The Official JOurnal Of irrigaTiOn ausTralia limiTed

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In ThIs Issue: Fundamentals oF CPlm eFFiCienCy

sustainable gardening For the Futurewater reForm - next stePs

are your indePendent ContraCtors really emPloyees?new ial board direCtors

Five things

The JOurnal fOr irrigaTiOn PrOfessiOnals

lenders look for when assessing your finance application

IAL opposes proposed national plumbing

license regulation

iNTELLiPUMP is the control system with a host of

exclusive features, plus the added benefit of being able to

integrate with a serious monitoring system — all at a very

cost-effective price. Why would you muck around with

anything less professional and efficient for your business?

Applying the correct amount of water at the correct

time reduces crop stress and susceptibility to disease

and pests, plus increases the crop’s long-term

sustainability and profitability.

iNTELLiPUMPiNTELLiPUMP: • isinstalledonaPCreducingthecostfor

expensive field control stations

• issimpletolearn

• allowsyoutobringinalldevicesusedinmonitoring (including weather stations, flow meters,monitoringboresandsoilmoistureprobes)

• hasaneasy-to-readdisplayallowingyoutoinstantlyseehowthingsareworking

• canbeeasilyintegratedintoyourexistingiNTELLiTROLsystemsoyoucanaddcontroltoyourmonitoringsolution

• conversely,iNTELLiTROLcanbeeasilyintegratedintoyourexistingiNTELLiPUMPcontrolsystem

• isaneffectivestand-alonecontrol

• hasbeendesignedbyAustralianagronomistsandengineers,withfarmerinput

• ismadeinAustralia

• allowsyoutoeasilyexpandthesystembyaddingadditionalboardswithnoextrasoftwarecosts

• offers2remotecontroloptions(24VACor12VDC)wherepowerisnotavailable

• letsyoucontrolalimitlessnumbersofpumps(includingfertigationpumps)

• hasfaultalarms

• letsyoucontrolirrigationinthewaythatbestsuitsyou(time,moisture,ET,airtemperature,etc..)

• hasmoresophisticatedrain-controloptionsthanjustsimple“rainswitches”

• letsyouschedulealimitlessnumberofirrigationprogrammes

• offersexceptionalvalueformoney

• ANDcanevenbeusedforautomatingflood-irrigation systems

“We had a look at several different control systems when we were getting ours designed. Our

irrigation designer recommended iNTELLiPUMP as the best one — for its value, as well as all the

things it can do. It’s easy to use and everything’s there for reporting, readily on display. I like how

you can check flow, to see if there’s been any problems.”

— Mark Trzaskoma, Battunga Orchards, Warragul, Vic

“It’s been fantastic: the orchard virtually waters itself. We have 130ha under irrigation, and just

wouldn’t be able to manage without it. It means we can irrigate at night if we have to, or around

the clock if the conditions demand. We looked at other systems, but were keen to keep using

iNTELLiPUMP, and have since added the management side [iNTELLiTROL]”.

— Martin Sebire, Wandin Valley Farms, Boweya, Vic

industriesIrrigation-Management Solutions for Agriculture, Turf and the Environment

Use your computer to automate your irrigation system

“Our customers are our best advertisement”www.mait.com.au

Phone: 1300 739 920 Fax: 1300 739 940 Email: sales@mait.com.au©AllrightsreservedMAITIndustries2011

summer 2012 1

Contents

Chairman's report 2

Ceo's message 3

From the editor 3

irrigation technology: urban 6

the big issue 8

irrigation technology: rural 10

research 12

ial news 24

Contractors Corner 32

Professional development 34

bookshelf 35

smart approved watermark 36

around industry 37

iCid insights 38

state roundup 40

new Products & services 42

CPlm irrigation Feature

the fundamentals of CPlm efficiency 4

business Feature

redundancy: the essentials 10

Five things that lenders look for when assessing your finance application 14

online passwords – you don’t use any of these, do you? 15

are your ‘independent contractors’ actually employees? 16

PumP Feature

is your pump really that efficient? 20

teChniCal Feature

modelling the economic value of water 30

feaTures

regular iTems

on the Front CoVer

ial recently submitted its response to the proposed national plumbing license regulations. if accepted in their present form, major installations like this local government irrigation project could be required to be overseen by a plumber. Photo: brian walters

4

18 32

1036

The production of this publication has been funded by HAL using voluntary contributions from Irrigation Australia Ltd and matched funds from the Australian Government.

iNTELLiPUMP is the control system with a host of

exclusive features, plus the added benefit of being able to

integrate with a serious monitoring system — all at a very

cost-effective price. Why would you muck around with

anything less professional and efficient for your business?

Applying the correct amount of water at the correct

time reduces crop stress and susceptibility to disease

and pests, plus increases the crop’s long-term

sustainability and profitability.

iNTELLiPUMPiNTELLiPUMP: • isinstalledonaPCreducingthecostfor

expensive field control stations

• issimpletolearn

• allowsyoutobringinalldevicesusedinmonitoring (including weather stations, flow meters,monitoringboresandsoilmoistureprobes)

• hasaneasy-to-readdisplayallowingyoutoinstantlyseehowthingsareworking

• canbeeasilyintegratedintoyourexistingiNTELLiTROLsystemsoyoucanaddcontroltoyourmonitoringsolution

• conversely,iNTELLiTROLcanbeeasilyintegratedintoyourexistingiNTELLiPUMPcontrolsystem

• isaneffectivestand-alonecontrol

• hasbeendesignedbyAustralianagronomistsandengineers,withfarmerinput

• ismadeinAustralia

• allowsyoutoeasilyexpandthesystembyaddingadditionalboardswithnoextrasoftwarecosts

• offers2remotecontroloptions(24VACor12VDC)wherepowerisnotavailable

• letsyoucontrolalimitlessnumbersofpumps(includingfertigationpumps)

• hasfaultalarms

• letsyoucontrolirrigationinthewaythatbestsuitsyou(time,moisture,ET,airtemperature,etc..)

• hasmoresophisticatedrain-controloptionsthanjustsimple“rainswitches”

• letsyouschedulealimitlessnumberofirrigationprogrammes

• offersexceptionalvalueformoney

• ANDcanevenbeusedforautomatingflood-irrigation systems

“We had a look at several different control systems when we were getting ours designed. Our

irrigation designer recommended iNTELLiPUMP as the best one — for its value, as well as all the

things it can do. It’s easy to use and everything’s there for reporting, readily on display. I like how

you can check flow, to see if there’s been any problems.”

— Mark Trzaskoma, Battunga Orchards, Warragul, Vic

“It’s been fantastic: the orchard virtually waters itself. We have 130ha under irrigation, and just

wouldn’t be able to manage without it. It means we can irrigate at night if we have to, or around

the clock if the conditions demand. We looked at other systems, but were keen to keep using

iNTELLiPUMP, and have since added the management side [iNTELLiTROL]”.

— Martin Sebire, Wandin Valley Farms, Boweya, Vic

industriesIrrigation-Management Solutions for Agriculture, Turf and the Environment

Use your computer to automate your irrigation system

“Our customers are our best advertisement”www.mait.com.au

Phone: 1300 739 920 Fax: 1300 739 940 Email: sales@mait.com.au©AllrightsreservedMAITIndustries2011

2

ial suPPort oFFiCe

Po box 863, mascot nsw 1460

P (02) 8335 4000 F (02) 8335 4099

www.irrigation.org.au

Ceo: ian atkinson

email: ian.atkinson@irrigation.org.au

Publisher

www.commstrat.com.au

level 8, 574 st Kilda road

melbourne ViC 3004

Po box 6137, st Kilda rd Central 8008

t (03) 8534 5000 F (03) 9530 8911

editorial

editor: anne Currey

design & ProduCtion

art director: annette epifanidis

adVertising

national sales manager: brian rault

e brian.rault@halledit.com.au

t (03) 8534 5014

adVertising

advertising in this journal is managed by

Commstrat on behalf of irrigation australia

limited. irrigation australia limited takes no

responsibility for the technical accuracy of

article content. all contact with businesses

and organisations about advertising is made

by Commstrat sales staff, who must identify

themselves and the fact that they work for

Commstrat on behalf of the ial. no special

consideration will be given to any advertisers

as far as editorial content or front cover

material is concerned. decisions about editorial

content and the front cover are the prerogative

of the editor and the national board of the ial.

advertising enquiries should be directed to the

national sales manager.

chairman’s rePOrT

The challengeThank you to all those IAL members who have wished me well in my role as IAL chairman for the next year. I regard the opportunity as an honour and I look forward to meeting, talking and working with as many of you as possible as we seize the opportunities and overcome the challenges that lie ahead.

This is my first report for Irrigation Australia Journal as Chairman, and on behalf of the Board and all members, I would like to formally say farewell and thank you to two directors who have retired from the Board; Peter Toome, the outgoing chairman, and Scott Barber.

Peter has been a strong Board contributor for eight years, including four years as chairman. His leadership, strategic insights and wise counsel will be missed. Scott retires after four years on the Board. Scott always brought a balanced and thoughtful point of view to the Board table. Thank you for generously giving your time to IAL.

I also want to congratulate the newly elected Board members. Peter Hayes and Sean Callaghan are first time members, and Colin Campbell, Simon Cowland Cooper and Karen Murday are returning members.

This year there were eleven nominations for five positions on the Board and I want to thank Peter Brueck, David Wigginton, Liz Mann, Peter White, Paul Johnson and Geoffrey Fenn for nominating. It was great to see such a strong field of candidates vying for the Board vacancies and it is a healthy sign for the future. Regular ‘turn over’ of members ensures that the Board is continually energetic and enthusiastic with new ideas and aspirations.

