Western Australia Member Regional Update | June 2025 New

Date: 17-Jun-2025

Welcome to the latest Western Australia Member Regional Update, where you’ll find the latest updates, events, and insights shaping the irrigation industry across the region. The aim of each edition is to provide you with valuable regional news and the opportunity to stay connected with our vibrant community.

Welcome to our newest members who have joined Irrigation Australia over the past six months! We’re excited to have you as part of our community and look forward to working together to advance water management and irrigation excellence across Australia.

• Mr Andrew. B
• Mr John. W
• Mr Lincoln. C
• Mr Job.T
• Mr Matthew. F
• Mr Joel. L
• Mr Daniel. M
• PP Civil and Pipe
• Think Water - Capes Region
• Greenlife Irrigation & Landscaping

Celebrating excellence in irrigation at the 2025 Waterwise Irrigation Expo

At Irrigation Australia, recognising excellence within our industry is a vital part of achieving our vision. At the 2024 National Conference in Sydney, we came together to celebrate the individuals, organisations, and innovations that are helping shape a more efficient, sustainable, and forward-thinking irrigation sector, with Western Australia shining in several key categories:

• Andrew Ogden – Life Membership
• Steven Boyer – Water Efficiency Management: Individual Award
• City of Cockburn – Water Efficiency Management: Large Business Award

As we look ahead to the 2025 Waterwise Irrigation Expo in Perth, we are thrilled to once again open nominations for the Water Efficiency Management Awards in the following categories:

• Individual
• Small Business
• Large Business

For the first time, we are introducing the Irrigation Innovation Awards, which will be presented across the same three categories. These new awards replace the former Innovation in Sustainability Award, with sustainability now being a key evaluation criterion for all innovation entries.

We want to hear about new inventions, practices, processes and projects which showcase creative thinking and responses to challenges from the simple to the intricate. If you know an individual or organisation that deserves recognition, we encourage you to nominate!

We will also be presenting the Distinguished Service Award, which recognises individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service and dedication in their field or to the irrigation industry more broadly. This award honours those whose consistent commitment and lasting impact have helped shape our industry, uplift others, and drive the mission of their organisation or the irrigation sector forward. 

Please note: Only current Irrigation Australia members are eligible to nominate.

Nominate someone deserving today and help us highlight the incredible talent, commitment, and innovation across Australian irrigation. Nominations will close Monday, 30 June and awards will be presented at this year’s Expo. 

Help shape the future of irrigation careers in WA

Irrigation Technicians are the quiet achievers behind sustainable agriculture, thriving urban green spaces, and efficient water use across Western Australia. Yet with just 283 technicians statewide and growing demand from agriculture and urban development, the industry faces urgent skills and workforce shortages.

To meet these challenges, the Food, Fibre and Timber Industries Training Council and Irrigation Australia are exploring a proposal to elevate the Certificate III in Irrigation Technology from a traineeship to a trade apprenticeship. This shift would boost the status of the profession, support deeper skills training, and improve working conditions, making it a more attractive and sustainable career pathway, especially in regional areas.

But we need your input.

Your feedback will help shape future training options, address skill gaps, and ensure WA’s irrigation workforce is ready for a smarter, more sustainable future. Whether you work in the sector, hire technicians, or are simply passionate about water conservation, your voice matters.

Complete the short survey by Friday, 25 July and be part of the solution to building a skilled, resilient irrigation workforce for Western Australia.

Western Australia members connect at exclusive irrigation breakfast event

A few weeks ago, Irrigation Australia proudly hosted an exclusive event for our Western Australian members, bringing together industry professionals to connect, share insights, and explore the future of smart irrigation.

Held on Thursday 29 May at the picturesque University of Western Australia (UWA) campus, the breakfast event was a fantastic opportunity to network and dive into one of the most innovative irrigation systems in the country. With strong attendance and lively discussion throughout the morning, it was clear that the appetite for collaboration and innovation in our industry remains strong.

Attendees were treated to insightful presentations from three leading experts in the field, Chris Marsh (UWA), Rick Charles (Western Irrigation), and Daniel Deluca (Aquamonix), who shared details of UWA’s pioneering irrigation system. The system, which integrates automated mixed effluent and freshwater technology, represents a cutting-edge example of sustainable and intelligent irrigation in practice.

