e-News Edition #9

Date: 16-Jun-2023

Hot Topics

1. 2023 Waterwise Irrigation Expo - Delegates Tickets on Sale Now

2. Changes to Irrigation Australia Membership Logos

3. Honouring Length of Service in Waterwise

4. Queensland State Budget - Investment in Water Projects

5. Mental Health Update

6. Congratulations Dan Norton OAM

7. Murray-Darling Basin Plan Review: Roadmap Released

1. 2023 Waterwise Irrigation Expo - Delegates Tickets on Sale Now

The 2023 Waterwise Irrigation Expo will be held on 16th August at Optus Stadium in Perth. 

The Waterwise Irrigation Expo is the premier Western Australian event for the urban landscape industry. This year’s Expo will provide Delegates a wide range of learning outcomes, and an exclusive opportunity to access the Stadium’s playing field. The Stadium and the surrounding Park is located on the Burswood Peninsula and has sweeping views of the Swan River and Perth city in the west and the foothills in the east.

Delegates will participate in seminars which consist of classroom and field components that are based on a series of industry-related topics that will be of interest to not only the irrigation industry, but local government, landscape, turf, retailers, installers and contractors. Each group will rotate throughout the day and both exhibitors and delegates will benefit from an allocated time slot within the trade show for each group to engage with industry suppliers and see the latest technologies on show.

We have introduced a dedicated stream for School Gardeners at this year’s event. The topics covered will assist in expanding the knowledge of this sector of the market in water efficient practices.

Secure your ticket today - download the full Delegate Prospectus or register from either of the event streams below.

Industry Stream https://www.irrigationaustralia.com.au/EventDetail?EventKey=WA006 

School Stream https://www.irrigationaustralia.com.au/EventDetail?EventKey=WA007 

2. Changes to Irrigation Australia Membership Logos

After careful consideration and in alignment with our evolving brand strategy, Irrigation Australia (IAL) has made the decision to discontinue the updating of the membership logo with the years appearing. This means that we will have one set logo for members available for download through your IAL membership account.

We understand that member logos have been a valuable representation of your affiliation with our organization, and we appreciate the support and partnership you have shown us throughout the years. Please be assured that this change in no way diminishes the significance of your membership or our commitment to maintaining a strong relationship with you. We are, for example, looking into potential system enhancements to include a means of linking the logo to your member profile on our web site.

While we recognize that member logos have provided a visual representation of our network and collaborations, we believe that emphasizing our collective achievements and shared values through other means will better reflect our evolving identity as an organization.

Thank you for your understanding and continued partnership. We look forward to exploring new avenues to showcase our collective achievements and strengthen our collaborative efforts.

3. Honouring Length of Service in Waterwise

Congratulations to the Endorsed Waterwise Garden Irrigators in Western Australia, who have been in the program for over 10 years! To read their testimonials – please click here.

4. Queensland State Budget - Investment in Water Projects

The Palaszczuk Labor Government has announced funding to support a series of water infrastructure projects in its most recent budget, including.

• Burdekin Falls Dam raising and improvement project progressing
• Paradise Dam improvement project funding locked in
• Increased investment to deliver Rookwood Weir
• Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline powering new industries and water security
• $2.6 million for an Urban Water Risk Assessment to better understand drinking water and water security risks across regional and remote communities, working with water service providers, local governments and other Queensland Government agencies.
• $8 million over two years has been allocated for a detailed assessment of the water requirements for the hydrogen industry in Gladstone.
• $22.8 million to continue the 15 per cent irrigation price discount.
• $7 million for Cloncurry’s water supply through the Community Service Obligation.
• $10.8 million as part of Queensland’s $40.4 million contribution to the Mount Morgan Pipeline.
• $300,000 to the State Council of River Trusts to continue to support the important work of River Improvement Trusts across the Queensland.

To view the full media statement from the Queensland Government, click here.

5. Mental Health Update

To support mental health within the irrigation industry, Irrigation Australia has supported Trademutt, the iconic Australian workwear brand. By wearing Trademutt Polo Shirts, Irrigation Australia aims to raise awareness, promote conversations, and foster a supportive environment for mental well-being among irrigation professionals. This highlights Irrigation Australia's commitment to addressing the mental health challenges faced by individuals in the industry while encouraging others to join the cause.