I believe IAL is a great organisation and it has solid foundations. I am committed to making IAL a stronger industry body but I am under no illusions about the challenges ahead. IAL is in a new era. The global economic downturn, the reduction in IAL’s external project funding and the trends in member associations across Australia are all having an impact on IAL.

One of our key challenges is to ensure IAL has a strong and sustainable future. We need to examine all ideas and options to meet this challenge. IAL is about to launch into its annual strategic planning process and in December the Board and management will be reviewing IAL’s strategies and all aspects of what IAL does.

The aim will be to identify the issues that are important to ensuring IAL has a strong and sustainable future and how we can best address them. This may mean a rethink of IAL’s business model; who we are, what we do and how IAL is structured and run to provide the best value to you, our members.

In the commercial world the flow of decision making is usually downwards from the top. In member associations like IAL, I believe the process of broad strategy and policy decision making should generally flow in the opposite direction, from the body of members upwards. I will be looking at ways to engage with members and get wider input into this strategic review.

In closing, I want to thank our general manager, Trevor Le Breton, for his significant contribution to IAL over the past three years and wish him well in his new role as CEO of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society.

So much of the strength of IAL lies in its members and volunteers and I continue to be impressed by the amount of time and effort members are prepared to give to IAL. I thank you for that commitment which has made IAL the peak body for the professional irrigation industry in Australia.

2013 is looking to be both an exciting and challenging year for IAL.

Ian MoorhouseIaL ChaIrMan

welCome

summer 2012 3

IAL looking to the futureIrrigation Australia Limited is a member-based, not-for-profit organisation with a very diverse range of members who often have differing expectations of it. We have just come through a couple of difficult years and as we move ahead, with a smaller staff and budget, the new IAL Board needs your input into the strategic planning process for the future. I hope you have contributed to the survey seeking your views about the future of your IAL.

The survey, announced in Backwash at the beginning of November, will collect a sample of views from key sections of the membership to guide IAL’s board deliberations in December this year. The IAL Board will be going back out to members seeking review, feedback and validation of any new plan for 2013.

More crop per drop – more than irrigation efficiencyHas a familiar ring, doesn’t it? Like something we in the irrigation game can claim ownership over. Well you might be surprised to hear that this sentiment isn’t unique to those concerned with the use of irrigation water. To quote a recent article in Issue 101 of GRDC’s Groundcover magazine “Available water is the biggest limitation to grain yields across the globe and new research shows Australia is not unique in having a significant gap between actual and achievable crop production per unit of water consumption.”

The article is talking about grain yield in rain-fed (dryland) agriculture – not irrigated production. The benchmark water use efficiency (WUE) in Australia has risen from 20 kg/ha/mm of rain in the 1970s to more like 24 kg/ha/mm now. The increase is the result of agronomic and varietal improvements rather than any of the efficiency measures we traditionally work with in irrigation.

I feel this helps put the “irrigation efficiency” mantra we hear all the time into context. Irrigation efficiency is just a tool; we should not see it as an end in itself. We know that Australian farmers have been able to grow and prosper (mostly anyway) over recent decades as a result of productivity improvements. Even with rising demand for food from both a growing population, and an increase

in the middle classes in Asia, they will have to continue striving for productivity gains without adversely affecting our sustainability.

More lifestyle per drop?Over recent years I have been asking people what the urban/landscape irrigation sector equivalent is to more crop per drop. If we are to look towards a sustainable future and lifestyle underpinned by the use of irrigation then we need better benchmarks than DU% or ML/ha. The turf sector has had a bit of a go at this and the South Australian IPOS (Irrigated Public Open Space) Code of Practice (available at www.ipos.net.au) for instance talks about turf quality and “fit for purpose”. But what about botanic gardens? Some years ago a report found that the Melbourne Botanic Gardens gets more visits a year than the MCG!

So here is the challenge – to justify the growing dollar cost of using water to support our lifestyles, and to support the use of better technology and better trained staff we need some measurable and arguable benchmarks. More crop per drop works with most people, even people who know nothing about agriculture. Has anyone out there got some ideas on how we do this for lifestyle irrigation? IAL is the obvious place to discuss this because we have said our mission is to lead the development of a professional irrigation industry, embracing best practice to underpin healthy, sustainable, urban and rural communities and lifestyles.

Good luck TrevorFinally - a note of thanks to Trevor Le Breton who has left us to take on a new role as CEO. His time with us was both productive and entertaining; many of you will fondly remember his talent as an MC at functions such as the annual dinner in Launceston. We wish him the best for the future.

Ian atkInsonCeo

ceO message

ediTOrial

here we are nearly at the end of

another year and the final edition of the

journal for 2012.

it’s been another big year for us, with

major editorial and advertorial features

in every issue, along with the many-

paged edition that we published for

irrigation australia conference and

Trade show. in this issue our features

are centre pivots and lateral move

irrigation and managing businesses

better.

While it’s relatively easier to make a

profit when times are good, one of the

things that sorts out the good business

managers from the rest is when the

economy gets tight, as it has this year.

in this situation, paying attention to the

basics (managing cashflow and staff

costs, having the right insurances, going

through the books to trim unnecessary

expenditure and managing debtors

efficiently) is crucial.

Our business feature looks at some

of these issues, particularly those to

do with employment and managing

costs. We also have an article looking

at how many people ignore even the

basics about internet security. i hope

that none of our readers have any of

the passwords identified as those most

common and easiest to crack. if you do,

this should be a prompt to change them

right away!

as part of the cPlm feature, sean

hughes from nelson takes us back to

fundamentals in his article that looks

at the importance of having a system

designed by a professional who selects

the right sprinklers for the job and is

able to specify the correct pressure.

We have our usual regular columns

such as the Big issue and popular new

Products and services so i hope you all

find something to pique your interest.

Thanks to all our advertisers and

authors for your support this year. it is

through this support that we maintain

the quality of our industry journal.

finally, i’d like to wish all our readers a

wonderful christmas this year and all

the best for 2013.

Anne Currey editor in chief

4

in the last few years, the industry has seen a shift from surface irrigation to low pressure systems using centre pivot and lateral move machines (CPlm). Convenience is one of the reasons for this (no need to go change siphons or get up in the middle of the night to change bays). another is the potential for improving application efficiency and uniformity. but this improvement does not happen as a matter of course, rather good performance is based on having a system designed by a professional who selects the right sprinklers for the job and is able to specify the correct pressure. in this article, sean hughes explains why this is so important.

Selecting sprinklersHaving the appropriate sprinkler package is the cornerstone of successful CPLM management. A fundamental principle of sprinkler selection for CPLM is that there are horses for courses. In other words, no one sprinkler produces a satisfactory result on all soil textures and structures; in fact, one sprinkler might cause soil surface degradation where another won’t. This is one of the reasons why sprinklers are manufactured to produce differing stream and droplet characteristics.

This means that selecting the right sprinkler for the job is not a matter of walking into a shop and buying the cheapest or as the result of a one-off observation of device characteristics in isolation. The recommendation of the appropriate sprinkler is done by a professional designer identifying which one will best fit system criteria, particularly which device is the most compatible with the prevailing soil texture and structure in the area to be irrigated.

Consistent pressure essentialMore often than not, modern CPLM systems are supplied with pressure regulators (“regs”) at every outlet to control the maximum allowable pressure at every sprinkler. There was a time when regs were only applied if it was deemed that undulation in the field would cause flow to vary too much across the system.

Fundamentals of CPLM efficiency

sean hughes, nelsOn ausTralia irrigaTiOnselection of sprinkler type is critical and makes the difference between a successfully manageable or problematic system.

Now we know that as well as controlling maximum flow rate of today’s relatively low pressure devices at a given nozzle location, regs serve to control the ideal pressure window the devices see to produce a desired droplet characteristic.

At Nelson we work on the rule of thumb that the higher the flow rate – through either regulator body type – the greater the pressure loss: we recommend adding 35 KPa minimum (5 PSI) on top of the rated reg pressure at the end of the system for the worst case pressure loss.

While this seems to be accepted in the industry, there seem to be some misconceptions surrounding the function of pressure regulators. For example, one widely held belief is that provided the system has regulators, the flow rate must always be constant. This will not be the case if there is insufficient pressure anywhere along the system.

Regulators are dynamic machines with moving parts and wearing surfaces that seek to find equilibrium at an outlet location – until they wear out or are damaged. While they control the maximum pressure a nozzle sees on the downhill side of a slope, they do not create necessary pressure for the uphill climb – this energy needs to be available by system design.

The difference between ‘flat’ and ‘level’When elevation is unaccounted for, the flow rate per hectare will diminish increasingly as the end tower climbs a slope and in turn the uniformity will deteriorate. This can affect the crop, e.g. decrease yield, as well as having an impact on water and energy use efficiency.

In most cases, when field information is provided to professionals who are designing a sprinkler package for a CPLM, whether there are elevation changes in the field is not specified. That’s fine if a field has previously been laser leveled, but on an even, flat field with a slope of, say, 1:200, the elevation change is barely appreciable by eye, so it is usually considered level.

For a sprinkler package to perform efficiently, one of the factors that should be specified during design is maximum elevation. A reason for this is that it allows the required inlet pressure at the pivot point top elbow to be determined. Without knowing the maximum elevation, the designer can get all the other elements right and the system will still not perform to maximum efficiency.

Consider the example of a package designed for a seven-span system (say 410 m) which is installed on a 1:200 slope (0.5%). If no allowance is made for elevation change, the resultant elevation (or static pressure) change from the pivot point to the end of the system may be 2.05 m (20.09 kPa/2.9PSI). If the sprinkler package is based on a 100 kPa (15 PSI) regulated sprinkler package, the actual residual pressure will be 14.5% lower at the pipe end than the chart design proposes. The result will be lower uniformity and less efficient water and energy use.

