e-News Edition #11

Date: 01-Aug-2023

Hot Topics

1. 2023 Waterwise Irrigation Expo - Optus Stadium, Perth - Registrations Closing 9th August 2023

2. Save the Date for the first in our new webinar series - 10AM AEST 22 August 2023 - Certification Continued Professional Development (CPD)

3. Call for Nominations Opening Soon: Join the Irrigation Australia Board!

4. Training 23/24 Courses Now Available

5. EOI Exhibition and Sponsorship Opportunities - Next Irrigation Australia Conference Sydney 2023

6. Media Release - Murray-Darling Basin Plan Timeline Extension

7. PIPA Members Technical Update - July 2023

8. Training - WHS is more than just a set of SWMS!

9. Release of Report of the 24th ICID Congress, 3-10 October 2022, Adelaide Australia

10. ACT Non-Urban Metering Market Update

11. Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2021 - New Act Came into Effect on 1st July 2023

12. WA PITS Funding - Available Now

1. 2023 Waterwise Irrigation Expo - Optus Stadium, Perth - Registrations Closing 9th August 2023

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. Save the Date for the First in our New Webinar Series - 10AM AEST 22 August 2023 - Certification Continued Professional Development (CPD)

Join us in August as we hold the first webinar in a new monthly series of webinars to provide members and prospective members information about our key programs and planned activities. We are kicking off with Certification, ably led by John Harvie who is the current Chair of our Certification Board and one of our most experienced trainers. The session is designed for both existing Irrigation Australia Certification holders and those interested in becoming Certified, and will cover:

Specific detail on Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and recent amendments made to the points table
A demonstration of how to upload evidence to our site to support CPD for existing Certified Persons
Q&A

This is your opportunity to learn tips and tricks, as well as provide direct feedback on this program designed to put a quality framework around your qualifications and help market your business.

Can’t make the proposed time?

Register your interest in any case and we will ensure you receive a link to the recording as soon as it’s available. All will be posted on our web site in due course – this first one is open to all but some may be restricted to member access depending on the topic.

New to webinars?

We are starting using Microsoft Teams but may migrate to Zoom after we have a sense of how popular they will be. Our aim is that they will take no more than 35 minutes including questions. There are some ground rules to ensure everyone is treated respectfully and questions will be welcome, lodged through the chat function. We aim to publish a forward program for webinars shortly and will be inviting suggestions for future topics.

Thanks in advance to John and the Irrigation Australia admin team for delivering the event, and we hope to see you there.

To register for this webinar please click here.

3. Call for Nominations Opening Soon: Join the Irrigation Australia Board!

Attention all eligible active financial members of Irrigation Australia! We are excited to announce the upcoming Board Director elections will be opening soon, and we invite you to participate in this important process. This is your chance to contribute to the growth and development of our organisation.

The requirements and attributes expected of someone applying for a Board position would include a good understanding and knowledge of the irrigation industry sector with business management experience including financial acumen. Members with a willingness to do more and the ability to adapt and adjust during uncertain times are valuable attributes.

Here are the key details you need to know:

🔹 Five Vacancies: There are five positions available this election, providing a significant opportunity for you to make an impact on our board.

🔹 "Key Information" Document: In the first formal notification, we will provide you with a version of the "Key Information" document. This comprehensive resource will equip you with essential details about the nomination process and the responsibilities of a board director.

🔹 Director Nomination Forms: On 11 August, we will issue the Director Nomination Forms, allowing you to nominate individuals whom you believe would be valuable assets to the board.

🔹 Friendly Reminder: To ensure that all interested members have a chance to participate, we will send out a reminder a couple of weeks after the initial notification.

🔹 Last Call for Nominations: In early September, specifically on 8 September, we will have the last call for nominations. This is your final opportunity to submit nominations and have your voice heard.

🔹 Collating Nominations and Profiles: Once the nomination period concludes, our dedicated team will diligently collate all the nominations and collect the necessary profile documents from the candidates. This ensures a thorough evaluation of each nominee's qualifications and aspirations.

🔹 Handling Excess Nominations: In the event that we receive more nominations than available slots, we have a fair and transparent process in place. All profile documents will be made available, and we will initiate a voting process to select the board directors.

🔹 Voting Procedure: This may change for this year – we are investigating an online system to make voting easier.

Your participation in the Irrigation Australia Board Director elections is essential for shaping the future of our organisation. We encourage you to engage actively and nominate individuals who can bring fresh perspectives and expertise to our board.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to make a difference! Stay tuned for further updates and reach out to us if you have any questions or require additional information.

