e-News Edition #33

Date: 24-Oct-2024

Hot Topics

1. CEO Update

2. 2025 Waterwise Irrigation Expo - Only 16 exhibitor booths remaining!

3. Upcoming Webinar - Understanding WASH and how the water industry can support global health

4. New and improved registration process - Last 2024 intakes open for enrolment now!

5. Last week's Member Event at Greenfields Wetlands

6. 2024 Annual General Meeting - 13th November

7. Advertising in the upcoming Irrigation Australia Summer Journal

8. The importance of efficient irrigation

9. New Waterwise plan to strengthen climate resilience in Perth and Peel

10. Mental health article - That end-of-year rush: Managing the pressures of seasonal change and the Holiday period

11. Forever chemicals update

12. Upcoming Webinar - Is Australia's water R&D capability fit for purpose?

1. CEO Update

Greetings all. As we emerge from the big conference, I thought it worth giving an update on a few of the Association’s priorities for the next couple of months.

Training
I am extremely proud of what the team has achieved under Sam O’Brien’s stewardship with significant progress in our continuous improvement program. The RTO has been successfully renewed, more than half of our training resources have been updated, course delivery for key qualifications have been streamlined and the feedback we are receiving from current students and employers is excellent. It’s a time of year where everyone in the industry seems to be flat out but if you can spare time for some professional development it’s worth a look. The big project right now is the implementation of Ammonite – our new Student Management/ Learner Management system designed to make for a modernised student experience along with streamlined marking. It will also ultimately help us with more quality hosted online resources as we look to provide more options for people who are struggling to get away from the field.

Membership
We have a series of member events scheduled that will be promoted through the e-news, very active committees now in Qld and SA, and the intention of reconvening NSW before the end of the year. Regional committees are the core of the Association and a priority for our board – looking to providing Irrigation Australia constant feedback on how we can improve member services, and steer our advocacy.

Personally I am in the process of preparing a series of grant applications to support these member services – from government funding support for shorter qualifications to strategic investment in skilling and other programs. I am also aiming to progress many of the licensing and regulatory questions coming out of various states at the moment.

You will note the return of webinars with a WASH presentation next week. We are ultimately targeting one every couple of weeks and are in negotiations with a number of presenters. One expected before the end of November will be from the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations on employment support programs for businesses in our industry.

We are continually improving our online resources with a complete web rebuild due soon. In the meantime, check out https://irrigationcareers.org.au/ - we now have the free online induction front and centre on the home page – a great resource for new starters or those considering a career in the industry.

More to come next time

Dave

2. 2025 Waterwise Irrigation Expo - Only 16 exhibitor booths remaining!

As recently announced, Irrigation Australia’s biennial Waterwise Irrigation Expo is set to take place at Novotel Vines Resort in Perth on the 13th of August 2025. This event promises to bring together irrigation professionals, innovators, and industry leaders to explore the latest in waterwise technologies and practices. Exhibitor registrations are now open, and with 50% of the available booths already allocated, the event is quickly gaining momentum!

For those looking to make an even bigger impact, the last remaining premier booth is still available! This exclusive booth comes with top-tier marketing perks, including Premier Sponsor status and premium positioning on all event materials. You’ll enjoy heightened visibility both pre-event and on-site, making this a fantastic opportunity to elevate your brand.

With sponsorship opportunities soon to be announced and the official event program launching in early 2025 alongside delegate registrations, now is the time to act. The demand for booths is high, with only 16 opportunities remaining! Interested exhibitors are encouraged to secure their spots as soon as possible to ensure they don’t miss out. For booth inclusions, sizing, and pricing, you can download the Exhibitor Prospectus here.

Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t miss the chance to be part of this landmark event that is driving the future of waterwise irrigation! Please send any enquiries to rebecca.new@irrigation.org.au.

3. Upcoming Webinar - Understanding WASH and how the water industry can support global health

At WaterAid Australia, the acronym WASH is used a lot. WASH stands for water, sanitation, and hygiene - three of the most important things when it comes to living a healthy life. Globally 771 million people lack access to clean water close to home, almost 1.7 billion do not have a decent toilet of their own and almost 2.3 billion people in the world lack soap and water for handwashing at home.

Irrigation Australia is proud to be hosting a free webinar on Wednesday the 30th of October at 11am AEST, where presenter Bernice Sarpong, the Technical Lead for Health at WaterAid Australia, will be delving into the meaning of WASH, why it is essential to global health, and how the water industry can contribute to achieving these vital objectives.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn how you can make an impact in supporting global access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene! Click here to register today to secure your spot in the upcoming webinar.