Often when this happens, the owner of the system or the dealer assumes that there is a problem with the sprinkler package when this is not the issue at all. Conversely, over-estimating the elevation to ensure that there is always enough residual pressure at the highest point in the field will result in higher than necessary capital and energy costs.

The message is that before the pump and plant is ordered and installed, it is crucial to verify field topography as part of the system hydraulic design process to optimise the system cost and maximise the potential benefit of the sprinkler package.

CPlm Feature

Hattah Lakes Environmental Flows Project Works in progress (Sept 2012)

1,000 ML / day capacity pump station

A hands-on intelligent approachComdain Infrastructure is a leading infrastructure construction and maintenance services business specialising in the water, irrigation and gas sectors.

Our irrigation capabilities include construction of: irrigation meters; regulators (civil works and gates); channel lining; major weir works; gravity and pressure pipelines; civil, mechanical and electrical works; automation control; winter shut-down projects; and developing and delivering on-farm irrigation solutions.

We deliver projects under a range of contracting models including; as a Managing Contractor; D&C; ECI; Alliance and Construct Only.

We place importance on professional excellence and best practice in all aspects of our construction and maintenance services work, most particularly on safety.

Current & Recent projects:

� Goulburn-Murray Water (Vic) – Hattah Lakes Environmental Flows Project: Construction of seven 750mm pump columns, a 2100mm RCP, 900mm PE branch pipeline, large regulating structures, penstock gates and levee banks.

� State Water Corporation – NSW Metering Managing Contractor: Planning and installation of over 1200 river and groundwater extraction meters.

� Northern Victorian Irrigation Renewal Project (NVIRP): Performing irrigation channel upgrades, meter installations and installation of large regulating structures across the Goulburn Valley for the fourth consecutive year.

� Coliban Water - Raw Water Supply System, Serpentine Water Treatment Plant: Construction of above ground 600kl storage tank, pump station and associated pipework.

Intelligent Doers, Dependable Delivery

comdaininfrastructure.com.au

6

teChnology: urban

one thing that underlies life today is that change is unstoppable. From a management perspective, it’s better to envision what the future might look like so your business is best placed to take advantage of the opportunities and to deal with challenges that might arise. in this article, Cilla delacey takes her crystal ball to envision what domestic and community gardens, and how they are irrigated, might look like in twenty years time.

In 2030 household and community gardens will be noticeably different to what they are today. They will be fully self sustaining ecosystems where the best of the urban and natural water cycles are used to support large shady trees, small areas of drought-tolerant lawn and specially bred natives and exotics suitable for small gardens.

All this will be supplemented by an efficient irrigation system smart wired (or indeed wireless) into the home or community garden hub for maximum control, supported by site-based weather stations monitoring evapotranspiration and hooked up to a fit-for-purpose water source - either a rainwater tank, garden bore, grey water system or a locally supplied recycled water system.

There may also be unique pieces of urban art, a small wetland or a creek leading to a billabong, a raised vegetable patch and unique walkways linking it all. And at night, inconspicuous energy efficient garden lighting will bring domestic gardens to life. This garden of the future will be fully supported by various service providers including utilities, irrigation and landscaping specialists, and alternative water source specialists.

The garden of the future No matter where you live in Australia this future is already in the making thanks to the flourishing partnerships between urban water utilities, landscape architects, garden and irrigation specialists, and hardware stores. According to Phillip Johnson (sustainable landscape designer), the future garden is focussed on ‘community water management’ where garden design centres on water collection and conservation and looks at interlinking neighbouring backyards to create ‘water and habitat corridors’, all fed by non drinking water captured on site.

Such a garden was developed by Phillip in collaboration with the Victorian Government and State water authorities at this year’s Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show (pictured). Phillip has now been chosen to design the Australian garden at next year’s Chelsea Flower Show (http://www.phillipjohnson.com.au/).

The Great Gardens team in WA take this concept one step further and talk about sustainable gardens; where all household waste is recycled, gardens produce food, the house is shaded from summer sun but open to winter sun and fertilisers and herbicide use is environmentally friendly (http://greatgardens.info/about.aspx).

Achieving this garden of the future is possible. And good information can now be found on the websites of most of Australia’s urban water utilities. There are also various programs like Waterwise Approved (WA) (http://www.watercorporation.com.au/W/waterwise_approved.cfm) and Smart Approved WaterMark (National) (http://www.smartwatermark.org/home/default.asp) that make choosing water efficient garden products and service providers easier.

So what are the specific features of the Australian garden of the future? They include:• agreaterfocusoncommunitygardensandpublicopenspaceas

development densities and the need for locally grown food increase• architecturalinstallationsthatprovidethedualpurposeofshadingand

warming the home, and cool walkways to link garden features• billabongsorsmallwetlandstocapture,treatandreusewater(orletitrun

into the aquifer) runoff in the backyard• maximumuseoflocallysourcedmaterials• permeablesurfacestoreplaceconcreteandallowwatertoseepintothe

garden and improve soil moisture• raingardens(whichcanincludecreeks)toslowdownwaterflow,filterit

and slowly release it into a tank or the aquifer• undergroundrainwatertanks,grey-waterreusesystemsorgarden

bores (operated through the provision of on-site renewable energy and accompanied by energy efficient pumps) to reuse ‘fit-for-purpose’ water

• waterwisevergesthatreplaceneglectedlawnswithfunctioninggardenbedsthat filter stormwater runoff from the driveway and are fully integrated into the front garden

susTaInable gardenIng for The fuTure – a challenge To The IndusTry

• chunkymulchwhichholdslittleornowaterbutreducessoilmoistureloss• wellplacedshadytreesanddeciduoustrees,lowmaintenanceanddrought

tolerant lawn, and native and waterwise plants specially developed for small gardens

• recyclingstations,maybeoldbathsconvertedintowormfarms• efficientirrigationsystems.

Irrigation challengesFor the irrigation industry the challenge for the future will be to design efficient systems that are wireless and controlled through an in-home display and deliver the right amount of water and nutrients to each and every plant when they need them. While many domestic garden irrigation systems already include these elements, sophistication will increase and features such as the following will be standard:• abilitytoalerttheuserwhenthereisaproblem• providerealtimemonitoringofwater,energyandnutrientuse

• supportedbysophisticatedweatherstationsmonitoringtheneedforirrigationand adjust for the season

• selfcleaningandselfmaintainingAnd this equipment will be inconspicuous. For the rest of the garden industry,

future gardens will need:• nativeplantsandhybriddeciduoustreesespeciallybredforsmallgardensand

slow growing, drought tolerant lawn that needs little mowing all year round• summershadingdevicesthatareremovableinthewinterbutdoubleas

architectural features • inexpensiveenergyefficientpumpstooperaterainwatertanksetcalongwith

energy efficient lighting that is cheap and easy to install• greatsoilimprovementproductsthatreduceongoinguseoffertilisersandwater

and new permeable products, preferably made from recycled materials, that promote infiltration in gardens

• newpavingmaterialsthatreducetheheatislandeffect.Those looking for inspiration only need to visit community gardening events

that are run across the country. More and more of these are beginning to showcase the essence of what it means to have a functioning ecosystem as the foundation of the home garden. No matter what style homeowners choose for a garden, that foundation needs to be resilient and adaptable to whatever changes it may have to absorb over the years. For people who live in Melbourne, the Royal Botanic Gardens in Cranbourne is one place where the Australian Garden has been brought to life across 15 ha.

The Cranbourne garden design ‘follows the journey of water from the red centre of Australia, along dry river beds and down mighty rivers to the coastal fringes of the continent. Water is the main storyteller in the Australian garden; it leads visitors through the garden expressing the main design themes and the heart of our historic and future relationship with the Australian landscape.’ The aim is to share with visitors the beauty and diversity of Australian plants. It’s a place where you can explore the evolving connections between people, plants and landscapes, and discover inspiration and information about how to use Australian plants in the home garden.

cilla delacy, Wsaa melBOurne

efficient irrigation systems will be fundamental to domestic gardens in the future. design elements will include billabongs or small wetlands to capture and treat reuse water that can be used for irrigation and other purposes, and verges and garden areas that replace lawns with functioning garden beds and integrated solutions for managing runoff.

BEYOND THE CROPFLATNET™ & POLYNET™ FLEXIBLE PIPES

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For more of Netafim’s flexible pipes benefits, please visit our website www.netafim.com.au or contact us P | 03 8331 6500E | netinfo@netafim.com.au

www.netafim.com.au

8

the big issue

ACCORDING TO JOINT editor of the report, Uniwater Professor John Langford, while Australia has a relative abundance of water as a result of drought breaking rains in last year and good follow-up falls, it is important not to be lulled into a sense of security about the future. Rather, now is a good time to review the lessons of the recent extended drought, identify policy failures and implement water policy reform before the next drought begins.

Taking advantage of increasing demand for foodThe key recommendation for irrigated agriculture was to review the food supply chain, to ensure Australia can take advantage of increasing international food demand, especially from emerging economies in Asia. This theme has also been taken up recently in the Australian Government’s Asian Century White Paper, which identified the potential for Australia to be an important supplier of food to the growing middle classes in Asia countries.

“That is why a key recommendation of the report is a full review of the food supply chain, from international markets back to water supply for crops. This review should include stress testing, by increasing demand and reducing water availability, and examining trade policies, transport, storage and water infrastructure to identify and remedy blockages and constraints,” John Langford explained.

