on skills and experience in our industry in five areas; irrigation practice, water industry, commercialisation, research management and communication. Members of the Governing Board during 2005-2006 were:

Peter Hayes Chairman Irrigation practice Peter Cullen1 Scientist, member of Wentworth Group Research management Denis Flett SKM Consulting Water industry Ticky Fullerton Journalist, ABC Four Corners Communication Mike Logan Cotton farmer, Narrabri Irrigation practice Malcolm McKay Director, Australian Agricultural College Corporation Education Graeme Milligan Natural Resources, Mines and Water, Queensland Water industry Stephen Mills2 Dairy farmer Irrigation practice Tim Waterhouse CEO, Sentek Sensor Technologies Commercialisation John Williams2 Scientist, member of Wentworth Group Research management

1 Resigned December 2005 2 Resigned June 2006

[] Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures Table 1. Board attendance

Name 21 Sep 2005 12 Dec 2005 30 Jan 2006 23 Mar 2006 1 Jun 2006 16 Jun 2006

Peter Hayes 3 3 3 3 3 3

Peter Cullen 3 3 6 6 6 6

Denis Flett 3 3 3 3 H 3

Ticky Fullerton 3 3 3 3 3 3

Mike Logan H 3 H 3 3 3

Malcolm McKay 3 3 H 3 3 s

Graeme Milligan 3 s 3 3 3 3

Stephen Mills 3 3 3 H 3 H

Tim Waterhouse 3 3 3 3 3 3

John Williams 3 3 3 3 3 6

3 Attended H Apology s Proxy 6 Not a Board member at the time

To provide specific strategic guidance, the Board has four sub-committees as outlined in Table 2.

Table 2. Board subcommittees

Research & Education Audit & Finance Commercialisation Communication

Peter Cullen1 Mike Logan1 Tim Waterhouse1 Ticky Fullerton1

John Williams Graeme Milligan Peter Hayes Tim Waterhouse

Stephen Mills John Williams Malcolm McKay Graeme Milligan

Malcolm McKay

1Chair

[] The Senior Management Group

The Senior Management Group meets regularly to discuss day-to-day issues of the CRC IF. The Senior Management Group came together in August last year and reassessed its operations and processes. It was concluded that the CRC IF was in a different phase of its organisation, the essential formation had mostly occurred and a more responsive operational decision making group was required. An Executive Management Group made up of the CEO, Chief Scientist, Business Manager, Knowledge Exchange Manager and Research Program Leaders came into effect in February 2006. This structure will be reviewed in six months. In conjunction with these changes, a CROSSFLO teleconference and regular email messages from the CEO were introduced, supported by the website forum, to provide a communication and discussion forum across the CRC IF.

Management

Matthew Durack1 CEO

Rick Darroch Business Manager

Kelvin Montagu Knowledge Exchange Manager

Andrew Sanderson Education and Training Manager

Research Program Leaders

Wayne Meyer Chief Scientist

Shahbaz Khan Sustainability

Glen Starkey and John Wolfenden Policy and Planning for Change

Steven Raine Technology and Practice

Hector Malano Education

Eddie Parr Training

Zone Leaders

Peter Smith Summer

Gerrit Schrale Winter

Keith Bristow Tropical

Basant Maheshwari Urban

1 Replaced by Wayne Meyer as interim CEO in February 2006

[] Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures 3 » Context and Major Developments during the Year

The social and production context for irrigation in Australia continues to be dominated by on going and heightened concern about drought conditions across southern and eastern portions of the continent. This continues to limit the allocation of water for irrigation which, in turn, affects the financial position of both irrigation water supply companies and irrigators alike. Never has the need for innovation, system assessment and highly water productive irrigation been greater. Our research is now starting to have influence in forums ranging from water governance, regulation and management to farm irrigation systems and practice. Outlined below are examples of projects that have started to make a difference. Impacts of COAG Water Reforms » Four regional case studies show very different impacts and responses to the National and State water reform agenda. National Water Commission personnel have been briefed and we expect some influence in the way future water reform processes are implemented. The Sustainability Challenge » This project has identified the role of using triple bottom line reporting methodology incorporated into the business plans and operations of irrigation water supply companies to measure the sustainability of irrigated communities. We are engaged with major water distribution companies and our case studies will show a new awareness of irrigators connecting to the supplying rivers. Murray Irrigation, Murrumbidgee Irrigation and the Burdekin region all have been, or are about to engage. The urban sector, through local government, has also been engaged. Importantly, the project has created a process for sustainability reporting in organisations where water supply is not a core activity. A reporting and training package is currently being developed, together with commercial partnerships, to deliver the framework around Australia. The Irrigation Industry in the Living Murray » The Irrigation in Perspective compilation of irrigation in the Murray and Murrumbidgee is our most downloaded publication to date. Furthermore, more than 3,000 summary brochures have been distributed across the region. This has signalled a shift from asserting the significance of regional social and economic irrigation benefits, to providing evidence for this. It also highlights the value of diversity of production and the need to understand better the role of irrigation at the enterprise level. Top down views that all irrigators are extravagant water users, that increased water use efficiency will solve all our problems and that irrigators have little regard for their environmental assets, are demonstrably not true. There is opportunity for increased irrigation intensity, opportunity for greater connection and responsibility for connecting to rivers, and opportunity for greater productivity in all water use. System Harmonisation » We have created an awareness that it is possible to think of combinations of management that will increase multi-purpose water use productivity. This has increased discussion on possible changes in cropping mixes, on-route storage, aquifer storage and recovery and conjunctive use to change the seasonality of flow. The evidence from the “Irrigation in Perspective” study shows that “harmonising” public and private investment and institutions, and focusing on increased water productivity at regional scale leads to significant improvement. Development of Nationally Standardised Evapotranspiration Reference and Regional Crop Coefficients » Representatives from all States agree that this is a highly desirable outcome. The CRC IF is providing leadership to bring this group together to work through the technical and political sensitivities to bring this about.

[] Urban Irrigation in Sydney Metropolitan Area » The Sydney urban water use study has shown that 30- 35% of household water in Sydney’s west is used for irrigation purposes. With water restrictions in place, hand watering of large areas resulted in very poor water irrigation practice, while over watering frequently occurred in small areas. Micro irrigation systems generally performed very poorly because of poor design, maintenance and management. Changes to restriction conditions have been influenced by these findings. Salt Management with Precision Irrigation » The Impact of Salinity on Lower Murray Horticulture in the Riverland of South Australia and Sunraysia of Victoria and New South wales, is quantifying the limits imposed by salt accumulation from point source irrigation systems. This work, together with a CRC IF synthesis paper, is alerting a wide range of people to the fact that with increased water control we are now moving from a water “buffered” system, where salt was largely incidental, to one where water and salt will need equal and active management. This is signalling the next phase in irrigation management with quite demanding science and information needs. Northern Australia Irrigation Futures » Just keeping this project together across the vast area (from Townsville in Qld to Carnarvon in WA) and multiple jurisdictions is an achievement. Imagine asking a few people to advise on the irrigation future for southern Australia, from Perth to Sydney! Achieving engagement through commitment of State and Australian governments is a major achievement and signals we are making a difference. This project is clearly identified by the National Water Commission as a CRC IF project. Use of Reclaimed Effluent Water in Australian Horticulture » This project, as one of the National Program for Sustainable Irrigation contributed projects, highlights that salt management associated with more saline recycled waters, is the most persistent and significant bio-physical problem for on-going use of recycled waters. This potential limitation to the use of recycled water must be managed if recycling of effluent water is to have an enduring place in peri-urban irrigation applications. While our international connections have been limited thus far, we are encouraged by our congruity with world thinking and with our research positioning. Prof Glen Hoffman was impressed with the level of cooperation he witnessed between different agencies and groups. He thought that several of our projects were at the cutting edge, while cautioning that our partner irrigation research capacity and our use of quality experimental facilities was being diminished. Our recent contact with the International Water Management Institute indicated that our concepts of increased multi-purpose water use productivity, surface water groundwater interactions and governance and management of irrigation water are highly consistent with leading world thinking. It is apparent from this report that our thirty three postgraduates are very active. Recruitment has become much more aligned with the Research Programs and students are now significantly contributing to our output. Students have contributed to national level conferences and workshops, as well as contributing to refereed journal papers. Internal development opportunities in marketing and commercialisation, water and salt balance modelling and in different forms of scientific communication, provide an enriching experience that comes from a CRC. Dr Wayne Meyer Chief Scientist

[10] Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures 4 » Commercialisation, Technology Transfer, Utilisation

4.1 Commercialisation and utilisation strategies and activities

The CRC IF’s Commercialisation and Utilisation Plan links to our Research Plan and contains two commercialisation pathways. 1. toolkits for Improved Performance at the Enterprise Level Hardware and software tools aimed at improving irrigation practice at the enterprise level, combined with user specific training and knowledge based outputs targeted at particular user issues, will be commercialised via standard methods of IP protection, branding and licences. The performance of this commercialisation program will be assessed through the quantum and importance of tool kit “sales”. 2. Regional Irrigation Business Partnerships® Significant progress has been achieved in establishing these entities in core “System Harmonisation and Research Planning” research zones. Their core commercial objective is to invest successfully in new business processes, activities or infrastructure which will deliver economic return through productive or environmental gain for the region. The performance of this program will primarily be assessed by commercial performance of the corporate entities established. This plan was accepted by DEST in September 2005 and seminal work by the CRC IF during the 2005-06 year has seen the development of a comprehensive suite of new projects tightly aligned to this construct. The CRC IF is confident that the integration of these new research projects with the Commercialisation and Utilisation Plan will ensure an outcome focus which will deliver tangible commercial results. The CRC IF is actively considering the outputs from the first three years of research. Thorough project reviews will draw out potential products that the CRC IF will convert into software products and training tools. In addition to the products emerging from our research projects, the CRC IF has identified and is funding other prospects for commercialisation. These include software products and training programs. A CRC IF postgraduate student, Ms Cheryl McCarthy, has filed an application for a provisional patent with the Australian Patent Office. The provisional patent, “Single camera scheme for measuring geometric parameters of living foliage”, has arisen directly from her PhD research. Technology transfer and utilisation

The utilisation of the CRC IF’s research is central to meeting the needs of investors and ensuring a healthy return to Australia. The CRC IF Zones provide a linkage to the important extension and communication pathways relevant at an industry and community level. The CRC IF has four zones, three covering broad agro-climatic zones and an urban zone. Utilisation activities across these zones are highlighted below. Whilst activities are reported under one zone, some activities cross multiple zones, for example, sustainability report.

[11] Winter Zone Monitoring Root Zone Salinity The Tri-State Project has seen considerable interest in its root zone salinity monitoring tools. Corporate vineyards, such as Fosters in Coonawarra and Finniss River Australia in Currency Creek, have recently installed tools to monitor salinity trends in the vineyards root zones. The movement of these tools out from research trials into the commercial enterprises is supported by ongoing training.

“At Coonawarra we are always on the look out for tools for monitoring our total environment. We like to understand what’s going on and respond early before any significant problems emerge. At a recent seminar Tapas Biswas presented some impressive results showing how salt in the root zone could be monitored and managed. At our request, within six weeks Tapas had organised a half-day workshop for key Fosters managers in the southern Limestone Coast. Based on this, and the continuing support from Tapas, we have installed root zone monitoring equipment across the three main soil types to act as indicator sites for our 1,800 ha of vineyards. We have also initiated installation at our other Limestone Coast vineyards. This relatively simple and easy to use equipment has assisted us in advancing the monitoring of root zone salinity and ensuring there will be no surprises. We are looking forward to ongoing interaction as we improve our understanding of salt and leaching management whilst conserving our valuable soil and water resources.”

Allen Jenkins, Fosters Group, Regional Vineyard Manager, Limestone Coast, SA

Dr Tapas Biswas helping Foster’s vineyard manager collect soil water from recently installed extractors at Coonawarra vineyard.

[12] Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures Planning for the future Planning for an uncertain future is a major challenge for both farmers and communities in the Goulburn Broken catchment of Victoria. Irrigated agriculture generates over one billion dollars per year at the farm gate and is a major business. The CRC IF is working with local stakeholders to develop a vision for the future of irrigation within this region. The CRC IF has engaged the regional community and other key stakeholders in developing four scenarios for the Goulburn Broken catchment over the next thirty years, which summarise the external driving forces within which the region may have to operate. The scenarios are also being used by six teams within the Goulburn Broken CMA who are reviewing the Regional Catchment Strategy (RCS) within the Shepparton Irrigation Region (SIR). The process will inform the further planning of delivery programs for each of the six teams.

“The outputs from the project to date have exceeded my expectations, and I believe that we are well on the way to achieving some fairly significant outcomes.”

Ken Sampson, Executive Officer, Shepparton Irrigation Region Implementation Committee, Goulburn Broken CMA

Summer Zone Increased precision of surface irrigation CRC IF members and postgraduate students continue to support the development of the Irrimate™ toolbox and the commercial consultants and clients. Recent developments have seen improved water advance sensors, water flow meters and wireless communication become available, together with upgraded software, to measure flow characteristics in furrow irrigation. This has been licensed for commercial use and is being used by over seventeen consultants to assess and improve the performance of surface irrigation for cotton, maize, wheat, dairy, lucerne and horticultural crops from central Queensland through New South Wales, Victoria and into South Australia.

“The research is giving us a much greater understanding of how to measure, assess and improve surface irrigation systems in the field. We are now in the position where members of the USA industry acknowledge the latest developments have put the Australian industry well ahead.”

Jim Purcell, Aquatech Pty Ltd

[13] Urban Zone Urban irrigation and water reuse Restrictions on the use of water for urban irrigation continue as a result of Australia’s ongoing drought and dwindling dam levels. The watering of home lawns and gardens is a major consumer of potable water. In NSW the CRC IF joined forces with the Irrigation Association of Australia (IAA) and Sydney Water to conduct an audit of residential irrigation systems in the Sydney metropolitan area. The irrigation systems of fifty home sites were audited and the amount of irrigation water use was monitored to determine the factors affecting the efficiency of home irrigation in the region. Information from this study is being use by Sydney Water in developing their demand management strategies and water restriction policy. Water reuse in urban areas is high on the public agenda. Effective communication is critical to increase the acceptance of the use of recycled water. The CRC IF responded to an immediate need for information on the safety, economic viability and environmental impact of recycled water schemes. The CRC IF has focused extensively on communication with diverse stakeholders. A partnership with the industry supported Coordinator for Recycled Water Development in Horticulture (CRWDH) has worked exceptionally well, resulting in a highly effective and targeted science program, with clear definitions of end-user requirements. There has been a seamless transition from research findings to end-user with communication activities that are appropriate for the target audience. The CRC IF developed a number of information resources which are being used by different stakeholders, including policy makers, growers and consumers, to combat identified information gaps. These resources include policy guidelines, a best practice guide and salinity conversion wheel - a decision support tool which has proved very popular. Sustainability reporting Water supply bodies across the country have a keen interest in sustainability reporting in their local area. Goulburn-Murray Water, Murray Irrigation Limited, Coleambally Irrigation Area and Burdekin water boards are all actively tapping into the CRC IF’s growing expertise in triple bottom line (economic, social and environmental) reporting. In particular, these organisations have benefited from access to the CRC IF’s assessment of strategy issues and sustainability indicators as these businesses move into robust sustainability reporting. The CRC IF has developed a framework for councils and irrigators to assess and report on irrigation sustainability within their local government area. Current reporting is limited and focuses on water quality with no consideration of quantity. Councils in this area have shown an interest in the framework due to the ongoing drought and water savings action plans required by Sydney Water Corporation.

“The framework for reporting on Urban Sustainability will be used on an on going basis by Council. The workshops have also helped in identifying areas where Council could improve its current irrigation practices. The report formed the basis of “Kogarah Smart Irrigation Project” which is due to be implemented this financial year.”

Isabelle Ghetti, Urban Water Cycle Engineer with Kogarah Council

[14] Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures Tropical Zone Tropical Zone research and extension of irrigation technology Qld-WA Sugarcane production in Western Australia’s Ord River irrigation area is relatively new, with production starting about ten years ago. Agricultural extension activities started shortly after the inception of the industry. The Ord irrigation scheme presented an opportunity to look at sugarcane crop water use in a new and distinct environment using the latest science and technology in micro-meteorology and soil water monitoring. New concepts for participatory action research (PAR) could also be applied. Research-extension-grower interaction guided research in the Ord and led to the development and adoption of a web-based scheduling system. Irrigation scheduling has been adopted in the Ord, an area where it might be expected to be of least value compared with high value crops in areas of water scarcity. The reasons for the success are considered to be: • regular involvement of the Ord growers in basic and applied research, • obtaining agreement from growers for future stages of research, • demonstration of scheduling options on-farm with key growers, • rapid response by the research team to the needs of the extension officer and growers, and • development of a web system with a rapid response time, simple inputs and a simple presentation. It is likely that experience gained from research and extension of irrigation technology could benefit older schemes such as the Burdekin.

“2005 involved the use of the website based scheduling. While it took me a while to have a look at it, once the extension officer showed me how to set up, it was easy to see how it would be a great tool for scheduling and record keeping. Further modifications have made it easier to use and other recommended changes will happen soon. I now use the web based system for all my irrigation scheduling. We also modified the early crop RAW figures down to 40 mm manually, which should be incorporated soon. I look forward to comparing the web based deficit charts with the actual EnviroSCAN deficit charts, to see how accurate the whole system is.”

Paul Mock, Ord Farmer

Building collaboration across the Tropical Zone There is widespread commitment to achieving a sustainable future for northern Australia. In this context, the Northern Australia Irrigation Futures (NAIF) project is a catalyst for collaboration, further research and other activity related to decisions about irrigation in northern Australia. The NT Agricultural Association sought and received guidance from the NAIF project team in the development of a Water Smart Australia (WSA) project proposal aimed at facilitating sustainable development and improvement in the irrigation industry

[15] in northern Australia. The NAIF project, CRC IF and linkages between the WSA and NAIF are referred to extensively within the project proposal. If the application is successful, both projects will benefit significantly by the anticipated close interaction.

“Much of the project’s concept and content has been inspired by NAIF’s work plan.”

Dan Halloran, CEO Northern Territory Agricultural Association

The NAIF project also played a key role in supporting development of a Water Smart Australia project proposal submitted by the lower Burdekin Water Boards. This proposal drew heavily on work carried out by CRC IF team members over the last few years. 4.2 IP management

The Centre’s Commercialisation and Utilisation Plan specifically refers to managing Intellectual Property (IP) in accordance with the “National Principles of IP Management”. Additionally, it describes in considerable detail the manner in which commercialising Centre IP will maximise national benefits. Subsequently, the Board committed to the Centre’s IP Management Plan in December 2005 which aligns with the Commercialisation and Utilisation Plan. As part of this IP Management Plan, the Board has been instrumental in developing the Centre’s IP Policy under which the management activities operate. The Centre’s IP Register is kept with specialised IP management software within our web- based project management system (CRC Centric). This allows us to manage our IP records comprehensively and efficiently as well as link them to project and publications databases. IP is categorised as Background IP, Centre IP or Prospective IP in accordance with the Centre Agreement’s requirements. Currently, our IP register has entries for Trade Marks, Patents and Copyright.

[16] Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures The Centre’s Core Participants have invested significant effort in developing a Commercialisation and Trust Deed for the Centre’s IP management company, IF Technologies Pty Ltd (ACN 112 275 153). This Deed sets out the arrangements for the proprietary company holding IP in trust for the members of the Centre which is an unincorporated joint venture. Under the Centre Agreement, Technology Based Outputs are differentiated from Knowledge Based Outputs. Knowledge Based Outputs are derived from Centre IP that the Board has determined should be broadly disseminated and is information of educational value and/or generic interest to the Core Participants. The Centres extensive range of publications are categorised under this IP descriptor. There are Technology Based Outputs planned to be released in the near future in accordance with IF Technology Pty Ltd’s Commercialisation and Trust Agreement.

