e-News Edition #12

Date: 25-Aug-2023

Hot Topics

1. Waterwise Expo Event Summary

2. Media Release - Working Together to Keep our Green Spaces Watered and Healthy

3. Blue x green = thriving

4. WA Laws Overturned: Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Legislation Replaced

5. Media Release - Murray-Darling Basin Plan: States Given Three More Years to Finish Water Projects as Extra Buybacks on Table

6. Call for Nominations Now Open - Closes 8th September 2023

7. WA PITS Funding - 40 Additional Spots Now Available

8. EOI Exhibition and Sponsorship Opportunities - Next Irrigation Australia Conference Sydney 2024, Event Website Now Live!

9. Save the Date - Rainwater Harvesting Afternoon Event, Canberra

10. Training 23/24 Courses Now Available

11. Membership Benefits - Job Board

1. Waterwise Expo Event Summary

The 2023 Waterwise Irrigation Expo is over for another 2 years, but what an event it was. We have been overwhelmed with positive feedback proving the event and the model is a huge success with industry participants.

With 286 people in total (delegates, exhibitors, guests, group leaders and staff) the plenary session was a full house. The Minister for Water representative (Christine Tonkin MLA), Michelle Andrew – DG DWER, Pat Donovan – CEO Water Corporation kicked off the plenary session which was MCed by our very own WA Regional Chair – Alison Waters.

A big thank you must be extended to Hamish Sutherland of HG Turf and Lucas Skelton of SportEng for being our keynote presenters.

Delegates learnt about how to “set the scene for a successful project delivery” - these guys shared the stage explaining what a typical project lifecycle includes client brief, site investigation, feasibility/concept, detailed design, procurement, construction, turfgrass establishment, commence usage and day to day maintenance.

After a quick morning tea break, the delegates found their group leader and commenced their rotational in-field seminars which took them to various locations within Optus Stadium and learning about, the artesian bore, pump system, iron filtration system, irrigation control and finally “what makes a good design”.

Another thank you to all our exhibitors – their trade booths looked amazing and were kept very busy interacting with industry all day.

2. Media Release - Working Together to Keep our Green Spaces Watered and Healthy

How do we foster healthy green spaces – and the communities that rely on them – while being mindful of the large amounts of water they consume?

That was the topic at hand at the Greening Communities with Smarter Irrigation seminar.

That session, held on Tuesday 8 August at the Williamstown Cricket Ground in Victoria, brought together open space managers, groundskeepers and environmental planners to foster partnerships and sharing of expertise.

The event theme was Achieving best practice irrigation of green space with alternative water sources. It was a day of workshops from industry experts who presented the latest research and best practice to support transitions to alternative water sources like stormwater harvesting and recycled water.

Greater Western Water co-hosted the event with South-East Water and Yarra Valley Water in partnership with Irrigation Australia (IAL) and the IAL Regional Committee.

The Hon. Harriet Shing, Minister for Water was there to open the event, where she championed its alignment with the Victorian Government’s Integrated Water Management Program.

She said that the program, like the seminar, brought the water sector together to help government and the community better plan, manage and deliver water in Victoria’s towns and cities.

“In a time of climate change and increasing urbanisation, it is vital to improve the way we manage water in our urban communities,” she said.

“When we irrigate with diverse water sources like stormwater, rainwater and fit-for-purpose recycled water, we play our part in ensuring water security for generations to come.”

Greater Western Water’s General Manager Customer Experience, Rohan Charrett, said those at the seminar played a crucial role in helping communities to thrive.

“By maintaining sport and recreation spaces, and greening and cooling our region, they are helping to make Victoria a great place to live,” he said.

“And while this work is crucial for the health of our communities, it requires large volumes of water. So, partnerships like this, and identifying the best ways to manage water together, are vital steps towards Victoria’s water security.”

3. Blue x green = thriving

The community understands that clean, safe drinking water and wastewater management are fundamental to all cities and communities. However, when asked what contributes to liveable cities, please often cite transport, housing, education and health services.

Irrigation Australia has commenced discussions with the Water Services Association of Australia around partnering on activities to raise awareness of the importance of green spaces to community well-being, with an aim to positively influencing policy and community awareness.

WSAA’s report on Blue + green = liveability has been released, please click here to view.

4. WA Laws Overturned: Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Legislation Replaced

After serious consideration and consultation, the Cook Government will repeal Aboriginal cultural heritage laws and restore the original Aboriginal Heritage Act of 1972, with simple and effective amendments to help prevent another Juukan Gorge incident.

For more information, click here.

5. Media Release - Murray-Darling Basin Plan: States Given Three More Years to Finish Water Projects as Extra Buybacks on Table

“The states will have three more years to complete water efficiency projects in the Murray-Darling and will be offered more money, but more water buybacks from agriculture are also on the table, the federal water minister has said." Guardian article: available here. ABC News: available here.

6. Call for Nominations Now Open - Closes 8th September 2023

Are you passionate about the future of Australia's irrigation industry? Do you have fresh ideas and a drive to make a difference?

We're thrilled to announce that Irrigation Australia is now accepting nominations for its Board of Directors!

This is your chance to be a part of a dynamic team shaping the future of irrigation in Australia.

