Western Australia Member Regional Update | October 2025 New

Date: 16-Oct-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 Maulik Chaudhary
• Mr David Watson
• Mr Alex Femia
• Mr Anton Pearce
• Mr Matthew Tapley
• Mr Mark Vidovich
• Mr Garron Derrington
• Dr Fatemeh Kazemi
• Mr Clinton Wilkinson

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 Introduction to Irrigation Modules: Part A: self-paced online course, Part B: Landscape and Part B: Agricultural. These modules build on the solid foundation 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.

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:

Individual Members: $185 incl. GST

Company Members: $900 incl. GST 

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, our courses 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!

Upcoming training opportunities

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

Certified Irrigation Installer | Perth WA | 10 - 13 March 2026

Electrofusion and Butt Welding | Perth WA | 23 - 24 April 2026

Irrigation Efficiency & Practical Skills | Virtual | 28 - 29 Oct 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.

Busselton Residents to Save on Bills with Five New Waterwise Offers

Busselton Water has launched five new Waterwise offers to help households save water and reduce bills ahead of summer, as part of a State-wide Cook Government initiative promoting water efficiency.

Eligible residential customers can access:

• Showerhead Swap Program: Exchange up to two old showerheads for new 4-star-rated models.
• Waterwise Toilet Rebate: Up to $400 for a dual flush 4-star toilet replacement.
• Rainwater Tank Rebate: Up to $1,000 for installing or plumbing-in a rainwater tank.
• Weather-Based Irrigation Controller Rebate: Up to $300 for eligible smart controllers.
• Waterwise Irrigation Rebate: Up to $200 when engaging a certified Waterwise Garden Irrigator.

Offers are available until 31 May 2026.

“If every customer saved just two buckets of water a day for a year, we’d collectively save enough to fill the Geographe Leisure Centre pool over 230 times.” — Don Punch, Water and South West Minister

Read the full media release here

New Pup on the Block: Piper Joins WA’s Leak Detection Pack

A six-month-old Cocker Spaniel named Piper is the newest recruit in Water Corporation’s Canine Leak Detection Program, helping protect WA’s vast 35,000 km water network.

• Trained to sniff out underground leaks where traditional methods fall short
• Complements high-tech systems to prevent water loss and costly repairs
• Supports WA’s efforts to conserve water amid a drying climate

Since 2018, Kep, Australia’s first leak detection dog, has found over 240 leaks, saving 2.5 billion litres of water (the equivalent of 2.5 Optus Stadiums). Piper will now follow in Kep’s pawprints as she takes on this vital task.

“Piper might be small, but she’s got a big job ahead. Once fully trained, she’ll be helping protect one of our most precious resources, water, one paw at a time.” — Don Punch, Water Minister

Read the full media release here

Lake Monger & South Galup Irrigation Replacement (Town of Cambridge, WA)

Consultation and design for replacing the park’s irrigation systems were undertaken in late 2025, with installation scheduled for January–March 2026.

The upgrade will replace ageing pipework, valves and pumps and is expected to improve coverage, enhance water-use efficiency and support healthier turf performance.

Read the full media release here

Geraldton Turf Club Irrigation Upgrade

The $1.3 million upgrade, funded through the Regional Racing Infrastructure Fund, has replaced an outdated irrigation system that had caused multiple bursts.

The new system will improve reliability and water efficiency, ensuring a safer and higher-quality racing surface while supporting the local economy.

Read the full media release here

Albany Golf Club Irrigation Modernisation

The $2.5 million irrigation upgrade is under way as part of the club’s 10-year masterplan.

Funded through a CSRFF grant, club reserves and the City of Albany, the project aims to reduce water use by 25 percent and deliver long-term sustainability for turf management and reticulation.

Read the full media release here

Gnangara Waterwise Councils Grants Program

Half of the $4 million grants fund has been distributed to nine Perth councils to develop climate-resilient suburbs.

Funded projects include:

• A turf injection system at Bassendean Oval
• Smart irrigation meters and weather stations in the City of Joondalup
• Centrally controlled smart irrigation across 128 parks in Wanneroo

Alkimos Seawater Desalination Plant

The Water Corporation has begun laying Western Australia’s largest water main, a 1.6-metre-diameter steel pipeline running 33.5 kilometres from the new $2.8 billion Alkimos Seawater Desalination Plant to the existing network.

Locally manufactured pipes will deliver 50 billion litres of climate-independent drinking water each year and allow groundwater abstraction to be reduced by 30 billion litres annually.

Read the full media release here

Securing WA’s Water Future Together

From local park upgrades to major infrastructure projects, these initiatives highlight Western Australia’s commitment to sustainable water management, regional innovation and a secure water future for all communities.

Contact our team at info@irrigation.org.au to feature in future regional updates.

Click here to view upcoming Training Courses.

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