ountry News Co
Water Talk Reaching Australia ’s richest agricultural region
E 12-PAUG RE T 014 FEpA tember 2 Se
Spy in the sky — page 8
Unwrapping the water table mystery — page 2 and 3 | Water storage commitments — page 4 Leaving no footprints on the land — page 6
Have you explored all the options? Aluminium water pipe > gives the least wheel rutting in the business Up to 25Ml/per day laterals > the largest in the business Pivot corner systems > the largest in the business
Center Irrigation Deniliquin Center Irrigation Ballarat
Mini pivots > for small-scale dairy use Wrap-around spans > for pivoting around field obstructions Three-wheel flexible towers > to enable to walk over rice banks for duel irrigation.
GPS guided laterals and corner systems > no troublesome wires
Center Irrigation > Built on nearly 50 years of farming knowledge and 25 years of practical centre pivot experience.
The all-new Reinke pivoting lateral > the latest in advancements
Don’t get caught with an under-designed system — we are here to help.
Ph: (03) 5881 2369 Ph: (03) 5343 4370
www.centerirrigation.com.au
PAGE 2—‘Water Talk’, September, 2014
water talk
Irrigation not as ong-term monitoring of L watertable levels in the Shepparton Irrigation
Salinity programs officer Noel Watts takes a measurement at an Ardmona bore site.
Region has revealed that irrigation is not quite the bogey-man it was once feared to be. The latest research shows that rainfall on a wet catchment is the main driver of watertable behaviour. Goulburn-Murray Water’s Customer Support head Phillip Hoare said high watertables, and the associated salinity problems, peaked in the mid1990s — then watertables dropped away in the extended drought with a low point in 2009. ‘‘Watertables again rose in response to significant rainfall in 2010, 2011 and 2012,’’ he said. ‘‘Now that more normal weather conditions have returned, it is important to continue monitoring to identify when and where groundwater pumping will be beneficial in minimising any salinity impacts.’’ G-MW is starting to measure more than 1600 observation bores across the Shepparton irrigation region which includes the Murray Valley, Shepparton, Central Goulburn and Rochester irrigation areas. Continued on page 3
PIPE & RISER SYSTEM
POLY WELDING •Efficient •Clean •Uncompromised •Quality
Polyfect Irrigation highly regards the integrity and strength of your poly irrigation welds. That is why we have produced a mobile trailer to ensure the correct environment to increase the effectiveness and quality of the weld join.
A dire prediction made in 1989 about the ‘‘do nothing’’ outcome by 2020.
Our state of the art welding system ensures: • No wind chill, dust or moisture contamination of weld joins. • Superior site establishment - No unloading of equipment. • Pipeline is supported and stationary
reducing unnecessary stress on joins. • All welds data logged. • The ability to operate in changing weather conditions. • Quality controlled welding is achieved.
FACTORY TO FARM PIPE SUPPLIER 0488 506 171 steve@polyfect.com.au www.polyfect.com.au The 1982 map.
‘Water Talk’, September, 2014—PAGE 3
water talk
bad for watertable as thought From page 2 He said watertable monitoring was a key way of informing salinity management in the region. Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority’s Sustainable Irrigation manager Carl Walters said last year’s map showed the area of land where the watertable was within 3 m of the surface had increased from 9000 ha to 151 000 ha between 2009 and 2013. ‘‘If these watertable levels get within 2 m of the surface they become a real cause for concern,’’ Mr Walters said. ‘‘This mapping project helps in planning and developing salinity management programs and implementation of government funding initiatives.’’ Mr Walters said approaches to tackling the problem included efficient irrigation, surface drainage and appropriate sub-surface drainage or shallow groundwater pumping. ‘‘The balance and connection between all of these actions in the right places at the right time has been critical so far in our region, and the communitydriven planning for response has proven to be the key,” he said. Mr Hoare said the majority of bores were located on public land, however there were many sites on private land and access to these sites was pivotal. ‘‘G-MW thanks landholders for partnering with the study,’’ Mr Hoare said. The monitoring will be undertaken by G-MW staff. The Water Table Study is jointly funded by Goulburn Broken CMA and G-MW. A copy of the 2014 August Water Table study map will be available later this year. ➤ For more information phone G-MW Salinity Programs Officer Noel Watts on 5826 3791.
Last year’s watertable map. The red areas are of concern.