The irrigation sector, like many others, has experienced the impact of mental health issues. However, addressing these challenges head-on has often been overlooked due to stigma and lack of awareness. Irrigation Australia, recognizing the importance of starting conversations and breaking the silence, has chosen to champion Trademutt Polo Shirts as a vehicle for change.

The vibrant Trademutt Polo Shirts serve as more than just a fashion statement; they symbolize empowerment and solidarity within the irrigation community. By donning these shirts, irrigation professionals proudly display their commitment to mental health support, encouraging others to seek help and creating a sense of unity.

To look at purchasing your own Trademutt workwear, click here.

6. Congratulations Dan Norton OAM

We are thrilled to confirm Mr. Jasper Daniel Norton (Dan), an Irrigation Australia Life Member has been recognised through the King’s Birthday Honours with an Order of Australia in the General Division for service to agriculture, and to the community.

Dan represented the Association on a number of committees including the WA regional committee 2007-2013 as chair of Harvey Water (and also representing Gascoyne Water and Ord Cooperative). 

Recognised as a “top bloke” always willing to offer advice and support to others, we extend our congratulations for this wonderful acknowledgement. 

7. Murray-Darling Basin Plan Review: Roadmap Released

The National Irrigators’ Council acknowledges and welcomes the Murray-Darling Basin Plan Review Roadmap released today at River Reflections by Sir Angus Houston, MDBA Chair.

NIC CEO Isaac Jeffrey said: “All Australians are connected to the Murray-Darling Basin, whether they know it or not. Forty percent of our farms, over $22 billion is economic activity at the farmgate, thousands of direct and indirect jobs, and the vast majority of the irrigated produce which hits our dinner plates and clothes us is grown in the Basin.

“The Plan has been a vital tool in balancing the needs of our communities, our environment and our productive sector. It hasn’t always got it right, but it has achieved a great deal since its inception. The Plan’s review is fundamentally important to assess how it has operated to date and how it can operate into the future to ensure we can keep our rivers and communities healthy and thriving, while feeding and clothing Australia and the world.

“In releasing the Roadmap, Sir Angus noted the review will be underpinned by science and research. NIC supports this commitment with a strong recommendation that the science must include socio-economic modelling and impact analysis.

“The Roadmap sets four important focus areas for the Outlook, Evaluation and Review of the Plan: climate change; sustainable water limits; cultural water; and regulatory design. Sir Angus noted the likelihood of hotter and drier conditions, while noting the extremes in weather we could face.

“The Plan to date has been tarnished by its unyielding focus on volumes. It was welcome to hear the MDBA is considering how to set sustainable water limits using alternate models which are not just focused on volumes. NIC has repeatedly called for flexibility and a focus on outcomes, not volumes, so we applaud this common-sense approach.

“The third focus area is on cultural water, which includes water management and ownership. NIC has supported the $40 million allocation for First Nations water ownership and encourages the Government to get this money out the door and into communities as soon as possible. We also support further engagement and involvement of First Nations peoples in the management of our river systems and are keen to see more First Nations businesses operating within the Basin, so we welcome this focus from the MDBA.

“The final pillar of the Review is a focus on regulatory design. Sir Angus noted the need to have a “fair pitch” with the right rules in place, while looking at ways to simplify the Plan and make it more user friendly. NIC welcomes this commitment. Our farmers just want to get on with running their businesses and growing food and fibre. They want to be compliant and act within the rules, without being burdened by copious amounts of red tape and financial imposts.

“Given the failures of some government agencies to date on genuine consultation, NIC applauds the MDBA for setting out this Roadmap and getting it out early for people to consider, and for its commitment to genuinely consult with all Basin stakeholders. Only through listening can they actually know the impact of their decisions.”

Ends. Media Contact: Isaac Jeffrey 0407 083 890 ceo@irrigators.org.au

Till next time, best wishes....

Click here if you are interested in becoming an Irrigation Australia Member.

Click here to view upcoming Training Courses.

Click here to view the latest Career Opportunities available within the Irrigation Industry.