The project not only demonstrates the power of research and technology in delivering more efficient water use but also highlights the importance of collaboration between universities, suppliers, and industry practitioners.

We thank everyone who joined us for this special event and extend our appreciation to UWA for hosting. Events like these are a key part of our commitment to supporting professional development, showcasing innovation, and building a strong community within the irrigation sector.

Stay tuned for more member-exclusive events coming soon!

Train smarter, not harder – Unlock unlimited access to our best value irrigation training

Access our most cost-effective and comprehensive introductory irrigation training packages yet – perfect for new and recently started staff!

Following the successful launch of our Introduction to Irrigation – Part A self-paced online course, Irrigation Australia is excited to expand our training suite with two brand-new learning pathways: Part B: Landscape and Part B: Agricultural. These new modules build on the solid foundation of Part A and are designed to deepen your understanding of irrigation practices in either landscape or agricultural contexts.

Whether you're looking to sharpen your existing skills, onboard new staff, or support continued professional development, these courses offer practical, flexible learning for irrigation professionals at various stages of their career.

Course overview

Introduction to Irrigation - Part A is a four-hour, self-paced online course that provides foundational, non-accredited training based on Certificate II level content. Ideal for newcomers to the industry, including landscapers, property managers, and irrigation retail staff, it delivers clear, practical insights into key irrigation concepts and components. Widely praised as engaging and accessible, it's the perfect starting point for those with little to no prior experience.

Introduction to Irrigation - Part B: Landscape is a six-hour, self-paced online course based on non-accredited Certificate III level content. Designed for those working in urban and open space environments, it builds on foundational knowledge with more advanced topics like commercial systems, filtration, pumps, backflow prevention, basic design, wiring, hydraulics, and water efficiency.

Introduction to Irrigation - Part B: Agricultural is a five-hour, self-paced online course based on non-accredited Certificate III level content. Designed for those in or entering the agricultural sector, it covers key farm irrigation topics such as system types, pivots, drip and under-tree irrigation, filtration, fertigation, pumps, water meters, soil management, and monitoring technology.

Flexible access options, including a new company subscription

Alongside one-off individual purchases, Irrigation Australia now offers an exclusive 12-month company training subscription for company members, providing unlimited access for your staff to all three online courses. It’s a cost-effective and scalable way to ensure your team is equipped with the skills and knowledge required in today’s irrigation landscape.

Pricing (Until 30 June):

Company Members: $550 incl. GST (Rising to $660 from 1 July)

Upskill with confidence and support your team’s development with our growing suite of online irrigation courses. Whether you’re laying the groundwork or taking the next step in your career, Part B: Landscape and Part B: Agricultural will help you grow your knowledge and improve your on-the-job performance.

Click here to find out more and secure a subscription for your whole team today!

2025 Waterwise Irrigation Expo - Registrations still open!

Excitement is building as we edge closer to Western Australia’s most anticipated irrigation industry event, set to take place on Wednesday, 13 August at the stunning Novotel Vines Resort in Perth. With just two months to go and registrations filling fast, now is the time to lock in your spot.

Bringing together professionals from across the urban landscape and irrigation sectors, the Waterwise Irrigation Expo is your opportunity to explore cutting-edge water-efficient technologies, connect with like-minded experts, and be part of the crucial conversations shaping the future of sustainable irrigation.

This year’s Expo promises to be the biggest and most dynamic yet. We’ve curated an engaging program packed with expert presentations, collaborative workshops, and networking opportunities that are both meaningful and inspiring. With a fresh new venue and a future-focused agenda, it’s an event you won’t want to miss. Register here to secure your spot!

Just one booth & two sponsorship opportunities left!

Want to showcase your products and services to a highly targeted audience of industry professionals, decision-makers, and innovators? Act quickly - only one exhibition booth remains! Download the Exhibitor Prospectus for full details on booth inclusions, sizing, and pricing, and see which leading businesses have already signed up!

We also have two exclusive sponsorship opportunities remaining:

Catering Sponsor: Put your brand at the heart of the action during morning tea, lunch, and afternoon breaks, the most social moments of the day. Your business will be front and centre, sparking connections and conversations.