Introducing the ultimate in Portable & Affordable Automation, the revolutionary SamC system.
Sensor activated Automation
Watertable levels have been rising in recent years.
GATE KEEPER
S ensor a ctivated m onitor C ontroller Celebrating
25 years
BAY WATCHER
•
Bay Watcher dictates closing times rather than estimating the water ’s travelling time.
•
The position of water in the bay determines the Gate Keeper closing time.
•
The Bay Watcher records watering duration and educates next bays.
•
SMS messages reassurance to keep you informed of all irrigation operations.
•
Unique In-field Pairing functions allow ultimate flexibility.
•
Portable or Semi-Permanent available.
of Automation. The 2009 drought year map.
www.padmanstops.com.au
PAGE 4—‘Water Talk’, September, 2014
TRY BORE WATER CABLE TOOL, ROTARY MUD, ROTARY AIR RIGS ing
In com g in • Irrigation Bores drillin • Stock and domestic bores months Echuca, ter, Roches , Elmore • Test Drilling etc o ig Bend ing • Water Divining and rround u s d n a . consultancy service available areas • Stock, domestic, irrigation, pyzometer and dewatering bores, test hole drillings etc. • Hard rock and mud drilling (sand beds) • Based in Echuca Vic with a second depot in Forbes NSW, covering most of NSW and Vic • A family owned, honest and reliable company
Ph: Paul Milne 0427 012 462 Please check our website www.milnewaterdrilling.com.au 943 Murray Valley Hwy, Echuca Drilling permits can be arranged
Swamp’s future mused By Geoff Adams
M
ore than 30 people attended a public meeting in Leitchville to discuss the future management of Kow Swamp. Goulburn-Murray Water (G-MW) convened the meeting to gain feedback to be used when developing the Kow Swamp Land and On-Water Management Plan. G-MW’s Catchment Services general manager Graeme Hannan said the meeting was productive with many thoughts about the issues facing Kow Swamp raised and possible solutions put forward. ‘‘The attendees were assured that Kow Swamp will be continuing its vital role as part of the Torrumbarry Irrigation District and Mid-Murray storages,’’ Mr Hannan said. Issued raised included management, cultural heritage, bird habitat, boating, fishing and recreational activities. Mr Hannan said these issues would be considered in developing the Kow Swamp Land and On Water Management Plan. ‘‘The plan being developed is aimed at enhancing the values
Water picture looks good
The future of Kow Swamp is now under consideration by Goulburn-Murray Water. at Kow Swamp into the future, not just for water storage but also for improving water quality, valuing cultural heritage and increasing environmental and recreation values,’’ he said. ‘‘During the coming six weeks a draft plan will be developed
(RIGHT) Water resource diagrams from the Northern Victoria Resource Manager.
are accurately represented and the actions for improvement are supported.’’ ➤ To fill in the online survey or register your interest in a draft copy of the plan go to http://www.gmwater.com.au/ kowswamp
6,000
Available Resources
Shortfall to LRWS ~110 GL
5,000
Campaspe, Loddon & Broken Trade Commitment to GoulburnForecast InÁows to Eildon and Goulburn Weir
45 216
Water in Storage 4,000
1,400
1,675
Remaining Commitments
arry-over water for C irrigation constituted about one-third of the water
set aside for irrigation in the Goulburn system at the start of the irrigation season. Goulburn-Murray Water reports 357 Gl was held in the Goulburn, compared to the total available to irrigators of 1036 Gl. Environmental water holders were entitled to 400 Gl, and water corporations 114 Gl. Eildon was holding about 86 per cent of its capacity last week. In the Murray system, less water, 266 Gl, was being held as carry-over in the irrigation entitlements. The Murray system opened with 90 per cent of highreliability water shares and the Goulburn, Campaspe and Loddon opened with 100 per cent. The Murray system is expected to have 100 per cent high reliability by October 15, even under dry conditions. The Broken system should receive 100 per cent LRWS seasonal determinations by November 15 under dry conditions.
that identifies the issues raised by the community and other stakeholders and proposes actions for improvement. ‘‘The community and other stakeholders will be invited to make comment on the draft plan to ensure that the issues
Goulburn systems: Breakdown of water in store and commitments, August 15, 2014
Gigalitres (GL)
SICK OF EXCESS WATER BILLS OR DIRTY WATER?
