ountry News Co
Water Talk Reaching Australia ’s richest agricultural region
E 16-PAUG RE FEbAruTary 2015 Fe
Bumper crop under new irrigator — page 6
New Murray Darling chief in the chair — page 10 New funding round for irrigators — page 2 | Lake Cooper running dry — page 8
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PAGE 2—‘Water Talk’, February, 2015
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is now available to assist farmers wanting to upgrade their irrigation systems. Irrigation Efficiency Partners, a Delivery Partner for the Program in Rounds 2, 3 and 4, is seeking expressions of interest from farmers wanting to participate in Round 5. The program involves irrigation farmers transferring a percentage of the water savings generated by their project to the Australian Government at an agreed price in return for funding to cover the cost of on-farm infrastructure upgrades. ‘‘While Irrigation Efficiency Partners’ primary focus is on overhead spray irrigation technologies, we will also include other forms of irrigation efficiency works in our proposal, including drip and flood upgrades,’’ IEP chairman John Hommes said. ‘‘IEP has traditionally worked with large-scale family farming enterprises as well as corporate farming businesses and we are keen to ensure that projects of scale are included in this final round.’’ Mr Hommes said the Federal Government used delivery partners such as IEP to bring together packages of farm projects, manage the flow of funding and oversee the programming and implementation of works. Since Round 2 of the On Farm Irrigation Efficiency Program, IEP has secured more than $60 million of funding for 90 farm projects in northern Victoria and Southern NSW. In Round 5 there is
Irrigation Efficiency Partners’ primary focus is on overhead spray irrigation technologies. $125 million available for farmbased irrigation modernisation works on farms in the southern connected valleys of NSW including the Murray and Murrumbidgee catchments. Mr Hommes said IEP was keen to hear from farmers in these valleys wanting to upgrade their irrigation systems, particularly those farming businesses that irrigated directly from the rivers and creek systems. The On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency Program consists of a two-stage assessment process: the first stage is aimed at selecting delivery partners and broad packages of on-farm projects. In-principle funding is awarded
on the capacity and capability of the delivery partner to deliver the program outcomes and the value for money offered by the farm projects. To gain funding, projects must be competitive in terms of their overall cost as well the cost/Ml offered to the government. The second stage applies to those packages of projects selected in Stage 1 and involves a more detailed technical review, where each individual farm project is assessed on its technical feasibility. ‘‘The process is rigorous and farmers must have well planned and costed projects with farm plans in place in order to meet
the assessment criteria,’’ Mr Hommes said. ‘‘However, the effort is well worth it with farmers receiving a good return on the value of their water entitlement.’’ Mr Hommes said IEP specialists were available to assist farmers to plan and cost their projects. ➤ Irrigation farmers interested in participating in the IEP proposal should visit the IEP website and download an expression of interest form at www.iepartners.com.au or phone Brendon Boyd on 0408 241 551, Ian Sobey on 0438 809 517 or Kaye Dalton on 0407 222 599 to discuss their projects and eligibility to participate.
Basin plan’s issues reiterated he Murray-Darling Basin T Plan is still a significant issue impacting on
communities and investment in the Murray region and the Victorian Government has a critical role to play. NSW Deputy Premier Troy Grant was told by Murray Irrigation and Southern Riverina Irrigators that water and the implementation of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan was still one of the region’s top priorities. On Thursday, January 15, Murray Irrigation chairman Bruce Simpson and SRI chairman John Bradford met with Mr Grant in Dubbo and discussed several issues relating to the state’s responsibilities to implement the Basin Plan. Mr Simpson said the meeting was constructive. ‘‘Troy was Parliamentary Secretary to Minister Hodgkinson when she had responsibility for water, and he was very involved in structuring the state’s response to the Basin Plan — so he understands the issues,’’ he said. ‘‘We reminded him of the strong stand NSW has taken to try to minimise the negative impact of water recovery and
Murray Irrigation chairman Bruce Simpson, Murray Irrigation water policy officer Perin Davey, Murray Irrigation executive manager Jennifer McLeod and SRI chairman John Bradford outside Deputy Premier Troy Grant’s Dubbo office. told him the job is not over, and on some issues like finding offsets for sustainable diversion limits, it is still early days.’’ Mr Simpson said it was important that stakeholders were not forgotten when ministers and officials were having discussions about SDL offset projects, Menindee Lakes and relevant rule changes. ‘‘Troy (Grant) is Minister for Trade and Investment. The reality is, water is the key to
investment in our region. We need secure, reliable water to give farmers and businesses alike the confidence to invest and to continue to build our trading markets in commodities like rice.’’ Mr Bradford said it was encouraging to see that Mr Grant had a sound understanding of the realities and difficulties of the water debate across the state. ‘‘Troy gets it, he understands it,’’ he said. ‘‘We just now need to make
sure that with that understanding comes action to ensure that NSW, especially southern NSW, is not sold out in any negotiations about water savings and further recovery because we’re an easy target. ‘‘The problem in the Murray is, our water is not entirely in NSW control. We don’t want the state government to think it is easier for them to concentrate on water they control rather than worrying about the hassle of dealing with the other jurisdictions.’’