4. New and improved registration process - Last 2024 intakes open for enrolment now!

As we approach the final months of 2024, this is your last chance to enhance your expertise and gain valuable industry certifications and qualifications with Irrigation Australia’s training courses!

We're excited to announce the launch of our new, region-specific training pages on the Irrigation Australia website ahead of our new complete website to be available before the end of the year. Each region now has its own dedicated page, showcasing all upcoming training courses to make it easier for you to find and register for the intakes relevant to your location. In addition, we've included detailed information about funding opportunities available in each region, giving you everything you need in one convenient place. Explore your region’s training page today and take the next step in advancing your irrigation expertise!

Looking ahead, keep an eye out for our 2025 training intakes, which will be open for registration very soon. These will offer even more opportunities to grow your skills and stay ahead in the industry.

Why choose Irrigation Australia?

Expert instructors: Learn from seasoned professionals with years of practical experience in the field.
Flexible learning options: With in-person intakes throughout Australia, virtual, and blended learning formats, you can choose the option that best suits your schedule.
Hands-on training: Our courses emphasise practical, hands-on learning to ensure that you not only understand the theory but can also apply your knowledge in real-world situations.

Ready to take the next step? Register now to secure your spot!

Meter Installation & Validation - 3 Day Training Course – Tamworth, NSW
Certified Irrigation Installer – 3 Day Training Course – Perth, WA
Certified Irrigation Systems Auditor – 4 Day Training Course – Paterson, NSW

Interested in training with Irrigation Australia but can't find the exact course, location, or time that suits you?

We're committed to delivering training that best suits your needs, and we'd love to hear your input! To help us determine the most convenient training courses, locations, and times of year for delivery, we've created a quick and easy Expression of Interest form.

Your feedback will ensure that we're offering the right opportunities for you and others in the irrigation industry. Our training team will review your submission based on the information provided and will be in touch with available dates, locations, and any further information. Complete the form here.

Funding options available!

Irrigation Australia has a variety of funding and subsidies available in QLD, NSW, SA, and WA for the Certificate III in Irrigation Technology (AHC32422)! Click here to find out more and to see if you are eligible. If you have any questions, please email training@irrigation.org.au.

5. Last week's Member Event at Greenfields Wetlands

On Wednesday the 16th of October, we were thrilled to invite our South Australian members to a breakfast event at the Greenfields Wetlands in Adelaide. It was fantastic to see almost 50 members in attendance, all keen to network and learn more about the City of Salisbury's innovative approach to urban stormwater management.

After a nice coffee and breakfast, members had the opportunity to go on a guided tour of the Wetlands. We'd like to extend our gratitude to all who contributed to the successful event, but especially to Robert Owen and Bruce Naumann from the City of Salisbury, South Australia for their fantastic presentations.

Originally established as a flood mitigation system for the surrounding development, the City of Salisbury now runs some very clever tech with aquifer recharge for storage and basic treatment, with thousands of customers for the reclaimed water. You can view all of the images taken at the event here.

A special shout-out was also given to Alan Michelsen, the most recent recipient of the Irrigation Australia Distinguished Service Award, nominated by his colleagues in the region. It was fantastic to see the enthusiasm from the reinvigorated regional committee - an exciting time to get involved!

6. 2024 Annual General Meeting – 13th November

We are delighted to extend an invitation to our members for our upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) to be held on Wednesday, the 13th of November 2024 at 11 am AEST.

The AGM provides an opportunity for members to hear about the Association's activities and finances for the previous year and also allows time for members to ask questions. Your active involvement and insights are instrumental in propelling the growth and success of our organisation.

We will be announcing the new incoming directors at the meeting, which attracted eight candidates for six vacant positions. Members will also vote on adopting the new Constitution, which was last updated in 2018. We require a 75% majority vote to approve the changes. Importantly, no significant change to intent or entitlements has been proposed – the point of the rewrite is only to modernise the document and clarify existing areas of confusion.

We are again holding the meeting by MS Teams to provide our members, located in various geographical locations throughout Australia, an opportunity to attend.

To secure your spot in the 2024 Annual General Meeting, register here.

7. Advertising in the upcoming Irrigation Australia Summer Journal

We are thrilled to announce that advertisement opportunities for the upcoming Irrigation Australia Summer Journal are now available! This is your chance to drive interest from an audience of thousands of irrigation professionals and decision-makers nationwide.