4.3 End-user involvement and impact on end-users

The following table summarises the involvement of end-users in CRC IF activities including workshops and training, expert advice, technology transfer, commercialisation, planning and developing guidelines and publications. End-users of CRC IF research include representatives from public water industry organisations and government bodies, small to medium size enterprises in the private water industry (consultants, irrigation managers and catchment management associations), researchers and the community.

better irrigation

better environment

better future

[17] Table 3. Users of CRC for Irrigation Futures research

RESEARCH USER TYPE AND LOCATION OF ACTIVITY NATURE AND SCALE OF BENEFITS TO END-USERS ACTUAL OR EXPECTED BENEFITS TO END-USERS CRC IF RESEARCHER(S) INVOLVED Training Recycled water Training package to provide information specific to recycled New recycled water-specific training package developed for Recycled water users equipped with the knowledge and skills to use recycled Robert Faggian users water (an overlay to RTE4603A, a national competency recycled water users. water safely and efficiently, with improved irrigation management skills. unit called “Implement an irrigation-related environmental protection program”). It can be delivered by any registered training authority or as a stand alone course. Urban irrigation Urban sustainability reporting. Organisations who irrigate open space (parks, gardens, Availability of a recognised framework and supporting resources to produce an Evan Christen, managers sporting fields).Potential water savings through improved annual report on irrigation sustainability. Mark Shepheard, planning - between 6-8% of potable water supplied is used Capacity to guide the continuous improvement of irrigation operations. Basant Maheshwari, for irrigation of open space. Debbie Atkins, Nihal Jayawardane, Helen Fairweather UNESCO VENSIM Model Training –CSU Wagga Wagga Enhanced capability for system wide irrigation analysis. Better understanding of system models for hydrologic-economic analysis of Prof Shahbaz Khan, Mr delegates System Harmonisation trade offs. Aftab Ahmad Farmers, Wetting front detector technology transfer A simple device which indicates when irrigation has wetted Learning tool to help growers see how deep water infiltrates and a device for Dr Richard Stirzaker researchers, the soil to a set depth. Applicable in both urban and monitoring salt and nutrients. consultants agricultural environments. Consultancy NRM Catchment Identification of water reuse/irrigation opportunities in The study determined the potential reuse volumes and Information that allows the end-user to assess where investments should be Mr David Pezzaniti Board SA, Local urban catchments. opportunities at site, neighbourhood and catchment scale. made and requirements for local government policy development. Govt Association, SA Dept of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation Contract research Toowoomba City Reuse of domestic grey water Aids decision making on grey water reuse in sewered and Reduces dependency on the use of treated water for household irrigation. Dr Rabi Misra Council unsewered areas. Murrumbidgee Development of Lower Murrumbidgee Natural Resource Mr Samuel North CMA Management Plan. Commercialisation MEA Pty Ltd Licensing Agreement for distribution of Fullstop. New device available on the market. Potential to increase soil New option to improve irrigation management through salt and nitrate Dr Richard Stirzaker water and solute monitoring. monitoring.

Product development Growers, Salinity conversion wheels Consistency of message with regard to salinity testing units. Better understanding of salinity, salt tolerance of crops and issues related to Mr Robert Faggian horticultural salt content of recycled water. industry Growers, Grower Guides New information resource detailing recycled water-specific Recycled water users equipped with knowledge of the issues surrounding use of Mr Robert Faggian horticultural issues for use in horticulture. recycled water and where to locate additional information. industry Recycled DAFF Guidelines New information resource detailing recycled water-specific Recycled water scheme developers have a broader understanding of Mr Robert Faggian water scheme issues that are important to scheme developers. stakeholders’ issues and a better understanding of how to engage all developers stakeholders in the scheme development process. General public Information document for the general public New information resource providing a general overview of General public equipped with information about recycled water and its uses, Mr Robert Faggian recycled water issues for the general public. and knowledge of where to locate more detailed information. 5 » Research

5.1 Research activities and achievements

5.1.1. Policy and Planning for Change

Program leaders: Mr Glen Starkey, Queensland Department of Natural Resources, Mines & Water and Dr John Wolfenden, University of New England

Program Objectives • Partner the development and testing of innovative policy and planning options. • Develop innovative processes and tools to facilitate change. • Develop the national skills base in irrigation policy and planning.

Projects

Project # Title

1.04 Irrigation Futures of the Goulburn Broken Catchment

1.05 Impacts of CoAG Water Reforms – Real and perceived

1.06 An Evaluation of the Corporate Governance arrangements of Australian Irrigation Water Providers

1.07 Supporting Irrigation Communities and Industry Responses to Change at a Range of Scales

Progress to date The Policy and Planning for Change program has addressed the needs of irrigation communities and those organisations which, through policy or business structures, provide the frameworks that influence how irrigation is practiced. This has been achieved by research projects working closely with irrigation communities to draw out learning from past changes and develop processes for communities to influence future changes. New information on the impacts of high level water policy reforms has been delivered. New processes have been developed for community visioning of the future. New tools have been developed for building resilient and self-managing irrigation communities. Impacts of high level water policy reforms The Australian irrigation industry has endured a period of significant high level water policy reform since the major reforms instigated by the Council of Australian Government (CoAG) National Competition in 1993/94. Quite clearly, the substantive reforms undertaken and the extended timeframes and interactions between Federal and State Governments have the potential to affect irrigation investment and practice. The Impacts of CoAG Water Reforms project has developed new insights into the perceived and actual impacts of high level water policy reform. Across four states, there was the common belief that the

[19] process of engagement used to develop and implement the high level reforms could have been much better and that this would have produced better outcomes. This report has received widespread attention and should guide governments in decision making about the continued reform process. Initial investment and behavioural responses to water sharing reforms varied and appear to be heavily dependent on whether or not the system in question was defined by administrators as either fully or, even more seriously, over-allocated. In cases where the system was under allocated, negotiations with irrigators appear to have been easier but can still involve considerable community angst. The issue was one of putting in place measures that would guide and place limits on further development but not the erosion of existing entitlements. The introduction of water sharing plans in the South East of South Australia and in the Nogoa Mackenzie region of Queensland, appear to have encouraged investment as they made it clear how water reform policies would evolve in the future. Extensive entitlement reforms have changed the value and management of water and resulted in considerable redistributions of wealth among water entitlement holders. In recent times, the value of water entitlements has increased at the rate of 9.5% per annum, outstripping increases in the value of irrigated commodities. How much of this is due to the efforts of a highly innovative industry and how much is due to high level water policy reform processes, is a contestable issue. The impact of these changes is yet to be measured directly. The CoAG water reforms have also caused a restructuring of water management in each State. The reforms insisted that each State ensure that future water projects are based on Environmental and Sustainable Development principles, in conjunction with more private sector participation and community involvement in water planning at a regional level. In each State, different processes to achieve Environmental and Sustainable Development have been adopted. The Evaluation of the Corporate Governance project has produced a legal typology (classification) of corporate governance forms of the major water supply businesses. The project also interviewed 138 CEOs of water provider organisations in relation to Environmental and Sustainable Development achievement. Fourteen diverse corporate governance types have been identified, each with different reporting requirements. One third of organisations considered they could achieve sustainable water management. The vast majority felt well informed by State Government about the State Government policy but only 10% considered that water planning process instigated by their State government had worked well. In relation to Environmental and Sustainable Development, the process was considered transparent by less than 12%. Processes for Community Visioning Planning for an uncertain future is a major challenge for both farmers and communities. One way to enhance a group of stakeholders’ ability to consider desired futures is to undertake futuring activities with various forms of scenario modelling. An approach to this has been developed and demonstrated in the Irrigation Futures of the Goulburn Broken Catchment and the Northern Australian Irrigation Futures projects in the System Sustainability program. The Irrigation Futures of the Goulburn Broken Catchment Project has developed a scenario planning process. This involves presenting a plausible range of futures to stakeholders and using these to stimulate discussion on strategic approaches to planning within the region. It is proving a very powerful tool and is being applied to issues such as future irrigation infrastructure planning.

[20] Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures The Irrigation Futures of the Goulburn Broken Catchment project has used this process to engage the regional community and other key stakeholders in developing four scenarios for the Goulburn Broken catchment over the next thirty years – Moving On, New Frontiers, Pendulum and Drying Up. A team of local stakeholders has subsequently been used to assess the impacts of the scenarios and how the community can prepare itself to deal with the challenges and opportunities raised. The plan is to make both the assessment and the methodology widely available within the region and beyond, so it can be used by individual enterprises, industry groups and agencies to prepare better for an uncertain future. Working with the Sustainability Challenge project, the Supporting Irrigation Communities project has engaged with the North Burdekin Water Board in Queensland to evaluate its business management approach to build a vision for the future. The project has provided a process by which the North Burdekin Water Board can undertake visioning to explore what the organisation does and what it ought to aspire to do better or differently in the future and how this relates to sustainability. These approaches build on the earlier FutureWater project which developed a communicative process that included developing a context for visioning (mapping the issues), exploring the multiple dimensions of water and its uses (triple-bottom-line), and debating what specific desirable outcomes might include (eg biodiversity improvements, community capacity building, wealth creation). New Tools for Irrigation Communities The Supporting Irrigation Communities project has developed tools to guide irrigated regions, communities and enterprises in developing and sustaining communities of practice. These communities of practice require tools and processes for strategic planning and adaptive management to build resilient communities connected to their natural resources. A “Resilience Management Handbook: A Guide for Irrigated Regions, Communities and Enterprises” has been prepared as a synthesis and extension of the sub-projects of this project. The Supporting Irrigation Communities project has documented the principles, processes and learning from the Integrated Area Wide Management model. This included the design and description of the Integrated Area Wide Management support system, and descriptions of the techniques and practices in use, support resources needed and relevant stakeholder processes. Crossing Programs The Policy and Planning for Change program has significant connection with the Education program. Eight postgraduate students benefited from interaction and formal training workshops provided by the program. The program was proud to produce the first PhD graduate of the CRC (Diwakara Halanaik, Sustainable Institutional Regimes for Sustainable Groundwater Management in India and Australia: Implications for water Policies, University of South Australia). Interactions with the other research programs have grown over the first three years. The Policy and Planning for Change and System Sustainability programs have explicitly linked the continuous improvement framework of triple-bottom-line reporting with the future visioning processes. The Policy for Planning and Change program has also joined forces with the Future Irrigation program to understand the extension and technology transfer process.

[21] Amalgamation of the Policy and Planning for Change and System Sustainability Programs At the program level there has been a significant coming together of the Policy and Planning for Change and System Sustainability programs. These two programs will form the new System Harmonisation program to deliver integrated multi-disciplinary research to realise multi-purpose water use productivity. The combined research efforts of the two programs will be focused on the science of System Harmonisation through Regional Irrigation Business Partnerships in selected regional locations. Contribution to National Research Priorities This program addresses two national priority areas. Water – a critical resource The program has provided information which will help improve institutional and other settings for improved water productivity and increased protection of rivers and groundwater in the irrigation sector. Research at the policy level has contributed towards enhanced understanding of the institutional arrangements best suited to continuous improvement in water management, as well as reviewing the overall impacts of the recent national water policy reform agenda. Transforming existing industries The program’s research has helped to develop improved practice for those involved in managing change towards more sustainable irrigation systems. The program has produced tools and processes which improve social capital and enhance management capability. The potential value of this will most immediately be realised through the Regional Irrigation Business Partnerships that the CRCIF has established as they seek to improve water productivity, reduce environmental footprint of irrigation systems, and identify and nurture new, more sustainable pathways for water resource-based primary industries.

Program Outcomes, Outputs and Milestones

[Complete details of these projects are available at our website: www.irrigationfutures.org.au] Note: Milestones due in current year (shaded dark blue and bold type) Milestones with target achievement date in previous years (unshaded) Future milestones (shaded light blue)

[22] Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures T hese . (1.05) T he two T he subsequent cross activities program have , respectively). These tools allow to communities irrigation 2.07 and 1.04 ustralia ustralia (1.07, 2.08, 2.10). irrigation communities have been selected for implementing the RIBP model. A (1.05). for for Planning and Change and System Sustainability identify programs the need for (1.05). Progress to Progress planned date, activities and strategies to milestones achieve which have not been met (project number) Case chosen studies and work Case commenced. in studies Region in the Mackenzie Nogoa Fitzroy Basin, Hill-Boort Area, Qld; Irrigation NSW; Region, Vic; the the and Murrumbidgee Kerang-Pyramid the Lower South East, SA Project team visited four case areas study and collected data. Impact analysis developed (2006). Report Presentations published - W. CRC M.D., Report: and IF McIntyre, Shi, Young, Technical T. given Commission to Water 06) (March National and Cotton Growers at (May Moree 06) numerous among others to Progress planned date, activities and strategies to milestones achieve which have not been met (project number) integrated approaches to production and systems, characterisation of environmental hydrological outcomes, social, institutional, policy and cultural within regional irrigation areas. have Programs closely worked together to preliminary develop models for testing and evaluating a more ‘harmonised’ approach to regional irrigation. led to the of development the Regional Irrigation Business (RIBP) Partnership model. four Initially, are Macintyre Brook (Qld), Coleambally (NSW), South (NSW) Sydney Creek, and Western South E ast of South The has framework been created for In new developing planning options. the six next the months CRC will work in with conjunction the RIBPs to develop (cartoons) models conceptual of the regional systems. irrigation The CRC, is adoption recognising beyond our direct has control, developed for the strategies influencing The planning the RIBPs a and planning regulatory provide institutions. mechanism for demonstrating They model. have been created with links strong to the for State responsible planning and departments from participation the stages and formative of stakeholder the Agency regulation. RIBPs will enhance the probability of success of by adoption planning and regulatory agencies. New processes and tools in communities for irrigation engaging both and existing new areas irrigation ( are development under become proactive in input providing into the policy and planning processes. he Policy T he Policy arget achievement arget date achievement arget date achievement (percentage (percentage completed) June 2004 (100%) December 2004 (100%) June 2005 (100%) (percentage completed) June 2006 (100%) December 2006 (30%) December 2007 (40%) T T models developed models and developed  Review Review of and the impacts The social, economic and environmental farms of on catchments. policies the existing communities, implementation enterprises, irrigation New policy and planning proposals will be developed using the developed models in output 1.1 above. Output 1.2. Outcome 1. More effective planning and policy tools to meet environmental, social and economic targets. Output 1.1. will review analyse and the weaknesses strengths of a the and policies for provide better framework developing policy and planning tools and inform of models. the predictive development Milestone 1.1.1. Specific case will studies have been for and review analysis and preliminary identified data acquisition will have commenced 1.1.2. Completion of data acquisition and of impact development analysis 1.1.3. Review and analysis completed and published assessment of the impacts of the policies reviewed Milestone 1.2.1. Preliminary for prepared testing and in evaluation selected irrigation communities 1.2.2. New planning developed options following and evaluation analysis 1.2.3. adopted Options by planning and regulatory by departments State and Governments Federal

[23] ). 3.07 7). 1.0 program. program. A of review of adoption soil moisture Future Future Irrigation ). ). 3.07 1.07 Progress to Progress planned date, activities and strategies to milestones achieve which have not been met (project number) This was jointly with undertaken the technology monitoring was and a undertaken report draft is being Stirzaker finalised. 2006. Soil state monitoring: moisture of play and barriers to Matters Irrigation 01/06 adoption. ( to scoping were Two studies opportunities undertaken review for systems improved application irrigation and for the of and adoption tools. measuring monitoring Erik (Editor) Schmidt 2005. A Scoping Study on Opportunities for Improved Matters Systems, Application Series No. 02/05; Misra et al, 2005. A for Irrigation Irrigation, Precision Scoping on and Study Technology and Tools Measuring Monitoring Matters Series No. 01/05 ( The RIBP was model developed to and capture environmental and facilitate of adoption production A Management “Resilience systems irrigation gains management. from the improving research regional A and Handbook: Communities Enterprises” has for Guide Regions, Irrigation been to drafted increase by adoption of with communities practice providing the tools and processes for planning strategic and ( adaptive management For a focus has of products adoption strong improved been on-farm and practice technology, developed. will These products be via delivered a of pathways range from partnerships with Small to Medium Enterprises through to diffuse delivery involving mechanisms groups industry and State departments. effectively more for service Strategies engaging in providers the of adoption new have technologies been in and explored documented a series of CRC internal reports ( arget achievement arget date achievement T (percentage (percentage completed) June 2004 (100%) December 2004 (100%) Comprehensive national review of recent experience in technology adoption practices in the irrigation industry, investigating barriers investigating to in as of adoption experience review recent technology in practices adoption well national the industry, irrigation Comprehensive as the impact of the Outcome 2. Identification of faster to pathways adoption of new and irrigation improved technologies and techniques leading to water use improved efficiency and improved at profitability a farm scale. Output 2.1. of that schemes incentive range have been The will review implemented. of bring all the together experiences rural relevant and urban industries. irrigation Milestone 2.1.1. Collection and of extension review recent and technology activities transfer in irrigation across all sectors of the industry to strategies 2.1.2. of Development recommended rates increase of and adoption proposed pilots to test strategies

[24] Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures 5.1.2. System Sustainability – Rural and Urban

Program leader: Professor Shahbaz Khan, Charles Sturt University and CSIRO Land and Water

Program Objectives • Development of sustainability criteria for correctly locating irrigation schemes within river valleys, floodplains, coastal and peri-urban catchment. • Define extraction impacts and sustainability surface and groundwater yields from water resources.

Active Projects

Project # Title

2.05 Use of Reclaimed Effluent Water in Australian Horticulture

2.06 Tri-State Project: Impact of Salinity on Lower Murray Horticulture Northern Australia Irrigation Futures: Building a Basis for Developing Sustainable Irrigation Across 2.07 Tropical Australia 2.08 The Sustainability Challenge

2.09 The Irrigation Industry and the Living Murray

2.10 Improved Seasonality of Flows through Irrigation Demand Management and System Harmonisation

Progress to date The System Sustainability program has addressed the long term futures of both established irrigation areas of South Eastern Australia and new and emerging irrigation areas of Northern Tropical Australia, and the horticultural use of recycled water in areas surrounding our cities. This has been achieved through innovative multi-disciplinary research. New processes have been developed for evaluating and reporting on the economic, social and environmental impacts and benefits of irrigation. New options for managing established irrigation systems have been identified which reduce the environmental impact on the rivers and river dependant ecosystems whilst maintaining the social and economic vibrancy of the region. New tools and management practices have been developed to manage salinity in high value horticultural industries. Frameworks and processes The Sustainability Challenge project has delivered a framework and process for organisations and regions to improve sustainability through performance reporting that integrates economic, social and environmental aspects. The project has developed an irrigation sustainability assessment framework. This framework aids organisations in the irrigation industry to establish what sustainability means for their business, through being in touch with stakeholder expectations, and provides a process to develop clear measurable performance across the economic, social and environmental triple bottom line.

[25] The assessment framework was developed through a participatory case study approach in which the CRC IF worked with both rural and urban organisations with irrigation responsibilities. The case studies covered organisations with no experience through to leading proponents of triple-bottom-line reporting. This allowed the CRC IF to capture learnings of organisations at different stages and ensure a robust framework and process was developed. In Queensland, the CRC IF has worked with the North Burdekin Water Board to help it understand the triple-bottom-line concept and how a continuous improvement process can be developed to identify and address the most pressing local sustainability issues. Similarly, in Sydney and Melbourne the CRC IF worked with Councils to develop their understanding of the triple-bottom-line concept and how it could be applied to organisations where irrigation is only a small component of their overall activities. In New South Wales, the CRC IF worked with Murrumbidgee Irrigation Ltd and Murray Irrigation Ltd, both of whom have triple-bottom-line reporting established, to inform the process through which other organisations in the irrigation industry could use triple-bottom-line reporting to enhance sustainability. The focus of the Sustainability Challenge project in the following year is the development and commercialisation of a sustainability reporting training and support package. This aims to ensure the benefits of the project are delivered to a wide range of irrigation related organisations. Developing and assessing options The Northern Australia Irrigation Futures project delivers partnerships and new knowledge into the sensitive environment across the tropics of Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland. With tropical rivers discharging 70% of Australia’s available fresh water, there are pressures to extract some of the water for agricultural use, largely for irrigation. There is also recognition, however, that mistakes were made in the past in southern Australia. Tropical water systems are different. The Northern Australia Irrigation Futures project recognises this and has developed a systematic framework for considering if these systems should be developed for agriculture and what the implications could be; for the river and groundwater, for the dependent flora and fauna and for the communities dependent on these systems for their cultural, economic and social well being. The Northern Australia Irrigation Futures project has provided new processes for assessing ecological risk and building capacity for facilitating better decisions in water and irrigation management in Northern Australia. The project continues to develop new understanding of the hydrology and climate. These are necessary to underpin any considerations on the future of irrigation areas in the tropical north and their implications. In the established southern irrigation areas. The Irrigation Industry and the Living Murray project brought together a hitherto scattered set of information on irrigation in the Murray and Murrumbidgee Basins, and so provided a “bird’s eye view” of irrigation in the south eastern part of Australia. The “bird’s eye view” highlighted that irrigated production generates a level of economic and community activity that is three to five times higher than would be supported from rain-fed production alone. It also shows that significant opportunity exists for further expansion and intensification of irrigated activity through improved water distribution and application efficiency, and through improved water

[26] Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures productivity, largely mediated by improved management skills and controlled irrigation systems. Irrigation systems sit within a catchment. The Seasonality of Flows project examined how irrigation demand, and the subsequent impact on river flows, can be managed to optimise the region’s social, environmental and economic outputs. Using the Murrumbidgee catchment, opportunities such as improved summer – winter cropping mix incentives, groundwater – surface water substitution, intra- and inter-seasonal water trading and harmonisation of on- and off-farm storage, distribution, application, and drainage infrastructure were evaluated for their potential to provide improved environmental outcomes, whilst still maintaining the social and economic benefits outlined in The Irrigation Industry and the Living Murray project. Spreading water demand over the summer and winter seasons, through new crop mixes, promises to be the most cost-effective irrigation demand management option for improving seasonality of flows in the rivers. However, such an option needs to include structural adjustment incentives and stable markets for winter crops. Conjunctive use of surface and groundwater offers another alternative of making additional surface water available for augmenting river flows at the desired time, however, this option needs institutional reforms to treat surface and groundwater as a single resource. The study also found that increasing on-farm water use efficiency to reduce peak water demand might be in the farmers’ economic self-interest; it will also help increase stream flows if suitable mechanisms for cost sharing are implemented.