‘Water Talk’, February, 2015—PAGE 3
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Steep learning curve urray Irrigation has welcomed the M announcement of Bob Baldwin as Parliamentary Secretary to the
Environment Minister, with responsibility for water and the implementation of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan. It has vowed to follow through with the Federal Government’s commitment to cap water buyback. Mr Baldwin was announced Parliamentary Secretary as part of Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s reshuffle in late December. Murray Irrigation chairman Bruce Simpson said Mr Baldwin, the Member for the NSW semi-rural coastal seat of Paterson, had a steep learning curve in front of him to get across all of the issues in the Murray-Darling Basin. ‘‘I look forward to the opportunity to meet with Mr Baldwin and talk to him about the issues facing this region,’’ Mr Simpson said. ‘‘Murray Irrigation has had a constructive
working relationship with all previous ministers responsible for this crucial portfolio and I am sure that will remain under Mr Baldwin. ‘‘The previous Parliamentary Secretary, Senator Simon Birmingham — now promoted to the outer Ministry — made it a priority to travel through the basin to talk to communities. We have invited Mr Baldwin to do the same. ‘‘A key issue for this region is the on-going water recovery and how that is achieved. ‘‘We want to see Mr Baldwin finally legislate the cap on buyback that Senator Birmingham committed to. ‘‘We also want to see the MDBA start to take seriously the community concerns about constraints management and the SDL adjustment mechanism. ‘‘There is no doubt Mr Baldwin has a huge job ahead of him, but we are confident that we will continue to have a good working relationship with him and the government.’’
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(available at www.gmwater.com.au); ➤ Make sure all owners of the allocation account sign the form; and ➤ Submit the form to G-MW. In 2013, as part of its Blueprint, G-MW announced it would remove $20 million in operational expenditure by 2018. To date, more than $6 million has been saved through streamlining processes, reducing transaction costs and red tape, selling off ‘‘lazy’’ assets and restructuring the organisation.
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has saved irrigators $340 000 in fees in the past 12 months. Goulburn-Murray Water, the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and Victoria’s other rural water authorities are partners in the Victorian Water Register, using it to manage more than $4 billion of water entitlements and trade. G-MW Customer Operations general manager Charlotte BartrumTerrill said automated approval for allocation trades had been available since November 2013. ‘‘Automated allocation trading reduces the cost from $80 to $42.40,’’ Ms Bartrum-Terrill said.
‘‘It also reduced wait time from five working days to most applications being processed overnight.’’ Access to online allocation trading means you can: ➤ Trade your allocation with near-instant approval in most cases; ➤ Check for errors before you submit your application; ➤ View your allocation account transactions and balance; ➤ See previous years’ account statements; and ➤ Generate an up-to-date statement for the current financial year. It’s free to register for online access. To register or nominate someone as your authorised agent you need to: ➤ Complete Form 39a
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PAGE 4—‘Water Talk’, February, 2015
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Pipes end property’s water woes By Alexandra Bathman
A
new low-energy pipeline installed at Byrneside through Goulburn-Murray Water’s Connections Project has been described as ‘‘better than sliced bread’’ by one of the channel’s irrigators. While he always thought it was the best solution, grazier Ross Stammers never thought that after 50 years of farming he would see pipes installed on his property. But the modernisation of the channel, which is just a stone’s throw away from his front door, was completed in August. ‘‘This, I could say, is like a RollsRoyce,’’ Mr Stammers said. He said the new system had changed the appearance of his whole property and had promised him water when he needed it most. Due to the lay of the land and natural gravity, the old channel system was disruptive and often left his property — which is based on the top of the channel — without water. ‘‘I had a lot of trouble getting water. It was all right irrigating on my own, but as soon as one of the neighbours started up, it was like pulling a plug out of a bath — it drained all the water down from me.’’ The new solution was designed by Rubicon Water and connects four irrigators to the backbone. The pipeline has two components: a hybrid inlet that uses energy from natural gravity and a pump, and the Rubicon invention BladeMeter. The BladeMeter, powered by an 85 kW solar panel, controls and measures flow at the outlet end of the pipe and modulates to maintain a constant flow, even when the supply pressure is fluctuating. So when Mr Stammers needs water, but so do his neighbours at the end of the pipe, he will still get a reliable and accurate flow of water when he needs it most. ‘‘I’m confident we will get a big supply of water. More than what we would have ever had,’’ he said. The modernisation was designed to give the irrigators 12 Ml/day each if they were all using water, or 48 Ml at a maximum. Rubicon senior project manager Greg Stevens said the modernisation was an alternative way of keeping irrigators connected to the backbone. ‘‘We believe it’s a very good solution to a very difficult problem,’’ Mr Stevens said. The cost of the project was covered by G-MW and Mr Stammers installed his own pipes and risers on 10 ha to maximise the channel’s new chapter.
The new irrigation system has changed the whole look of Mr Stammers’ property.
The old channel is now a thing of the past with the new pipeline now underground.
Byrneside grazier Ross Stammers. Green is for go and the new pump component of the low-energy pipeline will see the water flow.
‘Water Talk’, February, 2015—PAGE 5
“With this system, there are more savings than we anticipated. The whole system allows us to use our time and inputs far more efficiently, increasing productivity and cutting costs” Corey Mitchell, Lockington VIC
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PAGE 6—‘Water Talk’, February, 2015
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Keith and Craig Steel upgraded 55 ha of irrigation through the On-farm Efficiency Program. The Bauer pivot was manufactured in Austria; Keith and his wife Janice visited the factory during a holiday two years ago.