Water management needs a revampTo improve the operation of existing water markets we need to standardise the allocation system.

“How can you have a market with this plethora of different entitlements to water?” asked John.

Related to this is the suggestion to allow trading in storage entitlements. The report identified that storages are what provides the reliability of supply; and allowing trading in them would provide more flexible use and better water management as a consequence.

anne currey, irrigaTiOn ausTralia

waTer reform: nexT sTeps

in october the Committee for economic development of australia (Ceda) released a report examining the big issue of how we will manage water in australia in the future. the report, The opportunity of crisis: A water reform agenda, includes key recommendations around agricultural, environmental and urban water use.

now is a good time to review the lessons of the recent drought and determine what policy and management changes are needed for the future.

It also makes a number of recommendations around water management in the Murray–Darling Basin, and highlights the importance of environmental water.

“If we dry up our rivers we do a lot of damage to the health of those rivers which in turn does a lot of damage to the health of the water resource on which we all depend. So sufficient water has got to be provided to the environment,” John said.

In this context, more funding was identified as an urgent need for monitoring and evaluation of environmental water allocations to the Murray-Darling Basin to measure the condition and response of ecosystems. A stronger scientific understanding would provide the ability to adaptively manage environmental water allocations and provide a stronger base for policy makers for future adjustments.

Another recommendation was that more flexible water delivery for irrigators and environmental water holders is needed to allow water to be delivered on demand, e.g. timed for crops to ensure optimum growth.

“River operators should provide a menu of choice for irrigators and environmental water holders, for example, when, where, how much and at what flow rate, allowing more productive and innovative use of water,” he said.

The report also recommends enabling counter-cyclical trade in environmental water holdings.

Pricing water according to valueOn urban water, a key recommendation was based on the model of insurance premiums, i.e. the insurance premium that has historically been embodied in physical water infrastructure should be quantified to guide future augmentation and pricing decisions. A possible model for calculating this insurance premium was included in the report.

According to John Langford, the advantage of this is that it would allow the value of different water sources to be better priced.

“Previously, all urban water customers received the same reliability of supply. However, if the insurance premium could be calculated customers could be offered, for example, a lower insurance premium – and lower water prices – for accepting water restrictions earlier or alternatively, pay a high premium and delay having water restrictions applied,” he said.

note. This project was a joint collaboration between CEDA, Harvard University and Uniwater (a joint venture between the University of Melbourne and Monash University). CEDA is a national, independent, member-based think tank whose membership includes more than 800 of Australia's leading businesses and organisations, and members of academia. You can download the report at www.ceda.com.au

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precIsIon agrIculTure IrrIgaTIon of vegeTable crops: whaT are The savIngs?

ONE OF THE key financial pressures faced by vegetable growers throughout the industry is the rate of rising input costs; particularly, the cost of crop irrigation. A project in Tasmania examined the results of retrofitting two irrigation technology systems with the aim of improving water use efficiency, and reducing energy costs and environmental impact during production.

commonly used sysTems examInedTwo irrigation systems common to vegetable production in Tasmania were used in the project - a linear move irrigator and a big gun travelling irrigator.

Although big gun travelling irrigators are relatively inefficient in terms of energy and water consumption – as well as being an aging technology – they are

popular in the vegetable industry because of their effective portability and low capital cost. The research also retro-fitted a linear move irrigator with new technology to enable communication with a network of soil moisture sensors across the field (provided by CSIRO ICT) and the foundation of a decision support system to enable site-specific irrigation.

A cost-benefit analysis was conducted to compare the technology to current irrigation practices over a three-year rotation of vegetable crops at the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture - Vegetable Research Facility.

beTTer conTrol saves waTer and energyProject Leader Dr Susan Lambert said trials conducted over three consecutive vegetable growing

seasons (2010-2012) using a pressure control system retro-fitted to a travelling gun irrigator indicated energy savings of between 17 and 21.8% and water savings of from 5 to 10%.

“If a crop receives 4 ML/ha of irrigation, and the cost of electricity is sitting at $0.22/kWh (day rate) then a seventeen to twenty-one per cent saving represents $64.30-$82.45/ha,” she said.

Frequent rain in 2012 reduced the requirement for irrigation applications but still resulted in estimated water savings of 10%.

The project also investigated the integration of soil moisture measurements collected in real-time from a wireless sensor network (WSN) developed by CSIRO ICT to schedule irrigation events applied with a linear move irrigator fitted with variable rate irrigation (VRI). Over the three cropping seasons the variable rate system operated with estimated water savings of between 10 and 15%. Challenges across the differing growing seasons, 2009-2011, included high rainfall which fell often and hampered efforts to examine the irrigation work.

“In all three seasons yield was significantly higher from the modified irrigation systems when compared to the conventional traveller gun irrigation treatment, with increased yields of 14.6% in beans in 2010, 10% in carrots in 2011 and 14.8% in beans for 2012 growing seasons, respectively,” said Susan.

Economic evaluation results from the study suggest the pressure control system for the travelling gun irrigator was economically beneficial under the trial conditions. She cautioned that it is essential to know the soil moisture variability within a field in regards to site-specific irrigation management, given that different water holding capacity occurs in different soils.

“The retro-fitted component of the technology developed in this project demonstrates an innovative approach to address issues of sustainable natural resource management, adapting to climate change challenges and responding to increases in energy costs,” Susan said.

With the proven savings in water expenditure and energy consumption displayed in the project work, it is plausible to estimate that the cost of the modified traveller irrigation system could be recouped in between two and three years.

retrofitting a pressure control system to the travelling gun irrigator resulted in significant water and energy savings.

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do your homework before adopTIng new TechnologySeveral considerations need to be taken into account before growers adopt new technologies to save energy and water. These include:• assessingthevariabilityandsuitabilityofvegetable

cropping fields for retro-fit irrigation technology such as VRI

• individualon-farmassessmentstodeterminepotential economic benefits of VRI for growers, sensor placement and selecting the number of sensors require careful planning to maximise VRI potential

• auditingirrigationenergyuseon-farmanddistribution uniformity of irrigation equipment to ensure irrigation systems are performing to their optimum before any retro-fit irrigation technology.

The boTTom lIne• Usingapressurecontrolretro-fittedsystemtoa

travelling gun irrigator showed an energy saving of between 17 and 21.8% and water savings from 5 to 10%.

• Withtheprovensavingsinwaterexpenditureandenergy consumption displayed in the project, it is reasonable to estimate that the cost of the modified irrigation system could be recovered in between two and three years.

• VRIusinganetworkofsoilsensorsandamodifiedlinear move irrigator also led to water savings.

acknowledgmentsProject VG08029 was funded by HAL using the National Vegetable Levy and matched funds from the Australian Government. It aims to develop and investigate two retro-fit irrigation technology systems to improve water use efficiency, reduce energy costs and reduce environmental impact during vegetable production.

Photos. Dr Susan LambertThe variable rate irrigation system on the linear move irrigator. distribution uniformity is checked using catchcans.

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business Feature

redundancy: the essentialswith the ongoing uncertainty in australia’s economy, chances are many employers will need to consider redundancy in the near future. in this article, ben urry and Carly Corbett-burns outline some of the main issues that arise during a redundancy.

when does a redundancy occur?On 1 January 2010, the National Employment Standards (the NES) commenced operation under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (Fair Work Act). The NES are ten statutory minimum terms and conditions of employment applicable to all employees subject to the Fair Work Act and include redundancy entitlements.

The common law definition of redundancy, which has largely been adopted in the NES, provides that “a job becomes redundant when the employer no longer desires to have it performed by anyone” (R v Industrial Commission (SA); Ex parte Adelaide Milk Co-operative Ltd [1977] 15 SASR 6). An employee is “retrenched” when their job becomes “redundant.”

A “job” for the purposes of redundancy is the collection of duties and functions a particular position is responsible for. A redundancy may arise in a number of circumstances, including:• Thedutiesperformedbyanemployeeare

redistributed among other employees. In this event, although the duties remain to be performed, the original position no longer exists because after reorganisation the employee is left with no duties to discharge.

• Aworkplaceclosesdown.• Aworkplacereducesinsize,e.g.whereadivision

or production unit is sold or closed down.

whaT Is payable To an employee when They are made redundanT?An employee is entitled to receive the following as a minimum upon redundancy:notice of termination of employment. Section 117 of the Fair Work Act sets out the statutory minimum periods of notice of termination applicable to all employees. You can

view this scale at website: http://www.fwa.gov.au/index.cfm?pagename=legislationfwact.

Where an employment contract allows for payment in place of notice, this payment will be calculated on the employee’s total remuneration package (excluding superannuation), which includes:• incentive-basedpayments• bonuses• loadings• monetaryallowances• overtimeorpenaltyrates• anyotherseparatelyidentifiableamountsunder

a contract of employment.The employer will also be required to make

a superannuation contribution in respect of the payment in lieu of notice to the employee's nominated superannuation fund.accrued but untaken leave entitlements. All accrued but unused annual leave and long service leave (the latter subject to applicable State legislation) must be paid to the employee.redundancy payment. The NES redundancy pay scale set out at section 119 of the Fair Work Act (also available at http://www.fwa.gov.au/index.cfm?pagename=legislationfwact) applies if the employee is a national system employee (that is their employment is covered by the Fair Work Act) and if they are not entitled to any greater amount in respect of redundancy pay pursuant to:• AModernAwardorNotionalAgreement

Preserving State Awards (NAPSA). If the retrenched employee was covered by a NAPSA before 1 January 2010 and the NAPSA provides a more favourable redundancy entitlement – the NAPSA continues to apply until 31 December 2014.

• Anemploymentcontract.• Aworkplace/HRpolicy.

