e-News Edition #23

Date: 26-Apr-2024

Hot Topics

CEO Update
Funding Opportunity for Priority Water Infrastructure Projects through the National Water Grid Fund
Responses to the Discussion Paper: Seeking Views On A Future National Water Agreement and Productivity Commission Interim Report
Registrations Open & Preliminary Program Now Live for 2024 Irrigation Australia Conference and Exhibition
2024 Training Courses - What's coming up soon!
Core Skills Occupations List for Consultation
Food Supply Chain Discussion Paper
Have your say on apprenticeship incentives

1. CEO Update

Our primary focus for the last month has been on Conference deadlines and managing some significant staff movements.
Invitations have been sent to all those successful in being offered presentation spots for the conference, we’ve released a preliminary program, and opened early bird registrations. Thanks again to our incredible national committee, who have volunteered countless hours to help review and advise.

The conference program features three main rooms hosting two concurrent conference streams and an "Irrigation Australia Workshops" stream. Presentations are grouped into three sub-themes: Governance, Investment, and Capacity Development, covering topics such as climate-driven infrastructure, innovative technologies, and community engagement. Keynotes and panel sessions will be updated regularly, with poster presentations and interactive opportunities during lunch breaks. Additional workshops and activities, including technical tours, are offered for delegates, with themed tours exploring irrigation projects and case studies.

Exhibition sales are progressing well but there are plenty of booths and sponsorship opportunities still available – our exhibitors and sponsors are the primary reason we are able to host these events and thanks again to the growing list who’ve already committed to supporting our industry. This is the last opportunity to be a major part of an international irrigation and drainage conference for a while – don’t miss out.

Finally, I’d again like to acknowledge the huge contribution Tracy Martin made during her time with Irrigation Australia. Her departure has led to a few other changes including investigation of a new office space, with details to be confirmed soon. In addition, congratulations to Bec New who has taken over the National Memberships Manager role (still with a chunk of time devoted to oversight of WA projects and activities) and welcome to Abby McCorriston, who has recently been recruited into a new administrative support role based in Perth.

2. Funding Opportunity for Priority Water Infrastructure Projects through the National Water Grid Fund

The NSW Government is calling for expressions of interest to participate in the Australian Government’s June 2024 National Water Grid funding round.
The call for submissions is an open and competitive process to identify water infrastructure projects which can deliver long-term benefits and value for money in regional and remote NSW.

The National Water Grid Fund is making funding available for priority water infrastructure projects to improve the reliability and security of water for Australia’s regional and remote towns and agriculture and primary industry sectors.
This includes both funding new water infrastructure and investing in scientific research to drive long-term, economically sound, environmentally sustainable and culturally responsive benefits for local communities. It also includes funding crucial water security projects in regional and remote First Nations communities as part of Closing the Gap.

The Water Group in the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water will assess proposals for eligibility, identify those best meeting the selection criteria, and work with shortlisted organisations to help develop funding proposals for consideration by the Australian Government.

Eligibility
The following organisations are eligible for National Water Grid funding for priority water infrastructure projects in regional and remote NSW:

local councils
water utilities
irrigation water supply corporations and trusts
First Nations organisations
science agencies
private corporations, where the project has multiple beneficiaries
NSW Government departments.

Funding proposals must demonstrate how projects will provide long-term benefit to water security, the agriculture and primary industry sectors, economic development and/or water supply resilience for regional and remote NSW.We encourage organisations that submitted applications for the January 2024 National Water Grid funding round to submit another expression of interest if they wish to be considered for the June 2024 funding round.

Types of projects funded under the program
Organisations may apply for funding for water infrastructure projects including:

recycling plants
groundwater storage
dams
weirs
pipelines
desalination plants
irrigation district modernisation or expansion
other projects that facilitate the movement of water (equipping bores, installing water treatment systems).

Funding is available to:

conduct a feasibility study/research study
develop a preliminary business case
develop a detailed business case
undertake construction work.
This funding will be for up to 50 percent of the project value. A detailed business case is required to support construction proposals.

How to apply
Please visit the NSW National Water Grid Fund applications page for information about how to apply.
Expressions of interest must be submitted by Monday 13 May 11pm AEST for the June 2024 funding round.

3. Responses To The Discussion Paper: Seeking Views On A Future National Water Agreement and Productivity Commission Interim Report

Irrigation Australia recently submitted a discussion paper on ‘Seeking Views on a Future National Water Agreement’ consultation conducted by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. Click here to view the Irrigation Australia submission.

In addition, a brief follow-up submission has been lodged for the Productivity Commission Inquiry specifically answering questions around the availability of CMIs to support the roll out of non-urban metering. Click here to view.

4. Registrations Open & Preliminary Program Now Live for 2024 Irrigation Australia Conference and Exhibition

We are thrilled to announce that early bird registrations are now open for the Irrigation Australia Conference and Exhibition, which will coincide with the 9th Asian Regional Conference for Irrigation and Drainage, and the 75th International Executive Council meeting of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage.Join us for this premier water event, bringing together experts, leaders, and industry professionals from around the globe to share knowledge and celebrate the achievements of our industry. Take advantage of early bird rates and register here to secure your place in the event!

The preliminary program is also now live! We've made some big changes to the exhibition this year, so have a look and see what we have planned! Expect an impressive lineup of keynote speakers, including Brian Walker, Founder and CEO of the Retail Doctor Group, who will be discussing industry trends and how you can maximise business value in retail.There will also be a range of plenary sessions and interactive workshops, covering a range of key topics and providing valuable insights, discussions, and practical knowledge for all attendees. Further details to come as they get finalised, so stay tuned.

Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of a world-class event that fosters collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing among industry professionals. Early bird registrations won't be available for long, so act swiftly to secure your spot in the last industry event of this scale for some time!
For more information about the program, keynote speakers, and what else you can expect to see, please keep an eye on our official event website. We also provide regular exciting updates on LinkedIn, so follow our page to stay updated!
Check out our live floorplan and see who will be exhibiting at this year's event; click here.

5. 2024 Training Courses - What's coming up soon!

Our training programs are designed to equip participants with in-depth knowledge and skills across a wide range of topics that are crucial for mastering efficient irrigation practices. We provide a unique blended learning experience, with courses running both virtually and face-to-face across Australia. Our trainers have extensive experience in the irrigation industry and focus on providing a hands-on, practical learning experience in each course that we deliver. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your skills in this vital and ever-growing industry!

Explore Upcoming Courses Here

Griffith NSW - Meter Installation & Validation - 3 Full Day Sessions - Meter Installation & Validation - Face-to-Face (irrigationaustralia.com.au) (07/05/2024 – 09/05/2024)
SA - Certificate III in Irrigation Course - Block 1 of 4 - APRIL 2024 SA INTAKE- Certificate III in Irrigation Technology AHC32422 (irrigationaustralia.com.au) (13/05/2024 – 17/05/2024)
Brisbane, QLD - Electrofusion & Butt Welding Course - 2 Day Training Course - Electrofusion and Butt Welding - QLD (irrigationaustralia.com.au) (23/05/2024 – 24/05/2024)
Brisbane, QLD - Meter Installation & Validation - 3 Full Day Sessions - Meter Installation & Validation - Face-to-Face (irrigationaustralia.com.au) (04/06/2024 – 06/06/2024)

6. Core Skills Occupations List for Consultation

Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) is collecting feedback on the occupations that should be considered when it comes to defining Australia’s skill needs in relation to the national migration strategy.A draft Core Skills Occupations List (CSOL) has been developed as part of the criteria for a new Skills in Demand (SID) visa. The CSOL will operate in a similar manner to the Skilled Migration Occupation Lists for the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (which the SID visa will replace).

While the Minister for Immigration makes the final decision on the occupations that will appear on the CSOL, JSA is conducting labour market analysis and stakeholder engagement to inform the government's decisions. At present, the consultation process involves a survey, with the option of providing a separate written submission. After the survey closes, the findings will be validated through qualitative research and meetings.

Skills Insight has identified the occupations on the CSOL that relate to the industries we work with and which our stakeholders might wish to provide feedback on. We have categorised these into the three groups to support you providing feedback.

The draft CSOL is categorised into three groups:

Confident on list - Skilled occupations the JSA Migration Model is confident should be on the CSOL—stakeholders are able to provide feedback on these occupations.
Targeted for consultation - Skilled occupations the JSA Migration Model suggests should be targeted for stakeholder feedback—for these occupations JSA is particularly interested in labour market surveys and independent research, business recruitment experiences, and the views of Australian and migrant workers and jobseekers.
Confident off list - Skilled occupations the JSA Migration Model suggests should not be on the CSOL—stakeholders are able to provide feedback on these occupations.

JSA is collecting feedback until 10 May 2024. View list and Provide Feedback. Alternatively email dave.cameron@irrigation.org.au with any feedback to include in our potential submission.

7. Food Supply Chain Discussion Paper

Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) is also collecting feedback on the workforce needs of Australia’s food supply chain. So many of our stakeholders work within industry that contributes to Australia’s food supply chain and the food security of our nation. JSA’s Food Supply Chain Capacity Study provides an opportunity for stakeholders to share their insights on the challenges and opportunities that sit across food production, manufacturing and distribution sectors. The aim of the study is to support a workforce that can sustain regional Australia, strengthen the economy, maintain food security, and overcome challenges.

JSA have published a discussion paper outlining questions on a range of topics that the study will cover. They are encouraging feedback, with submissions open until 10am (AEST), Thursday 16 May 2024.
Visit JSA’s website to provide feedback. Alternatively email dave.cameron@irrigation.org.au with any feedback to include in our potential submission.

8. Have your say on apprenticeship incentives

The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations is reviewing the Australian Apprenticeship Incentive System and is seeking your feedback to target their support. The Incentive System provides financial support to trainees and employers, including but not limited to the Australian Apprentice Training Support Payment, Priority Wage Subsidy, Hiring Incentives (one-off payments) and the Disability Australian Apprentice Wage Support. Despite the system's intention to encourage the commencement of an apprenticeship/ traineeship, the completion rates of traineeships continue to decline. Many previous changes to the system have failed to improve the commencement, retention and completion of traineeships. This review aims to inform long-term policy design.

If you’ve ever had an opinion on or struggled with the Irrigation Technology traineeship, now is your chance to provide input. Irrigation Australia invites member input, to be provided to amy.haldane@irrigation.org.au. Alternatively direct submissions can be made to ApprenticeshipsReview@dewr.gov.au by 15 May 2024. Some prompt questions to consider:

Trade and trade-equivalent qualifications can take a long time and younger people entering the employment market struggle to make a commitment of several years – agree or disagree?
How can the department better financially support employers and the trainees during the training period?
Should the department focus attention on micro-credentials with a shorter timeframe instead?
What could be done to maintain the interest and engagement of a trainee?
How do current effect of cost-of-living pressures impact completion rates and what could be done to mitigate?
Any other ideas for support that is required or lacking?

Be sure to read the T’s & C’s prior to submitting.

More information, including an option to sign up for updates is available on the page Strategic Review of the Australian Apprenticeship Incentive System.

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.

Back to list