e-News Edition #26

Date: 17-Jun-2024

Hot Topics

1. Irrigation Australia Awards - To be presented at Sydney Event!

2. Irrigation Australia Conference and Exhibition - Early Bird Registrations Closes 28th June

3. Webinar - 2024 Sydney Event Overview & Irrigation Australia Constitution Changes

4. MOU Signed with American Society of Irrigation Consultants

5. Introducing Irrigation Insights - Induction Course

6. Secure your spot today for our upcoming training course!

7. Irrigation Australia Professionals Members Directory - Update your Details!

8. Review into uptake of Qualifications

9. ICID Webinar - Adaptive Flood Management: Inundation Forecast and Mitigation

10. Queensland Farmers Federation (QFF) - Invitations for Free Energy Audit

11. Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality (ANZG) - release for comment.

12. Final Report on the Annual Review of WaterNSW's Rural Bulk Water Charges for 2024-25

13. Sydney Institute of Agriculture - Research Showcase Sustainable Food Systems

14. Release of the Draft Framework for Delivering the 450 GL Consultation - What We Heard Report

15. Call for Papers - 4th World Irrigation Forum, 7-13 September 2025, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

1. Irrigation Australia Awards - To be Presented at Sydney Event!

The Irrigation Australia Awards are now open for nominations! We're excited to announce that there are 4 brand new award categories this year, so this is your chance to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions within our industry.

As previously advised, we’ve introduced a series of new awards for presentation at this year’s conference, to complement the long standing MacLean-Iedema Award.

The new award process is meant to be quick and simple, just follow the guideline and submit a one page summary of your worth nominee and we’ll be in touch to get more details.

Water Efficiency Management Awards
Categories for Individuals, Small Businesses and Large Businesses.
Innovation in Sustainability Awards
Categories for Individuals, Small Businesses and Large Businesses.
Emerging Leader Award
One individual.
Innovation in Safety Awards
Categories for Individuals, Small Businesses and Large Businesses.

Winners will be announced at the Conference Dinner on the 3rd of September.

NOMINATE HERE

For more information about Award Sponsorship Opportunities, click here.

2. Irrigation Australia Conference and Exhibition - Early Bird Registrations Closes 28th June

The countdown is on! 10 Weeks to go! - REGISTER HERE

With only 3 months to go, the countdown is on for the Southern Hemisphere's largest irrigation event for 2024! Behind the scenes, we're all working hard to finalise all of the fine details to ensure the Irrigation Australia Conference and Exhibition is as interactive, fun, and productive as possible.

Get set for a great lineup of entertaining and inspiring keynote speeches, informative workshops and plenary sessions, and a plethora of fun competitions and presentations.

Early bird registrations will be closing on the 28th of June 2024, so get in quick to secure your spot and join us in celebrating our industry at this premier event!

Updated Program Now Live - VIEW THE FULL PROGRAM

Keynote Speeches - This year we’re bringing together some of the most influential minds in their respective fields, each ready to share groundbreaking insights and transformative strategies.

Workshops & Panel Sessions - Join leading experts, industry pioneers, and visionary thinkers as they share insights on the latest advancements, trends, and challenges facing the irrigation and drainage industry today.

Interactive Zone - APPLY HERE

We are pleased to introduce the Interactive Zone as a prominent feature within the Exhibition Hall, which will provide exhibitors with 15-minute sessions for presentations during scheduled catering breaks.This innovative platform offers exhibitors the exclusive opportunity to present their latest ideas and technologies directly to event attendees. There are limited spaces available, so apply today to secure your spot!

Exhibitor Opportunities - BECOME AN EXHIBITOR

The Exhibition is an integral part of the event, providing an unparalleled opportunity for organisations to come face-to-face with attendees, providing a marketplace to increase visibility, and to showcase and demonstrate the latest products and services our industry has to offer.

There's still time to give your company an opportunity to stand out from the crowd by exhibiting at the event!

Sponsorship Opportunities - PARTNER WITH US

It's not too late to get involved as a sponsor! There are still a range of opportunities available, so have a look at our packages and find the best fit for your organisation's needs. Below are just a few examples of partnership opportunities still available:

Welcome Reception Partner
Networking Lounge Partner
Women in Water Breakfast Partner

Technical Tours

Explore technical tours highlighting the latest innovation in Sydney, in partnership with Sydney Water and other hosts. We anticipate there will be three themed day-long bus tours:

Open space irrigation projects around Sydney, including new and brownfield developments, in conjunction with Sydney Water
Agriculture and horticulture irrigation case studies around and to the South of Sydney (Shoalhaven region)
Viticulture case studies to the North of Sydney (Hunter region)

The Conference & Exhibition is a rare chance for the industry to come together under the same roof to celebrate our achievements and revolutionise the way we manage one of our most precious resources.