Tools and frameworks for managing new challenges The Irrigation Industry and the Living Murray project highlighted the intensity and value of horticulture in the lower Murray. Being at the end of the river system, salinity poses a major threat to the sustainability of horticulture. This threat has come to the fore with improvements in irrigation management, reducing drainage and salinity leach from the root zone. The Impact of Salinity on Lower Murray Horticulture project has developed tools and guidelines for monitoring and managing salt accumulations in the root zones of sensitive crops such as grapevines. The build up of salts in the root zone was further explored using a model (LEACHM- TRANSMIT, a two dimensional solute transport mathematical model). Two simulations were run under the scenario of a drip irrigated vineyard with 10% deep drainage. Firstly, when irrigation water salinity was 0.3 dS/m, the current river water salinity at Loxton, about 130 kg/ha of salt could accumulate in the root zone during one irrigation season. If irrigation water salinity was 0.8 dS/m, the Morgan benchmark, then 2,000 kg/ha of salt could accumulate. Under this scenario significant crop losses would be expected. The Impact of Salinity on Lower Murray Horticulture project is currently examining what management strategies can be used to minimise these potentially salt induced yield losses. A simple root zone monitoring toolkit is being developed for growers to track root zone salinity during the growing season. In addition, a modelling tool is being developed for water managers in the Lower Murray districts to understand better the impact of river salinity on root zone salt build up. In years of higher river water salinity and/or low winter rainfall, it is likely that additional irrigation water will be required to leach the root zone or risk serious yield losses as a result of salt build up.

[27] Alternative water sources such as reclaimed effluent water may hold the key to ensuring the sustainability of intensive horticulture in some regions, as pressure continues to mount on traditional water supplies. The Use of Reclaimed Effluent Water in Australian Horticulture project has developed guidelines for the key requirements and procedures when planning and implementing wastewater recycling schemes in horticulture. The primary aim is to help scheme proponents, in conjunction with other stakeholders, plan a comprehensive and positive approach to water recycling schemes. Importantly, these guidelines should assist all stakeholders to understand each other’s expectations better. The System Sustainability program has significant connection with the Education program, with eight postgraduate students benefiting through interaction and formal training workshops provided by the program. Interactions with the other research programs have grown over the three years. During the current year, there has been significant collaboration between the System Sustainability and Policy and Planning for Change programs. The Sustainability Challenge and Irrigation Communities projects joined forces to work in the Lower Burdekin, Queensland. At the program level, there has been significant coming together of the two programs to form the new System Harmonisation program to deliver integrated multi-disciplinary research to realise multi-purpose water use productivity. Contribution to National Research Priorities This program addresses the national priority area, “An environmentally sustainable Australia: water – a critical resource and responding to climate change and variability”. Australia’s main river basins are under mounting pressure to satisfy a wide range of competing economic, social and environmental needs for water, particularly in terms of environmental flows and efficient irrigation. A better understanding of irrigation and environmental management across scales, will allow irrigation authorities and Government agencies to monitor and understand better water use efficiency reporting and harmonisation of irrigation with the underlying groundwater systems and river flows. An ability to use rural and urban waste water will have profound implications for water use and availability. The improved seasonality of flows through irrigation demand management will help manage seasonal-to-inter-annual climate risks for agriculture and environment better. Moreover, this program provided training opportunities for postgraduate students in sustainable irrigation and environmental management which will add to the growing Australian expertise.

Program Outcomes, Outputs and Milestones

[Complete details of these projects are available at our website: www.irrigationfutures.org.au] Note: Milestones due in current year (shaded dark blue and bold type) Milestones with target achievement date in previous years (unshaded) Future milestones (shaded light blue)

[28] Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures ). 2.08 and 2.07 ). 2.05 ) and with Goulburn Water. Murray 2.07 ). Work ). will Work on and continue delivery of the the commercialisation and sustainability training reporting 2.08 Progress to Progress planned date, activities and strategies to milestones achieve which have not been met (project number) A joint sustainability vision has been developed with across a An stakeholders number of Irrigation regions. is Framework Sustainability now Assessment available which can sustainability integrate vision for any area with sustainability CRC reporting. Report IF Series 03/06, Technical reports 1 to 6 ( Based a analysis needs, on reviews, and holder detailed science strategic system stakeholder harmonisation for program 2006-2010 research has been The developed. aims System Program to Harmonisation develop while improving and management system-wide to communication strategies improve cross-organisational This outcomes. and is program environmental based production Business Irrigation Regional Partnerships around which are vehicle through the which institutional the business irrigation plan for the will region be developed and implemented. System and research is harmonisation application a and of defining component facilitating the business plan. to Progress planned date, activities and strategies to milestones achieve which have not been met (project number) A triple and bottom-line framework process reporting has been developed for rural and urban irrigation and The assists activities. sustainability framework irrigation organisations assessment the industry irrigation establish what sustainability for means their a business and provides across clear the performance measurable social and economic, environmental CRC Report triple-bottom-line. IF Series 03/06, Technical reports 1 to 6 ( support package. The new will System program Harmonisation further develop sustainability processes within the four RIBPs in the ( regions, tropics irrigation of A assessment the use comprehensive of effluent reclaimed water was in horticulture carried out. Australian This project has and developed a guidelines systems to the framework benefits potential and identify risks of with irrigation water reclaimed water for of competing major government, users, stakeholders including chain market and ( primary consumers suppliers, producers, This work will be further developed through an urban RIBP in the South Creek Sydney to catchment promote use irrigation of water. reclaimed arget achievement arget date achievement arget date achievement (percentage (percentage completed) June 2004 (100%) December 2004 (100%) (percentage completed) December 2007 (80%) December 2008 (70%) T T Landscape Landscape capability for mapping the key river valleys, floodplains and coastal This catchments. will help match capability regolith with and intensity irrigation assimilative capacity Description Description of thinking existing and criteria to relevant sustainable through irrigation a across assessment coastal, floodplain comprehensive river and peri-urban/urban valley, andscape capability/sustainability criteria for correctly locating irrigation schemes within floodplains, coastal river and valleys, peri L urban catchments.

Outcome 3. Output 3.1. to constraints workable identified. and indicators implementation schemes. measurement irrigation Conceptual, Milestone 3.1.1. thinking existing describing Documents and criteria to relevant sustainable describing and internationally across irrigation Australia Output 3.2. environments. of downstream Milestone 3.2.1. Customised sustainability regional developed for and matrices correctly guidelines locating systems irrigation suitable for adoption by users and regulators across all irrigation zones and urban of Australia environments methodologies 3.2.2. Improved management and protocols available to wide-scale promote of adoption urban and sewage effluent irrigation, and improved health environmental including risk assessment 3.1.2. Prioritisation 3.1.2. of Prioritisation sustainability research completed across regions

[29] ). ). 2.06 2.05 ). ) 3.08 2.10 and 2.05 ). 2.10 ). ) 2.09 2.06 Progress to Progress planned date, activities and strategies to milestones achieve which have not been met (project number) social on and economic, environmental in information irrigation Biophysical, the and Murray Murrumbidgee to Basins a together brought provided “bird’s eye view” of in irrigation the south eastern part of Australia; Report 2005. No. 03/05 in Technical The Basins, Industry Irrigation the Meyer, and Murray Murrumbidgee ( Existing summarised, models 2005. Inman-Bamber and Attard, for On- Tools Inventory Software of Australian Report No. 02/05 Technical ( farm Management, Water tools An has analysis of of been management the The irrigation new development System undertaken. to gaps key knowledge fill and methodologies research identifies them. program Key related Harmonisation Khan, include S. publications et al. (2006)1; H. Malano, Burton, M. and Makin, I. (2004). Benchmarking in sector: 53 performance the a and irrigation drainage of Journal and tool Irrigation Drainage. for change. , pp119-133; Khan, S. with livelihood and (2004). hydrology policy environment, issues Integrating - the of Resources Journal 20 Water Development. , International Model. pp415-429; Murrumbidgee Hamilton, AJ. J. J. AM. Boland, Radcliffe, D. Ziehrl, Stevens, (2005). and A. of B. Paulin, the Kelly, Position Dillon, P. 71, with industry respect horticultural to Management. Water Australian the Agricultural use of water. reclaimed pp181-209; Davidson & (2005)1 Malano ( A is number being of developed WHATIF analysis package tools An modelling are development. education under for running over the web to detailed More salt are models allow of salinity movement exploration management. to in development under assist the and rootzone salt and in visualising management movement understanding ( analysis tools and socio-economic are being Detailed developed hydrodynamic to assist in the impact reducing of on irrigation river flow ( regimes to Progress planned date, activities and strategies to milestones achieve which have not been met (project number) have Guidelines been when developed and planning for procedures and the implementing key requirements The primary wastewater aim in schemes recycling is horticulture. in to conjunction help proponents, scheme with plan other a and stakeholders, positive comprehensive approach to Importantly, water schemes. recycling should assist these guidelines all to each better stakeholders understand other’s expectations ( salt in for and and monitoring managing accumulations guidelines the Tools root zones of sensitive such crops, as have grapevines, systems been ( developed and are management being trialled commercial under This milestone will be in addressed future through the new System program. Harmonisation arget achievement arget date achievement arget date achievement (percentage (percentage completed) June 2005 (100%) June 2008 (40%) (percentage completed) June 2007 (90%) June 2010 (10%) T T Integrated flow, salinity and ecosystem flow, tools Integrated modelling that can allow of visualisation impacts of water on and footprint trading irrigation changed conditions the environmental Spatially specific water and quantity quality for targets systems surface and to groundwater zones. achieve sustainability across the and agro-ecological hydro-geologic  Definition of impacts extraction and sustainable surface and yields groundwater from water from resources a bio perspective. physical

See section 10 for full references. Outcome 4. Output 4.1. and salt loads in rivers. This output will with opportunities 1 for integration provide programs and 3 and with initiatives wider such as through the Living and generated Murray new knowledge other CRCs. Milestone of evaluation 4.1.1. describing Publications being models existing used to impacts represent gaps of knowledge of Identification irrigation. and what level of detail is for required the of assessment across irrigation scales rational 4.1.2. analysis Updated tools dynamic available. of analyses scenario to Documentation provide of an impacts of understanding water trading on and footprint irrigation changed the and salt conditions loads environmental in rivers Output 4.2. Milestone environmentally feasible, 4.2.1. Technically safe and socially acceptable available options wastewater irrigation for solutes managing eg from plant and salts, nutrients agrochemicals to key surface levels catchment and considering interactions groundwater 4.2.2. Short term (< and decade) long term (multi goals decade) for sustainability to defined cater for climate variability and climate change 1

[30] Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures 5.1.3 Future Irrigation – Practice and Technology

Program leader: Associate Professor Steven Raine, National Centre for Engineering in Agriculture, University of Southern Queensland.

Program Objectives • Reduction of water losses in urban and rural water storage and distribution systems • Improve on-farm water, nutrient and agrochemical use efficiencies through the identification and adoption of precision and prescription irrigation technologies

Active Projects

Project # Title

3.07 Tools and Techniques for Improving the Precision of Irrigation

3.08 Software for Best Use of Water on-farm

3.09 Development of Nationally Standardised Evapotranspiration Reference and Regional Crop Coefficients

3.11 Urban Irrigation in Sydney Metropolitan Area: Developing Strategies for Efficient Irrigation

3.12 Open Hydroponics: Risks and Opportunities

PhD student Simon White is assessing the practicality of implementation and response of cotton when grown under regulated deficit irrigation and partial rootzone drying

[31] Progress to date The Future Irrigation program has addressed the needs of irrigators and those who advise, support and supply irrigation dependent enterprises. This has been achieved through research projects which work across commodities, regions and States. New information has been developed on the plant response to new irrigation methods, urban residential and sports groundwater use and availability and use of software tools. New tools have been developed to evaluate dam evaporation reduction options, improve grower management of irrigation systems and provide estimates of evapotranspiration across Australia on a daily basis. New equipment has been developed for measuring on-farm dam storage volumes and losses, assessing the performance of surface irrigation systems and measuring deep drainage losses. Generating new insights into practice New information on innovative irrigation management practices has been developed. Within the Improving the Precision of Irrigation project, the use of partial rootzone drying and regulated deficit irrigation practices have been assessed in crops from pears to cotton. The Open Hydroponics project has examined the intensive, innovative horticultural management practice which uses almost continuous irrigation with nutrient enriched water. The irrigation and nutrition management principles used by open hydroponics systems can be efficient but the level of efficiency is directly linked to the implementation of good management. A preliminary ecological risk assessment identified several major risks to sensitive catchments from open hydroponics. The Improving the Precision of Irrigation project is developing the tools and frameworks for assessing and determining the importance of crop variation across the paddock. Based on this, the potential of adapting irrigation systems to deliver variable rate irrigation applications can be assessed within both biophysical and profitability frameworks. There is surprisingly little information on the use of water for irrigation in our own backyards and parks. Over summer, the Urban Irrigation project measured water use across fifty homes in Sydney to determine that irrigation of our gardens and lawns accounted for 34% of total household water use (November – March). The Software for Best Use of Water project has identified nineteen software packages developed for improving management of water on-farm. By compiling and publishing information on each of the software packages, the project has highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of software currently available. This will guide decisions regarding further development and use. Tools for improving performance As the value of water increases, growers and advisors are being asked to understand and manage their irrigation storage and distribution systems with greater precision. New tools are required to support these decisions. The Improving the Precision of Irrigation project has provided an economic ready reckoner to assist irrigators evaluate alternative evaporation reduction strategies for on-farm water storages. At the farm level, the project has delivered a tool for choosing the optimal irrigation system for dairy farms. In the paddock, tools have been developed for improving grower management of centre pivots and lateral move irrigation machines and refining performance of travelling gun irrigation machines.

[32] Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures The Evapotranspiration project has delivered, via the SILO meteorological data platform, evapotranspiration values for any location in Australia on a daily basis with estimates going back over 100 years. This information provides a common basis for calculating crop water requirements for use in many situations, from irrigation system design through to regional planning. The Evapotranspiration project has also delivered value to CRC members who are able to access this information for free over the SILO web site. Developing and Improving Technologies The project, Improving the Precision of Irrigation has continued the development of the Irrimate™ surface irrigation assessment package. The project has delivered improved in-field sensors and wireless networking capability. These technology developments have been parallelled with developments in the analysis tools and conceptual understanding. Techniques and understanding of how infiltration parameters can be obtained and used to create a real-time control system for furrow irrigation, have the potential to drive the next generation of application. Much of this underpinning work has been undertaken by CRC postgraduate students associated with the project. The Future Irrigation program has brought together a number of groups developing technologies for understanding deep drainage and the movement and uptake of soil solutes (salts and nitrates). An evaluation of the Longstop™ soil water and nutrient monitoring sensor has been undertaken in heavy textured soils (Vertosols) for the first time. The development of drainage lysimeters has provided measurements of water leaving the rootzone in Vertosols. Results from this work have helped the industry change its view of so called “leak proof” Vertosols. Components from the different groups have combined with the Impact of Salinity on Lower Murray Horticulture project from the System Sustainability program to develop a greater understanding on how to interpret the solutes collected from Longstop, drainage lysimeters and soil water extraction systems. This new knowledge is required to develop tools for monitoring and managing rootzone salinity under precision irrigation. Examples of their use can be found in the utilisation section (4.1). The Future Irrigation project has obtained a provisional patent on a vision-based system for real-time measurement of plant growth and other parameters suitable for input into irrigation control systems. Crossing Programs The Future Irrigation program has significant connection with the Education program with seventeen postgraduate students benefiting through interaction and formal training workshops provided by the program. The postgraduate students also greatly benefit from the research framework provided by the program. This framework allows postgraduate research outputs to be rapidly integrated into industry practice and the development of new tools and technologies. Interactions with the other research programs have grown over the last three years. The Future Irrigation and System Sustainability programs have worked closely in the area of salinity management. This relationship is ensuring tools for managing salinity are integrated from the paddock to the catchment. The Future Irrigation program has also joined forces with the Policy for Planning and Change program to understand the extension and technology transfer process.

[33] Externally funded activities have played a major role in facilitating industry engagement and supporting the delivery of the Future Irrigation program outcomes. Support from the following organisations has been obtained to date; Sydney Water, National Program for Sustainable Irrigation, Cotton Research and Development Corporation, River Murray Catchment Board, Dairy Australia, Queensland Murray-Darling Basin Committee Inc, Toowoomba City Council and the Murrumbidgee Catchment Management Authority. Contribution to National Research Priorities Transforming existing industries This program has a strong focus on the delivery of measurement, monitoring and evaluation tools. These tools provide the foundation for improved reporting and feedback leading to the development of benchmarks and the conditions necessary for the initiation of continual improvement processes. Improved monitoring, automation and adaptive control systems have the ability to transform the way decisions are made regarding crop water requirements and the application of irrigation water. Overcoming soil loss, salinity and acidity Program activities investigating soil solute movement under a range of irrigation practices have a major role in developing strategies for sustainable farming systems using saline water.

“It is really wonderful to be part of a large network of postgraduate students working in a similar area.”

Bhakti Lata Devi, CRC PhD student

PhD student Bhakti Lata Devi is busy surveying residents, characterising their gardens and developing a host of new skills that will help her model outdoor water use (Photo: Sally Tsoutas, UWS).

Program Outcomes, Outputs and Milestones

[Complete details of these projects are available at our website: www.irrigationfutures.org.au] Note: Milestones due in current year (shaded dark blue and bold type) Milestones with target achievement date in previous years (unshaded) Future milestones (shaded light blue)

[34] Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures Outcome 5. Reduced losses and improved operational performance within urban and rural irrigation storage and distribution systems. Output 5.1. Improved measurement, monitoring and control systems for storages and distribution networks. Milestone Target Progress to date, planned activities and strategies to achieve milestones which have not been met (project number) achievement date (percentage completed) 5.1.1. Completed evaluation of existing June 2004 Volumetric losses in storages and distribution systems workshop held. Workshop notes available online.1 measurement, monitoring and control systems for (100%) storages and distribution networks completed 5.1.2. Development of measurement and control June 2008 A monitoring system had been developed and is now commercially available for the evaluation of seepage and evaporation losses from on-farm storages (3.07). systems to improve the monitoring and control of (75%) Evaluations of measuring systems for determining seepage losses from both regional and on-farm distribution channels have continued. A workshop was held with storages and distribution networks potential commercial partners regarding opportunities for collaborating on the refinement of geophysical monitoring tools (3.07). CRC IF partners have obtained funding to investigate improved distribution control and interfacing with on-farm water requirements (University of Melbourne). Engagement with major industry collaborators in 2004 indicated that there was existing work being conducted into control systems for regional distribution channels and that this area should be a low priority for CRC IF investment. Further development of tools to monitor the effectiveness of monolayer products and control monolayer applications to reduce evaporation losses from water storages will be undertaken over the next two years. Further research on seepage losses from distribution systems is scoped for the Coleambally RIBP under the System Harmonisation program. Output 5.2. Analysis tools and techniques to assist in the development of investment plans associated with the conversion and/or refurbishment of both regional and on-farm dam storage and distribution systems. Milestone Target Progress to date, planned activities and strategies to achieve milestones which have not been met (project number) achievement date (percentage completed) 5.2.1. Completed review of existing tools and December 2004 A comprehensive survey of channel automation across Australia was carried out and a draft report is being prepared (2.10). techniques for planning infrastructure renewal (80 %) A hydrologic economic feasibility of infrastructure options was carried out by the seasonality of flows project. Detailed socio-economic analysis techniques for infrastructure investments were carried by the project team. A report was produced for Pratt Water2 5.2.2. Release of decision support tools for December 2005 “Economic ready reckoner for evaporation mitigation systems” was produced for beta testing and refined (3.07). Once evaluation is complete this will be beta testing, evaluation and refinement (100%) made available on the CRC’s website.