Together, let's cultivate a thriving future for Irrigation Australia!

4. Training 23/24 Courses Now Available!

Hurry, spaces are filling up fast! Reserve your spot now and elevate your irrigation expertise to new heights.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your journey in the world of irrigation, these courses offer invaluable insights and hands-on experience.

Our range of nationally accredited courses and qualifications are designed to provide you with the right skills and knowledge to pursue a career in the irrigation industry.

We will be continuing to add courses regularly, so make sure to keep your eye out!

Certificate III in Irrigation Technology AHC32422– South Australia – August

Storage Meter Installation and Validation – Goondiwindi – August (NSW Funded Course)

Irrigation Pumps and Systems – Virtual - September

Certificate III in Irrigation Technology AHC32422 – New South Wales - October

Meter Installation and Validation – New South Wales - October

Email training@irrigation.org.au for more information.

5. EOI Exhibition and Sponsorship Opportunities - Next Irrigation Australia Conference Sydney 2024

We are thrilled to announce that the Irrigation Australia International Conference and Exhibition is returning to Sydney in September 2024, and we are now accepting expressions of interest for exhibition and sponsorship opportunities! This event brings together industry leaders, professionals, and innovators to showcase the latest advancements and solutions in irrigation technology. With a rich history of success, the conference offers an unparalleled platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and business expansion. Take the chance to be part of this remarkable event that drives the future of irrigation!

As an exhibitor or sponsor, you will have the unique opportunity to gain significant visibility and connect with key decision-makers in the irrigation industry. Showcase your products, services, and expertise to a highly targeted audience of industry professionals, government representatives, researchers, and investors. With extensive media coverage and a comprehensive marketing campaign, your brand will receive widespread recognition and exposure throughout the conference.

Join us in Sydney, Australia, and seize the chance to establish valuable partnerships, generate leads, and leave a lasting impact on the future of irrigation. Stay tuned for more details on expressing your interest and securing your spot at the Irrigation Australia International Conference and Exhibition 2024!

Expression of interest form here.

6. Media Release - Murray-Darling Basin Plan Timeline Extension

The National Irrigators’ Council has welcomed Minister Plibersek’s announcement that the timelines will be extended to finalise the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.

NIC CEO Isaac Jeffrey said: “Today’s announcement is a credit to Minister Plibersek and her pragmatic approach to finalising the Basin Plan. NIC has been calling for this timeline extension and we are thankful the Minister has agreed to do so.

“This timeline extension means Basin communities can avoid the absolute devastation which would come from water buybacks – which would hurt regional communities through job, business and economic losses. They would also hurt all Australians at the checkout as higher water prices and lower production puts upward pressure on cost of living.

“It is now up to the States to get out into communities, consult, finalise project plans and get their Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism (SDLAM) projects, delayed by floods and COVID, delivered within these new timeframes.

“The Minister has received a raft of ideas through the latest Department consultation process on finalising the Basin Plan and it is important they are all considered to find new ways of meeting the Basin targets without the need for buybacks.

“NIC put forward a number of ideas, including investment in infrastructure, complementary measures and partnerships, designed to add flexibility and focus on achieving outcomes. We encourage the Minister to implement these under both the SDLAM and Efficiency Measures programs to finalise the Plan within the new timeframes.

“The Ministerial Council (MinCo) is still to agree these time extensions, but we encourage them to do so. We also ask MinCo to hold true to its commitment to regional communities of socio-economic neutrality for the Efficiency Measures program. It’s just commonsense that public policy shouldn’t harm communities or our economy, and that applies to Basin policy too.

“Farmers want to see healthy rivers and wildlife, healthy and happy communities, and a thriving productive sector which flows into other associated and value-add industries. NIC asks all Members of Parliament and Senators, and the State Parliaments, to back this change to the timelines to ensure we can deliver a good, balanced and sensible plan.

“NIC looks forward to working with Basin Governments to finalise the Plan and to the continuing outcomes for the productive sector, the environment and local communities, which are already being achieved under the Basin Plan.”

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

7. PIPA Members Technical Update - July 2023

Draft AS/NZS 2033:20XX is now available for public comment

AS/NZS 2033:2008 Installation of polyethylene pipe systems has undergone a significant review by the Standards Australia PL-006 Polyolefin Pipe Systems Committee. The draft version of this standard DR AS/NZS 2033:20XX is now available for public comment. Due to the extensive update made to the draft version of AS/NZS 2033:20XX a summary of the key changes has been documented. PIPA strongly encourages users of AS/NZS 2033:2008 to review the draft standard and provide any feedback through the Standards Australia public comment process. The document also provides guidance on how to comment on a draft standard. Don't forget to share this document within your organisations with relevant stakeholders. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact Cindy Bray. Closing date for public comment is Monday 11th September 2023.