Commitments for 2015/16 Remaining Allocated Volume (incl Carryover)
3,000
NRSWS Policy Reserve for 2015/16
1,360
Channel Distribution Losses to 15 May 2015
2,000
Trade Commitments to Murray System 3,255
275 176 216
1,000
440
Urban and Environment AGL Hydro Entitlement Storage and River Losses
26
471
Volume Below Minimum Operating Level
215
0 Available Resources
Remaining Commitments
Murray systems: Breakdown of water in store and commitments, August 15, 2014 4,000
Available Resources
10
3,000
312
Vic Share of Water in Transit
210
Vic Share of Forecast InÁow to Murray System
216
3,000
Vic Share of Goulburn Valley Account 1,763
Vic Share of Water in Storage
2,500
Gigalitres (GL)
WATER BORES
water talk
Remaining Commitments Balance
2,000
Remaining Allocated Volume (incl Carryover)
218 3,041
1,500
Murray Early Reserve Policy
308 79 536
1,000
Channel Distribution Losses to 15 May 2015 Environment Vic Share of SA Non-Dilution Entitlement
290
500
390 184
0 Available Resources
Remaining Commitments
Vic Share of SA Dilution Flow Vic Share of River Losses Upstream of SA Vic Share of Evaporation
‘Water Talk’, September, 2014—PAGE 5
Automate your irrigation. 12:30
PM
BAY 1
COMPLETE BAY 2
ACTIVE BAY 3
SCHEDULED
The complete Irrigation Management Solution for Pipe & Risers and Bay Outlets.
TM
Pipe & Riser
Bay Outlet
Manual, portable or full automation options Protect your pipe with vacuum breaking technology Schedule all irrigation tasks and manage anywhere, anytime
Simple, effective automation Suits Bay Outlets and Channel Checks/Regulators up to 900mm (3') deep
Ask your farm planner and supplier for AWMA i-Risers and i-Lifters with automation powered by Observant Global™
Ph 1800 664 852 or visit www.iriser.com.au 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
PAGE 6—‘Water Talk’, September, 2014
water talk
Decades of caring for the land By Geoff Adams
I
‘‘ have a theory that I like to leave a farm I have had in better conditions than I found it. I think that’s what we are trying to do in the catchment as well.’’ Numurkah farmer Allen Canobie has bought and sold a number of properties since he moved to the region in 1975. A successful dairy farmer, he was one of the early representatives on a Goulburn Valley committee which celebrated its 75th meeting two weeks ago. The group has helped change the landscape of farming in the region, after confronting the threat of rising watertables and salinity. Mr Canobie was reflecting on more than 20 years of attention to the farming environment and public service. ‘‘I think it’s improving. We’re becoming more productive. ‘‘We are becoming more environmentally friendly as well,’’ Mr Canobie said when asked about how much progress had been made over those years. ‘‘We have come a long way, but that does not mean we can’t keep moving ahead. I am an optimist.’’
Allen Canobie with a bush refuge on his farm. The 2 ha were planted out to protect century-old box trees. Mr Canobie said the discovery of rising watertables and the emerging threat of salinisation to irrigation areas in the 1980s were the impetus for a range of environmental actions. There was a push for better drainage which resulted in the creation of
properly constructed drains for the Muckatah drain and the Mosquito Depression. The Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority committees pushed for funding for whole farm plans which led to better on-farm drainage and the demand for efficient land grading led to the
widespread use of laser grading. Mr Canobie became involved in a drainage committee as a representative of Numurkah Shire Council, when he was a councillor. In the 1980s he joined the Salinity Program Advisory Committee, which played a
key role in tackling salinity issues in the Goulburn Valley. ‘‘Ever since then I have been involved in environmental management. Salinity was a major issue then. ‘‘To remain sustainable we had to become involved. You can’t isolate yourself
within the boundaries of your own farm. ‘‘There are bigger issues. And by getting involved in your community you gain a lot for yourself. ‘‘My hope is that more young people will become involved in rural environmental issues. ‘‘Don’t hesitate to join in. You will get a lot out of it.’’ ➤ Mr Canobie was one of a number of scientists, engineers, farmers and environmentalists who got together recently to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Farm and Environment Working Group, which is part of Goulburn Broken CMA’s Sustainable Irrigation Program Advisory Group. The group has developed policies for the farm and environment program, oversighted program work and linked with groups in other regions. Carl Walters from Goulburn Broken CMA told the anniversary meeting the committee had played a critical role in the development of the region over the past 20 years. There were 82 former members of the group, at least half of which were community representatives.