5.2.3. Commercial release of decision support June 2008 Preparations for commercial release of an “Economic Ready Reckoner for evaporation mitigation systems”. Further investment into development of tools to reduce tools to assist in the development of investment (50%) evaporation from on-farm storages planned within Irrigation Toolkits program. plans associated with the prioritisation of infrastructure conversion and/or refurbishment Outcome 6. Improved urban and on-farm water, nutrient and agrochemical use efficiencies through the identification and adoption of prescription and precision irrigation technologies. Output 6.1. Development of measurement and control systems for on-farm and urban irrigation. Milestone Target Progress to date, planned activities and strategies to achieve milestones which have not been met (project number) achievement date (percentage completed) 6.1.1. Completed evaluation of existing June 2004 Publications on measuring and monitoring tools (Misra et al. 2005)3 and application systems (Schmidt 2005)3 completed. Specific reports on the dairy and cotton measurement, monitoring and control systems for (100%) industry completed 4 (3.07). on-farm and urban irrigation Report on urban water use and irrigation methods completed. Maheshwari (2006)3 (3.11). Evaluation of open hydroponics systems undertaken. Reports on the level of nutrient and water efficiency and a preliminary ecological risk assessment undertaken (3.12). 6.1.2. Development of initial suite of June 2006 Evapotranspiration values for any location in Australia on a daily basis available via the SILO meteorological data platform (3.09) measuring and control systems for precision (100%) Infield surface irrigation performance evaluation tools developed including: irrigation • Water advance sensors with in-field telemetry and interfacing modules to link existing siphon flow meters and furrow flume meters; • IPARM software package for the estimation of infiltration parameters from advance and run-off data and under conditions of variable inflow; • Gpipe software package for the design of gated and lay flat pipe application systems for surface irrigation; and • Inflow measurement tools for bay inlets and the development of discharge rating characteristics for the most commonly used bay inlet gate (3.07). Pressurised irrigation system tools for measurement and improving control including: • ‘Smart’ water metering tools which use pressure and flow pattern analysis to enable automated block recording, leak detection and system performance reporting. • “TravGun” software package used for the performance evaluation and optimisation of travelling gun irrigation machines; • “OVERsched” software package to assist growers visualise soil-water deficits and irrigation scheduling options for centre pivot and lateral move machines (3.07). Further development of software tools for both pressurised and surface irrigation performance evaluation and optimisation is planned. 6.1.3 Client adoption of improved measurement June 2010 Aquatech Pty Ltd is currently assessing the latest hardware and software additions to the surface irrigation performance evaluation tools with a view to introducing and control systems for precision irrigation (20%) these products as part of its Irrimate™ range in the coming season. The Irrimate™ group is the largest provider of surface irrigation performance evaluation application services and operates throughout eastern and southern Australia. Initial discussions also held with a variety of potential commercial partners over the past year in relation to (a) whole farm water monitoring, and (b) smart water metering for pressurised irrigation systems. A commercialisation workshop to up-skill CRC IF researchers on strategies for client engagement and targeting product offerings held. This is an ongoing activity. A Toolkits Commercialisation Manager has been appointed to assist in facilitating the identification and engagement of commercial partners for the delivery of technologies under the new Irrigation Toolkits Program. Output 6.2. Development of decision support systems to enable improved prescription of on-farm and urban irrigation. Milestone Target Progress to date, planned activities and strategies to achieve milestones which have not been met (project number) achievement date (percentage completed) 6.2.1. Completed review of opportunities for June 2005 Publication summarising 19 software packages developed for improving management of water on-farm. Inman-Bamber and Attard (2005)3 (3.08). prescription irrigation technologies and practices (100%) Publication reviewing methods for estimating crop evapo-transpiration across Australia. Dodds et al. (2005)3 (3.09).

6.2.2. Interface between real-time measurement June 2008 Preliminary field studies investigating the spatial and temporal relationships between irrigation application and crop production have been conducted in viticulture, systems, crop production models and irrigation (20%) broadacre grains, perennial tree crops and vegetable cropping systems (3.07). application management systems developed Field trials have also been conducted to evaluate a range of real-time plant measurement systems for irrigation management in cotton (3.07). Provision patent obtained for a mechatronic vision camera system for measuring geometrical parameters of living foliage in real-time (Cheryl McCarthy, postgraduate student, USQ). This is an ongoing activity and is a key focus of the activities within the new Irrigation Toolkits research program. 6.2.3 Client adoption of prescription irrigation June 2010 This milestone is currently being reviewed to change the emphasis towards adaptive management systems and local relevance. management systems (0%) Initial discussions held with potential commercial partners regarding both information management products and tools to improve control. A key focus of the Irrigation Toolkits program is the identification and engagement of commercial partners for the delivery of the technologies developed by the Program.

1 See www.irrigationfutures.org.au/newsDownload.asp?ID=192&folder=topicItem&doc=Workshop_Notes.pdf 2 Khan, S., Akbar, S., Rana, Y., Abbas, A., Robinson, D., Dassanayke, D., Hirsi, I., Blackwell, J., Xevi, E., Carmichael, A. (2005). Hydrologic Economic Ranking of Water Saving Options Murrumbidgee Valley. Pratt Water, Victoria, Australia. 3 See section 10 for full references. 4 Bethune, M. (2006). Efficient irrigation technologies to match soils and dairy farming systems, Victorian Department of Primary Industries, Tatura; Gunawardena et al. (2006). Improved measurement and prediction of deep drainage in Vertosols under irrigated cotton in the Condamine – Balonne – McIntyre Catchments. Technical Report 01/06. Queensland Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Water, Brisbane. 6 » Education and Training

Program leaders: Associate Professor Hector Malano, University of Melbourne and Mr Eddie Parr, NSW Department of Primary Industry.

Program objectives • Greater irrigation science research capacity in Australia. • Greater technical capacity within the irrigation industry.

Progress to date Education The Education program has provided financial support, research guidance, skills development, and peer and professional networking opportunities for PhD and Masters Students engaged in irrigation or water resource management related research. This has been achieved through strong connections with the three research programs. New research capacity is being created. New postgraduate students are making a significant contribution to the overall CRC research effort. New professional peer networks across disciplines, institutions and regions are being created by CRC activities and sustained by on-line forums. Research Capacity The Education program has a strong focus on regenerating Australia’s research capacity in the irrigation and water resource management fields. New research capacity in the biophysical, social and economic areas is required to address the challenges in the coming decades. After three years, the CRC IF has established a thirty three strong postgraduate student cohort across its partner universities. Table 4 outlines the CRC IF postgraduate recruitment progress towards our goal of fifty postgraduate student completions.

Table 4. Postgraduate enrolments

Year 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 Target Enrolments 10 15 17 11 – – – Actual Enrolments 9 19 10

The CRC IF has provided additional workshops to our postgraduate students in areas ranging from research commercialisation and utilisation, to models for linking on-farm actions with regional salt and water targets. These workshops help broaden the research capacity of our students and increase their productivity, both during their studies and into the future. At the end of the third year, the CRC has produced the first PhD graduate. Mr Diwakara Halanaik’s thesis “Sustainable Institutional Regimes for Sustainable Groundwater Management in India and Australia: Implications for water Policies”, has been accepted and he will graduate from the University of South Australia in September 2006.

[37] Contribution to the research effort The CRC’s postgraduate students are connected to the research programs. Eight postgraduate students are active in each of the Policy and Planning for Change and System Sustainability programs and seventeen in the Future Irrigation program (Table 5). These connections provide a wider research framework into which postgraduates’ research outputs can be rapidly integrated in industry policy, planning and practice. During the year, postgraduate students have produced five referred journal publications and twenty conference papers. Eighteen students have also presented papers or posters at national and international conferences, with CRC IF financial assistance from their postgraduate research grants.

Table 5. CRC IF postgraduate students

Name University Thesis title CRC IF Commencement date Program 1: Policy and Planning for Change Claudia Baldwin University Conflict resolution of private/public benefits in relation March 2004 Queensland to Water Resource Allocation Imogen Fullager Charles Sturt Taking water trade underground: developing a trading July 2004 University framework for highly connected river-aquifer resources of the mid-Murrumbidgee Diwakara University of South Sustainable institutional regimes for sustainable Thesis accepted Halanaik Australia groundwater management in Australia- implications for water policy Ganesh University of South An empirical analysis of water market policies and March 2005 Keremane Australia institutions in South Australia John McVeigh University Supply chain barriers to the adoption of sustainable March 2005 Queensland irrigation practices Geoff Kuehne University of South Management response to reductions in water January 2005 Australia entitlements David Essaw University of New The articulation of a holistic IWRM implementation July 2005 England for rural water resources. Development of a conceptual framework for a feedback and adaptive management system to manage the impact of water reforms and other driving forces Avril Horne University of Investigating the use of market based options to February 2006 Melbourne maximize joint outcomes for all water users Program 2: Sustainability of Irrigation Systems – Rural and Urban Bart Kellett University of A framework of sustainability indicators to guide August 2004 Melbourne irrigation development in northern Australia. Matthew University of Feasible improvements in irrigation distribution systems June 2004 Berrisford Melbourne including the effects of on-farm water storage. Ismail Hirsi Charles Sturt Economic appraisal of conjunctive water management February 2005 University Jacqui Watt Charles Sturt The use of geophysics and modelling for matching February 2005 University irrigation systems with the regional hydrogeology. Amgad Elmahdi University of Improved seasonality of flows through irrigation demand February 2005 Melbourne management and system harmonisation Michael Mitchell Charles Sturt Social sustainability of irrigation dependent communities March 2005 University

[38] Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures Table 5. CRC IF postgraduate students

Name University Thesis title CRC IF Commencement date Paul Mulley1 University of Western Development and application of framework for July 2005 Sydney sustainability indicators in effluent irrigation situations Eric de Regt University of New The development of a measurement system of February 2006 England sustainability factors for irrigation systems Program 3: Future Irrigation – Practice & Technology Christopher Charles Sturt Increasing water use efficiency of broad acre cropping May 2004 O’Neil University systems Malcolm Gillies University of Southern Managing the effect of infiltration variability on the March 2004 Queensland performance of surface irrigation Kanya Lal Khatri University of Southern Toward real-time control of surface irrigation March 2004 Queensland Simon White University of Southern Regulated deficit irrigation and partial rootzone drying September 2004 Queensland in cotton under centre pivots and lateral moves Bhakti-lata devi University of Western Mapping and understanding urban irrigation water use January 2005 Sydney Melanie University of Western Development of sustainable practices for golf course January 2005 Schwecke Sydney irrigation Cheryl McCarthy University of Southern Real-time sensing and control for large mobile irrigation February 2005 Queensland machines (LMIMs) Amy Richards Flinders University Managing root zone salinity in irrigated viticulture under March 2005 conditions of maximum water use efficiency David Deery Charles Sturt Understanding plant water relations to increase water April 2005 University use efficiency Hugh Campbell Charles Sturt Water use efficiency and nutrient use efficiency of July 2005 University different frequencies of drip irrigation in Cab. Sauv. Grapes

Ezlit Younes University of Southern Leaching and non-steady state non-uniform salinity February 2006 Queensland concentration profiles under seasonally variable water quality and quantity Amjad Hussain University of Southern Quantifying the opportunity for precision irrigation February 2006 Queensland associated with improved spatial and temporal management of water application Bilal Hossain University of New Multi-temporal electromagnetic soil surveying (EM38) for February 2006 England improved irrigation management Tariq Rana Charles Sturt Modelling and managing water quality response in February 2006 University groundwater dominant irrigation using fractals and chaotic geodynamics methods Jyoti Padhi University of Southern Quantifying spatial variability in soil and crop properties March 2006 Queensland to improve irrigation performance Viola Deva University of Western Precision application of water and nutrients for peri- August 2005 Sevathum1 Sydney urban horticulture in Greater Western Sydney

1 Denotes enrolled in Masters program

[39] Building the next generation network New professional peer networks across disciplines, institutions and regions are being created which will serve our postgraduates students into the future. The Education Program has connected students-to-students in order to create a vibrant community of scholars across the CRC IF’s six partner universities. The CRC ran a specific postgraduate day prior to the Annual Research Forum held in Mildura in September 2005. The day provided an opportunity for students to meet other students across the CRC. This interaction has been sustained by the CRC IF’s on-line forum for postgraduate students. During the day, the students examined each other’s research topics, hypothesis and methods and identified commonalities with other students and also the CRC’s research projects. This cumulated in the students preparing two presentations summarising their research activities which was subsequently presented to the entire CRC at the Annual Research Forum the following morning. The student cohort was given the opportunity to interview the CRC IF’s Board Chair, Mr Peter Hayes, Chief Scientist, Dr Wayne Meyer and Maxine Schache from DPI Victoria. This series of interviews drew out tortuous career paths and provided many personal insights into the research process and environment. At the Annual Research Forum, students had a high profile. In addition to the summary outlined above, students presented and discussed their research progress through oral presentations and posters. This meeting was attended by irrigation scientists from across Australia, providing the opportunity for students to network, plan future research, identify and pursue opportunities for collaboration, and to develop a broad understanding of the national and international contexts of Irrigation and water resource management. This allowed students to connect to projects and provided additional context for their studies and connections with the leading researchers in their subject area. The CRC has facilitated close links between our students and the wider irrigation industry. One quarter of our students is hosted by industry and 55% of our students are located within irrigation dependent communities. All postgraduate students have a non-university supervisor or industry mentor in addition to their university supervisor. Postgraduate Coursework The CRC IF has joined forces with the International Centre of Excellence for Water Resource Management (ICEWaRM) to develop an irrigation stream for the ICEWaRM Masters Programs. The irrigation stream, to be offered in Autumn 2007, will augment the existing five streams in the Masters Program (Aquatic Ecosystem Management of Water Infrastructure Sustainable Catchment and Water Management/Surface Hydrology Groundwater Hydrology/Hydrogeology Public Health). The CRC IF has drawn on postgraduate course offerings from Charles Sturt University to provide the basis for the irrigation stream. The irrigation stream will cover sustainable and efficient irrigation practice, based on understanding climatic, evaporative demand, plant function, irrigation systems and soil and water physics. Honours and Summer Internships The CRC awarded three honours scholarships after students successfully completed a period of summer work with SARDI, a CRC IF partner (Table 6). The Honours program aims to attract good students into research areas involving irrigation and water resource management.

[40] Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures Table 6. CRC IF honours scholarship students

Name University Commencement date Program 2: System Sustainability – Rural and Urban Riches, Virginia Flinders 2006 Sluggett, Adam Flinders 2006 Kies, Shaun Flinders 2006

Training The Training program is in the early stages of developing and delivering training to boost the technical capacity of the irrigation industry. The initial focus has been on developing collaborative, knowledge brokering relationships with existing organisations, including the Irrigation Association of Australia (IAA) and the Australian National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (ANCID), and the Cotton Catchment Communities CRC (Cotton CRC). Over the coming year, the CRC will significantly increase the outputs from the training program with a number of activities coming to fruition. A Centre Pivot and Lateral Move training package and associated innovative delivery method is currently under development in conjunction with manufacturers. A Sustainability reporting training and support package is currently being developed to provide the framework and process for continuous improvement of irrigation management in urban environments. The CRC is involved in a Cotton and Grains Knowledge Exchange project, developing an irrigation training module.

The CRC IF’s postgraduate students came together at the 2005 Annual Research Forum.

[41] ] www.irrigationfutures.org.au ) Progress to Progress planned date, activities and strategies to milestones achieve which have not been met and Application selection processes developed and used in Thirty the selection three of postgraduates candidates. enrolled across our six partner Universities. day established at student Exclusive postgraduate the Research Annual Forum. emphasis Ongoing on into projects. linking students A forum established postgraduate on the CRC IF’s website. First PhD completion (Dr University Halanaik, of Diwakara South Australia). Shift focus to in Program from cohort recruitment the and Education developing completions. postgraduate ensuring to greater mentoring. Manager provide Exchange Chief and Scientist Knowledge leader, Program Education day to from to research student transition explore at industry ARF. Postgraduate to Progress planned date, activities and strategies to milestones achieve which have not been met. has Each a student an providing postgraduate mentor direct industry link to industry. published three journal this refereed publications Twenty A year five number including by of students. postgraduate in publications press and review. under process review on Internal website. As above. CRC IF a creating publishing culture articles of which research in encourages original the impact relevant highest factor journals. ustralia. A bold type arget achievement arget achievement arget achievement T date (percentage completed) 2004 January (90%) 2008 January (10%) T date (percentage completed) December 2004 (100%) December 2007 (100%) June 2008 (100%) and M ilestones 50 Postgraduates successfully completing CRC 50 IF Postgraduates courses in Increase the number of published articles in journals from by contributed and the scientific from graduates CRC refereed Australia researchers IF. Milestones Milestones due in year current (shaded dark blue and Milestones Milestones with date in achievement target years previous (unshaded) Future milestones (shaded blue) light

Complete details of these projects are available at our website: Outcome 7. Greater irrigation science capacity research in Milestone Output 7.1. Milestone 7.1.1. Successful of establishment the postgraduate and training research course work of and students enrolment infrastructure on projects that contribute to the overall goals of the CRC IF. Milestone 7.1.2. successfully Graduates completing thesis and course work and working with industry. Output 7.2. Milestone Milestone 7.2.1. in Infrastructure place working on and students projects with industry Milestone 7.2.2. First of draft articles before for review internal produced submission external Milestone 7.2.3. Refereed articles published in journals P rogram O utcomes , O utputs [ Note:

[42] Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures T he CRC IF is working with the Irrigation raining program raining has program been on recruiting and the developing postgraduate cohort. T ustralia ustralia and Cotton Catchment Community CRC to a develop style newer of learning A raining program raining was in program restructured June 2006 with a greater emphasis on training outputs T E ducation and ssociation of A E ducation and raining delivered raining includes delivered irrigation management in the for growers Basin. Sydney of Development partnerships Summary of undergraduate irrigation related irrigation subjects by offered Summary the of CRC undergraduate IF’s partner undertaken. Universities Collaborative established approach to with of Australia training. irrigation Association coordinate Irrigation with together a development, delivery under process. Pivot commercial Centre Package and Lateral Move Training Urban being sustainability package training developed reporting for delivery. with Soil together tutorial and being Salt material, developed. package, education Discussion with the CRC IF’s for market an an partner indicated Universities focused irrigation undergraduate insufficient course. to Program Education investigate the spoke and hub used model by the wool to industry develop a critical mass of for specialised subjects irrigation students across our partner Universities. undergraduate CRC IF with to partnering ICEWaRM deliver an stream irrigation at Certificate the to Graduate Masters level. 400 growers in the Sydney Basin completed a four day competency based workshop on management. irrigation stream Irrigation established in Masters to the ICEWaRM be in offered Autumn 2007. External to packages training be in delivered 2006/07. of for priorities Collaborative training cotton development industry. made. – to and recommendations competencies irrigation qualifications Workshop existing review package. review in Training the Industry Participation Water Establish with working relationship IAA and CCC CRC to material. develop training certification Milestone to and be more specific reviewed milestones developed. T he focus of the T he arising from the CRC IF’s first phase projects. T with the national network of training and technology transfer providers. Futures materials which are more 'hands on'. two training aligned developmental programs with National training program. One training initiated program with other partners. Develop in material certification with collaboration IAA. Develop to resources training support process. certification to needs. training industry Broker address June June 2004 (40%) June 2004 (30%) 2010 January (20%) June 2004 (100%) June 2006 (20%) June 2010 (20%) E ducation and Courses available for short course industry and undergraduate students. Delivery Targets: Initial course Delivery Courses delivery June Targets: of 2005; available adoption students. courses for Commercial short by course on industry and industry undergraduate a developed Material and published June to 2004 Delivery support to schemes. certification Targets: industry June 2010 Milestone 8.2.2. Outcome 8. Greater technical capacity within the irrigation industry. Output 8.1. regular basis to June 2010. Milestone 8.1.1. Review of existing and training industry irrigation completed resources and education coordination mechanism for national and training of education irrigation established Milestone 8.1.2. Courses developed and delivery established options for local and and training distance education Milestone 8.1.3. numbers Increased of personnel trained employed within the industry irrigation Output 8.2. Milestone 8.2.1. Clear set of priorities and for training certification industry date June established (Achievement 2004) training materials to support industry certification made available to industry Milestone 8.2.3. personnel Industry successfully certified using resource supplied materials by the CRC IF