Keith Steel pulled a stalk from inside the crop to show how tall the maize has grown. Pictures: Alexandra Bathman
Centre of attention By Alexandra Bathman
T
he Steels’ maize crop in Finley is thriving — it’s hard to see the centre pivot over the crop’s tall tassels. But the centre pivot has given the Steels more than just tall crops. Installed four years ago through the On-farm Efficiency Program and Murray Irrigation, the irrigation upgrade has saved Keith Steel and his sons Craig and Warrick 70 per cent of their labour costs, 50 per cent of water for winter crops and 25 per cent of water for summer crops.
‘‘It’s a huge amount,’’ Keith said. Before the upgrade, the Steels had to pump water into a higher channel to flood irrigate the higher ground on 55 ha. ‘‘It wasn’t satisfactory . . . some areas there was too much water penetration and some areas you didn’t get enough,’’ Keith said. ‘‘We would have had maybe 50 or 60 bays in that area with bay outlets, now we don’t have any of those. It was a lot of work – about four hours a day.’’ The maize will be harvested in three weeks’ time and the Steels expect great results.
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The maize crop will be harvested in three weeks’ time to make silage for a neighbouring dairy farmer. ‘‘When it was in flood irrigation we were getting approximately 20 tonnes of dry matter per hectare; under the irrigation we will get about 28 to 30 tonnes of dry matter,’’ Keith said. ‘‘With spray irrigation you get a constant irrigation.’’ The irrigation upgrade almost doubled their soybean crop with 4 tonnes/ha compared to 2.5 tonnes/ha. The Steels grow a mix of wheat, canola, faba beans, soy beans,
oats and maize and graze about 1000 ewes on 1200 ha of land 11 km north-east of Finley. The irrigation system was installed in Round One of the OFIEP. Keith said the centre pivot had been operating for 4000 hours since its installation, without complaint. ‘‘It should do 10 000 hours before we have any problems with the motor,’’ he said. ‘‘It could be a lot more than
that.’’ Every 24 hours the centre pivot will provide 6.5 Ml of water and uses 12 litres of diesel fuel an hour, so it costs the Steels about $60 to $65 a day to operate, depending on fuel prices. The Steels also upgraded 70 ha of unlasered flood irrigation to high speed flood irrigation in Round Two of the OFIEP. Keith said they were happy with the results of both upgrades and would do it all again if given the option.
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We looked into three leading brands of pivots and T-L was our pick. T-L are hydraulically driven and are very simple to operate. Our decision to choose T-L was not done on price alone. We found the people at Eagle i in Finley, mainly being Brad and Peter, very understanding of what we required as farmers. With Eagle i, we felt very comfortable with the decisions they were helping us to make in buying a T-L centre pivot.
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‘Water Talk’, February, 2015—PAGE 7
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Brolgas on farmland near Lake Cooper last year (above) and waterbirds on the diminishing lake last week (above right).
Worth saving Cooper does not Lake have a high rating to
warrant environmental water, but it is the home for varied bird life, including pelicans, swans and occasionally brolgas. Ecologist Matt Herring visited the region about 15 years ago and documented some of the lake’s visitors. ‘‘In July last year Lake Cooper [2000] supported at least 320 double-banded plovers, a species that only breeds in New Zealand and
winters in Australia. This is a nationally significant count, representing greater than one per cent of the entire population wintering in Australia. It warrants the listing of Lake Cooper as a wetland of international significance under the RAMSAR wetland convention. ‘‘More attention should be given to protecting the remaining wetlands in the region and developing appropriate water, grazing
and fire regimes, coupled with fox control programs. ‘‘The wetlands around Corop are remarkably special and a wonderful asset to the local community and all Australians. They deserve our attention and require efforts to adequately protect and manage them for future generations.’’ — Matt Herring, ecologist (2001)
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PAGE 8—‘Water Talk’, February, 2015
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Fish die as water goes By Gus Underwood
F
rom a distance, it still appears as a vast expanse of water. But it is shallow water and only the birdlife is appreciating the rapidly receding waterline at Corop’s Lake Cooper. Small mounds of the lake’s floor and tussocks are protruding as it goes into its dying throes. The remaining oxygen-starved water is exposing dead fish and other food for thousands of water birds, mainly wild duck, which are indulging in a last supper before the lake completely dries up again. The main boat ramp on the western side of the lake is a good 100 m away from the rapidly shrinking waterline. Boats have not been seen in the lake for months because it is impossible to launch them and the lake has not enough depth to carry them. The lake’s sole source of water, Cornella Creek at the lake’s southern end, has not fed any worthwhile water into the lake from the hills to the south, near Heathcote, for months. Lake Cooper has been dry only twice in the past 71 years — in 1944 and for 10 years from 2001 to the drought-breaking year of 2011 when torrents of rainwater washed down Cornella Creek to fill the lake again.
Locals, tourists, shack owners and officials of the Victorian Water Ski Association, which has its impressive base on the western side of the lake, were hoping in their lifetime the lake would never be empty again. Just four years later and their worst fears are only days from materialising. Corop farmer Tait Hamilton, who has property adjoining the eastern side of the lake, believes the lake could be completely dry again within a week or two. Mr Hamilton is a member of the Save Lake Cooper group pressing for environmental water to be diverted from the Waranga West Channel, which runs parallel to the western side of the lake, to replenish the lake and avoid the looming environmental disaster. Under the previous Victorian Government, Lake Cooper was eligible for environmental water. However, moves to put environmental water into other Victorian waterways such as Lake Toolondo near Ararat and Lake Elizabeth near Kerang have left the Corop group somewhat disillusioned, but at the same time strengthened in its resolve to try to get water into Lake Cooper. In the meantime, thousands of fish will perish, and waterbirds — including the majestic brolgas — will need to find another home and source of food.