‘Water Talk’, September, 2014—PAGE 7
We are your total solution LASERING Ward Bros is an industry leader in Laser Land Leveling. This technique is well know for achieving high levels of accuracy in land leveling and provides a greater opportunity for water saving and high crop yields. The organization has undertaken and completed a large number of projects throughout Australia to the highest of standards. Benefits of Laser Land leveling include improvement of irrigation efficiency, reduction in weeds and pests, and facilitating increased crop yield.
CHANNEL & DRAINAGE Ward Bros is a highly regarded organization that provides high quality results in a very demanding area, where errors in construction of just a few centimeters are not acceptable. Ward Bros is one of the few companies that are experienced in the installation of HDPE liners into existing channels systems, completing over 15kms of a 200 megalitre per day capacity channel as part of the Northern Victorian Irrigation Renewal Project.
WINTER STORAGE DAMS Ward Bros. has constructed large storage dams for the storage of waste water from sewerage treatment plants, waste water discharge from factories to on farm irrigation storage, and prides itself on the high quality of work. Ward Bros have builts a number of above and below ground storages varying in size from 40 megalitres to 50,000 megalitres. Their construction has been undertaken in a wide range of soil types and conditions which has required a considerable amount of expertise and result s in providing a quality result for each project. The organization also works closely with geotechnical engineers who assist in the delivery of a quality product.
PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION Ward Bros has significant experience in excavating, installing, testing and commissioning of pipelines and pumping stations. The organization has a reputation for providing their clients with total irrigation construction projects on time and budget. The organization specializes in project management with the ability to bring together a variety of expert sub contractors and have a large fleet of equipment and employees capable of undertaking large and varied projects.
IRRIGATION DEVELOPMENT Ward Bros has a reputation for providing their clients with total irrigation construction projects on time, and most importantly, within budget. Ward Bros. has constructed large scale irrigation developments for a variety of clients in both the private and public sectors. The organization is highly regarded as one that provides quality in this particularly demanding area where variances have a significant impact on constructions outcomes.
Phone: 03 5484 3191 Michael: 0418 505 346 Email: admin@ugc.com.au www.wardbrosearthmoving.com.au
PAGE 8—‘Water Talk’, September, 2014
water talk
Drone has eye on recovery By Geoff Adams
M
iniature cameras, sound recorders and aerial drones are being used to monitor the recovery of Kinnairds Wetlands from a fire which swept through the area earlier this year. Although the frogs, spoonbills and herons of the 96 ha wetlands near Numurkah are largely unaware, Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority is closely watching the recovery and measuring the impact of environmental watering delivered since the fire. The wetlands was photographed with the use of a remote-controlled drone aircraft in March and again in August. The latest series of still photographs will be stitched together to form a large aerial map which can be compared to the earlier set of photos. When Country News called at Kinnairds Wetlands in August, the drone operator, James Rennie, was worried
responded really well,’’ Ms Wood said. ‘‘In March when we were out here, it was dead quiet. Now we can hear the birds.’’ While we were talking, pelicans were on the water and other birds circled in the sky. ‘‘It’s already different. Since the water was delivered the change has been impressive.’’ Small video recorders hidden in the wetlands take 30-second snapshots of activity. The vegetation is also recovering. Ms Wood said two threatened species of plants identified in the wetlands were also coming back: Moira grass and Myriophyllum porcatum. The latter, also known as ridged water milfoil, is a partially submerged plant. Ms Wood is taking particular interest in this plant because mapping has shown the Kinnairds Wetlands population is the largest in Victoria.
that his $40 000 system was at risk from predator birds. ‘‘Hawks can attack and damage the aircraft,’’ Mr Rennie said. ‘‘Eagles can carry them off.’’ He was scanning the skies around the largely polystyrene drone with a pair of binoculars. The Australian versions of the drone’s remote-control have been fitted with a special button which allows the operator to put the aircraft into a steep vertical climb when a bird is about to pounce. While he was watching the skies, environmental water officer Jo Wood was concentrating on more terrestrial issues. The wetlands vegetation provides important habitat for the many insects, reptiles, birds and mammals that feed and breed in the wetland. The CMA delivered an environmental watering of about 170 Gl in April, designed to help the area recover. ‘‘The wetlands have
Jo Wood from the CMA with drone operator James Rennie before sending the tiny aircraft into the sky over the swamp.