Redundancy pay is calculated at the employee’s base rate of pay for his or her ordinary hours of work. This does not include:• incentive-basedpaymentsandbonuses• loadings• monetaryallowances• overtimeorpenaltyrates• anyotherseparatelyidentifiableamounts.

Employers should seek tax advice from their financial advisors when making a redundancy payment as such payments attract special tax treatment.

excepTIons To redundancy payWhile the NES introduced redundancy entitlements for all national system employees from 1 January 2010, if an employee did not have an entitlement to a redundancy payment directly before 1 January 2010, only their service since 1 January 2010 is taken into account when calculating a redundancy payment.

“Small businesses”, that is employers (including their associated entities) that employ less than fifteen employees are exempted from the obligation to make redundancy payments. In addition, an employee with less than twelve months’ service is not entitled to redundancy pay.

Exceptions may also be available on application to Fair Work Australia where the employer finds the employee alternative, acceptable employment or where the employer is unable to pay the redundancy amount.

rIsks assocIaTed wITh redundancIesIf a dismissal is a “genuine redundancy” it will be a complete defence to any unfair dismissal application brought under the Fair Work Act. To be a genuine redundancy as defined in the Fair Work Act, the following conditions must be satisfied:

1. The employer no longer requires the job to be performed by anyone because of changes in the operational requirements of the employer’s enterprise.

2. Any Modern Award consultation obligations have been complied with. Many Modern Awards contain a consultation clause which is triggered by any decision of an employer that may have a “significant effect” on employees – including potential redundancy.

3. It was not reasonable to redeploy the employee within the employer’s enterprise or an associated entity of the employer.

While these conditions may seem quite straight-forward, a number of recent cases have resulted in employers having unfair dismissal claims upheld against them despite what appeared to be their honest belief that these conditions for genuine redundancy had been met.

For more information contact Ben Urry, Senior Associate, at urryb@kempstrang.com.au or Carly Corbett-Burns, Solicitor, at corbettburnsc@kempstrang.com.au

this article is not to be used or relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. before acting on any matter, readers should consult with their advisers.

Ben urry and carly cOrBeTT-Burns, KemP

sTrang, sydney

14

Five things that lenders look for when assessing your finance applicationCREDIT ASSESSMENT IS a black art, and the standards that are used to assess a credit proposal change at different parts of the business and economic cycle.

Some credit assessments are done on the basis of a matrix, i.e. a set formula or matrix is created and scores are given based on the answers to the questions in the matrix. These questions will be fashioned on the application of statistical data. For example, the matrix might automatically reject an application from anyone in business for less than three years. In this case, the lender might be working off statistical data that shows the chance of default is less with a business established for three or more years. Clearly this would not have worked with Darrell Lea (established 90 years ago) or Kell & Rigby (established over 100 years ago).

Thankfully, most commercial lending assessment is not done by a matrix but the keen eye, brain and gut of a credit officer. This article explains the five main areas that credit officers address when making a lending decision.

credITPayment of obligations in a timely manner is imperative. Lenders expect that agreements will be kept. The reference to a missed direct debit or a bounced cheque as a “dishonour” tells a tale as to how a lender views these events.

Lenders divide borrowers into four main categories:1. Those who can pay and do2. Those who can pay but don’t3. Those who cannot pay but would if they could4. Those who cannot pay and would not even if they could.

If you have good credit, make sure you do everything in your power to preserve and prove it.

capacITyCapacity to repay the debt is calculated by most lenders on an historical basis, i.e. they work on last year’s figures to try and prove next year’s repayments.

The calculation is typically: earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) less annualised current and proposed repayments. Some lenders do the calculation after tax and some add an extra margin or hurdle.

Let’s look at that typical calculation. Go to your Profit and Loss account in your most recent finalised financials and add up the profit (or loss) before tax, amortisation, depreciation and interest (interest may also be shown as hire Terry mOOdy, mOOdy Kiddell & ParTners PTy lTd, sydney

purchase charges, lease charges or terms charges). This figure is your EBITDA. Next, add up all of your current and proposed monthly payments, then multiply that figure by 12, which gives your annualised repayments. Then take your annualised repayments from your EBITDA and if there is a surplus you have “historical servicing”.

If a lender can “prove” from historical data that a borrower is able to service their debts, the lender has what is known as it “first way out”, i.e. the loan will be repaid by the receipt of monthly payments from the borrower.

collaTeralCollateral relates to the security that the asset being financed offers the lender. Assets are often graded as being a primary security or a tertiary security. Motor vehicles, for example, are regarded as a primary security because they are usually easily saleable, whereas the fit out of a restaurant kitchen would be regarded as a tertiary security because the stainless steel benching is made to measure and the cost of removal may exceed the sale or recovery value.

Collateral relates to the “second way out”, i.e. if the security has to be enforced and the asset is repossessed and sold, will there be enough funds from the sale to repay the outstanding debt?

capITalCapital relates to the asset backing of the borrower and/or their guarantors. The lender looks to see that the borrower has enough equity in assets that they can pledge to ensure access to working capital.

common senseCommon sense is defined as “sound and prudent judgement based on a simple perception of the situation or facts”. Thus, “common sense” equates to the knowledge and experience which most people already have, or which the person using the term believes they do or should have.

The test that lenders apply relates to the rationale for the borrowing. Will the new asset make the business more efficient, more profitable, more sustainable or better able to compete? Has the borrower considered and identified the risks that committing to a new debt might pose? Has the borrower proposed migrants for those risks?

These are the questions that prudent lenders want to see addressed in a quality finance application. It is said that common sense is not all that common. When it comes to finance, lenders approve those applications where it is demonstrated.

business Feature

summer 2012 15

business Feature

Online passwords – you don’t use any of these, do you?EACH YEAR, SECURITY software developer Splashdata releases a list of the top 25 passwords used by consumers. The list is compiled from files containing millions of stolen passwords posted online by hackers.

What it shows is that, despite all the warnings about hackers and online security threats, many people don’t have a clue about choosing a secure password. According to Splashdata, the most obvious password in the universe, i.e. the actual word "password", remains the world's most common, followed by 123456 and 12345678.

Below is the full list, with last year's rank in brackets:1. password (1)2. 123456 (2)3. 12345678 (3)4. abc123 (5)5. qwerty (4)6. monkey (6)7. letmein (8)8. dragon (10)9. 111111 (12)

10. baseball (11)11. iloveyou (13)12. trustno1 (9)13. 1234567 (7)14. sunshine (15)15. master (14)16. 123123 (20)17. welcome (new)18. shadow (19)

19. ashley (16)20. football (25)21. jesus (new)22. michael (24)23. ninja (new)24. mustang (new)25. password1 (new)

managIng your passwordIf you aren’t sure about how to make your password “stronger”, here are some good tips given by LinkedIn director Vicente Silveira. He has experience behind him as the site was hacked earlier this year (one of the biggest in 2012), with as many as six million passwords dumped on line.• don’tkeepthesamepasswordratherchangeitatleastonceaquarter• variety–don'tusethesamepasswordonallthesitesyouvisit.• don'tuseawordfromthedictionary.• length–selectstrongpasswordsthatcan'teasilybeguessedwithtenormore

characters.• thinkofameaningfulphrase,songorquoteandturnitintoacomplex

password using the first letter of each word.• complexity–randomlyaddcapitalletters,punctuationorsymbols.• substitutenumbersforlettersthatlooksimilar(forexample,substitute"0″for

"o"or"3″for"E".• nevergiveyourpasswordtoothersorwriteitdown.

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16

Are your ‘independent contractors’ actually employees?are your independent contractors actually employees? what does that mean for your business? and what issues should you ensure are agreed in your contractual agreements with independent contractors? in this article Jenni mattila provides some pointers.

The distinction between employees and independent contractors is unclear and fraught for businesses. While the Independent Contractors Act 2006 and the Fair Work Act 2009 govern the rights and entitlements of independent contractors, it remains a question of common law whether your “independent contractor” is actually an employee. Even then, if the matter comes before them, the courts look at the ‘totality of the relationship’ between the parties and decide the matter on the facts of the case.

The problem for businesses like yours is that you can have quite different responsibilities towards employees and independent contractors for the superannuation guarantee, workers compensation, PAYG tax, payroll tax, liabilities insurance and more. Indeed, ‘sham contracting’ – seeking to avoid responsibilities to employees under the guise of an independent contracting arrangement - is on the radar of both the Fair Work Commissioner and the Federal Tax Commissioner.

employees and IndependenT conTracTors - how To Tell The dIfferenceThe courts will assess each hiring arrangement on its own merit in the light of the whole relationship between the parties. It is the substance of the relationship that matters, not whether it is described as employment or independent contracting.

As a general guide, the Fair Work Ombudsman points to nine common indicators that may contribute to determining the nature of your relationship:• Howmuchcontroldoesthepersonhaveoverhowtheworkisperformed?• Howarethehoursofworkdetermined?• Istheworkexpectedtobeongoing?• Whobearsthefinancialrisk?• Isthepersonentitledtohavesuperannuationcontributionspaid?• Whoprovidesthetoolsandequipment?• Isincometaxdeducted?• Isthepersonpaidregularlyoronsubmissionofaninvoice?• Isthepersonentitledtopaidleave?

The Federal Court recently expressed the test as whether, as a ‘practical matter’, the person (a) is an entrepreneur who owns and operates a business and (b) is working in and for that business in performing the work, not as a representative of the business receiving the work. If the answer is yes, the person is likely an independent contractor and, if no, the person is likely an employee.

why IT maTTersSome obligations will extend to both your employees and independent contractors. For example, you are required under Work Health and Safety regimes to provide a safe workplace for all workers, to provide safety induction, and to explain work processes. You are also required to provide a workplace free from discrimination and bullying under the Anti-Discrimination regimes.