We hope to see you there...

3. Webinar - 2024 Sydney Event Overview & Irrigation Australia Constitution Changes

Irrigation Australia held its latest webinar on June 12th. It focused on two key topics: proposed changes to our Constitution and what to expect at our major Conference and Exhibition in September.

Topic 1 - Constitution Updates:

The Constitution, last updated in 2018, is being completely rewritten to modernise and clarify existing areas of confusion. Changes include updating the “purpose” to align with our strategic plan and introducing more contemporary ways of holding meetings and election processes.

Topic 2 - 2024 Conference and Exhibition:

The last joint Irrigation Australia/International Congress on Irrigation and Drainage international event is coming up fast! You'll have the opportunity to hear from our Principal Sponsor - Franklin Electric, and get an overview of the conference program, workshops, and exciting activities planned for the exhibition hall to encourage exhibitor and delegate interaction!

The recording of the webinar is now available on our website, click here.

Did you just watch the recording and have questions, email us to get your answers at info@irrigation.org.au.

4. MOU Signed with American Society Irrigation Consultants

Irrigation Australia is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the American Society of Irrigation Consultants.

American Society of Irrigation Consultants (ASIC) is a society of professional irrigation consultants dedicated to representing the best interest of the client while advocating the responsible use and preservation of water resources. ASIC strives to represent the most experienced and responsible irrigation professionals in the world. Its members facilitate successful water resource management through design expertise, client advocacy, public service, education, accreditation, and the promotion of allied green industry partnerships. The Australian Chapter of ASIC was formed in 1994 to promote the role of the Professional Irrigation Consultant and the professionalism of all our members through education and networking opportunities. It is a small and unique resource focused on the business and the professional development aspects of independent irrigation consulting.

We look forward to partnering and collaborating to advance the irrigation industry and our members.

5. Introducing Irrigation Insights - Induction Course

Unlock your potential in the irrigation industry with the new Irrigation Insights - Induction Course, now available for registration and access through the Irrigation Australia website. This FREE short course is designed as a comprehensive resource for newcomers, providing an overview of the industry. It’s an ideal resource to give work experience kids or potentially new employees a taste of what’s to come and the first larger piece of work to support our new careers site, currently under construction.

Upon completion, you'll receive a certificate of completion, helping to pave your career pathway in irrigation. Join now and start your journey towards becoming an industry expert with Irrigation Australia!

If you want to know more about the course, email info@irrigation.org.au. We are aiming to expand our online offerings during 2024.

6. Secure your spot today for our upcoming training courses!

Irrigation Australia provides high-quality training delivered by industry experts who are passionate about their work.

We provide a unique blended learning experience, focusing on a practical approach that allows our students to learn by doing!

Explore Upcoming Courses Here.

CERTIFICATE III in IRRIGATION TECHNOLOGY

Certificate III in Irrigation Technology AHC32422 – VIC - Certificate III in Irrigation Technology AHC32422 - VIC (irrigationaustralia.com.au)
Certificate III in Irrigation Technology AHC32422 QLD - Certificate III in Irrigation Technology AHC32422 QLD (irrigationaustralia.com.au)
Certificate III in Irrigation Technology AHC32422 – NSW - Certificate III in Irrigation Technology AHC32422 - NSW (irrigationaustralia.com.au)

METER INSTALLATION & VALIDATION

Meter Installation & Validation – Virtual - Meter Installation & Validation - Virtual (irrigationaustralia.com.au)
Meter Installation & Validation - Face-to-Face – QLD – Goondiwindi - Meter Installation & Validation - Face-to-Face - QLD (irrigationaustralia.com.au)

CERTIFIED IRRIGATION INSTALLER

Certified Irrigation Installer – QLD - Certified Irrigation Installer - QLD (irrigationaustralia.com.au)

PRIVATE COURSES AVAILABLE – Have a group of 8 or more people for a course, contact us today to organise a private course to suit you! Email training@irrigation.org.au.

7. Irrigation Australia Professionals Members Directory - Update your Details!

As a Certified Irrigation Professional, the Members Directory on the Irrigation Australia Website acts as a resource for others in the industry and the General Public to find and enquire about your services directly.

We are currently reviewing our database to make sure the information provided on this public site is consistent, and would like to extend the opportunity for you to update, add, or remove any contact information listed on your profile. This includes a contact number, company, email, business address and 30-40 word brief on your services.

Should you wish to update any of your information, please provide your preferred details via the online form HERE.

If you do not require changes to any of your current details, please acknowledge you are willing to be listed on the members directory by answering the last question on the online form linked above.