James Rennie from Australian UAV launches the 1 m-wide polystyrene plane.
Mechanised Irrigation Solutions
COROWA
Optimize productivity and profitability and better manage your resources with Pierce technology The wetlands is home to a range of native birds and animals.
The tiny plane sometimes comes under attack from wedge-tailed eagles.
Sample FieldViewTM browser image
™
Imagine an overview of your entire farm at a glance! Committed to outstanding after-sales backup and support Upton Engineering is well established as one of the most experienced irrigation companies in Australia. With 70 years in the industry under continued family ownership you can depend on Upton to be there when you need them most. From design and fabrication right through to installation and commissioning. Upton Engineering have the expertise and knowhow to get the job done for you in the most efficient and cost competitive way.
The effect of the February fires can still be seen.
A spoonbill at Kinnairds Wetlands.
Upton partner with Pierce Today, with the use of advanced browser technology, Pierce continues transforming the virtual and physical landscape of large-scale farming, developing hands-free control and monitoring solutions. > EvoTouch™ Control Panels > FieldView™ Farm Management > PivotLink™ Panel Adapters Integrating off-the-shelf SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Access) software has allowed farm managers — through the use of standard computer equipment and smart devices — to easily position, control and start/stop equipment and access data from remote locations. Call Upton Engineering for expert Pierce installation and support.
www.upton.com.au
Ph:
(02) 6033 1844
ISO9001:2008 quality management ISO14001:2004 Environmental management
Celebrating 70 years 1944–2014
An aerial shot taken by the Australian UAV drone over the wetlands.
‘Water Talk’, September, 2014—PAGE 9
water talk
Changes have been powerful By Cathy Walker
F
ifty years ago, an Australian-made McCormick International A414 diesel tractor would set you back £1092 — from this distance an attractive proposition, if you can live without airconditioning and GPS. Perhaps the 93 hp John Deere 4010 marketed in 1964 would have more appeal: it featured a ‘‘scientifically designed, medically approved, fully adjustable seat’’. The January 1964 edition of Power Farming and Better Farming Digest reveals that back then, James Hardie and Coy were flogging Fibrolite-brand asbestos cement pipes to irrigators, waxing lyrical about ‘‘the miracle that water brings’’, while for just a few shillings an acre a Wood’s Rotary Cutter and Mower could destroy just about anything. Now asbestos is a dirty word, clearing land is problematic and the bells
‘
Water is conveyed through the main channel over a distance of 31⁄2 miles with a fall of only 18 inches . . . This very small fall shows that extreme accuracy is essential in surveying and levelling operations.
’
Power Farming and Better Farming Digest and whistles on tractors could not have been dreamed of. But some constants remain: the optimism of farming being one. Power Farming ran a lengthy feature on largescale cotton irrigation, which was predicted to have ‘‘an assured and bright future’’. In the Namoi Valley, on the newly created Auscott Pty Ltd cotton property, 100 hp six-cylinder RollsRoyce Falcon engines were powering two Ornel 24-inch
Floodlifter axial flow pumps to irrigate 1600 ha. The operation, the magazine reported, was ‘‘run by a knowledgeable American, Mr J A Blasdell’’. ‘‘Water is conveyed through the main channel over a distance of 31⁄2 miles with a fall of only 18 inches, consequently it is the head of water in the channels which causes the flow rather than the fall in the land. This very small fall shows that extreme accuracy is essential in surveying and levelling operations.’’
WATER SOLUTIONS! Waterpool Co-op has innovative products available to provide balanced water portfolios for our clients. Waterpool Services: • High and low reliability water shares trades. • Water leasing • Forward allocation • Carryover protection • We guide the trading process from listing to settlement • Growing list of buyers and sellers • Brokers Federal Government buy-backs
WATER SHARE SELLERS WANTED
Call us to discuss the benefits of trading your permanent entitlement with Waterpool.
Pooled Exchange: • Trades allocation water through a pooled exchange at a price driven by the market. • Supports fair and ethical trading • Trades conducted in an open and transparent manner • Ensures confidentiality of trade and trader information • Trading process independently audited
Co-op
Contact our offices to obtain offer forms.
