e-News Edition #14

Date: 16-Oct-2023

Hot Topics

1. CEO Update including release of simple careers resources

2. 9th Asian Regional Irrigation and Drainage Conference Event - Exhibition and Sponsorship Prospectus - Secure your Spot Quickly!

3. 9th Asian Regional Irrigation and Drainage Conference Event - Call for Abstracts now open!

4. QLD - Wamuran Irrigation Scheme Field Day - Thanks for joining us!

5. ACT - Rainwater Harvesting Event - Rainwater Resilience: Integrating Rainwater to Strengthen Urban Systems and Mitigate Natural Disasters - 8th November 2023 - Parliament House, Canberra

6. Training 23/24 Courses now available

7. Monash University - New Practice Guide for Lot-scale Cooling

8. ICID - Report on the International Webinar on Empowerment and Capacity Development of Women in Water Resources Management

9. Membership Benefits - Frequently Asked Questions Now Available

10. Other Training / Information Sessions

1. CEO Update including release of simple careers resources

As this e-News is released, elections have closed for our Board and tallies are being finalised ahead of our AGM on 25 October. I can say that there were 11 nominations for 5 positions, and with the new online system we received more than double the votes than last year with what I am told was a largely seamless exercise. My sincere thanks to all who made it happen and members who nominated.

I can also say non-specifically and irrespective of the final result, I feel genuinely privileged to have worked with all our Directors over the last 12 months. Somehow we managed to get an amazing mix of representation from our membership and all have put significant time and effort into your Association and provided incredible support to the business and staff as we move through a significant period of change. Plenty of big challenges as we head towards 2024, but exciting times as we try some new things.

I’ve written here and in the Journal in the past about some of those plans at a high level and following the AGM and meeting of the new Board there will be more to report. For now, a few more things available, and coming in the foreseeable future.

We have an Irrigation Futures (or Centre of Irrigation Excellence Mk II) prospectus available for potential sponsors and supporters of Irrigation Australia. Please reach out to me directly at dave.cameron@irrigation.org.au if you’re interested in discussing or just having a look at the document – this is an opportunity to get in on the ground floor with our new venture designed to address all of the feedback I’ve received over the last 12 months of consultation with members and stakeholders and while it’s not secret, we are hoping to build on our existing supporting partners over the next couple of months and then recognise all in the strategic plan for the venture to be released in early 2024.

The work will involve a number of advisory groups going forward and we will be reaching out to members before Christmas to start to seek interest in participation. The whole approach has a clear focus on membership and member value, and for our supporters, a clear means of recognising the significant amount they do to support the industry.

We’ve commissioned a series of new web site builds including https://www.irrigationaustralia.com.au/. Much is designed to address accessibility and functionality and in some cases (like Waterwise), move to a new hosting environment before the current unsupported one runs into trouble. We continue to work through a number of the integration issues for students that come with being both an Association and a Registered Training Organisation.
Ultimately we are building an irrigation careers site, but for now we are pleased to release some basic information to support members in their quest to successfully recruit and retain.
- https://www.irrigationaustralia.com.au/IAL-Careers-test/home – includes some key messaging around what we reckon is great about working in irrigation and based on some exercises we’ve run at recent industry events. There are a couple of downloadable PDFs you can print and use at careers days or similar, and a few links to videos including a new one with Leon Bideri whose path into and around our industry is both interesting and endearing. We want to keep building on this – please give us feedback, suggestions and if you know of any stars who can help us with things like the video, please let us know.
- https://www.irrigationaustralia.com.au/IAL-Careers-test/sponsors – currently this employers page reflects our Centre of Irrigation Excellence sponsors and major retail group members who will automatically be part of the new Irrigation Futures. In time we may include some other advertising options, and I’ve also been talking to the web developer about a mapping interface so people can more easily identify employers and jobs by location. For now it’s just about providing some profile information about the types of jobs available to newbies, for expansion in our new careers site.
- https://www.irrigationaustralia.com.au/IAL-Careers-test/training-skills – this is the stuff currently and soon to be available through Irrigation Australia’s training division, structured in terms of escalating levels of interest. There are quite a few things in the pipeline here including some more online courses – we expect the free high-level introduction to irrigation option targeted at high school kids to be ready early in the new year.
  Again, please help us make this as useful possible by recommending links and resources.
A few other upcoming likely things:
We are currently in the middle of a membership review and making recommendations to our board for consideration in December. It is designed to simplify a number of options including our service discounts but also to demonstrate our commitment to growing memberships, and improving value for existing members.
We expect to have some new online, self-paced courses available in early 2024, intended to support newcomers to the industry and members’ attraction and retention efforts.
After two successful Certification webinars, the next in our series in November is like to be a short presentation from me on this future direction, and I am trying to lock down a co-presenter to help with a new idea we’re keen to test.