In an employment relationship, your business will be responsible for such liabilities as:• Personalleave,annualleave,parentalleave,andminimumratesofpayunderthe

Fair Work Act• PaymentofsuperannuationcontributionsundertheSuperannuationGuarantee

(Administration) Act 1992• Paymentofincometaxforemployeesunderthepay-as-you-go(PAYG)

withholding regime• Obligationsforapplicablepayrolltaxorworkerscompensationunderyour

State or Territory legislation• Publicliabilityinsuranceforlossesordamagetothirdpartiesfromyour

business activities.In a hire relationship with an independent contractor, your obligations will

depend, to an extent, on your contractual agreement. You may, for example, have agreed to withhold an amount from payment for tax purposes under a labour hire agreement. Regardless of what you agree, the courts can find that the agreement is an ‘unfair contract’ under the Independent Contractors Act. In that case, the courts can order that the terms of the contract be redrafted; that clauses in the contract have no effect; or that the whole contract be set aside.

Be aware also of your potential liability under the ‘sham contracting’ provisions of the Fair Work Act. For instance, you could face serious penalties for misrepresenting to your current or prospective employee that the person is or will be hired as an independent contractor or for threatening to dismiss an employee to re-hire the person as an independent contractor.

geTTIng your arrangemenTs In orderConsider reviewing all your current arrangements to ensure you have not purported to engage employees as independent contractors.

When entering into a contractual arrangement with an independent contractor, you should consider including agreements on such issues as insurance and professional indemnity responsibilities, dispute resolution, rights to intellectual property for work performed under the agreement, payment, confidentiality obligations, termination, and payment of tax and superannuation. Clarify who is responsible for each matter in order to avoid potential for misunderstanding and minimise the risk of costly disputes down the track.

note. This article is only intended to provide a summary of the subject matter covered. The summary is not intended to be, nor should it be, relied upon as a substitute for legal or other professional advice.

Jenni maTTila, maTTila laWyers, sydney

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18

learnIng from feedbackTrying something new, and then paying attention to feedback, is a great way to learn. Hopefully, we’ll eventually get better at whatever we’re trying to do. Playing cricket in our local competition, I needed to find a way of scoring runs more quickly early in my innings. After being caught in slips more often than I liked (negative feedback!), I discovered a better strategy for me was to wait for a short ball and play more cross bat shots to the leg side. My average improved (positive feedback); however, I also got more balls aimed at my head (new learning opportunity).

The same principles apply working in the irrigation industry (whether we’re a grower, consultant, equipment retailer or research scientist). We want to get better at efficiently using our irrigation resources, and we strive for tools that can help give us feedback on how we’re going.

backgroundDuring the last big drought, the pressure was really on, with significant water shortages in vegetable growing regions throughout Australia. Producers were resorting to using poorer quality water, switching to drip systems, and really trying to conserve their irrigation by watering sparingly. At the time, I was working with our research team to investigate tools and information that could drive profitability in those circumstances. Producers needed to be confident of achieving good yields under those conditions, as well as not be setting themselves up for environmental issues into the future. These could include problems with salt build up, or excessive movement of nitrogen off-site.

One of the critical things we worked on was how to manage irrigation to achieve the best possible vegetable root zone conditions. Each time we irrigated, or we had one of those rare rain events, we wanted to know:• Where’sthewatergoing?Howfardowninto

the root zone has it penetrated - too deep or not deep enough?

• What’shappeningtothenutrientsandfertilisersI’ve added? Is there enough nitrogen in the root zone or am I losing it out the bottom?

• Isthesaltbuildinguptolevelsthatmightdamage the soil or crop? Is that rain helping get rid of the salt that’s accumulating because of using pretty poor water?

weTTIng fronT deTecTorsIn my 25 years doing irrigation research, we have used many different tools to help answer those types of questions. If I could only take one with me onto my desert island (where I can still irrigate vegetables), it

would be the FullStop™, invented by my colleague, Richard Stirzaker (and friends) at CSIRO.

There has been a great deal written about this simple, yet useful, device for measuring water and solute movements in the root zone of plants. A good first port of call for the FullStop™ story is http://www.fullstop.com.au/. The simplest explanation is that it tells you when irrigation or rain has reached a certain depth in the soil profile. At the same time, it also lets you collect a sample of the soil water from that point in the profile, for nutrient and salt analysis. It is amazing how many questions about irrigation management and efficiency you can investigate with that information.

geTTIng The besT ouT of weTTIng fronT deTecTorsI thought the most useful thing I could provide to Irrigation Australia’s readers was a few ‘must-have’ tips, based on key findings and experiences from years of investigating vegetable irrigation using wetting front detectors like the FullStop.

tip 1. FullStop instruments should be installed in pairs, a shallow instrument within the main root zone, and a second below the root zone (but no deeper than 60 cm). The shallow instrument

researCh

weTTIng fronT deTecTors help manage IrrIgaTIon, nuTrIenTs and salTs In vegeTable rooT zones

Tools for monitoring vegetable root zones

it is best to install fullstop instruments in pairs, one at a shallow depth and the other deeper and below the root zone.

summer 2012 19

By craig hendersOn, PrinciPal

hOrTiculTurisT, agri-science Queensland

(gaTTOn research faciliTy)

should be installed at a depth that regularly triggers after each significant irrigation. Always err on the side of being too shallow (less digging, at the very least). I would install three pairs in a paddock being investigated. If you only have two pairs, and they give different results, you can’t be sure which is more likely to be typical of the site.

tip 2. By far the biggest hassle with using FullStops is installation and retrieval. Because it is 20 cm in diameter at its widest point, and 30 cm long, that’s a lot of dirt to move, particularly with the deeper ones. It can also take some time to analyse the samples you collect, e.g. for salt or nitrate levels. Because of that, I would suggest these tools (in their current version) are more about problem identification and solution development, rather than routine monitoring in every planting.

tip 3. In drip irrigated crops, Fullstops are best located under the drip line. In overhead-irrigated vegetables, locate the instruments as close as possible to the crop row.

tip 4. It was always easier to interpret root zone solute measurements if we had other strands of information. A useful suite of information is FullStop triggering; electrical conductivity (total salt) and nitrates from FullStop extractions; soil water tension; and sap analysis. At http://thescientistsgarden.blogspot.com.au/, Richard Stirzaker gives some excellent examples of this approach in a range of crops and situations.

tip 5. Managing/leaching salts with drip irrigation is complex, particularly if the leaching water itself is poor quality. Root zone tools can indicate if leaching is effective. It is a similar story with applying fertilisers or pesticides through irrigation – wetting front detectors can really help understand the best ways to keep our chemistry where we want it.

Sometimes results are counter-intuitive. We often found nitrates were more likely to remain in the root zone if we applied them at the beginning of a fertigation cycle, rather than at the end.

tip 6. With effective root zone management, even sensitive vegetables can be grown with poor quality water, e.g. we grew a good lettuce crop with 4.5 dS/m irrigation water on a black, cracking clay soil.

grower case sTudIes• Allthecasestudygrowersweredoingrelatively

well managing water and nutrients. In most instances, there was some room for improving efficiency of irrigation and reducing nitrogen use.

• Inmostoftheexperimentalandgrowercasestudy situations we encountered, inherent nitrogen levels were relatively high. We never got a yield response to additional nitrogen beyond the lowest levels used in our experiments. On several occasions, we achieved maximum yields of sweet corn with no side dressings. With more work, there may be opportunities for lower nitrogen rates in many crops, provided we successfully manage irrigation.

• Inseveralinstances,wefoundhighsaltlevelsin the surface root zones associated with use of composted soil amendments. Producers need to be aware of the analysis of their composts.

A bit like batting at cricket, getting good feedback helps figure out what gets results for you. Each individual’s situation is probably different, so a learning, adaptive approach to improvement, using these feedback tools, will almost certainly work better than a one-size- fits-all recipe.

InformaTIonFor more detailed information, including fact sheets, grower case studies and the full project final report (Horticulture Australia Project VG07023), contact craig.henderson@daff.qld.gov.au.

acknowledgmentThis research was mainly conducted through HAL Project VG07023, Driving better irrigation through profitable practice change. Horticulture Australia Limited and the vegetable levy payers, Queensland Government, NSW Government, and CSIRO kindly funded this project.

locate the wetting front detector under the drip line in drip-irrigated crops.

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20

Is your pump really that efficient? facTors affecTIng pump effIcIency In this age of energy awareness, we are all conscious of efficiency, and our irrigation pumps always seem to be the focal point of efficiency. While a new pump may promise high efficiency according to the manufacturer, it won’t always be plain sailing. This article looks at some of the more common problems with pumps, how to identify them and what to do about them to ensure their efficiency is maintained.

coaTIng casT Iron pump casIngs a good InvesTmenTMost larger pump casings are made from cast iron, which usually has a rough cast finish. Waterways on the casing inside surface are often coated with a low grade paint that is enough to stop corrosion on the shop floor and, with a bit of luck, fill some minor casting voids. But what happens in service?

Under immersed conditions, water rushes past at velocities up to 10 m/s and, combined with suspended matter in the water, this paint quickly deteriorates and leaves the cast iron surfaces exposed. The carbon dissolves from solution in the cast iron, leaving a porous surface subject to erosion-corrosion. Depending on water quality, surface corrosion may quickly set in, resulting in tuberculation (tubercules of iron hydroxide) on the pump volute surface. This can very easily wipe 25% off the pump’s efficiency.