[43] 7 » Collaboration

The CRC for Irrigation Futures was established to undertake research, education and training activities which could not be done by individual partner organisations alone. To achieve the Centre’s Mission, cross-disciplinary and cross-institution collaboration is required. The Research Plan established the structure to promote collaboration and make it an active and effective process. In practice, individuals collaborate with individuals to achieve what they cannot do on their own. This collaboration is promoted and facilitated across the CRC through strong internal communication process; • A monthly newsletter, INFLO, keeps CRC IF members and end-users up to date on activities and opportunities to collaborate. • CROSSFLO was established in March 2006 to provide a forum for general catch-up on CRC IF happenings and direct briefing/input into the EMG and a discussion forum to support cross disciplinary discussion and knowledge development across the CRC IF on topical issues. These are run monthly. • CEO’s email was commenced in March 2006 to provide a direct communication channel to CRC IF personnel. • A Forum site was established on the CRC IF’s website in December 2005. The Forum message board currently has nine categories, four of which are restricted to CRC IF members. • The use of an internet based project management tool (CRCLife) to ensure all project members can access relevant project documents. • The public website (www.irrigationfutures.org.au) promotes interchange across the fifteen partners and potential users of research by maintaining an up to date calendar of events, providing an easy to use contacts page, ensuring project information and outputs are readily available, providing information on postgraduate students and their projects, listing media releases and providing a forum for discussion of topical articles. • An Annual Research Forum is held to bring together CRC IF’s researchers, partners and postgraduate students. The Annual Research Forum was held in Mildura, Victoria in September 2005 with 110 people attending. This forum includes updates on research programs and postgraduate research, field trips to highlight the issues of the host Zone, and face-to-face time to build relationships across the fifteen partners. Thus, this annual event is key to creating, building, and rekindling the collaborative process between individuals across the CRC IF. 7.1 National Collaborative Linkages

The CRC IF has a well developed and growing collaborative network across Australia. These personal links connect the CRC IF into industry, our partner organisations, researchers and research and development corporations. The Irrigation Futures of the Goulburn Broken Catchment project has connected with the Australian Innovation Research Centre at the University of Tasmania to identify and respond to challenges of globalisation in irrigated agriculture. This collaboration has enhanced

[44] Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures the capacity of the regional community’s capacity to contribute to future planning. The Australian Centre for Innovation at the University of Sydney provided guidance to the project team which enabled them to work with stakeholder communities to assess the implications of possible future scenarios. The High Level Impact of COAG Water Reforms project team has linked with policy makers and non-partner members of the water industry to assess the impact of high-level policy on irrigation investment and practice. An Evaluation of Corporate Governance Arrangements of Australian Irrigation Water Providers led by Professor Jennifer McKay has involved collaboration with the Australian Water Association (AWA) and the Irrigation Association of Australia (IAA) to obtain up- to-date information for the development of a typology of water supply businesses. The project team linked with Angela Murray of the International Centre of Excellence in Water Resources Management (ICEWaRM) to develop educational materials for the Water Resources and Society course. Project learnings were transferred into teaching materials for delivery to Masters of Water Resources students through the University of South Australia. A steering committee developed within the Northern Australia Irrigation Futures (NAIF) project involved collaborative linkages with individuals from a number of non- partner organisations, including the Northern Territory Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts, the Western Australia Department of Water, the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Ord Irrigation. Such collaboration across northern jurisdictions improves the transfer of information between states. The CRC IF is facilitating this transfer through involvement in NAIF and the work of CRC IF staff. This collaboration also helps identify/influence stakeholder research needs and priorities which are fed back into the CRC IF. Under the guidance of Dr Keith Bristow, Mr Jeff Camkin and PhD researcher Mr Bart Kellett, a NAIF Stakeholder Reference Group was developed to strengthen the project and the CRC IF and ensure the research is delivering practical outputs. This group is made up of individuals from the Northern Territory Agricultural Association and Land Council, Refish, and the Western Australia Department of Agriculture and Food. Jeff Camkin further chairs monthly meetings in the Northern Territory to facilitate coordination of research activity in the region and encourage knowledge transfer between research projects involving such organisations as the Environmental Research Institute of the Supervising Scientist (ERISS), Charles Darwin University, NT Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts and Northern Australia Environment Alliance. The NAIF project is establishing collaboration between northern Australian jurisdictions and the Australian Government to help implement the National Water Initiative in northern Australia. The CRC IF (through NAIF) is seen to have an important role in transferring knowledge across jurisdictional boundaries. In collaboration with the North and South Burdekin Water Boards, Sunwater and Burdekin Shire Council, NAIF assisted the development of the Lower Burdekin Water Smart Australia proposal. Collaboration with various partner and non-partner universities and national organisations for the exchange of knowledge has helped to strengthen the scientific basis of CRC IF activities.

[45] The Seasonality of Flows project collaborated with a wider group of CSIRO researchers through the Water for a Healthy Country Flagship Program to develop Water Smart Irrigation and Water Savings. Professor Shahbaz Khan linked with Pratt Water to conduct a feasibility study on water savings across the Murrumbidgee Valley which aims to influence policy at a state and federal level. A researcher involved in the Tools and Techniques for Improving the Precision of Irrigation project engaged an expert from the University of Adelaide to assist with researching the effect of saline sodic groundwater irrigation on soil properties. The project has also called on industry, such as the Renmark Irrigation Trust, National Measurement Australia, Standards Australia, Sydney Water, Goulburn Broken CMA, Murray Dairy and various meter suppliers to conduct and deliver research. The Urban Irrigation in Sydney Metropolitan Area Developing Strategies for Efficient Irrigation project involved collaboration with the Irrigation Association of Australia and Sydney Water to conduct an audit of residential irrigation systems in the Sydney Metropolitan Area. This included project planning and a review of the final report published by the CRC IF. A consultant was engaged for training of the irrigation auditors and to provide a peer review of the final report. 7.2 Collaboration with other CRCs

The CRC IF cuts across production and natural resource management issues related to on- and near-farm water management. As such, the Centre interacts with CRCs from both agriculture and rural based manufacturing and environmental categories. The engagement with other CRCs focuses on activities which meet an identified need and require the coming together of both organisations. Specific examples of these activities are provided in Table 7.

Table 7. Collaboration with other CRCs

CRC Project Activity Industry Intended outcome sector CRC for Polymers and Collaboration on evaporation Cotton/Cross Collaborative research to develop CRC Cotton Catchment mitigation Industry new technologies for evaporation Communities mitigation CRC Cotton Catchment Joint funding of two PhD Cotton Recruit top quality candidate into the Communities scholarship specific area of cotton related water management CRC Cotton Catchment Collaboration on plant monitoring Cotton Development of CRC IF plant sensor Communities sensors technologies on a specific crop CRC Cotton Catchment Knowledge exchange activities Cotton Utilise the existing delivery networks Communities (OVERsched development; Central of the CRC Cotton Catchment Pivot and Lateral Move training Communities to deliver CRC IF and performance; surface irrigation products training) E-Water CRC Shared program development Water Service Common communication protocols activities – active cross Providers between River System Models and organisational personnel transfer and River Irrigation District Models Managers CRC for Plant Based Industry Training and Regional Cross industry Building on Salinity CRC training Control of Salinity Planning – currently delivering activities for private sector and training to shared clients incorporation of dryland salinity – building stronger training base impacts into catchment scale irrigation planning

[46] Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures 7.3 International Collaborative Linkages

Internationally, collaborative linkages occur at both the personal and organisational level across fourteen countries. An Evaluation of the Corporate Governance Arrangements of Australian Irrigation Water Providers has exposed the CRC IF to an international audience through co-supervision of successful PhD student, Diwakara Halaniak, through the International Water Management Institute in Sri Lanka. Professor Oran Young of the University of California, co-supervised a Fulbright fellow with Professor Jennifer McKay at the University of South Australia and assisted with comparison of method and outcomes of ESD reporting. Professor McKay has also linked with the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at the Southern Illinois University to commission a paper on issues for CEOs of Australian utilities for the Journal of Contemporary Water Research and Education. CRC IF researchers involved with the Northern Australia Irrigation Futures (NAIF) and Improved Seasonality of Flows through Irrigation Demand Management and System Harmonisation projects activity participate in the UNESCO HELP Regional Coordination Unit. Collaboration strengthens CRC IF by assisting the transfer of knowledge to and from the CRC IF. The NAIF project has also involved collaboration with the University if KwaZulu-Natal and the University of Pretoria in South Africa to foster improved understanding of groundwater and irrigated systems and the fate of solutes. The Tools and Techniques for Improving the Precision of Irrigation project collaborates with a number of universities internationally to attain expert external input and validation. Researchers at Cranfield University in the United Kingdom have collaborated with CRC IF researchers on the modelling performance of travelling gun irrigators; Professor John Annandale at the University of Pretoria, South Africa assisted CRC IF researcher, Dr Richard Stirzaker, with use of mine waste water and urban waste water while Pretoria’s Dr Steyn collaborated with the CRC IF on irrigation management research. Industry interaction and external input has also been sought from researchers at the University of Idaho’s Research and Extension Centre, South Africa National Parks, the University of Morelia in Mexico, the University of Venda in South Africa, IDTA Cemagref in France, AengRI in Egypt, ARC-ILI in South Africa, University of Lethbridge in Canada, CENTRE in Spain, CIT in the USA, IMTA in Mexico, IWHR in China, LNI in Italy, UCLM in Spain, US Sobral, CENTEC in Brazil, SEEN-LHN in Morocco, SII in Israel and ZITC in Zimbabwe.

[47] 8 » Specified Personnel

Three changes to specified personnel occurred during 2005-2006. Matthew Durack resigned as CEO in January 2006 and was replaced in the interim by Dr Wayne Meyer (a new CEO was appointed in July 2006). Olivia Louis commenced as Communications and Marketing Officer in October 2005 and Gerrit Schrale replaced QJ Wang as Leader of the Winter Zone in December 2005. Table 8 outlines the contribution of the specified personnel in the roles listed. Most of these people also made substantial contributions to project activities which are not covered in this table.

Table 8. Specified personnel

Title & Name Role in CRC IF Contributing Time contributed organisation to CRC IF(%) Mr Matthew Durack1 CEO CRC IF/ USQ 60 Ms Sonya Krenske Administration Coordinator CRC IF/ USQ 100 Mr Rick Darroch Business Manager CRC IF/ USQ 100 Dr Kelvin Montagu Knowledge Exchange Manager CRC IF/ UWS 100 Ms Olivia Louis2 Communications and Marketing Officer CRC IF/UWS 66 Mr Andrew Sanderson Education and Training Manager CRC IF/DPI NSW 100 Dr Wayne Meyer Chief Scientist CSIRO 100 Ms Sue Saunders PA to Chief Scientist CSIRO 100 Prof Hector Malano Education Leader University of Melbourne 70 Mr Eddie Parr Training Leader NSW Department of 33 Primary Industries Dr Shahbaz Khan Program Leader Sustainability CSIRO/Charles Sturt 100 University Prof Steven Raine Program Leader Technology and University of Southern 97 Practice Queensland Mr Glen Starkey Program Leader: Policy and Planning Queensland Natural 85 for Change Resources & Mines Dr John Wolfenden Program Leader: Policy and Planning University of New 48 for Change England Dr Keith Bristow Tropical Zone Leader CSIRO 78 Mr Peter Smith Summer Zone Leader NSW Department of 45 Primary Industries Dr QJ Wang3 Winter Zone Leader DPI Victoria 53 Dr Gerrit Schrale3 Winter Zone Leader SARDI 35 Dr Basant Maheshwari Urban Zone Leader University of Western 98 Sydney

1resigned January 2005. Replaced by interim CEO Dr Wayne Meyer 2commenced October 2005 3Dr QJ Wang replaced by Dr Gerrit Schrale in December 2005

[48] Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures 9 » Communications and Marketing

The CRC for Irrigation Futures’ communications and marketing strategy provides a framework for communicating the activities of the CRC IF in a wide number of forums. Communication and participation are essential components of the CRC IF’s responsibility to provide strategic science for irrigation practice and planning, public policy and decision-making. Effective communication can help the CRC IF fulfil its mission by: • Identifying the needs of Australian irrigation management agencies, industries and community groups. • Interpreting stakeholder needs to facilitate research and development delivery. • Fostering collaborative, creative and effective cooperative research. • Delivering knowledge to partners, stakeholders and interest groups. • Building and maintaining relationships that support CRC IF activities. The results of good communication and participation mean that information, tools and knowledge are used to improve water productivity and profitability, ecosystem health and quality of life through: • Changes to policy and legislation. • Technological and industry development. • Professional education and training. • Greater community awareness of key issues. • Public participation in planning and management of regional irrigation areas. The communications and marketing strategy is broken down into three areas. Internal communications

Creating a CRC IF culture is critical to achieving our goals. The impact of this objective cannot be understated. The Annual Research Forum is the CRC IF’s key event for building and sustaining this culture. The 2005 ARF was attended by 110 people. Of the CRC IF’s in-kind nominated people, 48% attended. Reports back have been very positive and a similar format will be used for the 2006 ARF at Narrabri in December. The INFLO e-newsletter has had a significant overhaul. INFLO is less internally focussed on process and more about highlighting our outputs, projects, students and events. This is reflected in our subscriber base of which only 20% are CRC IF members (Figure 2).

[49] Figure 2. Broad groupings of the 766 INFLO subscribers as at June 2006. CRC -partner in-kind members, postgraduate students, Board and CRC Corporate team; Commercial- irrigation industry and general consultants/service provides; Government-subscribers from our partners who are not in-kind contributions and all subscribers from non-partner government organisations; Education-subscribers from our partners who are not in-kind contributions and all subscribers from non-partner education institutions; Private/Unknown-origin not identifiable, typically private subscribers using generic email accounts; International-overseas subscribers.

The CEO’s Message commenced in February 2006. This is a fortnightly email from the CEO to all CRC IF members covering more internal matter which flows from the minutes of the Executive Management Group’s meetings. CROSSFLO teleconferences commenced in March 2006 to promote cross CRC IF communication and discussion. The teleconference provides a general update on CRC IF activities and a discussion forum to support cross disciplinary discussion and knowledge development across the CRC IF community. The public Website was relaunched in June 2005. Many of the new features of the website are being heavily used, eg the contacts page is the most visited page. Since the relaunch, we have seen steady growth in the web usage. During this period there has been a 139% increase in visits, 118% increase in page views and a 167% increase in download traffic. In December 2005, a message board facility was introduced. The principal aim of the message board is to sustain discussion after face-to-face and teleconference events. The message board is being integrated into postgraduate student interactions and projects and program activities.

[50] Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures Developing the CRC IF Brand

Developing our CRC IF brand requires appropriately branded quality products. The recently introduced three month project review process highlights the importance of producing “real” products with an external focus. The Knowledge Exchange Team has helped lift the production by: 1. Introducing an Irrigation Matters report series to permit publication of documents without the substance required for Technical Reports. 2. Centralising production of CRC IF reports for consistency of branding across our publications. 3. Establishing a Workshop facility on the website to allow wider (public access) to presentations and workshop outcomes. The products section of the Website has been activated with publications (CRC IF and other publishers) and workshop presentations highlighted and available for download where copyright permits. The CRC IF virtual reach is growing, with the cross referencing of the CRC IF on thirteen of our partners’ websites and twenty stakeholder sites referring traffic to our website. The Zones have principally been focussed on feeding input into the research priorities of the zone up to the CRC IF. As such, the Zones have undertaken limited activities to establish the CRC IF’s brand. In recognition of the new phase the CRC IF is moving into, the Zones have been reorganised so that they fall under the Knowledge Exchange Manger and the leadership moved away from researcher to extension/business development members. This will see the funnelling of new products/activities from projects into the zones. Communicate and Inform

The CRC IF is now entering the externally focused part of its life. CRC IF products are just starting to come on stream to allow us to communicate and inform, thereby influencing outcomes. INFLO is playing a leading role. In June 2005, INFLO had 350 subscribers. This number has risen by 119% to 766 in June 2006. Over 70% of our subscribers are now external to the CRC IF, coming from commercial, government and education sectors and private. Our main form of subscriber recruitment comes from clients downloading documents from the website. A total of 1040 documents were downloaded from July 2005 – June 2006. This is proving an effective method for capturing and retaining people interested in our outputs. Conversely, INFLO is working well as an advertising vehicle for our outputs. In 2006, the CRC IF has shifted its focus to external events, including with federal and state politicians and increased interaction with the National Water Commission.

[51] The CRC IF was a sponsor of the CRC Association “Water, not a drop to drink” Hypothetical in May 2006. The CRC IF was represented by Board Member, Ticky Fullerton, who sat on the panel, along with CRC IF researcher Ted Gardner and recently retired CRC IF Board Member Peter Cullen. The Hypothetical was attended by 633 people, including 244 members of the public. The CRC IF’s summer zone hosted a CRC stand at the May 2006 IAA conference. This conference is a major venue for the CRC IF with almost half the presentations, including a keynote address, given by CRC IF members. The stand was well attended by exhibition visitors.

CRC IF Board Member Ticky Fullerton, researcher Ted Gardner and recently retired Board Member, Peter Cullen joined the Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP on panel for “Water, not a drop to drink” in Brisbane (Photo: Kirkland Photography).

[52] Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures 9.1 Media

The CRC IF uses the industry and mainstream media to develop and enhance recognition of the organisation. Media releases are produced and distributed in association with our partners and placed on the CRC IF website, partner sites and the Expert Guide online media portal (www.expertguide.com.au) where CRC IF researchers’ contact details are listed. The CRC IF makes regular editorial contributions to numerous trade journals, including the IREC Farmers’ Newsletter, IAA’s Irrigation Australia Journal, and AWA’s Water Journal. In 2005-06, CRC IF spokespeople and research activities were mentioned or featured in thirty seven news items in regional, metropolitan and trade media, with twenty six print items, three television segments and eight radio interviews. Coverage was achieved in national newspapers The Australian and The Land; trade publications The Australian Cottongrower and The Australian and New Zealand Grapegrower and Winemaker magazines; metropolitan newspaper The Canberra Times; Prime and WIN television news and across various regional radio and print media. 9.2 Public Presentations

In 2005-06 the CRC IF hosted or presented at 125 events, including conferences, industry workshops and seminars, briefings, demonstrations, general public information sessions and field days. Audiences varied from consultants, researchers and students, to growers, irrigators and catchment management representatives, to local council bodies and the National Water Commission. The CRC IF continues to build a strong presence at industry conferences with researchers presenting at both the Irrigation Australia conference in Brisbane (May 2006) and the Australian National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (ANCID) conference in Mildura (October 2005). CRC IF researchers were also heavily involved in Wealth from Water Week at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga during May 2006, with a number of researchers and PhD students presenting. CRC IF representatives have taken every opportunity to present at events organised by partner institutions, including a SARDI Horticulture Seminar and the CSIRO Land and Water public seminar series. Presentations published in conference proceedings are cited in section 10.