Group Leaders Sponsor: Align your organisation with thought leadership, collaboration, and innovation. This high-profile opportunity gives you direct exposure to key stakeholders and professionals dedicated to improving water efficiency outcomes across the state.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this pivotal event. Download the Sponsorship Prospectus to explore the benefits and secure your involvement today.

If you have any questions, please reach out to rebecca.new@irrigation.org.au. More exciting announcements are just around the corner - stay tuned!

Upcoming training opportunities

Ready to enhance your skills or work towards obtaining a certification? Here’s what’s coming up in Western Australia over the next few months:

Meter Installation & Validation  |  Virtual Delivery  |  24 – 27 June 2025  LAST INTAKE FOR FY24/25

Electrofusion & Butt Welding  |  Perth WA  |  7 – 8 August 2025

Irrigation Systems Efficiency  |  Perth WA  |  12 – 14 August 2025

Certified Irrigation Installer  |  Perth WA  |  2 – 5 September 2025

Meter Installation & Validation  |  Virtual Delivery  |  4 – 7 November 2025

Irrigation Systems Efficiency  |  Perth WA  |  11 – 13 November 2025

If the timing isn’t right for you for any of the above but you are interested in a particular course, please contact training@irrigation.org.au. Click here to find out more about funding options in Western Australia and to see if you are eligible.

Waterwise accolades flow for State’s most water efficient councils

The City of Perth has been named 2025 Platinum Waterwise Council of the Year for cutting groundwater use by nearly 30% through stormwater harvesting and smart irrigation. The award was announced at a Water Corporation event celebrating sustainable water leadership across WA.

Forty-seven councils are now endorsed under the Waterwise Council Program, delivered with the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation. New additions include the Shire of Ashburton, City of Armadale, City of Nedlands, and Shire of Capel.

In the regions, Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre received the Platinum Waterwise Aquatic Centre of the Year title. The awards support the WA Government’s Waterwise Action Plan 3 to build waterwise communities in Perth (Boorloo) and Peel (Bindjareb) by 2030.

Read the full media release here. 

Industrial precincts celebrated for commitment to water-sensitive design

Perth’s Hazelmere Interchange Project and Orion Industrial Park have received Gold Waterwise endorsements for their sustainable water-saving designs, including native landscaping, rainwater harvesting, and efficient fittings.

Recognised under the Waterwise Development Program, these industrial sites showcase best-practice water efficiency in new developments. Catalina Green, a residential project near Mindarie, also earned endorsement for offering rebates on water-efficient appliances and landscaping.

Read the full media release here.

Karratha Airport earns top waterwise gong for halving water use

Karratha Airport has been named Platinum Waterwise Business of the Year after halving its water use through recycled water, upgraded infrastructure, and smart meters to detect leaks.

The award was presented at a Water Corporation event celebrating commercial water efficiency as part of the Waterwise Business Program, which has saved 156 billion litres since 2007.

Other honourees included The Landing Resort, Crown Metropol Perth, BOC Australia, and several major Perth buildings.

Read the full media release here.

Streamflow monitoring milestone to boost Southern Forests water security

The WA Government has launched real-time streamflow data from the upgraded Record Brook gauging station, marking a key step in securing water for the Manjimup–Pemberton region.

Part of the $2 million Warren–Donnelly Streamflow Monitoring Improvement Project, the upgrade delivers better data access to support sustainable water use and respond to climate impacts, following recommendations from the Southern Forests Irrigation Reference Group.

Growers can now access live river height and flow data online, helping guide informed decisions and adaptive planning across the region.

Read the full media release here.

Community feedback to assist in shaping Lower Great Southern’s water future

A new community group is being formed to help identify a future drinking water source for WA’s Lower Great Southern, as the region faces record low rainfall and growing demand.

Announced by Water Minister Don Punch, Albany residents are invited to provide input on options such as a seawater desalination plant and new groundwater sources.

With existing supplies under pressure and an 18% rainfall decline projected by 2050, a new water source is needed by 2030 to support growth in areas like Spencer Park and McKail North.

Desalination options in King George Sound have been ruled out, with alternative sites under consideration.

Read the full media release here.

Click here to view upcoming Training Courses.

Click here to view the latest Career Opportunities available within the Irrigation Industry.