Pump casings affected by tuberculation can be dismantled, dried out, grit blasted and coated with a high metal (usually nickel) content, two-part epoxy coating, such as Belzona’s Supermetalglide. Not only are products of this type useful for building up eroded and corroded areas of the pump volutes, but their surface is extremely slippery.

Independent university tests have shown that pump output can be increased beyond manufacturers’ figures and at the same time, energy input reduced! There are numerous pump repair shops around Australia offering this service, so if you have large pumps with high throughput, this is a worthwhile investment.

reducIng frIcTIon on ImpellersThe impeller imparts energy from the motor to the water by the centrifugal force exerted as the water passes from its eye to its periphery. Water velocities of up to 10 m/s and potentially negative pressures along the way through poor NPSH conditions mean that severe erosion-corrosion can occur on the impeller volute surfaces, resulting in increasing friction of the water ways. This in turn reduces pump efficiency.

Tests conducted by SA Water in the 1970s found that a bronze impeller coated with a gloss enamel paint yielded 4% efficiency improvement. Of course, the paint only lasted a few weeks, but even back then, high tech metallic Belzona coatings proved to be so effective that widespread impeller (and pump casing) coating programs were initiated for all irrigation and water supply pumps.

Impellers coated with high metallic content two-part epoxy coatings not only provide a low friction surface, but are also extremely hard and can resist erosion corrosion better than the base metal.

Impellers may also be coated with a ceramic surface, yielding an even higher abrasion resistance as well as low friction.

sealIng rIngsTo stop water recirculation between the impeller output and its input (the eye), there is an area of very low machined clearance between the impeller and casing, usually with about a 0.4 mm gap. On cheaper pumps, this area is machined

cast iron pumps commonly used for irrigation are subject to gruelling service. how do we maintain their efficiency? Photo: merv Jessen

Tuberculation (or rust) on a pump inside surface can easily wipe 25% from a pump’s efficiency. Photo: rob Welke

Pump internal coating can improve pump performance and increase efficiency. Photo: Belzona.com

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XYL1-RCW-12-03310 Irrigation_Australiamaj 2, 2012 3:35 PMCYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

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straight into the pump casing. Because it is cast iron, it erodes very quickly. As the clearance increases, pump efficiency decreases - and quickly. This is illustrated in the figures.

One way to minimise the wear rate is to ensure that pumps are fitted with bronze or stainless steel replace-able sealing rings. Under abrasive conditions, such as pumping water containing sand, pumps may be fitted with ceramic coated sealing rings, which have a high resistance to abrasion. (This is usually only available on larger cast iron pumps, not on submersibles, unfortunately.)

If water with suspended sand is being pumped consistently, however, ultimately no metal or coating will protect the sealing ring clearance from erosion, and poor pump efficiency will inevitably result. If the “sand” pump is used for pumping direct into high pressure irrigation, a compromise solution is to discharge into an intermediate storage, where the sand settles, and relift the water to irrigation with another high efficiency pump. Up to 10% efficiency savings can be realised this way.

abouT The auThorRob is a pumping and hydraulics consultant with 44 years’ experience. Tallemenco’s website is www.talle.biz and Rob at can be contacted at rob@talle.biz or phone 0414 492 256

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24

IN OCTOBER THIS year, IAL submitted its response to a consultation regulation impact statement (RIS) to do with a proposal for national licensing for plumbing and gasfitting occupations (NOLS). The proposal for national licensing has been developed by the COAG National Licensing Steering Committee.

While the target of the NOLS is the plumbing trade, the irrigation industry could also be significantly affected if the proposal is accepted without change. In this article IAL CEO Ian Atkinson outlines the key threats to the industry and why IAL opposed licensing in the form proposed.

Our opposition to the licensing proposed in the RIS stems from the very reason it gives for regulating the plumbing and gasfitting trades, i.e.;

“Generally the regulation of the plumbing and gasfitting industry in Australia has evolved as a way of protecting the health and safety of consumers and the general public. The chief problem arising from plumbing work is that failure in specified work processes has the potential to contaminate potable water, with impacts ranging from infection to death. Other problems arise where inadequate work processes can lead to personal injury, property damage or environmental damage.”

Plumbing work poorly definedWhile IAL supports ensuring that work to do with water supply infrastructure does not harm the health and safety of the community, the proposed scope of regulation in the RIS goes far beyond this, mainly because of poor wording. The result is that scope of regulated plumbing work would extend into areas such as stock watering, agricultural irrigation, industrial water use and mining. This represents a huge threat to some professionals in the irrigation industry as they could be locked out of working in areas that now constitute a significant portion of their business.

In our submission, we highlighted that this problem in part stems for the definition of a water service and the scope of plumbing work. The RIS defines them as follows:

“Water service means pipe work that is connected to a reticulated water supply, a rainwater supply or other water supply up to and including the outlet valves at fixtures and appliances.”

“Water plumbing work means: installing , replacing , repairing , altering , maintaining or testing a water service, … from the point of connection to the points of discharge.”

The IAL’s concern is that a broad interpretation of this means pipework connecting any water supply (including rainwater tanks, recycled water, stock water and irrigation water) from the point of supply (tank, pipeline or dam) to the point of discharge (not clearly defined) could only be done by a licensed plumber.

We strongly recommended that the definition be modified to ensure its scope does not include work that would normally be

regarded as that done by an irrigation professional. The key test of this is in the purpose of the installation and risk to health and safety of consumers.

Agricultural irrigation plumbing too?The RIS defines ‘non-agricultural’ irrigation and then proposes under national licensing NL that it be unregulated. The unintended converse of this is that, as a result, irrigation that isn’t ‘non-agricultural’ is regulated, i.e. agricultural irrigation! Is the installation of irrigation supply pipework on a local government project shown in the photo something you could call your local plumber in to oversee?

Costs not consideredThe RIS is meant to consider all relevant and significant costs. It fundamentally fails to do so because there has been no modelling of the negative consequences, for example:• Costsofusingplumbersforworknotpreviouslypartoftheir

scope because of wording of definitions. As an example, while a farmer in many states can presently connect a stock watering system to the reticulated supply after the meter, under the proposed changes this would have to be done by a plumber. The cost of getting a plumber out to do this in country areas would be high and what of the negative consequences of the plumber not being available?

• InthemostpopulousstatesofNSW,VictoriaandQueensland,a properly licensed irrigation professional can do a new 'cut-in' to the reticulated water supply after the meter. Under the national licensing proposals these licences will no longer be issued and so over time we will have to use plumbers. Licensed plumbers are expensive for this type of work (it isn't rocket science), are often hard to get (disrupting the flow of work on-site) and rarely understand irrigation work (leading to sub-optimal outcomes).The bottom line is that while IAL agrees this work needs to

be done by properly trained professionals, that does not have to mean ’plumber’.

Why ial OPPOses naTiOnal licensing as PrOPOsed

ial has identified three key

issues with the national

licensing proposal. These are:

1. The proposed definitions of

a water service and the scope

of plumbing work are very

poorly worded and will have

major negative consequences

for customers and businesses.

as an example, the definition

of a water service includes the

pump and pipework used just

for irrigation.

2. The current national

licensing model is

fundamentally flawed for

irrigation work. A disconnect/

reconnect licence as proposed

is useless for the professional

industry as it is designed for

home gardeners. consumers

and businesses will pay

more for connections to the

reticulated water supply in sa,

NSW, Victoria and Queensland

(a cost not identified in the

ris) for no identifiable benefit.

more than 84% of Australia's

population is covered by

some form of restricted

plumbers licence or regulatory

exemptions for urban

irrigation. in this situation

there is no justification for

getting rid of a class of licence

that is working to protect

consumers and keep costs

down.

3. We are not aware of any

adverse outcomes arising

from the current regulatory

regimes that allow properly

licensed irrigation installers to

access reticulated water for

irrigation purposes.

a major installation like this local government irrigation project could be required to be overseen by a plumber if national licensing is introduced without a change to the regulations.

Ial opposes proposed naTIonal plumbIng lIcense regulaTIon

ial news

summer 2012 25

AT THE IAL annual general meeting in October, Ian Moorhouse was elected chairman of the IAL Board.

There is no doubt that Ian knows about irrigation and irrigation policy in Australia. He has seen all the most significant changes to policy at a state and national level since COAG was implemented, and until earlier this year worked for Goulburn-Murray Water as a senior manager.

Ian said he is looking forward to chairing the board in what promises to be challenging times. One of the first tasks for the board will be in December as members go through a strategic planning process to set policy and directions for 2013.

The October AGM also saw changes in board members, with Peter Toome stepping down as chairman and board director, and Scott Barber also deciding not to stand for re-election. Peter chaired the board for the last four years. Ian paid tribute to the considerable amount of time Peter devoted to IAL and his efforts in steering the association through a difficult period that featured a severe drought across most of southern Australia and a number of financial challenges. Ian also thanked Scott for his commitment and contribution to the board.

Peter Hayes and Sean Callaghan are the new board members and will be initiated into the ways of the board at the strategic planning workshop in December. Congratulations also to Simon Cowland-Cooper, Karen Murday and Colin Campbell, who were re-elected to the board.

Peter is no stranger to the world of irrigation, especially irrigation research. He was chairman of the former CRC for Irrigation Futures (CRCIF) from 2003 to 2010 and a member of the management committee of the National Program for Sustainable Irrigation, as well as having been a director of the Grape and Wine research and Development Corporation.

According to Peter, he nominated for a board position because of his belief that while irrigation is of fundamental importance to the economy, culture and lifestyles of Australia, the significance of the sector has yet to be fully realised. He said that being a member of the IAL Board and helping set its priorities and strategies is one way he can contribute to raising the profile of irrigation and

improve recognition of its role in the economy.