I, along with the Chair of our Australian National ICID Committee, Momir Vranes will have the pleasure of attending the 25th ICID International Congress and 74th International Executive Council Meeting in Andhra Pradesh, India from the start of November. The first big trip in the role with the main objectives being of course to look for synergies and opportunities with the international irrigation and drainage networks, but also to promote our major event in Sydney next year. We will be working hard, while there does happen to be an ODI World Cup on at the time, the nearest ground is most unfortunately 14 hours drive away.

- Dave Cameron, CEO

2. 9th Asian Regional Irrigation and Drainage Conference Event - Exhibition and Sponsorship Prospectus - Secure your Spot Quickly!

Welcome Davey and Brown Brothers as major event sponsors!

We're thrilled to announce that the much-anticipated Irrigation Australia Exhibition and Sponsorship Prospectus for 2024 is now available, and it's your golden ticket to unprecedented exposure, networking, and business growth. Don't miss your chance – secure your spot today!

This event is linked to the ICID 9th Asian Regional Conference and brings together industry leaders and professionals 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!

Visit the official event website for the Irrigation Australia Conference and Exhibition and https://irrigationconference2024.com.au/sponsors-exhibitions/ for the exhibition and sponsorship prospectus.

3. 9th Asian Regional Irrigation and Drainage Conference Event - Call for Abstracts now open!

Theme: Irrigation’s role in delivering economically viable food security and sustainable urban green spaces in an increasingly unpredictable climate.

Head to https://irrigationconference2024.com.au/call-for-abstracts to review the sub-themes and a further eye on these e-news articles for other opportunities as the program evolves. The program is overseen by the ICID Australia National Committee – if you have great ideas to make it interesting and engaging please reach out to dave.cameron@irrigation.org.au for consideration by the committee.

This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your expertise, share your insights, and engage with a diverse audience of professionals in your field.

4. QLD - Wamuran Irrigation Scheme Field Day - Thanks for joining us!

The Irrigation Australia Queensland Member Committee hosted a half day bus tour of the Wamuran Irrigation Scheme on 5 October. The tour included site visits to:

the Caboolture South Sewage Treatment Plant and enhanced treatment facility (to get the water quality to A class);
the Moodlu Quarry site – an old quarry purchased by Unitywater to store treated water which will ultimately be pumped from the Sewage Plant, then further disinfected and distributed to growers in the region; and
Piñata Farms and Twin View Turf – a couple of growers at the end of the pipe.

The project is a great example of benefits across the water cycle – as the utility, Unitywater is able to deal with growing population and limitations to its discharge licence, by reusing water, and the growers look forward to high quality water, improvements to water security in a drying climate, and access to a pressurised system.

Check out the photos from the tour here – if you are an Irrigation Australia member or interested in becoming one and located in Queensland and keen to help plan future such events, please reach out to tracy.martin@irrigation.org.au. We are currently looking into an option around Townsville in March next year to coincide with our first regional Queensland intake of Cert III Irrigation Technology students.

Our sincere thanks to Unitywater for supporting the day and particularly Justin Simonis and Lisa Illott for hosting.

5. ACT - Rainwater Harvesting Event - Rainwater Resilience: Integrating Rainwater to Strengthen Urban Systems and Mitigate Natural Disasters - 8th November - Parliament House, Canberra

You are invited to join Rainwater Harvesting Australia (a division of Irrigation Australia) at a significant networking opportunity and discussion on:

Mitigating natural disasters & building resilient cities
Revisiting stormwater and urban waterways
Urban stormwater land use planning policies in South Australia

The 2020s are challenging our urban systems with bushfires, floods, and drought. Working with natural systems is a key to future planning as our current infrastructure is not designed for future challenges.

Designing at the building scale creates opportunities to address water demand, stormwater risks, waterway health, urban greening and resilience to disasters. The Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) program in NSW relies heavily on rainwater harvesting and has shown system-wide benefits that go far beyond saving water.

Using rainwater from your roof is more efficient than manufacturing water, treating it to drinking standard, pumping it across the city and using that water to flush a toilet. Rainwater harvesting is a good example of a low-cost, nature-friendly solution integrated with land use planning and building frameworks.