Waterpool Trading
Owned by water users for water users
147 Fenaughty St, Kyabram Phone (03) 5853 2333
MEMBERSHIP OF WATERPOOL IS NOW AVAILABLE
www.waterpoolcoop.com.au
PAGE 10—‘Water Talk’, September, 2014
water talk
Consistency is the key uring the past 15 years D Corowa-based Upton Engineering invented and
then commercialised a mobile racetrack irrigator which had seen the watering system implemented by many of Australia’s leading turf racecourses. The turf track irrigator machines have also been successfully exported to New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States and South Africa, including to leading race courses in each country. Upton Engineering has recently completed the development of a new racetrack irrigator with the project involving significant input from Greg Groves who, at the time, was assistant racecourse manager at the Caulfield racecourse of Melbourne Racing Club. Mr Groves is now the racecourse manager at the Mornington racecourse, also owned by Melbourne Racing Club. The key feature leading to the design of the original Upton Racetrack Irrigator was the need to provide a consistent watering pattern across the full width of a grassed track. This was to ensure that the track surface and racing condition was common regardless of the track width. Traditionally, racecourses have been watered by hand-held
Top time for water sellers rier than normal conditions D across the Southern Basin, combined with trade restrictions and
The new model Upton Racetrack irrigator released by Upton Engineering at Corowa. The first new machine has been purchased by Melbourne Racing Club for its Caulfield racecourse. hoses or by in-ground or permanent sprinkler systems and both are incapable of providing a common surface condition. The new Upton Racetrack Irrigator has been developed using an advanced computeraided design platform, high-tech components and highly durable materials. Another key feature was the need to provide water application at low pressure — in this instance down to as low as 10 psi at a water flow of 15 litres/sec. The new version is designed
to be towed behind a low horsepower tractor to water 400 m runs of the track. The water is applied via a 24 m folding galvanised steel boom which can achieve a maximum water spray width of 30 m. The boom is able to be manually folded on the fly if the track width varies or if there are external obstructions on the track perimeter. Among the advanced features are a control circuit that is powered by a small solar power installation that is mounted on the irrigator.
Other options are a wireless remote operation system control for the operator and a digital water application display. The machine obtains its hydraulic power from the connection to the small towing tractor. Mr Groves said the irrigator had achieved what he thought were the key considerations. These include a robust and compact design, ease of operation, and significant advances in low-pressure accurate irrigation technology.
high opening prices for Temporary Allocation Water, are resulting in great opportunities for water sellers. South Australia and Victoria are currently trading similarly between $100 and $105/Ml with limited allocation available, while in NSW allocation is trading at $95 to $100/Ml. Ruralco Water believes that with the opening of the irrigation season in Victoria, trading will increase and prices may continue to climb as the warmer months approach, provided of course we do not receive a large rain event in September or October. South Australian trade into the Victorian Murray is likely to hold firm and the restriction of trade from the Goulburn to the Murray remains in place while the volumetric limit has been reached. Good prospects also exist for sellers of permanent entitlement, with SA entitlement trading strongly at $1850/Ml. There is high buyer inquiry in all Victorian zones, while sellers are in limited supply. Recent trades of Victorian Murray Zone 7 and Goulburn have seen trades processed at $1700/Ml, while both NSW Murray high security and general security also remain strong, trading at $2000 for high security and $1000 for general security below the Barmah Choke, and $860 above the choke. — Ruralco
Make your water work for you
Specialising in on-farm channel modernisation and reconfiguration.
Turning old fashioned flood irrigation into precision surface irrigation. • All forms of agricultural earthworks • Laserbuckets • 95 HP Trencher– 180–500 mm wide trench 1200 depth PTY.LTD.
Contact Peter Hendy today on 0428 848 900.
‘Water Talk’, September, 2014—PAGE 11
water talk
Flood investigation funded he community of T Bridgewater has received $250 000 for
flood investigation and mapping from a joint project between the Victorian and Commonwealth governments. Water Minister Peter Walsh said the project would involve flood mapping and an assessment of mitigation options for the town. ‘‘As the community is well aware, Bridgewater was hit
by flooding three times between September 2010 and January 2011. During the January 2011 flood, 177 homes and 16 businesses were inundated, which had a lasting impact on the area,’’ Mr Walsh said. ‘‘This investigation will develop flood models which enhance our understanding of flood extents, depths, velocities and the potential impacts of the flooding of the Loddon River at Bridgewater. A range of flood mitigation options will
also be assessed for the town.’’ The project will be managed by North Central Catchment Management Authority with support from Loddon Shire Council. The Victorian Government is providing $187 050 for the project through the FloodZoom program and the Federal Government is contributing $27 950 through the Natural Disaster Resilience Grants Scheme (NDRGS).