Corop resident John Borlase has seen Lake Cooper go dry before. ‘‘It’s a pity,’’ he said.
Dead European carp litter the edges of Lake Cooper.
Lake not classified as important wetland Cooper is unlikely to be Lake saved by environmental
water flows. Victorian Environmental Water Holder chairman Denis Flett said while the lake was used for a range of recreational activities it was not considered a priority for environmental watering because it was not recognised in the Federal Government Directory of Important Wetlands as having significant environmental values. He said wetlands were prioritised for environmental
water delivery according to the significance of their environmental values. Mr Flett said the Mansfield, Gaynor, Wallenjoe, Two Tree and One Tree swamps (within the Corop system) were identified nationally significant wetlands because of the number and diversity of flora and fauna they supported. Corop’s Victorian Water Ski Association manager Trevor Speer said it was a shame the government would not come to
the table to save the lake. ‘‘We haven’t skied here in 15 years, but we were a real hub in our day,’’ he said. ‘‘I would love to see us return to those glory years, but I won’t be holding my breath.’’ Mr Speer said dust storms generated from the dry lake bed could blanket Corop and travel as far as Deniliquin. ‘‘You get a bad day when the dust is thick and she’ll blow up to Deni,’’ he said. ‘‘It rocks and rolls in the wind
and can be very dangerous on the highway.’’ Save Lake Cooper committee member Aub Reddropp said all the reports he got back from politicians never amounted to much. ‘‘I went down there a few days ago and it’s a pretty bloody sad sight at present,’’ he said. ‘‘We found some yellowbelly and redfin among the dead but it’s mainly carp.’’ The Save Lake Cooper committee has been pressing for
environmental water to be diverted from the Waranga West Channel, which runs parallel to the western side of the lake, to replenish the lake and avoid the environmental disaster. Ian Clark, owner of Camp Curumbene which backs onto the lake, believes there are no longer any fish alive and the lake will be dry within a month. ‘‘The fish died like this at the end of 2001,’’ he said. ‘‘A few weeks later the water was gone.’’ — Eamonn Tiernan
‘Water Talk’, February, 2015—PAGE 9
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People are upset about the declining level of Lake Eppalock.
Property owners and holidaymakers protesting.
Lake’s low level angers many
oulburn-Murray Water will G meet with residents upset by the declining level of Lake
Eppalock. Angry holidaymakers are abandoning Lake Eppalock and residents have protested about the water level. Last week the lake was holding about 55 per cent of capacity, with large areas of the lake bed exposed and many popular swimming and boating spots no longer able to be used. Northern Resources manager Mark Bailey said G-MW must operate the storage in line with the conditions of the entitlements and the corporation had to meet
obligations to urban users, irrigators and the environment. The declining water level was caused by an unusually dry spring and summer, along with high evaporation rates, Dr Bailey said. ‘‘It’s been very dry over the last six months, after a wet winter. ‘‘We’ve had only about 19 000 to 20 000 Ml of inflow into Eppalock in the last six months, which is about 15 per cent of the long-term average. ‘‘In spring the inflow was about three per cent of the long-term average.’’ He said only rain in the
catchment area could improve inflows. Dr Bailey said there were still some irrigation entitlements to be provided on the Campaspe River and commitments to both the Victorian and Commonwealth Environmental Water Holders. Urban users in Bendigo also had entitlements in the lake. Based on history, consumption and the weather, Dr Bailey expected the level to fall to about 44 per cent by Easter. Mal and Bev Evans of Derrinal said the low water level had been a major disappointment and caused many regular
holidaymakers to leave early or holiday elsewhere. ‘‘I’ve had the block here at Derrinal since 1969, the year (John F.) Kennedy was assassinated,’’ Mr Evans said. ‘‘We had that drought, which was bad enough and we had a lot of water go then, but then they made all these promises that they wouldn’t let the water go down again and this is what we get — it’s the worst I’ve seen it.’’ Mr Evans said it was insulting to be told the lake was primarily for non-recreational purposes when the City of Greater Bendigo actively promoted Lake Eppalock as a primary recreational facility.
‘‘They can’t claim it’s not here for recreational purposes when they’ve allowed all these properties, caravan parks and reserves to go in and its use for recreation is heavily promoted,’’ he said. The Evans’ grandchildren, who have spent almost every holiday break at Lake Eppalock since they were born, said they were disappointed by the low water level at the lake. ‘‘It’s really bad, the worst we’ve seen it other than during the drought,’’ Ruby McIntyre said. G-MW’s acting managing director John Calleja is scheduled to meet with the Save Lake Eppalock committee this week.
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PAGE 10—‘Water Talk’, February, 2015
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Overseeing basin plan urray-Darling Basin M Authority’s new chairman Neil Andrew is a former
irrigator who has witnessed the introduction of new technologies and practices in farming. Appointed in January, he follows Craig Knowles, who had the job of negotiating the controversial Murray-Darling Basin Plan. Mr Andrew spent much of his life in the production of citrus, peach and vines in South Australia’s Riverland, and some of his peaches ended up in the SPC Ardmona factory. Reflecting on the debate around the basin plan, he said his new job is not about being popular. ‘‘Certainly the basin plan had a very fiery initiation but it’s also fair to say that Craig Knowles did an excellent job and gave a certain direction and purpose to the plan. ‘‘I think most people are accepting that water is a very limited and valuable resource and concessions are going to have to be made by everybody.’’ He’s aware of the sensitivity in the eastern states over South Australia’s role in the water debate but says he will be doing his best to be independent.