The consent to advertise makes this a public record and as such, the data listed on the directory, particularly email addresses, may be shared. Irrigation Australia is not in the business of selling contact information, however Certified Professionals should be aware that one of the reasons for this review is to ensure we can provide basic contact information to regulators for Duly Qualified Persons, particularly NSW and QLD at this time. We are aware that both regulators are seeking to strengthen their protections around fraudulent use of qualifications, and as such this data may be used in future to validate that you are who you say you are, and the currency of your certification.

If you require further assistance, please contact us on info@irrigation.org.au.

8. Review into uptake of Qualifications

Skills Insight is conducting a major research project looking into why some qualifications in the vocational education system are not being used (see the list of qualifications here). It will be consulting employers, training providers, industry bodies and unions around Australia over the next few months in these industries:

arboriculture
protected and production horticulture
irrigation
landscaping
nursery operations
permaculture
pest management
aquaculture
fishing operations
seafood post-harvest operations
fisheries compliance.

Please book in to attend the nearest focus group session or book in for an interview with the research team advise why these qualifications have such low enrolments.

For more information and to get involved, visit the project webpage or contact Ngaire on nstratton@skillsinsight.com.au or Julie, on jstratford@skillsinisght.com.au. And subscribe to the newsletter to stay informed.

Irrigation Australia will be interviewing with the team – if you are a member and would prefer to provide your feedback through us, please contact dave.cameron@irrigation.org.au

9. ICID Webinar - Adaptive Flood Management: Inundation Forecast and Mitigation

1st July 2024 (Monday) at 15:30 Hours (IST) – Register Now

Speakers

Prof. Philippe Gourbesville, Université Côte d'Azur, France
Dr. Piyatida Ruangrassamee, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
Dr. Bing-Chen Jhong, NSYSU, Taiwan

Given the increasing global concern over the intensifying frequency and severity of flood events due to climate change, the webinar "Adaptive Flood Management: Inundation Forecast and Mitigation" will delve into advanced methods and strategies for forecasting and mitigating flooding in rural areas and farmland.

The need for adaptive approaches that can respond to evolving climatic conditions and unpredictable weather patterns is more pressing than ever. Traditional flood management techniques are proving inadequate in the face of these new challenges, underscoring the need for innovative solutions.

This session will explore the science of inundation forecasting, the latest technological advancements in flood prediction, and practical mitigation measures that can be implemented at local, regional, and global levels. By bringing together experts from various fields, we aim to foster a comprehensive understanding of adaptive flood management and provide actionable insights to enhance resilience against future flood risks.

10. Queensland Farmers Federation (QFF) - Invitations for Free Energy Audit

QFF is running a project that some Irrigation Australia members may be interested in and qualify for. The Queensland Business Energy Saving and Transformation (QBEST) project. It is an initiative to assist small- to medium-sized agricultural businesses in reducing electricity costs by sharing information and practical advice on efficient energy use. We are conducting free energy audits to support farms, including turf farms, reduce their energy spend. Participating farms can receive an ‘equipment’ energy audit or a ‘whole of farm’ energy audit, dependent on their needs.

Eligibility: To participate, farms need to:

be large electricity users with energy consumption greater than 80,000kWh per year on a single NMI (not added up over a few NMIs).
farm one of the following commodities: turf, sugarcane, horticulture, nursery, dairy, intensive animals including pork, feedlots, chicken meat, and eggs, grazing, or broadacre cropping.

A participating business should:

hold an Australian Business Number (ABN) and be registered for GST.
not be a public company within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001
have its headquarters in Queensland and be operating from premises in Queensland.
employ at least 2, but no more than 199 full-time (or equivalent) employees (including the business owner) (that is, the business must be a Small-Medium Enterprise (SME)
energy consumption on a NMI greater than 85,000 kWh per year in a recent year (since 2020).

There are also some rebates in the QBEST program which can be a good complement for the implementation of recommendations in the audit report, details here: Queensland Business Energy Saving and Transformation (QBEST) Program | Department of Energy and Climate

QFF has been engaged in doing Energy Audits for quite some time now, and a good collection of case studies, showcasing how farmers have benefited from participating can be found in here: Case Studies - Queensland Farmers' Federation (qff.org.au). Farms interested have minimal time commitment other than sourcing power bills, sending a couple of authorization e-mails (for QFF to access data from Energy providers), ½ day with the auditor when the site visit takes place, and about 1 hour to go over the findings & recommendations from the auditor.

11. Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality (ANZG) - release for comment

Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality (ANZG) - release for comment.

New or updated water quality guidelines are being developed under the Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality 2018 (ANZG 2018). Anyone can subscribe for ANZG updates direct from the ANZG team.