Why advertise in the Irrigation Australia Summer Journal?

Reach a targeted audience of industry experts, researchers, and key stakeholders involved in the irrigation sector. Position your brand in front of professionals actively seeking innovative solutions and advancements in irrigation technology.
Establish your organisation by sharing your expertise, success stories, and industry insights.
Boost your brand's visibility and recognition through strategic advertising placements, maximising your exposure.
Engage with like-minded professionals, potential clients, and partners who are passionate about irrigation. Create meaningful connections and uncover collaborative opportunities that can drive your business forward.
Expand your market reach and tap into new business opportunities. The Irrigation Australia Spring Journal provides a platform to showcase your products, services, and solutions to various industry professionals, opening doors to untapped markets.
Provide valuable insights and educational content to the irrigation community.

Tailor your advertisement package to align with your budget and marketing goals. Choose from various options, including full-page ads, half-page ads, and digital ad placements, ensuring you maximize your return on investment. View our Media Kit for more information.

Act fast, as spots are limited! Contact us today to discuss available options and reserve your advertisement space. Together, let's showcase the best of your brand and contribute to advancing irrigation practices nationwide.

For advertising inquiries, please contact Maddison Coward via email at maddison.coward@irrigation.org.au
For editorial inquiries, please contact Eve White at 0410 147 331 or evewhiteediting@gmail.com

8. The importance of efficient irrigation

We are all aware that the efficient use of irrigation is critical not just for maximising crop yields and promoting plant health, but also for ensuring the long-term sustainability of our water resources. In today’s environment, there is an increasing need to make every drop count, driven by both economic factors and growing community expectations around water conservation.

By maintaining efficiencies in an irrigation system, as an industry we can reduce water waste, lower overall operational costs, and extend the duty life of the asset. Efficient irrigation minimises runoff and helps prevent waterlogging, reducing soil erosion and nutrient leaching. This all adds up to healthier crops, lawns, and landscapes – while also supporting local ecosystems by not wasting the resource and keeping water where it’s needed most.

From a broader perspective, the community and regulatory bodies expect businesses and landowners to adopt sustainable practices, including responsible water management. Efficient irrigation design and operation demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship, building trust with customers, stakeholders, and the wider community. By prioritising efficiency, we help protect water as a vital resource for future generations, aligning with environmental goals and setting a positive example within the industry.

Efficient irrigation isn’t simply good practice – it’s a shared responsibility that benefits farms, businesses, communities, and the environment.

Here is a list of items that will impact an efficient irrigation system if not checked and maintained:

Clogged Filters/Emitters: Reduced flow, dry spots, stressed plants.
Leaky Valves/Fittings: Water waste, erosion, increased operating costs.
Pressure Imbalance: Poor coverage, misting, pipe damage.
Uneven Water Distribution: Water pooling or dry spots, plant stress.
Controller Malfunctions: Overwatering/underwatering, wasted water and energy.
Pump Failures: Reduced flow, pressure drops, system shutdowns, crop loses.
Broken Sprinkler Heads: Overspray, water waste, uneven irrigation.
Underground Leaks: Water loss, higher costs, soil damage.
Fertigation Issues: Nutrient imbalance, clogs, plant damage or loss.
No Seasonal Adjustments: Overwatering, disease risk, inconsistent moisture.

This streamlined summer irrigation checklist ensures key maintenance steps are covered for efficient summer operation:

Check Filters & Emitters: Clean/replace filters; clear blocked emitters; ensure even precipitation rate.
Inspect Valves & Fittings: Check for leaks; test valve operation; replace corroded parts.
Measure Distribution Uniformity: Check that performance matches design.
Check Soil Moisture Content: Check infiltration rates are working with programmed scheduling.
Test Pressure and flow: Measure pressure; adjust for even distribution; prevent misting/runoff.
Check Coverage: Perform a quick coverage test; adjust nozzles and heads as needed.
Inspect Controllers: Verify schedules, start times, and timers; adjust for seasonal needs.
Inspect Pump: Check pump operation; clear intake screens; maintain flow rate and pressure.
Check for Leaks: Visually inspect lines; look for pooling or wet spots; repair promptly.

Irrigation Australia is proud to offer accredited Irrigation Systems Efficiency training. View our upcoming training page to find the next course closest to you, or email training@irrigation.org.au and one of our team will be in touch.