8. Training - WHS is more than just a set of SWMS!

Stuart Alexander recently had the good fortune of attending an Irrigation Australia staff Toolbox Talk where the topic was centered around “Ergonomics”. Incorrect ergonomics in the workplace has the potential to contribute to an injury, or disease, of the musculoskeletal system. Regardless of the manual handling task - which could include for example digging a trench, driving heavy equipment, sitting at the desk doing the accounts, restock the shelves etc. - the physical ergonomics of manual handling can present as a hazardous workplace activity. Controls, including discussions to increase awareness of the risks, are an important start to mitigating the risks. A subject often overlooked or simply not discussed until the neck is sore, or maybe the back pain is worse than it was last week. Delivered as part of a training assessment, the session was quite an eye opener to the many simple causes of workplace incidents that are not identified, reported, or controlled. The result for Irrigation Australia was to immediately implement inexpensive controls with a planned set of follow-up sessions for all staff.

Further information on “Hazardous manual tasks” can be found in code of practice documents from most state WHS government departments.

https://wcq-search.squiz.cloud/s/redirect?collection=wcq-meta&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.worksafe.qld.gov.au%2F__data%2Fassets%2Fpdf_file%2F0020%2F72632%2Fhazardous-manual-tasks-cop-2021.pdf&auth=J3efO%2BX1q4OioAuUgcZhXQ&profile=_default&rank=1&query=hazardous+manual+tasks

9. Release of Report of the 24th ICID Congress, 3-10 October 2022, Adelaide Australia

The Report of the 24th International Congress on Irrigation and Drainage has been uploaded on the ICID website and can be accessed at: https://icid-ciid.org/icid_data_web/24th-ICIDCongressReport2022.pdf

10. ACT Non-Urban Metering Market Update

The ACT Government is in the final stages of adopting its Non-urban Water Metering Policy which will incorporate the requirements of the Metrological Assurance Framework 2 and Australian Standard 4747:2013 – Meters for non-urban water supply. Implementation of the policy is expected to be rolled out in three stages between 1 December 2023 and 31 December 2024.

To prepare for the implementation of the Policy, the ACT Government is trying to make existing suitably qualified persons aware of the upcoming requirements for accuracy testing and meter validations, as well as encourage potential new qualified persons. If you are interested in undertaking a ‘Certified Meter Installer and Validator’ training course through Irrigation Australia before December 2023 for the purposes of working in the ACT, please email training@irrigation.org.au with your location and this will be factored into scheduling this year.

As background information, in the ACT:

There are currently 180 active licence holders
Approximately 70% of licenses are for groundwater use
There are approximately 310 active water meters, in both urban and rural settings
Licensed water take ranges from 0.5ML to 523ML per year

Further information is available by contacting Sara McIntyre from the ACT Office of Water at sara.mcintyre@act.gov.au

11. Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2021 - New Act came into effect on 1st July 2023

WA’s new Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2021 represents a significant step towards achieving equity in the relationship between Aboriginal people, industry, and government.

Laws to protect Aboriginal cultural heritage have been modernised, and came into effect from 1 July 2023. Everything that land users are already doing now is permitted under the new Act.

The new process makes it simpler and fairer, introducing practical exemptions for the first time.

This includes exemptions for activities that are the same in area, height and depth as an existing land use.

To find out about the new Act that came into effect on the 1st of July 2023, click here.

12. WA PITS Funding - Available Now

Irrigation Australia is excited to advise that there are now opportunities for irrigation industry businesses wanting to employ a subsidised trainee in Western Australia.

This training course includes everything an employee would need to learn to design, operate and maintain irrigation systems in a wide range of professional environments, such as:

Local Government (councils)
Landscapers
Irrigation Retail Outlets
Irrigation Contractors

Once the trainee has successfully completed the course, they will receive a Nationally Recognised Qualification as a Qualified Irrigation Technician.

Priority Industry Training (PIT) provides eligible participants with subsidised training opportunities under Jobs and Skills WA. Priority training areas include apprenticeships, eligible traineeships, and priority industry qualifications. This WA government funded training opportunity exists for irrigation industry businesses wanting to train existing workers in AHC32422 Certificate III in Irrigation Technology.

PIT’s subsidised traineeships are available to WA residents who are: