"Collaboration and Innovation for Irrigation"
Welcome to the Water Technology Cluster Incorporated Web-site! Want to go on the email list for WTC news updates? If so contact Bruce at Bruce Cumming Email or at info@watertechnologycluster.com.au CLICK >>For Site-Map
Next Water Technology Cluster Expo May 16-17 2012. Check out this expo link
Click here to get to the WTC Expo website
See publishing quality photos from previous Expos by Bruce Cumming by clicking this link Bruces photos from WTC Expos
For latest news relevant to the Cluster scroll down to "Hot Issues & Latest News" below.
STOP PRESS: ► Water Technology Cluster General Meeting 1pm July 2 2012, Echuca ► MDBA Basin Plan: see links below ► 2012 Expo coming soon: Shepparton May 16-17 2012 ► Vic Ombudsman releases wide ranging report on Foodbowl Modernisation Project Click here to access the Ombudsmans Report ► Water Technology Cluster commitee. See hot issues and latest news below.
Hot Issues and Latest News Updates
- July 2. WTC Full Meeting: Campaspe Shire, Echuca 1.00pm: Function Room off Hegarth St. Hosted by Campaspe Shire (Kerry-Anne Jones) Agenda available soon.
- June 6 WTC Exec meeting and review of 2012 Expo
- May 16-17 Water Technology Cluster Expo, Shepparton Exhibition Centre, Shepparton Showgrounds
- May 29-30 'Source' eWater Conference Canberra: see below
- PLEASE NOTE: you can find other events on the ICNs website. ICN events page
Government closing regional Primary Industries offices.
The Victorian Government has announced the closure of a large number of DPI offices, and planned removal and relocation of staff from shared offices with DSE. Within the Goulburn and Murray valleys staff affected include those from Cobram, Benalla, Wodonga, Wangaratta, Seymour, Corryong and Alexandra. Minister Peter Walsh has stated that these changes are required as part of an increase in efficiencies.
ewater Source Conference 29-30 May
To celebrate the national launch of Source, eWater CRC will hold the first annual Source conference in Canberra on Tuesday 29 May and Wednesday 30 May. eWater Source is a new, groundbreaking modelling platform that is the product of Australian Government investment and industry collaboration spanning over 20 years. Source integrates the whole water cycle with policy and management variables to boost our capability to manage water resources. Hear from Australian leaders and managers from across the industry who already use Source.
Monitoring key to optimal environmental water management
National Water Commission CEO Mr James Cameron has called for the improved and systematic monitoring of water plans to provide confidence that they are effective in meeting their environmental objectives. Releasing two reports at Ozwater 2012 which identify priorities and resources for improving environmental water performance, Mr Cameron said that environmental water management has been evolving in all Australian states and territories but there is still a way to go.
Minister for Water Peter Walsh has written to MDBA Chair Craig Knowles urging the Authority to revise its Basin Plan to better balance the needs of regional communities with those of the environment. He calls for a robust process to begin urgently to resolve the major issues in the current draft, and says Victoria is willing to be a constructive participant in a process to finalise the Plan.
The submission details proposals in the draft Plan that present unacceptable risks for Victoria’s communities and the Government, including: arrangements for environmental watering that are unlikely to work and do not govern the use of Commonwealth-held environmental water;
proposals for water quality and salinity are expected to undermine State working arrangements;
unclear roles, responsibilities and legal obligations; and the large cost legacy created by the Plan, without identifying who is to pay.
Click here to access full submission from Vict Govt on Basin plan
Professor Stuart Bunn appointed as Acting National Water Commission Chair
The Minister for Water Tony Burke has appointed Professor Stuart Bunn to act as the Chair of the Commission following the resignation of Chloe Munro. Professor Bunn will commence in this role on 2 April and has been appointed until 30 June, 2012.
Three Winners for Sampson Scholarship 2012: all associated with the water industry
The awards were presented to the winners by Maree Sampson, the widow of Ken Sampson who the Scholarship is named after.
Garry Smith, the Sampson Trust Chairman congratulated the three recipients and wished them good luck with their projects. He also thanked the many supporters of the Scholarship including the donors, the Fairley Leadership Board and the trustees.
About the 2012 winners
1. Tara Callingham is qualified chemical engineer who works as a Senior Treatment Strategist with Goulburn Valley Water in Shepparton. She plans to use her scholarship to study innovative small town water and wastewater treatment systems across Australia.
2. Zara Milenkovic works as a Modernisation Co-ordinator with the Northern Victorian Irrigation Renewal Project. She will use her scholarship to visit California to study stakeholder engagement in irrigation upgrades.
3. Helen Reynolds and her husband Craig run an irrigated cropping farm near Congupna, north of Shepparton. Helen has just returned from her study tour where she attended the 21st International Congress on Irrigation and Drainage in the Iranian capital, Tehran. Helen was invited to attend the conference and present a case study on modernisation of irrigated agriculture in Australia. She also took the opportunity to learn about irrigation issues around the world and visit areas in Iran where irrigation has been practiced for thousands of years.
About the Sampson Scholarship
The Sampson Leadership Trust was established by friends and colleagues of Ken Sampson who wanted to recognise and honour Ken’s remarkable contribution to northern Victoria. Ken passed away suddenly in 2009, and the Trust was established in 2010.
The Trust offers scholarships to young people between the ages of 18 and 35 to further their study, research or learning in areas that Ken was passionate about - the environment, agriculture, irrigation and leadership. The Trustees are Andrea Smith, Bruce Cumming and Mike Hall with Garry Smith as Chair.
Last year’s winners
Last year, Daniel Irwin was one of the recipients of the inaugural Sampson Scholarships. Daniel works as the Manager, Central Murray Operations, with Goulburn-Murray Water at Kerang. Daniel used his scholarship to undertake a study tour to California to look at programs dealing with return of water to the environment and land retirement from irrigation. Daniel spoke at the awards presentation about his study tour and the benefits he gained from the Scholarship. Speaking after his presentation he thanked the Trust for the opportunity he received, and thanked the Sampson family.
For further details about the Scholarship contact Sampson Trustee and media contact Bruce Cumming: bruce.cumming1@bigpond.com 0419 540 552
Water trade proving a valuable tool for Basin communities
Launching a new National Water Commission report at the Australian Water Congress 2012, Commissioner Laurie Arthur said that water markets have helped regional communities in the southern Murray–Darling Basin (MDB) to remain productive, even during drought. Mr Arthur said, ‘Australia’s water markets have allowed water to be reallocated to where the need is greatest and reduced the impact of the drought on regional production. Water trade is playing a major role in achieving the National Water Initiative (NWI) objective of maximising the economic, social and environmental values of scarce water resources.
‘It is increasingly valued as a business tool and is now supported by the majority of the irrigators surveyed by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences for this report’, said Mr Arthur. The Impacts of water trading in the southern Murray–Darling Basin between 2006-07 and 2010-11 report is the second report produced by the Commission to fulfil its NWI obligation to monitor the impacts of interstate trade in the southern MDB.
The report confirms the main drivers of hardship in these communities include drought, commodity prices and exchange rates. Water trading is part of the solution in managing these difficulties.
National Water Commission welcomes renewed reform role
Chair of the National Water Commission (NWC) Ms Chloe Munro has welcomed the decision by the Australian Government that the Commission will continue to operate as an independent and expert national agency to oversee water reform. 'The announcement by the Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and Urban Water Senator Don Farrell reflects the positive findings and recommendations of the independent review conducted by Dr David Rosalky.
'Commissioners welcome the release of this report, which after extensive consultation with stakeholders concluded "the role that can be played by a specialist and independent body like the NWC is likely to be even more important in the future". 'The Commission will undertake audits and assessments of national reform activity, which remain central to ensuring accountability', said Ms Munro. 'And it will continue to make these authoritative reports publicly available.
2. Opportunities in the region to attend MDBA community workshops to discuss the plan in mid December.
a) Shepparton (13 December)
b) Griffith (15 December)
c) Deniliquin (16 December).
3. Alongside the public meetings the MDBA will also hold smaller meetings with community and representative groups
4. Please take the opportunity to look closely at the documents made available, and attend meetings.
5. As discussed at our Cluster meeting last Monday, please prepare your thoughts in regards to developing a response both individually, and collectively from the Cluster.
6. We are likely to hold a Cluster meeting in the next 2 months to discuss this specific issue, (in addition to our regular general meeting to be held in February 2012.)
7. There will be further MDBA meetings in the new year at other towns.
8. The closing dates for submissions is April 16.
Please note that there will be a range of documents increasingly made available from Nov 28 from their web-site:
The proposed Basin Plan - a draft for consultation
Plain English summary of the proposed Basin Plan - including explanatory notes
Delivering a Healthy Working Basin - about the draft Basin Plan
The draft Basin Plan - catchment by catchment
Environmental Watering Plan - what's in it and how will it work?
Environmentally sustainable level of take for surface water: methods and outcomes
Socioeconomic analysis and the draft Basin Plan
Science review
a series of factsheets discussing topics such as hydrological modelling and the Basin Plan implementation process
Ombudsman releases report on Foodbowl Modernisation Project
See link: Click here to access the Ombudsmans Report
United Nations FAO Report: 'Climate Change,Water and Food Security'
Water Technology Cluster Expo 2012 to be held in Shepparton.
The Water Technology Cluster has decided to move our Expo around the region to better meet the needs of irrigators. Our next Expo will be staged in Shepparton on May 16 and 17, 2012. It will be held at the Shepparton Exhibition Centre, at the Shepparton Showgrounds. As new locations are determined for future years they will be anounced to the public.
WATER TECHNOLOGY CLUSTER: NOVEMBER 21, 2011 MEETING NUMURKAH
9.30am, Monday November 21: notes will be posted on this site when available.
Numurkah: Council Offices/ Information Centre, in the (main street) of Numurkah.
• MEETING AGENDA
• Tea/ coffee/ networking
• Welcome and overview
• Hot issues for members
• Options for our WTC Expo for 2012 including funding: see attached paper on alternative expo venues CLICK HERE FOR Agenda Paper 2 re Expo Advant Disadvant Sites
• Future Directions for the Cluster: see attached paper by Roger Wrigley
• Election of WTC committee CLICK HERE FOR Nov agenda paper#1 Incorp
• Department of Business and Innovation/ GHD presentation
• Updates on Farm Efficiency Program
So it is going to be an action-packed meeting, Look forward to catching up, hope all is going well,
FOR YOUR ACTION: PLEASE CONFIRM ATTENDANCE OR APOLOGY BY EMAIL TO bruce.cumming1@bigpond.com
Click for PDF of WTC meeting notes August 2011
CLICK HERE FOR Nov agenda paper#1 Incorp CLICK HERE FOR Agenda Paper 2 re Expo Advant Disadvant Sites
Working to improve river and wetland health
Sampson Leadership Scholarship for 2012 NOW AVAILABLE
NEW WEBSITE AVAILABLE FOR SAMPSON SCHOLARSHIP Click here for CLICK here for NEW Sampson Leadership Scholarship website NEW Sept 2011
The Sampson Leaderership Scholarship commenced in 2010. It was set up to support the development of young adults in the region for self development projects which will also benfit the region. Two people completed the scholarship during 2011, and found the scholarship of great benefit in helping them in their development.
The 2011 call for applications is now open for projects to be caried out during the 2012 calendar year. Click on the Sampson Trust tab on the right side of this page for more details: guidlelines; application form and background information. NEW WEBSITE AVAILABLE FOR SAMPSON SCHOLARSHIP Click here for CLICK here for NEW Sampson Leadership Scholarship website NEW Sept 2011
MDBA to delay release of MDBA Draft Basin Plan
Craig Knowles the Chair of the Murray Darling Basin Authority has announced a delay in the release of the Draft Basin Plan This will allow more time to complete the task. He also has announced that there will be a 20 week consultation period up from the planned 16 weeks. This will be an opportunity for Cluster members to participate. For more info have a look at the message from Craig Knowles. . click for PDF of MDBA Chair Knowes announces delay to release of Draft MDB Plan
Water Technology Cluster Meeting, August 9, starting 9.30am. Shepparton Business Centre, 70 New Dookie Road Shepparton
The next meeting of the Cluster will be an informative and useful one for members and presenters. Cick for Agenda August 2011 WTC meeting
-Get an update on progress on the next round of funding and projects for the Farm Efficiency Grants
-Hear about, and have an input into feedback on our Expo held in May.
-Find out the latest info on the Murray Darling Basin Plan and responses to the Guide
-What are the ‘hot issues’ for Cluster members.
-Presentation by from Department of Business Innovation
-What are our USA trade possibilities? Update on proposal.
-Input and feedback from you the members
-Influence the next steps of the Cluster: AND MORE!
See you at 9.30am, at Shepparton Business Centre, New Dookie Road Shepparton. Please confirm attendance or apologise directly to Bruce’s email address if you have not already done so. info@watertechnologycluster.com.au or Bruce Cumming Email
On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency Program announces Round 2: In-principle funding
On 7 July 2011 the Minister announced $150 million of in-principle funding for 9 projects. Applicants who received in-principle funding approval are:
-Australian Processing Tomato Research Council Inc. - $23,133,000 (GST excl.)
-Fruit Growers Victoria Ltd - $6,370,000 (GST excl.)
-Goulburn-Broken Catchment Management Authority - $25,108,000 (GST excl.)
-Irrigation Efficiency Partners Pty Ltd - $32,291,000 (GST excl.)
-Lachlan Catchment Management Authority - $2,296,000 (GST excl.)
-Murray Irrigation Ltd - $34,820,000 (GST excl.)
-Northern Victorian Fresh Tomato Industry Development Committee - $4,635,000 (GST excl.)
-Ricegrowers' Association of Australia - $7,846,000 (GST excl.)
-South Australian Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resource Management Board - $13,501,000 (GST excl.)
The $300 million On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency Program is aimed at assisting irrigators in the Lachlan and southern connected system of the Murray-Darling Basin to modernise their on-farm irrigation infrastructure while returning water savings to the environment. The southern connected system includes the New South Wales Murray, Victorian Murray, South Australia Murray, Murrumbidgee, Kiewa, Ovens, Goulburn, Broken, Campaspe, Loddon, Avoca, and the lower Darling (south of Menindee Lakes) river catchments.
Water Minister Peter Walsh announces Advisory Group for Basin Plan
The Minister for Water has convened a regional advisory group to help the Government respond quickly to matters emerging from the proposed Basin Plan. The group is chaired by Member for Rodney, Paul Weller and includes representatives nominated by peak bodies across farming, industry, business, tourism, local government, the indigenous community and the environment.
The first meeting was held on 7 July in Echuca and included the six representatives selected from more than 50 nominations from across the community. The group reiterated the importance of formally recording feedback and input from the community.
FOUR LEADING IRRIGATORS SHARE INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR IRRIGATION TECHNIQUES AND THE RESULTS WHICH ARE HELPING THEM: IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY
INCREASE WATER EFFICIENCY BOOST PROFITABILITY
Eric Watson (Ashburton, NZ) – Utilizing Variable Rate Irrigation with overhead laterals, the electromagnetic mapping and GPS technology recognizes & adjusts water delivery resulting in substantial water savings & soil health benefits. Marek Kwiecien-Fisher (Gingin, WA) – Achieving record yields using Pulse Irrigation on Olive trees. Automatic root zone monitoring for moisture, nutrients, oxygen and pH levels on aeolian sands is turning into a 40% water savings. Andrew Parkes (Moree, NSW) – Broad acre cropping utilizing furrow irrigation and now trialling overhead and drip on cotton, wheat, sorghum and lucerne which is delivering significant benefits to production and cost control. Richard Gardner (Tunbridge, TAS) – Land management practises on a mixed crop & livestock operation under Variable Rate centre pivots. Using growth stage water demand information for poppies is returning dividends with water use and pumping cost savings.
HAY, NSW – Tuesday 26 July – 10:00 AM Hay RSL & Services Club (371 Murray Street)
SWAN HILL, VIC – Wednesday 27 July – 10:00 AM Swan Hill Club (5-17 McCallum Street)
FORBES, NSW – Thursday 28 July – 10:00 AM Forbes Services Memorial Club (41-43 Templar Street)
SINGLETON, NSW – Friday 29 July – 10:00 AM Singleton Diggers (York Street)
The National Water Commission has won 2 awards in the Institute of Public Administration's ACT Annual Report Awards. It won a gold award for its online report, and a silver award for its hard copy version.
Ms Dawson of Bendigo has extensive experience in the water industry and financial reporting and auditing. A director of Bendigo Bank, she is also inaugural chair of the Regional Development Australia Committee for the Loddon Mallee Region.
Mr Pankhurst of Tongala has practical experience in primary production and customer engagement. An irrigator and dairy farmer, he has also has been a councillor and is now mayor of the Shire of Campaspe.
Mr Mansbridge of Pompapiel has extensive experience in banking and finance. Until 2008, he was head of Special Projects at the Bendigo Bank Ltd and has held a number of director positions within banking, agriculture, food, water and finance organisations.
Mr Moon of Rochester is a tomato grower and a business owner. He is a former chair of the Australian Tomato Processing Research Council and the tomato representative of Horticulture Australia Limited.
Ms Scales is a business and risk-management consultant and also owns a mixed farming enterprise near Mansfield. She was previously the general manager, AWB International.
Mr Whitford of Northwood has valuable experience in senior management and strong governance skills. He is the managing director of a furniture business and a member of the board of PrimeSafe Victoria.
Shahida Sweeney, Head of Conferences, ANZ,
CommStrat/Government Technology Review
Tel:+6 12 8923 8027 ; 6 12 8923 8000 ;
Fax: + 6 12 8923 8050 Email: shahida.sweeney@govtechreview.com.au