The T-L Irrigator is is the only continuous move hydraulic pivot in the marketplace.
Dynamic water delivery range ince 1988 Water S Dynamics has sold, serviced and installed
more than 1000 T-L Irrigators across Australia. The business is proud to have worked closely with T-L and their customers during this time to make T-L one of Australia’s leading irrigation brands. During the past 30 years Water Dynamics has built a vast amount of knowledge covering all facets of T-L Irrigators. Water Dynamics provides the full range of ancillary services relating to T-L Irrigators, from design and selection through to installation and servicing. The company’s spare parts department is an essential part of its service and the Yarrawonga branch stocks a significant amount of T-L parts.
Water Dynamics’ T-L services are backed by three of the most experienced T-L Irrigator people in Australia. Water Dynamics refers all T-L inquiries via Yarrawonga branch manager Paul Moat to T-L sales representatives Len Langford and Richard Lloyd. Mr Langford was the first person to bring T-L Irrigators into Australia and Mr Lloyd has worked with T-L Irrigators for more than 20 years. The T-L hydraulic centre pivot is manufactured by one of the three main pivot manufacturers in the world. It is the only continuousmove hydraulic pivot in the marketplace and was specifically designed for low-speed, high-torque applications and operates well in all conditions.
• Manufacturers of Axial Flow & Turbine Pumps • High Flow Pipelines • Dam Site Design • On-farm Project needs • Repairs to all makes of pumps
To provide farmers with optimal safety and eliminate the danger of electrocution, the T-L hydraulic system uses oil pressure to drive rather than mains power. Because of its continuous operation and a lack of ‘spoking’, the hydraulic machine is also renowned for producing crop uniformity. It also has an eight-year warranty, which is the longest warranty in the pivot business. Water Dynamics is an Australian owned and operated business with branches strategically located across Australia. ➤ For more information, phone Water Dynamics Yarrawonga on 5743 8900 or visit www.waterdynamics.com.au
Survey Design Irrigation
Farm drainage problems?
Contribution recorded
Are you struggling to get machinery across parts of your farm? Sick of getting bogged in the same area each harvest? Are water-logged areas costing you money?
ictorian Water V Minister Peter Walsh has recognised the
contribution of John Dainton to the Goulburn Valley’s irrigated agriculture industry and environmental health. Speaking at the launch of The Story of John Dainton’s Role in Mending the Goulburn Broken by John Northage, Mr Walsh said Mr Dainton’s efforts to tackle salinity in the 1990s paved the way for the region’s current major irrigation projects. ‘‘This book is fitting recognition of John, who is a widely acknowledged community leader in the Goulburn Valley,’’ Mr Walsh said. Nationals candidate for Shepparton Greg Barr said John Dainton recognised that salinity caused by rising
If you answered yes to any of these questions, the professional team at Onleys are ready to help > Dryland survey
and drainage design > Irrigation survey and design At the book launch were, from left, former Department of Premier and Cabinet officer Graham Hunter, former catchment manager Bill O’Kane and former DEPI senior executive Ron Harris. watertables was a major threat to irrigated agriculture and the environment. ‘‘He brought together diverse groups in the community to lead a catchment-wide approach to managing natural resources, which captured the attention of researchers
and social scientists from around Australia,’’ Mr Barr said. ‘‘John Northage, supported by a fellowship from the former Land and Water Australia, recognised the importance of recording John’s path from dairy farmer to community leader.’’
> Paddock maps > pH mapping > Subdivisions
‘We are your complete land development professionals’
n
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 12—‘Water Talk’, September, 2014
Using premium quality PN4 pipe and Australian Standard welding, we can guarantee you a successful project.
6387 Murray Valley Highway, Cohuna Phone (03) 5456 2233 Fax (03) 5456 4715 Graham Webb: 0428 562 233 Michael Bicknell: 0427 504 154 www.gmpoly.com.au