[53] 10 » Publications

In the third year of the CRC for Irrigation Futures, our members have produced a wide range of publications. These both reflect the capacity of the CRC IF and the outputs directly arising from CRC IF activities (• core publications). CRC IF authors are highlighted in bold. 10.1 Books or Book Chapters

In the third year of the CRC for Irrigation Futures, our members have produced a wide range of publications. These both reflect the capacity of the CRC IF and the outputs directly arising from CRC IF activities (l core publications). CRC IF authors are highlighted in bold. 10.1 Books or Book Chapters

Boland, A., Hamilton, A.J., Stevens, D. and Ziehrl, A. (2006). Opportunities for reclaimed water use in Australian agriculture, in Stevens, D (ed), ‘Growing crops with reclaimed wastewater’. CSIRO Publishing, Collingwo od, Victoria, Australia.l Diwakara, H. (2005) “Water Markets in India: Economic and Institutional Aspects.” In Jay H. Lehr, Jack Keeley, Janet Lehr and Thomas B. Kingery III (eds.) Water Encyclopedia, USA: John Wiley & Sons Inc. pp.1-5. Choo, P.S., Cooper, H.D., Devendra, C., Dixon, J., Gaskell, J., Khan, S., Lal, R., Lipper, L., Pretty, J., Primavera, J., Ramankutty, N., Viglizzo, E., and Wiebe, K. (2006). Cultivated Systems. In Hassan, R., Scholes, R. and Ash, N. (eds). ‘Ecosystems and Human Well-being : current state and trends, Volume 1’, pp. 747-787. Island Press, Washington, USA. Turral, H. and Fullagar I. ( 2006). Institutional Directions in Groundwater Management in Australia. In Giordano, M. (ed). The Agricultural Groundwater Revolution: Opportunities and Threats to Development. CABI Publishing, Cambridge, MA. 10.2 Refereed Journal Articles

Boland, A, Bewsell, D and Kaine G. (2005) Adoption of sustainable irrigation management practices by stone and pome fruit growers in the Goulburn/Murray Valleys, Australia. Irrigation Science on-line. Burgin, S., Carson, J. and Maheshwari, B. (2005). Local provenance in rehabilitation of degraded landscapes: a case study from the Hawkesbury-Nepean catchment, Australia. AREA 37(3):324-331. Cook, F.J., Kelliher, F.M. (2006). Determining vertical root and microbial biomass distributions from soil samples. Soil Science Society of America Journal, 70(3): 728- 735. Davidson, B. and Malano, H. (2005). Key considerations in Applying Microeconomic Theory to Water Quality Issues. Water International. 30(2): 147-154. Etchells, T., Malano, H. and McMahon, T. (2006). Overcoming Third Party Effects from Water Trading in the Murray-Darling Basin. Water Policy, 8: 69–80. Gibbings, P. and Raine, S.R. (2005). Evaluation of a low cost hydrographic technique to measure on-farm water storage volumes. Agricultural Water Management 78(3), 209- 21.l

[54] Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures Gillies, M.H. and Smith, R.J. (2005) Infiltration parameters from surface irrigation advance and run-off data. Irrigation Science. 24(1), 25-35.l Gillies, M.H. Smith R.J. and Raine S.R. (2006). Accounting for temporal inflow variation in the inverse solution for infiltration in surface irrigation. Irrigation Science Online First 17 May 2006.l Hamilton, A.J., Stagnitti, F., Boland, A. & Premier, R. (2005). Quantitative microbial risk assessment modelling for the use of reclaimed water in irrigated horticulture. In Environmental Health Risk III, C.A. Brebbia, V. Popov, & D. Fayzieva (eds.). Wessex Institute of Technology Transactions on Biomedicine and Health Series. 9, 71–81. Hamilton, A.J., Stagnitti, F., Premier, R., Boland, A. & Hale, G. (2006). Quantitative microbial risk assessment models for consumption of vegetables irrigated with reclaimed water. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 72, 3284–3290. Humphreys E., Lewin L.G., Khan S., Beecher H.G., Lacy J.M., Thompson J.A., Batten G.D., Brown A., Russell C.A., Christen E.W., Dunn B.W. (2006) Integration of approaches to increasing water use efficiency in rice-based systems in southeast Australia. Field Crops Research 97: 19–33 Kaine, G., Bewsell, D., Boland, A., Linehan, C. (2005) Using market research to understand the adoption of irrigation management strategies in the stone and pome fruit industry. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 45(9), 1181–1187.l Khan S. (2005). Rethinking Rational Solutions for Irrigation Salinity. Australian Journal of Water Resources. Vol 9, No 2:129 -140. Khan S., Rana T., Yuanli C., Blackwell J. (2006) Can irrigation be sustainable? Agricultural Water Management 80:87–99. Khanna, M., and Malano, H. (2006). Modelling of Basins Irrigation Systems: A Review. Journal of Agricultural Water Management, 83: 87–99. Khatri, KL and Smith, RJ (2005). Evaluation of methods for determining infiltration parameters from irrigation advance data. Irrigation and Drainage 54(4): 467-482.l Khatri, KL and Smith, RJ (2006). Real time prediction of soil infiltration characteristics for the management of furrow irrigation. Irrigation Science Online First, 1 March.l Matthews, C.J., Cook, F.J., Braddock, R.D. and Knight, J.H. (2005). Handling the water content discontinuity at the interface between layered soils within a numerical scheme. Australian Journal of Soil Research, 43(8):945-955. McColl, J. and Young, M. (2006) Drought and Structural Adjustment. Farm Policy Journal 3(2): 13-21. McKay, J., Halaniak, D. and Barnett, S. (2006). Cost sharing scheme for groundwater in South eastern South Australia. Water Journal. 33, 71-74.l Stewart, L., Charlesworth, P.B., Bristow, K.L. & Thorburn, P.J. (2005). Estimating deep drainage and nitrate leaching from the root zone under sugarcane using APSIM-SWIM. Agricultural Water Management. 81, 315-334. Stirzaker, R.J. and Hutchinson, P.A. (2005). Irrigation controlled by a Wetting Front Detector: field evaluation under sprinkler irrigation. Australian Journal of Soil Research. 43, 935-943.

[55] Teixeira, P.C. and Misra, R.K. (2005). Measurement and prediction of nitrogen loss by simulated erosion events on cultivated forest soils of contrasting structure. Soil and Tillage Research. 83, 204-217. Xevi E. and Khan S. (2005). A multi-objective optimisation approach to water management. Australian Journal of Environmental Management. 77, 269-277.l Young, M. and McColl, J. (2005). Defining tradable water entitlements and allocations: a robust system. Canadian Water Resources Journal, 30 (1): 65-72. 10.3 Conference Publications

Afify, A. and Elmahdi, A. (2005). Integrated Assessment of the Egyptian’s Quality of Life – II Development of a GIS Tool for Qualitative Assessment. In Khanna, N., Barton, D., Beale, D., Cornforth, R., Elmahdi, A., McRae, J., Seelsaen, N., and Shalav, A. (eds). Proceedings Environmental Research Event, November 29 – December 2, Hobart. Annandale, J.G., Steyn, J.M., Benadé, N., Jovanovic, N.Z., Stevens, J.B., Stirzaker, R.J. and Backeberg, G.R. (2005). Irrigation scheduling with the SWB model – from theory to practice. International Commission for Irrigation and Drainage, Beijing, September 2005.l Baillie, C.P. and Raine., S.R. (2005). Strategies for maximising sugarcane yield with limited water in the Bundaberg district. In Proceedings of the 2005 ANCID Conference, Mildura. 23-26 October. 8pp.l Beddek, R., Elmahdi, A., Barnett, B. and Kennedy, T. (2005). Integration of Groundwater Models within an Economical Decision Support System Framework. In Zerger, A. and Argent, R.M. (eds). MODSIM 2005 International Congress on Modelling and Simulation. Modelling and Simulation Society of Australia and New Zealand, December 2005. pp608-614. Biswas, T.K., Adams, A.C. and Schrale, G. (2005). Deep percolation assessment by capacitance probe data. In Proceedings of the 2005 ANCID Conference, Mildura. 23- 26 October.l Biswas, T.K., Adams, A.C., and Schrale, G. (2006). Root zone drainage flux assessment by real time multi-sensor capacitance probes. In Proceedings International symposium on water and land management for sustainable irrigated agriculture, 4–8 April. Cukurova University, Adana-Turkey.l Biswas, T.K., Stevens, R. and Schrale, G. (2005). Root zone salinity in the lower Murray districts. In Proceedings of the 2005 ANCID Conference, Mildura. 23-26 October. l Christen, E.W. (2006). TBL reporting to enhance sustainability. In proceedings of the Irrigation Australia 2006 Conference, 9-11 May, Brisbane.l Christen, E.W., Meyer, W.S., Jayawardane, N., Shepheard, M., Robinson, D., Marshall, A. and Fairweather, H. (2005). Triple Bottom Line reporting to promote sustainability of irrigation in Australia. OECD workshop on Agriculture and Water: Sustainability, Markets and Policies. Adelaide, 14-18 November.

[56] Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures Cook, F.J., Knight, J.H. and Wooding, R.A. (2005). Steady groundwater flow to drains on a sloping bed: Comparison of solutions based on Boussinesq equation and Richards equation. In Zerger, A. and Argent, R.M. (eds). MODSIM 2005 International Congress on Modelling and Simulation. Modelling and Simulation Society of Australia and New Zealand, December 2005. pp. 2890-2896. Cook, F.J., Schilizzi, S., Campbell, A.P., Asseng, S., Wardell-Johnson, A., Rixon, A.J., Su, X., Nancarrow, B., Carlin, G.D. (2005). Uncertainty in modelling human-landscape interactions. In Zerger, A. and Argent, R.M. (eds). MODSIM 2005 International Congress on Modelling and Simulation. Modelling and Simulation Society of Australia and New Zealand, December 2005. pp. 1936-1943. Devi, B., Maheshwari, B. and Simmons, B. (2005). Rainwater harvesting for residential irrigation: how sustainable is it in urban context? In Proc: XII International Rainwater Catchment Systems Conference, November 15-18, New Delhi, India. 8pp.l Devi, B., Maheshwari, B. and Simmons, B. (2006). Understanding the Value of Urban Green Space. In Proceedings of the Irrigation Australia 2006 Conference, 9-11 May, Brisbane.l Elmahdi, A. (2005). A System Dynamics approach and Economical Water use Reallocation. In Khanna, N., Barton D., Beale, D., Cornforth, R., Elmahdi, A., McRae, J., Seelsaen, N., and Shalav, A. (eds). Proceedings Environmental Research Event, November 29 – December 2, Hobart.l Elmahdi, A., Malano, H., Etchells, T. and Khan, S. (2005). System Dynamics Optimisation Approach to Irrigation Demand Management. In Zerger, A. and Argent, R.M. (eds). MODSIM 2005 International Congress on Modelling and Simulation. Modelling and Simulation Society of Australia and New Zealand, December 2005. pp. 196-202.l Gillies, M., Smith, R.J., and Raine, S.R. (2006). Is it possible to extract infiltration rates from variable inflow irrigation? In proceedings of the Irrigation Australia 2006 Conference, 9-11 May, Brisbane.l Hafeez, M. and Khan, S. (2005) Remote Sensing Application for Estimation of Irrigation Water Consumption in Liuyuankou Irrigation System in China. In Proceedings of the 16th Congress of the Modelling and Simulation Society of Australia and New Zealand. 12-15 December 2005. Humphreys, E., O’Neill, C.J. and Fawcett, B.J. (2006). Does high pressure irrigation save water in maize production? In Proceedings of the 2006 Water to Gold Conference, Griffith NSW.l Jayawardane, N. and Christen, E. (2005). Application of a water use efficiency and productivity assessment framework in the Murrumbidgee irrigation scheme. In In Proceedings of the 2005 ANCID Conference, Mildura. 23-26 October.l Khan, S. (2005). Irrigation Systems Water Savings: Technical, Economic and Institutional Issues. Regional Workshop on the Future of Large Rice-based Irrigation Systems in Southeast Asia Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. 26 – 28 October 2005. Khan, S., Dassanayake, D., Rana, T. (2005). Ocean Based Water Allocation Forecasts Using an Artificial Intelligence Approach. In Proceedings of the 16th Congress of the Modelling and Simulation Society of Australia and New Zealand. 12-15 December 2005.

[57] Khan, S., Mu, J., Hu, Y., Rana, T. and Zhanyi, G. (2005). Systems Approaches to Achieve Real Water Savings in Australia and China. 19th International Congress on Irrigation and Drainage, 10-18 September 2005 Beijing China. Khan, S., Mu, J., Jamnani, M. A., Hafeez, M. and Zhanyi, G. (2005). Modelling Country Water Futures using Food Security and Environmental Sustainability Approaches. In Proceedings of the 16th Congress of the Modelling and Simulation Society of Australia and New Zealand. 12-15 December 2005. Khatri, K.L., Smith, R.J. and Raine, S.R. (2006). Real time control of surface irrigation: managing infiltration variations and enhancing furrow irrigation performance. In proceedings of the Irrigation Australia 2006 Conference, 9-11 May, Brisbane. pp73-4.l Luo, Y., Cui, Y., Khan, S. and Zhang, Z. (2005). Scaling up spatially distributed hydrologic models of Liuyuankou irrigation system. 19th International Congress on Irrigation and Drainage, 10-18 September 2005 Beijing China. Luo, Y., Cui, Y., Khan, S., Zhang, Z. and Zhu, X. (2005). Sustainable irrigation water management in the lower Yellow River Basin: A system dynamics approach. 19th International Congress on Irrigation and Drainage. 10-18 September 2005. Beijing China. Luo, Y., Khan, S., Cui, Y., Feng, Y. and Li, Y. (2005). Modeling the water balance for aerobic rice: a system dynamics approach. In Proceedings of the 16th Congress of the Modelling and Simulation Society of Australia and New Zealand. 12-15 December 2005. Maheshwari, B. and Connellan, G. (2006). Urban Irrigation in Australia - Its performance and sustainability. In proceedings of the Irrigation Australia 2006 Conference, 9-11 May, Brisbane.l Maskey, R. and Bethune, M. (2005) Linkages between farmers, extension and research: learnings from the ‘efficient irrigation project. In Linking the Sciences of Research and Extension, 7-8th September, Bendigo. l Maskey, R., Lavis, A., Bethune, M. and Lawler, D. (2005) Linkages between farmers, extension and research. In Proceedings of the 2005 ANCID Conference, Mildura. 23- 26 October.l Matthews, C.J., Knight, J.H., Braddock, R.D. and Cook, F.J. (2005). The effect of heat on the diversion length of capillary barriers. In Zerger, A. and Argent, R.M. (eds) MODSIM 2005 International Congress on Modelling and Simulation. Modelling and Simulation Society of Australia and New Zealand, December 2005, pp. 1772-1778. Matthews, C.J., Knight, J.H., Cook, F.J. and Braddock, R.D. (2005). Using analytical solutions for homogenous soils to assess numerical solutions for layered soils. In Zerger, A. and Argent, R.M. (eds) MODSIM 2005 International Congress on Modelling and Simulation. Modelling and Simulation Society of Australia and New Zealand, December 2005, pp. 1279-1285. McCarthy, C.L., Hancock, N.H., and Raine, S.R. (2006). A preliminary evaluation of machine vision sensing of cotton nodes for automated irrigation control. In proceedings of the Irrigation Australia 2006 Conference, 9-11 May, Brisbane. pp81-2.l

[58] Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures McGarry, D., Gunawardena, T.A., Gardner, E.A. and Millar, G. (2006). Deep Drainage under irrigated cotton – surface and groundwater implications. In proceedings of the Irrigation Australia 2006 Conference, 9-11 May, Brisbane. pp83-84.l Meyer, W., Barton, A. and Beswick, A. (2006). Standardising and using crop and turf Et for better water management. In proceedings of the Irrigation Australia 2006 Conference, 9-11 May, Brisbane.l Mitchell, M. (2005). Triple bottom line reporting in irrigation: An outline of my PhD research. In Proceedings of the 12th annual meeting of the Australasian Agri-Food Research Network, Yeppoon, 5-8 July 2005. Mitchell, M., Curtis, A. and Davidson, P. (2006). Making the most of TBL reporting: Evaluating the effectiveness as an agent for change. In proceedings of the Irrigation Australia 2006 Conference, 9-11 May, Brisbane. Mulley, P., Simmons, B., Maheshwari, B. and Atkins, D. (2006). Use of alternative sources of water for irrigation in public open spaces for better environmental outcomes. In proceedings of the Irrigation Australia 2006 Conference, 9-11 May, Brisbane.l North, S. (2006). Improving water use efficiency in southern irrigated cropping systems. In proceedings of the Irrigation Australia 2006 Conference, 9-11 May, Brisbane. pp94-5.l O’Neill, C.J., Humphreys, E., Katupitiya, A. and Fawcett, B.J. (2006). Comparison of three irrigation methods for maize in Coleambally, NSW. In proceedings of the Irrigation Australia 2006 Conference, 9-11 May, Brisbane.l Paydar, Z., Khan, S. and Rana, T. (2005). Application of 1-D and 3-D models in a regional context. In Proceedings of the 16th Congress of the Modelling and Simulation Society of Australia and New Zealand. 12-15 December 2005. Qassim, A., Bethune, M. and Dunin, F. (2005). Monitoring of sprinkler irrigation for perennial pasture production in northern Victoria. In Proceedings of the 2005 ANCID Conference, Mildura. 23-26 October.l Raine, S.R. (2006). The future of irrigation technologies and practices is here now. Keynote address. In proceedings of the Irrigation Australia 2006 Conference, 9-11 May, Brisbane. pp26-30.l Rana, T. and Khan S., (2006). Hydrologic - Economic Evaluation of Water Saving Technologies Using Systems Approaches – Example from Australia. International Conference on “Agricultral Engineering: Issues and Strategies”- Advances in Water Management, Faisalabad, Pakistan, 16 – 18 February, 2006. Schaeffer, J., Khan, S., Fahrner, S. (2005). The Potential for Artificial Recharge of Deep Aquifer Systems, in the Murrumbidgee Region, NSW, Australia. Where Waters Meet. International Association of Hydrogeologists Conference. 28 November - 2 December 2005. Auckland, New Zealand. Schwecke, M., Simmons, B. and Maheshwari, B. (2005). Sustainable use of stormwater for irrigation: A case study of Manly Golf Course. In Proceedings Environmental Research Event, November 29 – December 2, Hobart, pp.1-7.l Shepheard, M. and Robinson, D. (2005). The Triple Bottom Line and Reporting in Irrigation: A Pathway to Sustainability? In proceedings of the 2005 ANCID Conference, Mildura, 23-26 October.l

[59] Shi, T. (2005). Irrigation activity response to water policy in Australia - where do we sit relative to the rest of the world? CRC IF Annual Research Forum, 19-21 September 2005, Mildura, Victoria.l Shi, T. (2006). Enhancing the capacity of Australian irrigation industry through better policy making: what can we learn from the past? Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society 50th Annual Conference. 8-10 February. Manly, Sydney.l Smith, P. and Jessen, M. (2006). Centre Pivot Irrigators: Traps for Operators and Installers. In Proceedings of the Irrigation Australia 2006 Conference, 9-11 May, Brisbane. Smith, P. and Christie, J. (2006). Practical Irrigation Scheduling of Pastures under Centre Pivot Irrigators. In Proceedings of the Irrigation Australia 2006 Conference, 9-11 May, Brisbane. Stirzaker, R.J., Stevens, J.B., Annandale, J.G., Steyn, J.M. and Backeberg, G. (2005). Starting a dialogue between irrigators and scientists – lessons learnt from a simple wetting front detector. International Commission for Irrigation and Drainage. Beijing, China. September 2005.l Stirzaker, R.J. (2006). Saving Water and Adaptive Management: reducing data to the minimum. In Proceedings of the Irrigation Australia 2006 Conference, 9-11 May, Brisbane.l Su, X.F., Asseng, S., Campbell, A.P., Cook, F.J., Schilizzi, S., Nancarrow, B., Poole, M., Carlin, G. and Brockman, P. (2005). Incorporating capacities and constraints into a conceptual framework to study farmer and land use change. In Zerger, A. and Argent, R.M. (eds). MODSIM 2005 International Congress on Modelling and Simulation. Modelling and Simulation Society of Australia and New Zealand. December. pp156-161. Wang, QJ., Soste, L., Robertson, D., Handley, S. and Chaffe, R. (2005). Scenario Planning for Irrigation Futures of the Goulburn Broken Region. In Proceedings Water Resources Conference, Beijing, China.l Wang, QJ., Soste, L., Robertson, D., Handley, S. and Chaffe, R. (2005). Developing strategies for Irrigation Futures of the Goulburn Broken region. In Proceedings of the 2005 ANCID Conference, Mildura. 23-26 October.l Wang, QJ., Soste, L., Robertson, D., Handley, S. and Chaffe, R. (2006). Scenario planning for future irrigation in the Goulburn Broken region, ABARE Outlook 2006 Conference.l Wang, QJ., Soste, L., Robertson, D., Handley, S. and Chaffe, R. (2006). Scenario planning for irrigation futures of the Goulburn Broken Region, APEN International 2006 Conference.l Wolfenden, J., Evans, M. and Starkey, G. (2006). Resilience of Irrigation Communities. In proceedings of the Irrigation Australia 2006 Conference, 9-11 May, Brisbane.l Xevi, E. and Khan, S. (2005). Computer Software for Nodal Network Modelling, Simulation and Optimisation of Water Resources Management. In Proceedings of the 16th Congress of the Modelling and Simulation Society of Australia and New Zealand. 12- 15 December 2005. Yiasoumi, B. (2006). The Waterwiseon the Farm Programfor Sydney Basin CLDB farmers. In proceedings of the Irrigation Australia 2006 Conference, 9-11 May, Brisbane. Young, M.D., Shi, T., and McIntyre, W. (2006). Informing reform: Impacts of High Level Policy Reform on Irrigation Investment & Practice. In proceedings of the Irrigation Australia 2006 Conference, 9-11 May, Brisbane.