Nominate Now! Your expertise and vision could help drive innovation, sustainability, and growth in this crucial sector.

To nominate yourself or a colleague, visit our website today!

Nominations close at 5 pm Friday 8th September 2023.

For more information, please email companysecretary@irrigation.org.au.

7. WA PITS Funding - 40 Additional Spots Now Available

Irrigation Australia is excited to advise that there are 40 additional spots now available 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:

existing employees or
new employees with over 3 months of fulltime employment

Eligible PITs participants are required to pay a co-contribution fee of $2,905.50.

To register for the course and apply for the PITs funding, please email training@irrigation.org.au and we’ll do the rest.

8. EOI Exhibition and Sponsorship Opportunities - Next Irrigation Australia Conference Sydney 2024, Event Website Now Live!

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!

Expression of interest form here.

The official website for the Irrigation Australia Conference and Exhibition, scheduled for September 2024 in Sydney, is now live and ready for exploration!

Click on the below link to find out the theme for the event with the Call for Abstracts opening soon!

Visit www.irrigationconference2024.com.au

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!

9. Save the Date - Rainwater Harvesting Afternoon Event, Canberra

Theme - Rainwater Resilience: Integrating Rainwater to Strengthen Urban Systems and Mitigate Natural Disasters

Date: Wednesday, 8th November 2023

Time: 4:30pm – 6:30pm

Location: Dame Dorothy Tankney Alcove, Parliament House Canberra

Rainwater Harvesting Australia (a division of Irrigation Australia) is holding an afternoon event reflecting on our changing world and using more natural systems to build more efficient and resilient cities.

This is a rare and important opportunity to support our industry and present to other stakeholders in the development industry why rainwater harvesting is an important part of the water, stormwater and waterways solution for our cities.

Rainwater Harvesting asks you to hold the date and think about who might attend or who you might invite to this event at Parliament House in Canberra.

The 2020s are challenging our urban systems with drought, bushfires, floods and another drought coming. Working with natural systems rather than in opposition to them is a key to future planning as our infrastructure is increasingly challenged. Small changes to every building has major impacts on the performance of our cities. Stormwater and urban waterways are both a threat and an opportunity to build more natural and more resilient cities. Using rainwater from your roof is more efficient than building a dam, treating water to drinking standard, pumping it across the city and using that water to flush a toilet. Rainwater is a great example of an integrated solution that helps address water security, water efficiency, stormwater, natural waterways, urban greening and heat island effects using natural systems and microscale infrastructure.

We are still finalising speakers but at this stage we expect to have a Minister or similar to introduce the event. A leading expert will provide an assessment of the climate change challenges we can expect in our cities, what we need to prepare for over a few short decades. We will challenge conventional thinking about stormwater and urban waterways from a first peoples perspective helping us to reconnect with our country. Stormwater experts will discuss major policy advances on the challenges we face and the importance of rainwater management in existing urban areas.

We look forward to seeing you in Canberra.

Jackie Hammond, Chair Rainwater Harvesting

10. Training 23/24 Courses Now Available

Don't miss your chance to enhance your skills and career opportunities in the rapidly growing field of irrigation! Our highly sought-after training courses are filling up fast for the rest of the year, so act quickly to secure your spot!

Why Choose Our Courses?

Expert Instructors: Learn from industry-leading experts with years of hands-on experience.
Practical Knowledge: Gain real-world, practical skills that are in high demand in the agriculture and landscaping sectors.
Cutting-Edge Techniques: Stay up-to-date with the latest irrigation technologies and methods.
Career Advancement: Boost your resume and open doors to exciting career opportunities.
Limited Spaces: Hurry, our courses are in high demand, and spaces are filling up fast!

Whether you're new to irrigation or looking to refine your existing skills, our courses cater to all levels. Don't delay your journey to success - enrol now and secure your place in our upcoming irrigation training courses before they're fully booked!

Certificate III in Irrigation Technology NSW Intake – commencing 26th of September
Certificate III in Irrigation Technology VIC Intake – commencing 26th of September
Certificate IV in Irrigation Management NSW Intake – commencing 24th of October
Meter Installation and Validation – Paterson, NSW – 24th – 26th October

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

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

11. Membership Benefits - Job Board

Promoting your upcoming job openings on the Irrigation Australia Jobs Board, hosted on the Irrigation Australia website, offers advantages for both employers and job seekers in the irrigation industry.

For employers, this platform provides targeted exposure to a highly specialized and engaged audience, ensuring that your job listings reach professionals with the specific skills and expertise needed in the irrigation sector. By leveraging Irrigation Australia's reputation and industry authority, your job postings gain credibility and trustworthiness.

On the other hand, job seekers benefit from a curated selection of job opportunities in their field of interest. The Irrigation Australia Jobs Board streamlines their job search, connecting them directly with employers looking for their unique skill set.

Moreover, by choosing Irrigation Australia's platform, you're contributing to the growth and development of the irrigation community. Your support helps sustain valuable industry resources and initiatives.

If you are a current member of Irrigation Australia, this is a member benefit that you can access.

This opportunity is also available for non-members of Irrigation Australia for $250 excl GST.

If you want to know more information, please email info@irrigation.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.

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