‘‘One of the major hazards the basin plan faces is parochialism, so for any of that to be exhibited from the chair would be most inappropriate,’’ Mr Andrew said. ‘‘The former parliamentary secretary was Senator Birmingham from South Australia, incoming parliamentary secretary is NSW member Bob Baldwin, the outgoing chair is a NSW identity and the incoming chair is from South Australia — so the balance is unaltered. ‘‘No matter where the incoming chair was coming from, people would say: is he going to favour his state? ‘‘But I am conscious that parochialism is the worst thing that can be exhibited by any authority member.’’ Mr Andrew, a former horticulturist and parliamentarian said he has seen irrigation rehabilitation move from flood to drip and micro-jet applications and was aware of the huge modernisation project under way in northern Victoria. ‘‘I commend Shepparton irrigators for it and recognise that if we are going to have sustainable diversion limits we have to have the most efficient irrigation
Neil Andrew AO is the new chairman of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority. system in order to avoid affecting their productivity. ‘‘I have lived through the days of seeing wasteful irrigation and seeing the savings from pipeline schemes. ‘‘I know there are savings available for irrigators in the Shepparton area. ‘‘Sharman Stone, while I was in parliament, was always anxious to point out how efficient her irrigators were and wanted to be,’’ Mr Andrew said. ‘‘There is a recognition of the need for irrigation upgrades and maximising the free flow of the river in order to make water
transfers as easy as possible, and minimise the constraints.’’ Since leaving parliament about 10 years ago, Mr Andrew has been involved in voluntary work, particularly with the Crawford Fund putting Australian agricultural research and innovation into developing countries as part of Australia’s aid program. He has also been doing some work on mediation. Mr Andrew has divested himself of rural properties in the Riverland. Environment Minister Greg Hunt said Mr Andrew had considerable expertise in public sector
governance and irrigated agriculture, and he would make a valuable contribution as chairman of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority. ‘‘He is highly capable and I have every confidence he will do an outstanding job of leading the authority in working with basin communities, businesses and governments in implementing the basin plan.’’ Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment, Bob Baldwin, said the appointment of Mr Andrew would provide strong oversight for the implementation of the basin plan in full and on time.
y lle Va ear an e Y 13. si la th 0 ra of 2 st er nd Au al 2 a De 01 2 Increase the productivity of your crops with Valley irrigation equipment Cobram Irrigation offers turnkey solutions – from pump to pivot.
Next Round Farm Water Program Coming Early 2015 With round 4 funding just around the corner get your Farm Plan prepared now. The next tranche of funding for on-farm irrigation efficiency upgrades will be announced by the GBCMA in early 2015. If you have a new Goulburn Murray Water meter connection to your property you are eligible to apply. The first step is getting your Farm Plan up to date. CAF can assist streamlining the process with your funding application. Call into our new office at 38 Wyndham Street or contact us below to obtain further information.
SHEPPARTON 38 Wyndham St Ph: 5831 3347 DENILIQUIN
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SERVICES INCLUDE: • Irrigation Efficiency Projects • Land Subdivisions • Agribusiness Projects • Civil Engineering • Project Management The Leader in Precision Irrigation
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‘Water Talk’, February, 2015—PAGE 11
water talk
Project to protect vegetation inancial incentives are F available for eligible landholders to protect and
improve the quality of remnant vegetation and wetlands on their properties through Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority’s Nationally Significant Wetland and Woodland Ecosystem Conservation Project. Goulburn Broken CMA Strategic Landscape Planner Jenny Wilson said past and current land management practices had resulted in the loss of much of the native vegetation in the Goulburn Broken Catchment, particularly in the Agricultural Floodplains where up to 97 per cent of native vegetation has been cleared for agriculture. ‘‘The native vegetation remaining on private land in the Agricultural Floodplains can be of poor quality with limited plant diversity, and a lack of native understorey and ground layer vegetation,’’ Ms Wilson said. ‘‘Many of the remnant vegetation communities and wetlands remaining in the Agricultural Floodplains and the Productive Plains areas of the catchment are nationally threatened. ‘‘The CMA has funding from the Australian Government through the National Landcare Programme to assist landholders with financial incentives for the protection and management of these extremely important areas.’’
A nationally threatened seasonally herbaceous wetland on a property near Corop. Priority will be given to projects with the following types of vegetation on the property: ➤ Seasonal herbaceous wetlands: Typically fed by rainwater (not linked to rivers or streams), these wetlands look grassy when they are dry but as soon as they fill up with water, the water-dependent vegetation comes back to life. The plants that occur within these wetlands are commonly a mixture of grasses, sedges and herbs. ➤ Box-gum grassy woodlands:
Areas with widely spaced trees, dominated by white box, yellow box or Blakelys red gum. Grassy woodlands typically exist on the most productive soils and have been cleared for agriculture, which, in combination with high levels of grazing, fertiliser application and cultivation, means box-gum grassy woodlands are critically endangered. ➤ Grey box and buloke grassy woodlands: Open woodlands usually found on clay-loam soils in areas that are seasonally
inundated but rarely flooded for long periods. While grey box and buloke are the most common tree species, buloke may only occur as individuals or as dense stands. Understorey species usually consist of native grasses and herbs such as lilies, daisies and saltbushes and shrubs such as wattles, sweet bursaria and cassinia. ➤ Derived grasslands: These grasslands would have originally had a cover of the dominant boxgum grassy woodland tree
species. In some cases most or all of the trees have been removed, but the intact grassy areas remain and are still valued as habitat. ‘‘By providing incentives to landholders to fence off these areas and to install dams and troughs as alternative watering points for stock, we will not only provide habitat for important local flora and fauna, we are helping build the catchment’s resilience to the effects of grazing, cropping, rising water tables, increased nutrient levels, weed invasion and climate change that are very real threats to productivity,’’ Ms Wilson said. The funding assists with the costs of managing the area in accordance with a 10-year management agreement. Management actions are detailed in a site-specific management plan and may include fencing, enhancement planting, alternative watering points and weed and pest animal control. Incentive rates vary depending on the size and quality of the site as larger wetlands or areas of remnant native vegetation are important habitat for threatened fauna and flora species. A higher rate is offered to landholders who permanently protect their sites through a Trust for Nature Covenant. ➤ Interested landholders can phone Vanessa Campbell on 0419 258 105 for more information about the project or to organise a no-obligation, free site visit.
Trenching | Pipe Laying | Civil Construction | Plant Hire | Subdivisions | Generators | Dewatering
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PAGE 12—‘Water Talk’, February, 2015
water talk Mechanised Irrigation Solutions
COROWA
Weed wiped out n outbreak of A cabomba, a highly invasive aquatic weed,
Pierce centre pivots & lateral moves The best in their field. Upton Engineering of Corowa can supply Pierce equipment for almost any broad acre irrigation application. • • • • •
CP600 centre pivots in galvanised and polylined versions with pipe up to 219mm od. Linear move units with either channel feed or hose drag options. Swing around linears for maximum field coverage with minimum outlay. Mini pivots for turf, pasture and lucerne applications. Towable and fixed options. Wireless farm networks for remote control and irrigator monitoring.
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has been largely controlled in the Broken River in and upstream of Lake Benalla after almost six years of effort. Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority project manager Tim Barlow said cabomba was a serious threat to irrigators and other water users given its capacity to clog pumps and filters. ‘‘In addition, it seriously compromises the aesthetic and recreational value of waterways and wetlands, and smothers the native aquatic vegetation that provides valuable habitat for fish and water bugs,’’ he said. ‘‘After almost six years of effort cabomba is considered eliminated from Hollands Creek, and hasn’t been seen in Lake Benalla for more than four years, which is fantastic. ‘‘This has been achieved by the strategic draw-down of water levels to dry or remove weed patches, without the use of special aquatic herbicides. ‘‘It’s very exciting to see the system recovering; we recently discovered patches of native ribbon weed, which is considered an
Cabomba is a highly invasive aquatic weed, and is classified as a Weed of National Significance. indicator of good habitat quality, re-establishing in the Hollands Creek near Jaycee Island.’’ The remaining population around the Caseys Weir area is proving more difficult to control, and will be the focus of work this year. ‘‘We are keen to eliminate the weed to protect irrigation equipment, and to protect the ecological values of significant wetlands such as the nearby Winton Wetlands, and the wetlands within Barmah National Park downstream on the Broken Creek,’’ Mr Barlow said. ‘‘The Victorian Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources, Benalla City Council,
Goulburn-Murray Water and local users are involved in the planning and implementation of this project.’’ Popular as an aquarium plant, cabomba has fanshaped leaves that sit mostly underwater, and a white flower floating on the surface. To prevent further infestations, it is essential that aquarium plants be composted and not disposed of in or near waterways. ‘‘It is important that we act quickly to control the weed,’’ Mr Barlow said. ‘‘Any observations of the plant should be reported to the Goulburn Broken CMA immediately.’’
2OI5
Irrigation and Energy Expo showcasing industry innovation
ATTENTION EXHIBITORS
Shepparton Showgrounds – May 20 & 21, 2015
Showcase your business at the 2015 WTC Irrigation Expo With a hugely successful event in 2014, the 2015 expo promises to be even better. The expo provides the perfect opportunity to promote your products and services to a targeted audience. Many previous exhibitors have commented that ‘the right people’ attend and buy their products.
If you’re participating in the On-farm Water Progams or Goulburn-Murray Water Connections Project, this Irrigation and Energy Efficiencty Expo is for you.
To book your exhibition space please complete the prospectus documents available from our website, www.wtcexpo.com.au and email To be held again at the Exhibition them to andrew.chittick@totaleden. building at the Shepparton showgrounds, which is a purpose-built com.au or mail to Andrew Chittick at undercover venue with extensive car Rob Rye Irrigation, 19 New Dookie Road, Shepparton, parking. With competitive site fees and a guaranteed audience, exhibitors Victoria 3630. will receive excellent value for money. Book early to secure your site!
Contacts Sponsorship Wendy Buck Chair WTC Irrigation Expo wendy@wtcexpo.com.au
Exhibiting Andrew Chittick Expo Treasurer andrew.chittick@totaleden.com.au
Phone: 0438 052 630
Phone: 0400 671 172
Or visit our website www.wtcexpo.com.au.
MAJOR SPONSORS:
ountry News Co Reaching Australia ’s richest agricultural region
SPONSORS:
‘Water Talk’, February, 2015—PAGE 13
water talk
Works to consider aesthetics ocal amenity values will be L taken into account during all stages of proposed works to
reduce seepage and leakage from the main irrigation channel running through Cohuna, Goulburn-Murray Water project manager Jason Williamson told residents at information sessions recently. About 50 people attended the January 8 sessions held at the Gannawarra Shire Meeting Room in Cohuna. Representatives from G-MW, Transcom Connect and Gannawarra Shire Council were on hand to answer residents’ questions about proposed repair work on channels 3, 2/3 and 1/2/3. The channels service about 76 G-MW customers, including stock and domestic customers. Mr Williamson said each year, as part of the Connections Project, G-MW identified channels with significant water losses for possible remediation. ‘‘Sections of the 3, 2/3 and 1/2/3 channels have an estimated combined water loss of 465 Ml/year,’’ Mr Williamson said. ‘‘The 5.08 km of channels in Cohuna are being investigated, along with another 29.1 km of other channels across the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District, for possible remediation
Cohuna residents have been promised consideration of aesthetics in the planning of works on a channel running through the town. works during the 2015 winter shut-down period.’’ Remediation of channels can include remodelling channel banks and either plastic lining or clay lining the channel to minimise the current water loss, and the method adopted depends on various factors. ‘‘We are very mindful of the
aesthetics of the current environment around channels, particularly those in residential areas. As a result of this we will only be investigating the option of clay lining for the 2/3 and 1/2/3 channels which run from King George St to just past Tisdall Rd,’’ Mr Williamson said. While some of the existing trees
on the Cohuna channel banks might need to be removed, the project proposes to make the channel deeper and narrower in an attempt to reduce the number of trees that would otherwise be affected by the construction activities. ‘‘Our approach to avoid, minimise, and only as a last resort,
remove trees has been worked into the tender documents and this will be considered when assessing the appointment of a contractor,’’ Mr Williamson said. There will be opportunities to revegetate and use the extra land for recreational activities once the works are finished. G-MW will work with Gannawarra Shire, local residents and the Cohuna Progress Association to ensure consideration of the community’s ideas about how the area can be used. ‘‘We understand that the trees along the irrigation channel are much loved by locals and visitors,’’ Mr Williamson said. ‘‘It was also appreciated that there was broad recognition by the community that in order to deliver G-MW customers’ water efficiently, the irrigation channels need to be repaired and this may involve removal of some of these trees.’’ The next step in the channel remediation process is to call for tenders to carry out the proposed works. Following this, a decision will be made on if the project will proceed to construction during the 2015 G-MW winter shut-down period. ➤ Updates on the project’s progress will provided on a regular basis via a focus group. For more information about the project or focus group, phone Jason Williamson on 1800 013 357.
Connections Project
“
It’s made rotating grazing and managing pasture so much easier
“
Switching to a fully automated pipe and riser system has been “life changing” say Waaia dairy farmers Tony and MetteDe Nittis. “Before the Connections Project we had five wheels, one with a maximum flow of 10ML and the other four with a maximum flow of 6ML,” Tony said. “Irrigating was very slow, to water (our whole property)
everywhere took four days. Now we average about 12ML and can get the whole lot done in about 72 hours.” The couple has already noticed improvements in pasture quality and quantity. “We’re now cutting more and feeding more cows than ever before,” Tony said. “Looking to the long-term we’ve set up a profitable fully modernised farm that will make it easier for us to continue to manage it ourselves or, down the track, sell.” For more information, please go to the Connections website www.gmwconnections.com.au
PAGE 14—‘Water Talk’, February, 2015
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Discover love of region’s wetlands alentine’s Day will have an V environmental twist this year as the North Central CMA
hosts a weekend of activities to mark World Wetlands Day and celebrate the region’s unique wetland system. On Saturday, February 14 and Sunday, February 15, there will be three different free events at wetlands around Kerang. On Saturday, the weekend will kick off with a walking tour of two wetlands, while a dinner will feature one of Australia’s most widely acclaimed presenters on waterbirds. For early risers, there will be a breakfast on Sunday morning with a birds event. North Central CMA chief executive Damian Wells said the weekend’s activities were not just about celebrating the environmental values of our remarkable wetlands, but also provided the CMA with an opportunity to acknowledge the many members of the community working with the CMA to care for them. ‘‘The wetlands of north central Victoria are renowned for their beauty and ecological diversity and they’re also playing an increasing role in a burgeoning eco-tourism market,’’ Mr Wells said. ‘‘Our mission here at the North Central CMA is to work in partnership with the community to
Wetlands in the Kerang region will be recognised for World Wetlands Day next month. protect and improve wetlands, and the broader catchments they are part of. ‘‘The theme for World Wetlands Day this year is Wetlands for Our Future — Join Us, so we’re very much living up to that philosophy
in staging these special community-based events.’’ Gannawarra Shire Council is supporting the celebrations and Mayor Neville Goulding said the events would showcase the region to visitors.
‘‘Our wetlands are precious environmental assets which play a crucial role in our tourism efforts; many in our community already enjoy the best our region has to offer, but there is the potential for countless more visitors to learn
about and enjoy our wetlands,’’ Cr Goulding said. ‘‘These unique sites are one of the many things that make living and working here so special.’’ ➤ To RSVP, email info@nccma.vic. gov.au or phone North Central CMA on 5448 7124.
Making your farm more water efficient
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‘Water Talk’, February, 2015—PAGE 15
water talk
Agriculture
Most farms in the On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency Program are seeing benefits.