The ANZG team has advised that the following draft aquatic ecosystem water quality guidelines are available for public review (details on making a submission are in the links provided):

NEW – Zinc in freshwater (submission closing date: 30 August 2024)
NEW – Nitrate in freshwater (submission closing date: 30 August 2024)
CLOSING SOON – MCPA in freshwater (submission closing date: 20 June 2024)
CLOSING SOON – Paraquat in freshwater (submission closing date: 20 June 2024)
CLOSING SOON – Sulfometuron-methyl in freshwater (submission closing date: 20 June 2024)

Additionally, an independent review has been undertaken into the ANZG water quality program. The Stage 1 review of the ANZG program has been completed and released for information (progress, future directions etc).

12. Final Report on the Annual Review of WaterNSW's Rural Bulk Water Charges for 2024-25

IPART has released its final decision on the maximum prices that WaterNSW can charge for rural bulk water services in the Murray-Darling Basin and Fish River Water Supply Scheme in 2024-25.

The final decision is to maintain the charges set under the 2021 Determination. This means that increases in charges will be limited to inflation of 3.6% from 1 July 2024.

The link to the final report and media release is below.

Final Report which sets out the final decisions

Media Release outlining key outcomes of the Final Report

13. Sydney Institute of Agriculture - Research Showcase Sustainable Food Systems

The Sydney Institute of Agriculture's 2024 Research Showcase will focus on the theme of Sustainable Food Systems - a topic that everyone has a vested interest in.

Join for a day of informative talks across four themes:

Sustainable food systems
Agri-food sustainability (plant and animal systems)
Agri-food sustainability (land systems)
Agri-food sustainability (food)

Although there is no charge to attend this event, registration is essential.

Date: Wednesday 3 July, 2024

Time: 9.00am to 4.15pm, followed by networking drinks

Venue: Veterinary Science Conference Centre, Regimental Drive, The University of Sydney

RSVP: By Wednesday 26 June, 2024

Although there is no charge to attend this event, registration is essential to assist with catering.

14. Release of the Draft Framework for Delivering the 450 GL Consultation - What We Heard Report

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) has published the What We Heard Report from recent consultation on delivering the 450 GL.

The report provides a summary of the feedback we received on the Draft framework for delivering the 450 GL of additional environmental water.

Thank you for your feedback and ideas on the proposed approach to recover the additional 450 GL of environmental water.

To learn more about what we heard, you can visit our website, where you will find:

The full What We Heard report 
Individual submissions (unless nominated otherwise).

The feedback we received will inform the final Restoring our Rivers Framework for delivering the 450 GL of additional environmental water and associated programs.

More details about implementing the Basin Plan can be found here.

15. Call for Papers - 4th World Irrigation Forum, 7-13 September 2025, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) was established on 24 June 1950 as a Scientific Technical and Voluntary Not-for-profit Non-Governmental International Organization (NGO) with headquarters in New Delhi, India.

The Commission is dedicated to enhancing the worldwide supply of food and fibre for all people by improving water and land management and the productivity of irrigated and drained lands through appropriate management of water, environment and application of irrigation, drainage and flood management techniques. [For more details log on to http://icid-ciid.org/home]

The 4th World Irrigation Forum (WIF4) together with the 76th International Executive Council (IEC) Meeting in cooperation with the host Malaysian National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (MANCID) will be held from 7-13 September 2025 at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Main theme for the event is ‘Is Irrigation a Sunset Industry?’

Sub themes for the event include:

Challenges of Irrigation and Drainage for Food Security in the Changing World
Technology and Modernization in the Agricultural Sector towards Food Security
Innovative Policy, Service Delivery, and Financing Mechanisms to Meet the Challenges of the Future
Nature-Based Solutions in Agriculture to Foster Ecological Resilience

Schedule for submission of abstracts / full papers

i. Submission of extended abstracts (max. 500 words) - 01 October 2024ii. Notification of Acceptance - 01 December 2024 iii. Submission of full paper (10 pages of A4 size) - 01 March 2025iv. Notification to author regarding oral/poster presentation - 01 April 2025

Online paper submission
(a) Online ‘Extended Abstract’ submission is now open. New Users are expected to create their own account. The procedure for creating a new account is available at: https://wif.icidevents.org/Register_Modify.aspx
(b) Please note that only the ‘Extended Abstracts’ of the papers are required in first stage of submission to enable peer review by an International Review Committee. PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT THE FULL PAPERS AT THIS STAGE as they would not be reviewed now.
(c) Upon receiving acceptance letter from ICID Central Office, authors are required to provide/upload an electronic version of the full-length papers in Microsoft Word format (file size limited to 10 MB) by strictly following the guidelines available at: https://wif.icidevents.org/PaperNew.aspx

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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