[60] Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures 10.4 Reports

Biswas, T.K., Schrale, G., Dore, D. (2005). Measuring the effects of improving water use efficiency on root zone salinity. NPSI Research Bulletin. 1, 1-4.l Bristow, K.L. and MacKinnon, S. (2005). Northern Australia Irrigation Futures (NAIF) - Research, Frameworks and Sustainability. Irrigation Australial, Vol 20 No. 2 pp. 54- 55.l Camkin, J. and Popham, D. (2006). NAIFNews – Newsletter of the Northern Australia Irrigation Futures Project. Edition # 1 March 2006.l Camkin, J. and Popham, D. (2006). NAIFNews – Newsletter of the Northern Australia Irrigation Futures Project. Edition #2 May 2006.l Dodds, P., Meyer, W.S., and Barton, A. (2005). A Review of Methods to Estimate Irrigated Reference Crop Evapotranspiration across Australia. CRC for Irrigation Futures Technical Report No. 04/05. CSIRO Land and Water, Adelaide.l Fullagar, I.M., Brodie, R., Sundaram, B., Hostetler, S. and Baker, P. (2006). Managing connected surface water and groundwater resources. Science for Decision Makers brochure: Bureau of Rural Sciences, Canberra.l Giddings, J. (2005). Drip irrigation – a citrus growers guide book launch, Citrep – Newsletter of the Murray Valley Citrus Board. Issue # 41, September 2005.l Giddings, J. (2005). Efficient irrigation in Spring and Early Summer. Citrep – Newsletter of the Murray Valley Citrus Board. Issue # 41, September 2005 Giddings, J. (2005). Navelina water use Project report to Murray Valley Citrus Board. Giddings, J. (2005). Running costs of diesel, LPG and electrical pumpsets in Sunraysia. The Irrigator, July/August 2005.l Giddings, J. (2005). Summer Irrigations. Citrep – Newsletter of the Murray Valley Citrus Board. Issue # 42, December 2005. Giddings, J. (2005). The expansion of drip technology. The Irrigator, November / December 2005.l Giddings, J. (2005). Thinking of drip irrigation? The Irrigator, September / October 2005.l Giddings, J. (2005). Filtration principles for drip irrigation. The Irrigator, May / June 2005. l Giddings, J. (2005). Irrigating citrus in late summer and upgrading to drip irrigation. Citrep – Newsletter of the Murray Valley Citrus Board. Issue # 39, March 2005. Giddings, J. (2005). Irrigating citrus in winter. Citrep – Newsletter of the Murray Valley Citrus Board. Issue # 40, June 2005. Giddings, J. (2005). The key to chlorinating drip irrigation systems. The Irrigator, March / April 2005. l Gray, A. and McKay, J. (2006). Are utility attitudes to the environment shaped by corporate governance? Assessing the evidence from Australian utility reports. Water Utility Management International 1.1: 8-11.l

[61] Howard, E., Misra, R., Loch, R. and Le-Minh, N. (2005). Laundry grey water potential impact on Toowoomba soils – final report. Landloch and NCEA. National Centre for Engineering in Agriculture Publication 1001420/2, USQ, Toowoomba, 55p. Humphreys, E., Fawcett, B., O’Neill, C.J. and Muirhead W. (2005). ‘Comparing sprinkler, drip and furrow irrigation’, Irrigation Australia, Vol.4 No.20, pp.48 – 51.l Humphreys, E., Fawcett, B., O’Neill, C.J. and Muirhead W. (2005). ‘Maize under sprinkler, drip & furrow irrigation’, IREC Farmers’ Newsletter, No. 170, pp. 35 – 38.l Hutchinson, P., Knight, J., Cook, F. and Murray, W. (2005). Soil water potential and salinity system. CSIRO Land and Water, Client Report, June 2005, 55p. Inman-Bamber, G. and Attard, S. (2005). Inventory of Australian Software Tools for On Farm Water Management. CRC for Irrigation Futures Technical Report No. 02/05. CRC for Irrigation Futures, Sydney.l Kellett, B., Bristow, K.L. & P.B. Charlesworth. (2005). Indicator Frameworks for Assessing Irrigation Sustainability. CSIRO Land and Water Technical Report No. 01/05l Kellett, B.M., Walshe, T. & Bristow, K.L. (2005). Ecological Risk Assessment of the Wetlands of the Lower Burdekin. CSIRO Land and Water Technical Report No. 26/05. 30 pp.l Khan, S. and Ahmad A. (2006). Risk Based Irrigation Management using Ocean Based Short to Medium Term Forecasts, Consultancy report for Murray Irrigation Limited, Australia Maheshwari, B. (2006). The Efficiency and Audit of Residential Irrigation Systems in the Sydney Metropolitan Area. CRC for Irrigaation Futures Technical Report No. 01/06. CRC for Irrigation Futures, Sydney.l McColl, J., and Young, M. (2005). Managing change: Australian structural adjustment lessons for water.CSIRO Land and Water Technical Report No 16/05 September 2005. Adelaide: CSIRO. Montagu, K. (ed) (2006). INFLO – E-newsletter for staff and members of the CRC for Irrigation Futures. August 2005.l Montagu, K. (ed) (2006). INFLO – Newsletter of the Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures. November 2005.l Montagu, K. and Louis, O. (eds) (2006). INFLO – E-newsletter for staff and members of the CRC for Irrigation Futures. December 2005.l Montagu, K. and Louis, O. (eds) (2006). INFLO – E-newsletter for staff and members of the CRC for Irrigation Futures. January 2006.l Montagu, K. and Louis, O. (eds) (2006). INFLO – E-newsletter for staff and members of the CRC for Irrigation Futures. February 2006.l Montagu, K. and Louis, O. (eds) (2006). INFLO – E-newsletter for staff and members of the CRC for Irrigation Futures. March 2006.l Montagu, K. and Louis, O. (eds) (2006). INFLO – E-newsletter for staff and members of the CRC for Irrigation Futures. April 2006.l Montagu, K. and Louis, O. (eds) (2006). INFLO – E-newsletter for staff and members of the CRC for Irrigation Futures. May 2006.l

[62] Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures Montagu, K. and Louis, O. (eds) (2006). INFLO – E-newsletter for staff and members of the CRC for Irrigation Futures. June 2006.l Misra, R., Raine, S., Pezzaniti, D., Charlesworth, P. and Hancock, N. (2005). A Scoping Study on Measuring and Monitoring Tools and Technology for Precision Irrigation. CRC for Irrigation Futures Irrigation Matters Series No. 01/05. CRC for Irrigation Futures, Sydney.l Po, M., Nancarrow, B., Leviston, Z., Porter, N., Syme, G., and Kaercher, J. (2005). Predicting community behaviour in relation to wastewater reuse. What drives decisions to accept or reject? CSIRO Water for a Healthy Country Flagship report. Perth: CSIRO.l Raine, S.R. and Montagu, K. (2006). Improving surface irrigation application performance. IREC Farmer’s Newsletter. Autumn 2006.l Raine, S.R., Purcell, J. and Schmidt, E. (2006). Improving whole farm and infield irrigation efficiencies using Irrimate™ tools. International Water and Irrigation 26.l Schmidt, E. (ed). (2005). A Scoping Study on Opportunities for Improved Application Systems. CRC for Irrigation Futures Irrigation Matters Series No. 02/05. CRC for Irrigation Futures, Sydney.l Shi, T. (2005). Simplifying complexity: a framework for the rationalisation of water entitlements in the Southern connected River Murray System.CSIRO Land and Water Technical Report 03/05. Adelaide: CSIRO Land and Water. Shi, T., Young, M.D., (2005). Linking irrigated productivity with the environmental resource base. In: Meyer, W. S., The Irrigation Industry in the Murray and Murrumbidgee Basins. CRC IF Technical Report No. 03/05, April, pp. 71-85. Stirzaker, R.J. (2005). Managing irrigation with a wetting front detector. UK Irrigation 33, 22-24.l Young, M. D., Shi, T. & McIntyre, W. (2006). Informing Reform: Scoping the affects, effects and effectiveness of high level water policy reforms on irrigation investment and practice in four irrigation areas. CSIRO Land and Water Client Report, May, Adelaide.l Young, M.D., Shi, T. and McIntyre, W. (2006). Informing Reform: Scoping the affects, effects and effectiveness of high level water policy reforms on irrigation investment and practice in four irrigation areas. CRC for Irrigation Futures Technical Report No. 02/06, June 2006.l Young, M.D. (2005) Sharing Water: Options for the use of shares as a means to define groundwater entitlements in the South East of South Australia. CSIRO Land and Water, November 2005.

[63] 11 » Grants

Research Grants

Table 9. Research Grants

Researcher(s) Organisation Title Source Period Amount Mr Chris O’Neill Charles Sturt Travel Grant EJ Graham Centre For 2005/06 $500 University Agricultural Research, Wagga NSW Dr Rabi Misra University A novel approach to USQ 2005/06 $4,100 of Southern measure soil water Queensland using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) principles Dr Rabi Misra University Potential impact of laundry TCC 2005/06 $64,000 (and team) of Southern water reuse on Toowoomba Queensland soils Mr Des McGarry QLD NRM&W Deep drainage under CCC CRC and QMDBC 2005-08 $338,500 (and team) irrigated cotton Inc Mr Samuel North NSW DPI Improving the performance Murray LWMP 2006-09 $225,000 of basin irrigation systems in SE Australia Mr Samuel North NSW DPI Improving water use Murrumbidgee CMA 2006 $10,000 efficiency on the Lowbidgee floodplain Dr Richard CSIRO Pilot test of LongStop National Program for 1 year $35,000 Stirzaker Sustainable Irrigation Dr Richard CSIRO Angas Bremer Study River Murray 1 years $10,000 Stirzaker Catchment Board Assoc. Prof. University South East Queensland Qld NRM&W 2006-08 $400,000 Steven Raine, Mr of Southern Irrigation Futures Erik Schmidt Queensland Dr Keith Bristow CSIRO Funding for new position QLD, WA, NT & Aust. 3 years $200,000 p.a. of Sustainability Specialist Governments Mr Freeman Cook CSIRO Land and Modelling raised beds ACIAR 1 year $75,000 Water Freeman Cook CSIRO Land and Accounting for uncertainty CSIRO Land and Water 1 year $165,000 Water in modelling frameworks

[64] Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures 12 » Performance Measures

Table 10. CRC for Irrigation Futures Performance Indicators

Performance Indicator 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 Partner Engagement Number of partners 13 14 15 Total partner contribution1 100% 115% 113% Average In-kind FTE 35% 22% 25% Partners represented at Partner Forums 79% 97% 97% Number of supporting partners 5 5 5 Number of industry partners 6 6 6 Collaborative arrangement Number of Annual Research Forum attendees na 100 110 Projects with more than 2 partners 63% 67% 100% Value of projects jointly funded with other CRC’s 0 $1,372,275 0 Value of projects with third party investments 0 $246,5000 $476, 414 Publications with non-CRC IF authors na 44% 55% Communication Inflo subscribers na 350 766 Number of visits to CRC IF Web site na 28,000 52,280 Number of document downloads CRC IF partners na 636 (72%) 169 (16%) Stakeholders na 252 (28%) 871 (84%) Number of media contributions 9 39 37 Number of workshops and conferences organised by CRC IF members 1 5 5 Number of public presentations 23 114 125 Research Quality and Relevance Number of publications Refereed Journals 15 20 25 Books and book chapters na 2 4 Conference papers na 38 62 Reports na 18 48 Invited reviews and commentaries in International Journals 0 0 0 Positions on National and International Bodies na 0 15 Editorial positions on internationally circulating journals na 0 8 International visitors 0 1 1 Commercialisation and Utilisation Patents 0 0 1 Brand names and Trade marks 0 5 8 Commercialisation Agreements 0 0 0 Number of consultancies undertaken 0 5 3 ($0) ($99,308) ($235,124)

[65] Education and Training Postgraduate students (FTE’s) 9 25 33 New enrolments 9 PhD 16 PhD 10 PhD 0 MSc 1 MSc 2 MSc In course 0 8 20 Completions 0 0 1 Number of scholarships and supporting grants awarded and total 9 17 12 value ($684,583) ($1,039,666) ($748,694) Students with awards external to CRC IF 22% 44% 50% Students with industry supervision support 100% 100% 100% Number of Honours 0 0 4 Number Summer Interns 5 6 0 Number of training events contributed to by CRC IF members 2 4 4 Number of Training products developed 0 2 1 Number of Training partnerships established 0 2 2

1Total core partner contribution (in-kind and cash) expressed as a percentage of 2003/04

[66] Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures 13 » Financial information 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Diff 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 794 960 1,054 1,842 5,042 6,332 1,545 1,867 2,896 1,754 3,412 gr’mt 11,374 A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 otals for 7 years 794 960 T 1,054 1,842 5,042 6,332 1,545 1,867 2,896 1,754 3,412 11,374 Projected 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 44 52 96 165 290 455 (101) (179) (280) (117) (147) (264) Diff 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 450 789 330 399 729 661 799 1,239 2,161 2,713 4,874 1,460 gr’mt A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 otals to 2005-06 349 610 959 374 451 825 826 T 2,044 2,566 4,610 1,089 1,915 ctual A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 151 264 721 905 116 141 221 267 415 257 488 1,626 gr’mt A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 151 264 721 905 116 141 221 267 415 257 488 2009-10 1,626 Projected 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 151 263 720 905 116 140 221 267 414 256 488 1,625 gr’mt gr’mt A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 151 263 720 905 104 140 221 267 414 244 488 2008-09 1,625 - Table - 1 Table Projected 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 151 263 720 905 116 140 221 267 414 256 488 Projected 1,625 gr’mt A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 200 352 778 978 100 114 139 122 552 214 261 2007-08 1,756 Projected Financial Information 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 151 263 720 904 116 140 221 267 414 256 488 1,624 gr’mt A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 203 353 779 978 100 114 138 122 556 214 260 2006-07 1,757 Projected 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 150 263 413 721 905 116 140 256 221 267 488 ustralia 1,626 gr’mt A A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 226 394 620 702 881 162 195 357 252 348 600 2005-06 1,583 ctual A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 95 283 495 801 129 156 115 778 285 210 1,006 1,807 gr’mt A ctual 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 A 106 185 703 883 127 153 229 324 291 280 553 2004-05 uthority A 1,586 ctual A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 17 31 85 48 639 802 103 345 417 188 762 1,441 gr’mt A ustralia A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 17 31 85 48 U niversity 639 802 103 345 417 188 762 2003-04 1,441 ctual A participants otal otal otal otal otal otal T T T T In-Kind Contributions ($’000) Co re Salaries Charles Sturt T Capital Other CSIRO Salaries T Capital Other Department of Primary Industries and Resources South Salaries Capital Other Goulburn-Murray Rural Water Rural Goulburn-Murray Water Salaries Capital Other L and and Water Salaries Capital Other NSW Department of Primary Industries Salaries Capital Other

[67] 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 35 40 75 1,892 1,892 Diff 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 17 21 38 700 956 577 759 947 928 1,850 2,701 1,968 2,617 4,551 1,656 1,336 1,875 4,585 gr’mt A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 52 61 otals for 7 years 700 956 577 759 947 928 T 113 1,850 2,701 1,968 4,509 4,551 1,656 1,336 1,875 6,477 Projected 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 97 35 40 75 30 75 133 230 105 939 (43) (56) (99) (33) (32) (65) (73) 1,012 Diff 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 17 21 38 793 300 408 708 157 207 364 406 396 802 843 1,157 1,950 1,122 1,965 gr’mt A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 52 61 otals to 2005-06 890 113 257 352 609 187 282 469 373 364 737 770 T 1,290 2,180 2,134 2,904 ctual A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 264 386 100 137 105 138 135 133 281 373 650 237 243 268 654 gr’mt A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 264 386 100 137 105 138 135 133 281 593 650 237 243 268 874 2009-10 Projected 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 264 386 100 137 105 138 135 133 282 374 650 237 243 268 656 gr’mt gr’mt A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 264 386 100 137 105 138 135 133 282 594 650 237 243 268 876 2008-09 Projected 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 265 386 100 137 105 138 135 133 281 374 651 237 243 268 655 Projected gr’mt A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 90 216 319 120 165 101 151 149 315 594 535 285 191 300 909 2007-08 Projected 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 264 386 100 137 105 138 136 133 281 374 650 237 243 269 655 gr’mt A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 90 216 320 123 165 100 153 149 320 594 536 288 190 302 914 2006-07 Projected 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 265 386 651 100 136 236 105 138 243 136 132 268 281 374 655 gr’mt A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 23 27 50 464 701 136 186 322 144 218 362 158 154 312 300 891 2005-06 1,165 1,191 ctual A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 52 69 256 375 161 219 238 233 246 329 631 380 121 471 575 gr’mt A ctual 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 13 82 43 64 25 A 154 193 113 183 179 154 824 347 195 107 362 978 2004-05 ctual A L and and Conservation Biodiversity 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 17 21 39 53 32 31 38 92 63 272 396 316 419 668 735 ustralia gr’mt A A E ngland 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 17 21 39 53 32 31 38 92 63 272 396 316 419 668 735 2003-04 ctual A ( c o ntinued ) participants niversity of U niversity Melbourne Department of Water, A Department of Water, otal otal otal otal otal otal otal T T T T T In-Kind Contributions ($’000) Co re Queensland Department of Natural Resources Mines and Water Salaries Capital T Other S Salaries T Capital Other Sunwater Salaries Capital Other T he Salaries Capital Other niversity of U niversity New Salaries Capital Other niversity of U niversity South Salaries Capital Other niversity of U niversity Southern Queensland Salaries Capital Other

[68] Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 35 956 956 2,888 2,923 Diff 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 495 628 1,350 1,861 3,291 5,110 3,211 8,401 1,123 gr’mt 19,135 25,954 45,089 A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 otals for 7 years 495 628 T 1,350 2,817 3,291 5,110 4,167 8,401 1,123 19,170 28,842 48,012 Projected 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 156 121 (35) (15) (32) (47) (46) (93) 1,312 1,266 (118) (211) Diff 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 578 797 211 268 479 1,375 1,410 2,190 3,600 8,106 gr’mt 10,998 19,104 A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 otals to 2005-06 543 953 118 150 268 T 1,496 1,395 2,158 3,553 8,060 ctual 12,310 20,370 A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 71 90 193 266 470 730 459 161 2,757 3,740 1,200 6,497 gr’mt A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 71 90 193 466 470 730 659 161 2009-10 2,757 4,160 1,200 6,917 Projected 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 71 90 193 266 471 730 459 161 2,758 3,739 1,201 6,497 gr’mt gr’mt A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 90 193 466 471 730 100 659 190 2008-09 2,746 4,159 1,201 6,905 Projected 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 71 90 193 266 470 730 459 161 Projected 2,757 3,739 1,200 6,496 gr’mt A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 210 466 475 746 100 148 676 248 2007-08 2,794 4,106 1,221 6,900 Projected 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 71 90 193 266 470 730 459 161 2,757 3,738 1,200 6,495 gr’mt A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 211 466 480 746 106 150 677 256 2006-07 2,813 4,107 1,226 6,920 Projected 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 71 90 193 266 459 470 730 161 1,200 2,758 3,737 6,495 gr’mt A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 75 95 288 534 822 454 702 170 2005-06 1,156 3,309 5,231 8,540 ctual A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 352 486 475 739 140 178 838 318 3,088 4,222 1,214 7,310 gr’mt A E xperiment Stations] L td ctual 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 43 55 98 A 222 374 476 735 596 2004-05 2,491 4,040 1,211 6,531 ctual A ustralia ustralia A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 33 45 78 465 721 2,260 3,039 1,186 5,299 gr’mt A L td 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 33 45 78 465 721 2003-04 participants 2,260 3,039 ssociation of 1,186 5,299 ctual A A (C O NTINUED) participants L td [formerly Bureau of Sugar otal in-kind from core participants otal otal otal otal otal otal T T T T T In-Kind Contributions ($’000) Co re Salaries niversity of Western Sydney of U niversity Western Capital Other T VIC Department of Primary Industries Salaries Capital Other T Salaries Capital BS E S Other S upp o rting Salaries Capital Other Irrigation Salaries Capital Other Murray Murray Irrigation Salaries Capital Other

[69] 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 35 2,888 2,923 Diff 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 374 700 869 1,328 1,074 2,197 gr’mt 20,004 27,282 47,286 A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 otals for 7 years 374 700 869 T 1,328 1,074 2,197 20,039 30,170 50,209 Projected 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 981 730 (112) (213) (325) (205) (331) (536) (251) Diff 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 159 300 459 370 568 938 8,476 gr’mt 11,566 20,042 A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 47 87 otals to 2005-06 134 165 237 402 T 8,225 ctual 12,547 20,772 A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 54 100 125 190 154 315 2,882 3,930 6,812 gr’mt A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 54 156 125 246 210 371 2009-10 2,882 4,406 7,288 Projected 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 54 100 125 190 154 315 2,883 3,929 6,812 gr’mt gr’mt A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 54 150 154 240 204 394 2008-09 2,900 4,399 7,299 Projected 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 54 100 125 190 154 315 Projected 2,882 3,929 6,811 gr’mt A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 109 150 209 298 259 507 2007-08 3,003 4,404 7,407 Projected 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 53 100 124 190 153 314 2,881 3,928 6,809 gr’mt A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 110 157 216 307 267 523 2006-07 3,029 4,414 7,443 Projected 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 53 100 153 124 190 314 2,882 3,927 6,809 gr’mt A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 27 51 78 102 146 248 2005-06 3,411 5,377 8,788 ctual A