Positive results
recent survey of 114 A people participating in the Federal Government-
funded On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency Program found reports of increased production, profit and management capacity by most participants who had carried out irrigation modernisation projects since 2010. The survey was undertaken on behalf of program delivery partner, the South Australian Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Board, to identify irrigation improvements and efficiencies for rounds one and two of the OFIEP, and to collect feedback from project participants about program delivery. Board presiding member Sharon Starick said the board was ‘‘very pleased’’ with the survey results, which showed program objectives being met, efficiencies gained and productivity increases. ‘‘Conversion to drip and automation was the most common project type, with a high increase in irrigation efficiency noted by farmers who converted from
sprinklers,’’ Mrs Starick said. ‘‘Those who converted from a sprinkler system to drip irrigation said they noted less run-off and no longer needed to manually check sprinklers, which means they have more flexibility for irrigation scheduling and time to focus on managing their business. ‘‘Most projects reported increased production, with an improvement in crop quality and some reporting an increase in crop yield and evenness.’’ Simarloo, an almond property at Lyrup in South Australia, received OFIEP funding through round two of the program to install soil moisture monitoring probes, convert manual valves to an automatic irrigation system and install a drip irrigation system. Property owner and manager Leroy Sims said the new irrigation system provided water to almond trees as needed, while the valves could be adjusted to provide water required for adequate soil moisture. ‘‘We are fine-tuning our water management to meet seasonal variations, but we have seen a 10 to 15 per
cent improvement in productivity,’’ Mr Sims said. Most of the property remains under a sprinkler irrigation system, which Mr Sims believes has worked effectively on his property to date. South Australian MurrayDarling Basin Natural Resources Management Board sustainable irrigation principal project officer Michael Cutting said the aim of the OFIEP was to modernise irrigation infrastructure to improve water efficiency and make returns to the environment. ‘‘It is essential farmers irrigate efficiently to ensure water is available for the continued production of premium food and wine for generations to come.’’ Mr Cutting said infrastructure upgrades to date had resulted in ‘‘huge water savings and reports of a lot less leakages’’. ‘‘Approximately 3.2 Gl has been saved through rounds one and two of the OFIEP which is used for environmental purposes to improve the condition of the Murray River, wetlands and floodplains,’’ he said.
Research funded T
he partnership approach to groundwater research was strengthened this month with Murray-Darling Basin Authority announcing $1 million to fund studies by the National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training. MDBA chief executive Rhondda Dickson said the collaboration would provide important technical and scientific support for decision-making in the Murray-Darling Basin. ‘‘The three-year research program will build on our understanding of some of Australia’s most significant groundwater systems,’’ Dr Dickson said.
The National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training at Flinders University will use the funding to continue investigations into how groundwater and surface water interact, the way groundwater is replenished, and the impact of social and economic factors on groundwater management. Dr Dickson said improving the information available on groundwater in the basin was a priority. ‘‘We already have a solid body of research about particular aspects of groundwater, but further work is needed. ‘‘We are looking forward
to joining forces with the groundwater centre to further ensure a healthy Murray-Darling system.’’ National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training director Craig Simmons said he was delighted to be working with the MDBA in this new partnership. ‘‘We estimate that almost one third of Australia’s total fresh water exists underground within the area of the Murray-Darling Basin,’’ Professor Simmons said. ‘‘The more we learn about this resource, the better our understanding of water in the basin as a whole.’’
Archards Irrigation can design, manufacture, supply and install polyethylene pipe and riser systems also channel bay outlets, diesel or electric pumps, dam sites and doors. We can also design and install farm re-use systems all with focus on water savings.
Cohuna Branch (03) 5456 2664 admin@archards.com.au
Finley Branch (03) 5883 4181
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Survey Design Irrigation
Precision Mapping – pH Onleys are now able to map soil pH across your paddocks using an on-the-go pH sensor and RTK GPS. Apply lime where it’s needed most and start managing paddock variability today. Call the team at Onleys to see what other exciting things we have planned using the latest precision mapping technologies.
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‘We are your complete land development professionals’ SHEPPARTON 5 Telford Drive, Shepparton Phone: (03) 5821 7171 Email: mail@onleys.com.au www.onleys.com.au SURVEY DESIGN IRRIGATION SURVEY DESIGN IRRIGATION SURVEY DESIGN IRRIG
PAGE 16—‘Water Talk’, February, 2015
Learn how to make your farm more efficient with its energy, water and labour. Visit the new Observant Shepparton office.
Observant now has a new office in Shepparton. Drop in to talk to us about how to make more effective use of your farm’s energy, labour and water resources. Our award-winning hardware and cloud-based applications capture and manage all farm related information to provide a fully integrated farm management platform. No matter what you grow, you can do it more efficiently with Observant. STAFF: Phil Whitten Business Development Manager
Lachlan Kerr Technical Support Coordinator
BECOME AN OBSERVANT TRIAL SITE We’re looking for 5 dairy farms in northern Victoria with Pipe and Riser Irrigation Systems to run a trial to see how they can reduce pumping costs by monitoring soil moisture. To find out more contact Observant Shepparton.
Adrian Orloff Category Manager Agronomy
Observant Shepparton, 3/7961B Goulburn Valley Highway, Kialla, VIC 3631. Ph: 1300 224 688 CHANNEL PARTNERS:
Observant® is a registered trademark of Observant Pty Ltd. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders. ABN 21 104 666 882