The Overflow Edition #84 New

Date: 03-Aug-2026


Edition #84 of The Overflow, the quarterly publication of Irrigation Australia (WA Region), is now available to read online.


A new apprenticeship for the trade

The cover story covers a change that has been years in the making. Following consultation with more than 50 organisations across industry, training, government and the education sector, AHC32424 Certificate III in Irrigation Technology has been varied from a traineeship to a Class B apprenticeship pathway under the title Irrigation Technician, officially declared in February 2026.

The apprenticeship term extends from 24 months to 36, across 22 units of competency covering work health and safety, sustainable work practices, irrigation system performance, troubleshooting, pressurised systems, pumps, controllers, sensors, and irrigation plans and drawings. The longer term allows more time for practical skill development and workplace readiness. All new commencements now occur under the new pathway, and existing trainees may be able to transition where both employer and employee agree.

The change was developed in response to a recognised shortage of skilled Irrigation Technicians in Western Australia, and it reflects a shift toward recognising irrigation as a skilled, technology-enabled occupation with a clear career pathway.


Water infrastructure across the State

Two major Western Australian projects feature in this edition, both supplied by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.

An $81 million expansion of the Kwinana Water Reclamation Plant will lift recycled water production by 60 per cent, adding 10 million litres a day and extending the plant’s operational life by 25 years. The additional capacity is directed at the emerging industries of the Western Trade Coast.

In the Goldfields, Stage 1 construction contracts have been awarded for the $543 million upgrade to the Goldfields and Agricultural Water Supply Scheme. The works replace 44.5 kilometres of the oldest pipeline sections, upgrade valves across the network and duplicate the Binduli Reservoir, lifting scheme capacity by 10 per cent. More than $170 million will flow to Western Australian contractors, with $12.4 million in direct expenditure in Wheatbelt and Goldfields communities and more than 230 jobs supported.


Technical, research and member stories

David Bennett of Aquabiotics Industrial examines the hidden cost of iron fouling in irrigation systems. The Waterwise rebate feature looks at what the program is delivering for customers and for the irrigation businesses doing the work.

New research from The University of Western Australia, led by Huanhuan Wang with Professor Sally Thompson, explains why some jarrah forests survived the record heat of 2023-24 while neighbouring stands died. Soil depth and groundwater access, rather than climate alone, decided the outcome.

The edition also features Members Spotlights on Jay Baker at Plasson Australia and on Thorne Landscaping, and Industry News on Vysarn’s move to acquire NewGround.


Inside Edition #84


Read the edition

Read The Overflow Edition #84  |  Browse past editions in the archive


Thank you to our Irrigation Futures Sponsors

Platinum  Plasson Australia, Brown Brothers Engineers Australia, Hunter, Nelson Australia, Philmac, Valley

Gold  Iplex, Netafim, Vinidex, Rodney Industries, Rivulis

Foundation  Grundfos

Our thanks also to the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation and The University of Western Australia for contributing content to this edition, and to every advertiser whose support keeps the publication in print and in retail stores across the State.


Advertising and sponsorship enquiries: Jasmine Lelievre-Adams, jasmine.lelievreadams@irrigation.org.au, 07 3517 4008.

Back to list

More Reading

Back to list

News to your inbox from the trusted source for irrigation industry professionals

Subscribe Now