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 106 200 246 378 306 624 3,334 4,600 7,934 gr’mt A ctual 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 36 63 91 56 A 154 2004-05 2,554 4,131 6,685 ctual A L td 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2,260 3,039 financial y ear 5,299 gr’mt A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2003-04 ( c o ntinued ) participants 2,260 3,039 5,299 ctual A niversity of U niversity Queensland tes Fo r 2005-06 otal in-kind from supporting participants otal in-kind contributions otal otal otal otal T T T T Murrumbidgee Irrigation In-Kind Contributions ($’000) S upp o rting Salaries Capital Other T he Salaries Capital Other T Salaries Capital Other Other in-kind non-participants Salaries Capital Other T Salaries Capital Other Grand total in-kind ( T 1) No 1 for the from first Table in-kind Core contributions Participants three years of the CRC account for 104% value. of This from the the Agreement Commonwealth improvement second year annual report is attributable largely to the 2005-06 total in-kind of contribution $8,788k which is 98% of the 2005-06 value forecast published in the 2004-05 report. The projected in-kind contribution for the 7 years has been from increased $49,912k (2005 to forecast) $50,209k. This total compares to favourably of the Agreement $47,286k Commonwealth and is being actively between managed and the Participants. Team the CRC Management for above the 2005-06 significantly the Agreement Commonwealth year contributions Qld making include: DNRMW Core Participants due to from adjustments prior years and USQ & UWS through whom Head Office staff are overheads and seconded as contribute in-kind. organisational additional

[70] Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (35) (18) (422) Diff (475) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 90 350 700 700 200 700 210 413 350 175 1,750 1,000 1,503 gr’mt 6,373 1,768 A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 72 otals for 7 years 350 700 700 200 700 210 413 350 140 T 1,750 1,000 1,081 6,373 1,293 Projected 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (35) (18) Diff (422) (475) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 90 35 18 150 300 750 300 200 300 113 150 503 556 gr’mt 1,000 3,353 A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 90 81 81 otals to 2005-06 150 300 750 300 200 300 113 150 T ctual 1,000 3,353 A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 50 30 75 50 35 18 100 250 100 100 250 755 303 gr’mt A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 50 30 75 50 35 18 100 250 100 100 250 755 303 2009-10 Projected 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 50 30 75 50 35 18 100 250 100 100 250 755 303 gr’mt gr’mt A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 50 30 75 50 35 18 100 250 100 100 250 755 303 2008-09 Projected 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 50 30 75 50 35 18 100 250 100 100 250 755 303 Projected gr’mt A - Table - 2 Table 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 50 30 75 50 35 18 100 250 100 100 250 755 303 2007-08 Projected 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 50 30 75 50 35 18 100 250 100 100 250 755 303 gr’mt A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 50 30 75 50 35 18 100 250 100 100 250 755 303 2006-07 Financial Information Projected 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 50 30 75 50 35 18 100 250 100 100 755 250 303 gr’mt A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 50 30 50 100 250 100 100 113 793 2005-06 ctual A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 50 30 38 50 100 250 500 100 100 250 250 gr’mt 1,218 A ctual 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 50 30 50 78 78 A 100 250 500 100 100 2004-05 ctual 1,180 A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 3 50 30 50 100 250 500 100 200 100 gr’mt 1,380 A 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 3 50 30 50 100 250 500 100 200 100 2003-04 ctual 1,380 A Organisations making cash making in Organisations contributions the 2004, 2005 and 2006 years financial to the CRCIF through Land and Australia Water Organisations making cash making in Organisations contributions the 2004 and 2005 years financial to the CRCIF through Land and Australia Water

otal cash from core otal cash from supporting ** Cash Contributions ($’000) Core participants Charles Sturt University T CSIRO * SARDI ** Goulburn-Murray ** Rural Goulburn-Murray Water Land Land and Australia Water * NSW Department NSW of Department Primary Industries * QDNRMW T SA SA DWLBC ** Sunwater The The University of Melbourne University University of New England University University of South Australia University University of Southern Queensland University University of Sydney Western VIC Department VIC of Department Primary Industries participants Supporting participants BSES Ltd Irrigation Association of Association Irrigation Ltd Australia Murray Irrigation Ltd Irrigation Murray Murrumbidgee Irrigation Ltd Irrigation Murrumbidgee The The University of Queensland participants

[71] 0 0 0 29 64 50 483 (42) 1,403 1,284 Diff 1,873 1,398 1,398 1,398 0 0 0 26 74 350 2,046 gr’mt 2,422 15,518 10,971 A 16,000 26,563 26,563 26,563 0 0 29 otals for 7 years 308 509 138 T 3,449 4,295 16,802 11,021 16,000 27,961 27,961 27,961 Projected 0 0 0 29 34 293 215 (65) (42) Diff (260) (260) (487)

(2,959) (3,412) 0 0 0 75 26 74 596 697 gr’mt 6,000 5,832 4,700 A 10,606 10,606 10,606 0 0 29 33 otals to 2005-06 531 319 912 108 T ctual 6,000 2,873 4,213 7,194 A 10,346 10,346 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 200 200 1,637 1,189 gr’mt 1,568 2,826 2,826 2,826 A 0 0 0 0 0 0 15 791 320 806 2009-10 1,992 1,760 1,568 3,432 3,752 3,752 Projected 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 500 100 600 2,526 1,706 gr’mt gr’mt 2,574 4,232 4,232 4,232 A 0 0 0 0 25 891 100 450 320 2008-09 2,851 1,927 1,016 2,574 4,648 4,778 4,778 Projected 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 500 100 600 Projected 2,762 1,592 gr’mt 2,696 4,354 4,354 4,354 A 0 0 0 50 30 100 450 2007-08 1,117 1,207 3,665 2,083 1,267 2,696 5,021 5,778 5,778 Projected 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 75 250 325 2,761 1,784 gr’mt 3,162 4,545 4,545 4,545 A 0 0 0 0 75 119 100 294 2006-07 3,152 1,207 5,421 1,038 3,162 4,514 6,459 6,459 Projected 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 50 234 284

gr’mt 2,614 3,956 3,956 2,489 1,467 3,956 A 0 0 28 33 34 368 159 588 2005-06 ctual 2,614 3,995 2,703 3,152 3,546 1,745 1,767 3,546 A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 25 207 232 3,157 2,895 gr’mt 2,407 4,107 4,107 6,052 A ctual 1 0 8 0 0 0 A 134 942 143 2004-05 1,945 2,703 2,108 ctual 2,407 3,808 3,050 3,050 A 0 0 0 0 0 0 26 74 155 186 338 181 979 598 gr’mt 2,543 2,543 A 0 0 0 0 0 26 74 155 186 338 181 979 598 598 2003-04 1,945 ctual 2,543 A financial y ear tes Fo r 2005-06 otal other cash otal otal grant otal CRC cash contribution otal cash ( T 3) expenditure T Cash Contributions ($’000) Other cash Non-participants T External External grants Contract research Contract Commercialisation Education Interest CRC grant T Grand Grand totals T ( T 2) Cash carried over from previous year (UB for year) previous (less) Unspent (less) balance (UB) Unspent A llocation of cash between expenditure heads of expenditure Salaries Capital Other No 2: Table The total cash for revenue the 2005-06 year was $39k greater than the CommAg which was achieved by a direct substitution between and Revenues Other from Cash. Supporting Participants Life to date total cash is revenue $260k CommAg under while the planned total cash for revenue the life of the CRC the exceeds CommAg by $1,398k. team The have CRC’s specifically management as revenue securing targetted additional a pillar of the phase. research next cash was Total expenditure $410k CommAg under for the year and is now $3,412k CommAg under life to date. This position was advised previously to DEST as a planned outcome of our research program. levels Expenditure ramp up in 2006-07 and the CRC’s cash unspent balance will return to conformity with DEST Cash the during year. covenants levels within will remain henceforth DEST covenants. The planned allocation for cash between expenditure heads for the of life expenditure of the CRC to aligns the 60:40 between ratio salaries and other costs. Cash to contributions the CRCIF from and Rural SunWater in Goulburn-Murray Water the 2006 year financial were routed through Land and Australia. Water T

[72] Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures 0 0 0 64 29 64 50 483 (42) 2,923 1,398 1,319 2,938 1,403 1,284 Diff Diff 4,321 4,321 1,873 1,398 1,398 1,398 0 0 0 74 26 74 350 2,046 gr’mt gr’mt 2,422 47,286 26,563 35,522 38,253 15,518 10,971 A A 73,849 73,849 16,000 26,563 26,563 26,563 0 0 29 otals for 7 years otals for 7 years 138 308 509 138 T T 3,449 4,295 50,209 27,961 36,841 41,191 16,802 11,021 78,170 78,170 16,000 27,961 27,961 27,961 Projected Projected 0 0 0 34 29 34 730 494 293 215 (65) (42) Diff (260) (260) (487) Diff

(3,412) (2,682) (3,210) (2,682) (2,959) (3,412) 0 0 0 75 26 74 74 596 697 gr’mt 6,000 5,832 4,700 gr’mt A 10,606 10,606 10,606 A 20,042 10,606 30,648 14,308 16,266 30,648 0 0 29 33 otals to 2005-06 otals to 2005-06 531 319 912 108 108 T T ctual ctual 6,000 2,873 4,213 7,194 7,194 A 10,346 10,346 A 20,772 27,966 11,098 16,760 27,966 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 200 200 1,637 1,189 6,812 2,826 4,519 5,119 gr’mt 1,568 2,826 2,826 2,826 gr’mt 9,638 9,638 A A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 15 791 320 806 2009-10 2009-10 1,992 1,760 7,288 3,752 4,874 6,166 1,568 3,432 3,752 3,752 11,040 11,040 Projected Projected 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 500 100 600 2,526 1,706 6,812 4,232 5,409 5,635 gr’mt gr’mt 2,574 4,232 4,232 4,232 gr’mt gr’mt A A 11,044 11,044 0 0 0 0 0 25 891 100 450 320 2008-09 2008-09 2,851 1,927 7,299 4,778 5,751 6,326 1,016 2,574 4,648 4,778 4,778 12,077 12,077 Projected Projected 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 500 100 600 Projected Projected 2,762 1,592 6,811 4,354 5,644 5,521 gr’mt 2,696 4,354 4,354 4,354 gr’mt - Table - 3 Table A A 11,165 11,165 0 0 0 50 30 30 100 450 2007-08 2007-08 1,117 1,207 3,665 2,083 7,407 5,778 6,668 6,487 1,267 2,696 5,021 5,778 5,778 13,185 13,185 Projected Projected 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 75 250 325 2,761 1,784 6,809 4,545 5,642 5,712 gr’mt 3,162 4,545 4,545 4,545 gr’mt A A 11,354 11,354 e x penditure 0 0 0 0 0 75 119 100 294 2006-07 Financial Information 2006-07 3,152 1,207 5,421 1,038 7,443 6,459 8,450 5,452 3,162 4,514 6,459 6,459 13,902 13,902 Projected Projected 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 heads o f 50 234 284 gr’mt 2,614 3,956 3,956 2,489 1,467 3,956 gr’mt 6,809 3,956 5,371 5,394 A A 10,765 10,765 0 0 28 33 34 34 between 368 159 588 2005-06 2005-06 ctual ctual 2,614 3,995 2,703 3,152 3,546 1,745 1,767 3,546 8,788 3,546 5,156 7,144 A A 12,334 12,334 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 25 207 232 3,157 2,895 7,934 4,107 6,491 7,495 gr’mt 2,407 4,107 4,107 6,052 gr’mt A A 12,041 13,986 centre ctual 1 0 8 0 0 0 ctual 0 A A 134 942 143 2004-05 2004-05 1,945 2,703 2,108 ctual 6,685 3,050 3,496 6,239 ctual 2,407 3,808 3,050 3,050 o f activities CRC 9,735 9,735 A A o t 0 0 0 0 0 0 26 74 74 155 186 338 181 979 598 5,299 2,543 2,446 3,377 gr’mt 2,543 2,543 gr’mt 7,842 5,897 o f activities A A o t applied 0 0 0 0 0 26 74 74 155 186 338 598 181 979 598 598 2003-04 2003-04 1,945 ctual 5,299 2,446 3,377 ctual 2,543 5,897 5,897 A A applied res o urces financial y ear tal o t res o urces y o f tes Fo r 2005-06 otal resources otal applied resources to otal otal other cash otal otal grant otal CRC cash contribution otal cash ( T 3) expenditure T activities of centre ( T 1+ 3) T Resources Resources ($’000) S ummar total Grand (in-kind) from table 1 (T1) total Grand (cash expenditure) from table 2 (T3) o n o f A ll o cati salaries (cash Total and in- kind) capital (cash Total and in-kind) other (cash Total and in-kind) T Cash Contributions ($’000) Other cash Non-participants T External External grants Contract research Contract Commercialisation Education Interest CRC grant T Grand Grand totals T ( T 2) Cash carried over from previous year (UB for year) previous (less) Unspent (less) balance (UB) Unspent A llocation of cash between expenditure heads of expenditure Salaries Capital Other No 2: Table The total cash for revenue the 2005-06 year was $39k greater than the CommAg which was achieved by a direct substitution between and Revenues Other from Cash. Supporting Participants Life to date total cash is revenue $260k CommAg under while the planned total cash for revenue the life of the CRC the exceeds CommAg by $1,398k. team The have CRC’s specifically management as revenue securing targetted additional a pillar of the phase. research next cash was Total expenditure $410k CommAg under for the year and is now $3,412k CommAg under life to date. This position was advised previously to DEST as a planned outcome of our research program. levels Expenditure ramp up in 2006-07 and the CRC’s cash unspent balance will return to conformity with DEST Cash the during year. covenants levels within will remain henceforth DEST covenants. The planned allocation for cash between expenditure heads for the of life expenditure of the CRC to aligns the 60:40 between ratio salaries and other costs. Cash to contributions the CRCIF from and Rural SunWater in Goulburn-Murray Water the 2006 year financial were routed through Land and Australia. Water T

[73] Financial Information - Table 4

Allocation of resources between categories of activity for the 2005-06 financial year ($’000)

Resource usage Programme Contributed staff Cash funded staff Cash ($’000) [1] In-kind ($’000) (FTE) [2] (FTE) [2] Research 1,651 6,825 27.8 1.2 Education 899 1,222 4.1 0.3 External 287 81 0.1 1.3 communications Commercialisation/ 24 0 0.0 0.0 Tech. transfer Administration 685 660 0.6 4.0 Total 3,546 8,788 32.6 6.8 (T3) (T1) [1] Cash from all sources, including CRC programme [2] Full time equivalent staff, excluding students

Notes For 2005-06 financial year Table 4 The expenditure (cash and in-kind) on Education and Research have increased $1,575k and $918k respectively over the 2004-05 period while expenditure on Administration has reduced $256k. This reflects the development of the CRC from a new organisation in the start-up phase to an organisation focused on the development phase. Future years will see a similar increase in expenditures related to External Communications and Commercialisation/Tech. Transfer. Indeed, a component of the $685k cash spent on Administration was applied to activities which will directly and ultimately enable commercialisation and technology transfer of the CRCIF’s emerging products.

[74] Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures 14 » Auditors report

Auditors Report to the Cooperative Research Centres Program, Department of Education, Science & Training Representing the Commonwealth in respect of Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures Financial information for the year ended 30 June 2006

Scope

We have audited the financial information of the Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures as set out in Tables 1, 2 and 3 of the Annual Report (being the tables showing in-kind and cash contributions for each party to the CRC, and cash expenditure) for the year ended 30 June 2006. The parties to the Cooperative Research Centre are responsible for the preparation and presentation of the financial information. We have conducted an independent audit of the financial information in order to express an opinion on it to the parties to the Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures. The financial information has been prepared for the parties to the Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures for the purposes of fulfilling their annual reporting obligations under clause 14 (1) (f) of the Commonwealth Agreement and for distribution to the Cooperative Research Centres Program, Department of Education, Science & Training, representing the Commonwealth of Australia. We disclaim any assumption of responsibility for any reliance on this report or on the financial information to which it relates to any person other than those mentioned above, or for any purpose other than that for which it was prepared. Our audit has been conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards to provide reasonable assurance as to whether the financial information is free of material misstatement. Our procedures included examination, on a test basis, of evidence supporting the amounts and other disclosures in the financial information, and the evaluation of accounting policies and significant accounting estimates. These procedures have been undertaken to form an opinion as to whether in all material respects, the financial information is presented fairly in accordance with Australian accounting concepts and standards and requirements of the Commonwealth Agreement in terms of Clauses 4 (Contributions), 5 (1), 5 (2), 5 (3) (Application of the Grant and Contributions), 9 (1), 9 (5) (Intellectual Property) and 12 (2) (Financial Provisions), so as to present a view of the sources of funding and the application of funding of the Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures and the application of which is consistent with our understanding of its financial activities during the year and its financial position. While we have not performed any audit procedures upon the estimates for the next period and do not express any opinion thereon, we ascertained that they have been formally approved by the Board of Management of the Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures as required under the Joint Venture Agreement. The audit opinion expressed in this report has been formed on the above basis.

Audit Opinion

In our opinion: 1. The financial statement presents fairly the sources of funding, the application of that funding and the financial position of the Centre for the year ended 30 June 2006, in accordance with Australian Accounting Concepts and Applicable Australian Accounting Standards and the provisions of the Commonwealth Agreement. 2. Contributions, both cash and in-kind are made and recorded in accordance with the budget specified in the Commonwealth Agreement and the total value of all Contributions for the year under report equalled or exceeded the amount of grant paid during the year (not including advances) except as detailed below:

[75] Partner Committed in Budget $’000 Actual $’000

In-Kind Contributions

Core Partners CSIRO 1,626 1,583 Victorian Department of Primary 1,200 1,156 Industries Supporting Partners University of Queensland 153 78

Cash Contributions

Supporting Partners Irrigation Association of Australia Ltd 250 0

Murray Irrigation 35 0 paper recycled Envirocare100% on printedInternalpages Murrumbidgee Irrigation 18 0

The multipliers adopted by the CRC to value in-kind contributions have a sound and reasonable basis. 3. The application of Commonwealth Funding and Contributions was for the activities of the CRC as specified in Schedule 1 of the Commonwealth Agreement. 4. The CRC has met its obligations in relation to the treatment of Heads of Expenditure except as follows where allocations of the budgetary resources between Heads of Expenditure has been higher or lower than the allocation in the budget by $100,000 or 20% (which ever is the greater amount) without prior approval by the Commonwealth.

Committed in Budget Heads of Expenditure Actual $’000 Variance $’000 Variance % $’000

Other 5,394 7,144 1,750 32.44%

5. Capital Items acquired from the Grant and Researcher’s Contributions are vested as provided in the Joint Venture Agreement. 6. The CRC has met its obligations in relation to the treatment of Intellectual Property. A statement signed by the Director, to the effect that Intellectual Property in all Contract Material is vested as provided in the Joint Venture Agreement and no Intellectual Property has been assigned or licensed without the prior approval of the Commonwealth has been sighted. 7. In accounting for Commonwealth Funding and Contributions the CRC has exercised proper accounting standards and controls, as required under Clause 8. Cash contributions are paid into and expended from the centre account maintained by the University of Southern Queensland as required by Clause 12. PKF Brisbane Partnership Chartered Accountants JD Keating Partner Dated at Brisbane this 14th day of September, 2006.

PKF JD Keating Brisbane Partnership Partner Chartered Accountants Dated at Brisbane this 14th day of September, 2006.

[76] Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures Cooperative Research Centre for IRRIGATION FUTURES

PO Box 56, Darling Heights Qld 4350 » CRC IF Vision Ph: 07 4631 2046 | Fax: 07 4631 1870 Email: [email protected] Our vision for irrigation practice and water use in Australia is that by 2020, as a nation we will have: www.irrigationfutures.org.au • Defined and implemented the principles of sustainable irrigation practice in all environments;

• Processes that resolve the water use compromises necessary for people’s needs, the environment, production and amenity.

» CRC IF Mission

We facilitate cooperative research and training networks and programs which continuously improve better irrigation irrigation policy, tools, practices and processes to:

• double irrigation water use productivity;

• improve profitability for commercial irrigation enterprises; and

• protect and enhance our landscapes and environment.

» CRC IF Values

better environment • Leadership

• Excellence

• Creativity and innovation

• Outcome focus

• Honesty and sensitivity

• Teamwork and collaboration

• Kool & funky better future better irrigation • better environment • better future

www.irrigationfutures.org.au

Established and supported under the Australian Government’s Cooperative Research Centres Program

© Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures, 2006 Established and supported under the Australian Government's Cooperative Designed by USQ Graphics, Media Services, DeC (06-454) Research Centres Program