MITIGATING NATURAL DISASTERS AND BUILDING RESILIENT CITIES

Professor PJ Coombes
Visiting and Honorary Professor Crowford School of Public Policy at the Australian National University

REVISITING STORMWATER AND URBAN WATERWAYS

Kate Harriden
Research Fellow- Indigenous Water Monash Institute of Sustainable Development
Monash University Studio Advisor – Bandalang Indigenous Engineering Design Studio
PhD Scholar - Aspi Baria Scholarship, Fenner School of Environment & Society, Australia National University

RAINWATER HARVESTING POLICY AND REGULATORY PRACTICE FOR STORMWATER MANAGEMENT IN AUSTRALIA

Michael Smit, Deputy Chair Rainwater Harvesting Australia, Sustaining Member Stormwater Australia

TICKETS

$165 inc GST p/p non-member

$110 inc GST pip Rainwater Harvesting member / IAL Member

Light refreshments and finger food will be served at the conclusion of the discussion.

LEARN MORE AND/OR REGISTER HERE

6. 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!

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

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

7. Monash University - New Practice Guide for Lot-scale Cooling

A new practice guide – Using water to cool residential outdoor spaces – shows how easy it can be to use water wisely to create cool, comfortable outdoor areas around the home. It involves combining water, plants and architecture to create natural shade, cool the air and cool the ground. Smart technologies can also help maximise the cooling effect.

Water Sensitive Cities Australia partnered with South East Water, researchers from the University of Melbourne, NMBW Architecture Studio and Coolth Inc. Living Architecture to develop the guide.

The guide explains the science behind water’s role in cooling. For example, research at the Aquarevo House in Melbourne shows irrigation can lower temperatures by 2oC. Keeping soil moisture levels high increases daytime evapotranspiration (the loss of moisture from grass and leaves), which cools the ground and the air above it. It also keeps trees and plants healthy, which provide shade and contribute to evapotranspiration. A shady tree can reduce temperatures by 1.2oC. Add a misting system, and you can lower temperatures by another 3.2oC (although the effect is short lived once the misting stops). These temperatures relate to Melbourne; results will vary from city to city.

To find out more information or download the New Practice Guide, click here.

8. ICID - Report on the International Webinar on Empowerment and Capacity Development of Women in Water Resources Management

The webinar (https://icid-ciid.org/icid_data_web/IRPID-IRN.pdf) was organized through a partnership involving the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage's (ICID) Working Group on Capacity Development, Training, and Education (WG-CDTE), the Iran National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (IRNCID), and the International Research Program for Irrigation and Drainage- Iran Regional Node (IRPID-IRN). The webinar aimed to highlight the advantages of women's participation in water management and promote their inclusion in decision-making roles.

To read the report on the International Webinar, click here.

9. Membership Benefits - Frequently Asked Questions Now Available

Irrigation Australia is pleased to announce the launch of our FAQ page, designed exclusively for our valued members and students. This resource provides you with step-by-step instructions, ensuring you have easy access to vital information.

Simplify your experience with us by exploring our FAQ section today and finding quick solutions to common queries.

We are committed to delivering support and service to our members, and this FAQ page is just another way we're achieving that goal.

Click here to access our FAQ page! Also located on how home page under our ‘Quick Access’ section.

Have you had a look and can’t find what you are looking for?

Email info@irrigation.org.au to contact one of our friendly staff members for assistance.

10. Other Training / Information Sessions

UQSkills – Agricultural Digital Technology Short Course

Develop the ability to use sophisticated GIS technology and interpret complex data with the Agricultural Digital Technology short course.
You’ll be able to relate this online data back to location on-farm, where you’ll provide solutions which will improve soil health and yield, and lower the impact of pests, weeds, and erosion.
In this nationally accredited program, you’ll gain practical experience working with new technologies and learn skills, such as:

using and analysing data to develop treatment strategies
using GPS equipment related to GIS information
working with technologies to support your improved, organisational tasks.

To find out more, click here.

Webinars organised by the Queensland Water Directorate

1. BOM climate and water outlook for the coming season. Thursday 19 October 2023, 10:00 – 10:40 am by Matthew Coulton, General Manager Agriculture and Water at the Bureau of Meteorology.

We have all seen a warmer than average winter and now, with both an El Niño and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) underway, their combined impact can increase the chance of below average rainfall over much of Australia and higher temperatures across the southern two-thirds of the country. Based on history, it is now also more likely that warm and dry conditions will persist over eastern Australia. El Niño events also increase the risk of extreme temperature shifts like heatwaves, hotter days and increased fire risks. Matt will provide a Climate and Water briefing for the coming four months.

2. Health Aspects of Harmful Algal Blooms. Thursday 2 November 2023, 10:00 – 11:00 am by Dr Phil Choi, Senior Environmental Health Scientist, Queensland Public Health and Scientific Services, Queensland Health

The conditions that favour HABs include warm temperature, stratified water and calm or stagnant conditions: all circumstances that are associated with drier than usual wet seasons. If HABs do occur, they have the potential to impact drinking water supplies as well as recreational and irrigation water supplies. Queensland Health has recently updated its FAQ on HAB, and Phil will provide an overview of the health aspects of HAB.

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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