9. New Waterwise plan to strengthen climate resilience in Perth and Peel

In celebration of National Water Week, Water Minister Simone McGurk has unveiled Kep Katitjin - Gabi Kaadadjan, the third Waterwise Action Plan for Perth and Peel. This new plan, launched by the Cook Government, outlines the next steps in transforming Perth and Peel into leading Waterwise communities by 2030.

The Waterwise Program, embraced by Western Australians, has already saved 24 billion litres of water since its inception in 2019, contributing to a more climate-resilient future. The third Waterwise Action Plan builds on this success with eight new initiatives and 35 ongoing actions aimed at protecting water resources, improving biodiversity, and supporting urban greening.

The plan will also extend its focus beyond Perth and Peel to regional urban centres, addressing their unique water challenges. Delivered by 11 State Government agencies and partners, the Waterwise Program continues to gain national recognition, having recently won the Organisational Excellence Award at the Australian Water Awards.

For more information, you can read the full media statement here and access the Action Plan here.

10. Mental health article – That end-of-year rush: Managing the pressures of seasonal change and the Holiday period

The end-of-year rush on our irrigation industry can lead to intense stress, anxiety, and fatigue as we try to balance our roles with the approaching holiday season and summer demands for irrigation. Impacts will vary for each of us so increased awareness without losing it will benefit us all to get to the other side.

Here’s a couple of things to look out for and a couple of tips to help get us through:

Anxiety & Stress

As we all push to meet year-end targets with longer hours and fewer breaks becoming all too common. This can be overwhelming, affecting both productivity and mental well-being, especially for those with existing fears relating to task overload.
The pressure can create a cycle of stress that is hard to break, leading to poor sleep, reduced focus, and an overall decline in mental health and general well-being.

Fatigue & Mental Health

Increased workloads as the holiday season approaches can cause physical and mental fatigue, making workers more prone to errors and increasing the risk of accidents happening.
This fatigue can further elevate anxiety and stress levels, making it harder to manage both work and personal life, impacting relationships and the enjoyment of the holiday period.

To manage these pressures, we could jump on the front foot and take the initiative to implement simple measures like:

Maintain clear communication, have a breakfast BBQ to celebrate everyone’s achievements at work.
Set reasonable workloads that everyone can achieve.
Continue and encourage support networks to help each other through when needed.
Review our mental health resources, encourage the conversation as a normal workplace activity.

This will all add up to a safer, happier workplace with less downtime and more smiles.

11. Forever chemicals update

On the 21st of October 2024, the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) released the draft updated Australian Drinking Water Guidelines on PFAS.

The proposed NHMRC advice and health-based guideline values are draft only and will not be considered final until they are published in the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. The NHMRC is seeking feedback on the new draft Guidelines, with public consultation closing on 22 November 2024.

There has been a large amount of sensationalism in the media coverage around recent detections and it is important to understand the real risks posed by any contaminant, before leaping to solutions which may direct limited funding away from higher risk contaminants. The Water Services Association of Australia has released a fact sheet which summarises the issues as well as provides useful links for those seeking more information, including the Australian government’s EnHealth.

12. Upcoming Webinar - Is Australia's water R&D capability fit for purpose?

In a dry continent, with increasing climate extremes, declining biodiversity and growing water demands, is Australia’s water Research and Development (R&D) ready?

On Wednesday, the 30th of October at 1:00pm AEDT, Water Research Australia, via the Australian Water School is hosting a free webinar. This is your chance to join a panel of expert presenters as they discuss Australia’s water R&D capability:

What are some big research successes of the past?
What are the big future water opportunities and challenges?
How can the national water R&D capability be strengthened?

Hosted by One Basin CRC CEO, Mike Stewardson, the session will involve the following panelists:

Karen Rouse, CEO, Water Research Australia
Bradley Moggridge, A/Associate Dean (indigenous), University of Technology Sydney
Katherine Daniell, Interim Director, School of Cybernetics & Professor, Fenner School of Environment and Society
Seth Westra, Director of Research, One Basin CRC
Guy Roth, Director Northern Region Agriculture, the University of Sydney

The webinar will discuss the broad range of water research disciplines and research targeting both public benefit and for commercialisation by the private sector. The strength of water R&D is not just about the scale of research investment it is also research culture and the relationship between organisations required to deliver impact. There is a growing awareness of the need for challenge-led approach to research and innovation with strong partnerships across research, government and private sector.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into the future of water research in Australia and the role it plays in navigating our nation’s complex water challenges. Register for the upcoming webinar here.

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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