Sean Callaghan, a senior manager with the Philmac Group, brings a perspective from the commercial and manufacturing sectors to the board. Sean is particularly interested in training and professional development and has practical experience in the area having been a member of the IAL training committee and facilitated training in the IAL Irrigation Essentials School.

He said looks forward to contributing to the board and sees his membership as a way of helping to improve the position of the industry and increase its strength through training as well as providing a supportive voice for the manufacturer and supplier sectors.

Ial board elecTs chaIrman, welcomes new dIrecTors

yOur ial BOard memBers ChairmanIan Moorhousetatura ViC 3616m: 0409 438 323e: ianm56@iinet.net.au

Anne-Maree Bolandrm Consulting groupCampberwell ViC 3124P (03) 9882-2670m 0427 679 042e anne-mareeb@rmcg.com.au

Sean CallaghanPhilmacweatherill Park, nsw 2164P 1800 755 899m 0418 841 069e seanc@philmac.com.au

Colin Campbellbull Creek wa 6149P (08) 9310 8252m 0447 772 913e cjcmail@ozemail.com.au

Vern Costelowmelbourne ViC 3004m 0417 356 694e vcostelow@bigpond.com

Simon Cowland-Cooperlabrador Qld 4215P (07) 5591 5353m 0415 733 431e scassoc@bigpond.net.au

Tim DoolanProwater nationwidesydney nsw 2000P (02) 9225-2902m 0418 969 591e tdoolan@ruralco.com.au

Peter Hayesglen osmond sa 5064P 08 8379 0115m 0418 942 700e grapwine@senet.com.au

Karen Murdaydepartment of environment and resource managementbrisbane Qld 4001P (07) 3247 4249m 0414 607 716e karen.murday@derm.qld.gov.au

Peter Smithdepartment of Primary industriestamworth nsw 2340P (02) 6763 1262m 0411 128 437e peter.smith@industry.nsw.gov.auPeter hayes and sean callaghan were announced in October

as incoming ial Board members.

i/we wish to make application to join irrigation australia limited.

CATeGOry OF MeMBerSHIP ______________ (Please select appropriate category)

name ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Company/organisation ______________________________________________________________________________________

gst registered yes ■ no ■

address __________________________________________________________________________________________________

state ____________________________________Postcode _________________________ abn __________________________

Phone ___________________________________Fax ________________________ Contact Person_______________________

mobile Phone _____________________________email ____________________________________________________________

website ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

note: Please read membership categories carefully. applicants are expected to choose a category honourably and accurately. if in doubt, please contact our office (02) 8335 4000. student membership is available to full time students only. Course name and contact details (phone/email) for course supervisor must be attached to application.

i/we agree to be bound by the memorandum and articles of association of ial

signed ______________________________________________________________ date _______________________________

MeTHOD OF PAyMenT

■ our cheque for $_______ is enclosed or ■ Charge our credit card with the amount of $_______

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Direct Debit: irrigation australia ltd bsb: 032 276 a/C: 10-2725

Please mail or fax application with payment or payment advice to: IAL, PO Box 863, Mascot nSW 1460 Fax: (02) 8335 4099

the information on this form will be used to provide members with information about activities of the ial and other irrigation related matters and may be provided to third parties for the same purpose. our privacy policy is available on the ial website www.irrigation.org.au.tick the box if you do not agree with this use. ■

Be PArT OF THe IrrIGATIOnInDuSTry – JOIn IAL nOW

IrrIGATIOn AuDITInG CATCH CAnS

Download an order form from the IAL website

www.irrigation.org.au (go to the Bookshop tab

under Publications) or contact IAL support

office phone 02 8335 4000.

AVAILABLe FrOM IAL

measure the application rate and uniformity of all types of pressurised irrigation – from handheld hoses to a centre

pivot with the auditing catch can.

Order your set now from ial. available in sets of ten. Price

per set of ten catch cans is:

$55.00 (inc GST) for members

$72.00 (inc GST) for non members

as an ial member you

receive information, support

and news, can attend

seminars and conferences

at reduced rates and have

access to our certification

programs and other

professional development

opportunities.

individuals, end users, water

user groups, water supply

authorities, consultants,

designers, installers and

contractors, suppliers, local,

state and federal government

departments, and service

industry companies with

an interest in the irrigation

industry are eligible to join.

for membership categories,

go to IAl website: http://

www.irrigation.org.au/index.

cfm?/membership/categories-

and-subscriptions

IN OCTOBER IAL general manager Trevor LeBreton bade farewell to IAL as he moved on to a promotion with another professional association. CEO Ian Atkinson paid tribute to Trevor’s commitment to the IAL in the three years he worked with the association.

“Trevor oversaw a number of important initiatives which strengthened IAL and its processes, especially in the areas of professional development and administration,” said Ian.

Trevor said that he truly believed there is a great future ahead for irrigation professionals.

“I am proud of the changes we have made to ensure we build a sustainable future for IAL I trust and hope that it will continue to represent your interests and you’ll all continue to support IAL,” he added.

As a result of Trevor leaving the IAL, there has been a bit of reorganisation in the support office in Sydney.

CEO Ian Atkinson is now based there and is supported by Jodie Porter, member services and certification (and often the voice on the phone

when you ring IAL); Robert Sams, financial manager; and Debbie Atkins, training and professional development.

Trevor bIds farewell

above: ial’s sydney based staff farewelled Trevor leBreton in October (l to r: robert sams, Jodie Porter, Trevor leBreton, ian atkinson and debbie atkins).

ial news

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28

WHILE THE INTANGIBLE value in being a member of a professional group, such as knowing that you are part of a community with shared technical knowledge and interests, can’t be underplayed, there are also many practical benefits of being a member of IAL.

Access to information• FreesubscriptiontoIrrigation Australia, the

quarterly journal of the IAL and the most authoritative irrigation related journal in Australia

• FreesubscriptiontoBackwash, the monthly e-newsletter with the latest in industry news and opportunities

• Accesstothenetworkofindustrycontactsandinformation held by the IAL membership, the most comprehensive irrigation network in Australia

• AccesstooverseasirrigationnetworksthroughICID and our affiliation with irrigation associations around the world

• Astandardcontractwhichprovidesprotectionto both the irrigation contractor and purchaser. Using this contract will help you demonstrate your professionalism to prospective clients

Trade opportunities• Members(otherthanCategoryAmembers)

receive a free listing on IAL's online Products and Services directory on the IAL website

• DiscountedadvertisingratesinIrrigation Australia and preferential opportunities for feature articles and information in Irrigation Australia and Backwash

• Discountedratesandpreferentialpositioningforexhibition stands at the biennial Irrigation Australia Conference and Trade Show, the largest irrigation related event in the southern hemisphere

• DiscountedratesatIAL'sannualconferenceandother events

• Earlynotificationofindustryeventsandgovernment initiatives

Training and certification• Memberratesforallcertificationprograms,

including the internationally recognised Certified Irrigation Designer program. For the CID this can amount to a saving of at least $1,200 per person

• MemberratesandpreferentialenrolmentinIAL-run or -endorsed training events and programs

• Employeesofmembercompaniesareentitledtomember rates for all services

• Assistancewithstafftrainingandaccesstotrainingincentives at state and federal level

Discounts• Discountsonconferenceregistrationsand

exhibition space• Discountsoncertificationprograms,trainingand

on books from IAL's bookstore

Representation• TheIALrepresentsmembers’interests,both

collectively and individually, where they are consistent with IAL policy, the Strategic Plan and Code of Conduct

• Representationatlocal,stateandfederallevel• UseofIALLogooncompanymaterial

• Introductionsandfacilitationofcontactsandopportunities both within Australia and overseas

• Individuals,endusers,waterusergroups,watersupply authorities, consultants, designers, installers and contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, local, state and federal government departments and service industry companies with an interest in the irrigation industry are eligible to join

• Receiveinformation,supportandnews,canattendseminars and conferences at reduced rates and have access to our certification programs and other professional development opportunities

Use of IAL LogoFinancial members of IAL can use the "Member of IAL" logo when marketing on items such as stationery, advertising and other marketing.

InsuranceIAL offers a wide range of insurance services to its members through its partnership with Moody Kiddell & Partners.

benefITs of Ial membershIp

ial news

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The Board and staff of IAL wish all members and readers a very

merry Christmas and all the best for a

prosperous and happy 2013

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30

Feature

THE COMBINATION OF almost ten years of drought and reduced allocations of irrigation water has highlighted the challenges faced by regional economies and communities confronted with reduced water availability. Far from being temporary, the prospect of climate change combined with sustainable diversion limits as part of the Murray Darling Basin Plan (the Plan) indicate the socio-economic challenges of reduced water availability are likely to be ongoing.

In developing a response to these challenges, there has recently been much debate on the most appropriate management of the water resources of the Murray Darling Basin, particularly on the trade-off between water allocated to consumptive use versus water used to achieve environmental objectives. Many studies have explored the economic impacts of reduced water availability from a whole-of-catchment or whole-of-Basin level. These aggregate studies have necessarily glossed over the significant differences in the way Basin communities will be affected by, and respond to, a drier future.

The challenges water dependent communities face when confronted with reduced water were starkly highlighted by the recent drought. Not only were some communities more exposed to the drought by virtue of a direct economic dependence on water use, the drought also highlighted the relevance of community resilience. Particularly relevant were the variables that make some communities able to better withstand and adapt to the challenges of less water than others.

In this context, Deloitte Access Economics was commissioned by the Namoi Councils to assess the economic impacts of reduced water availability on, and within, the Namoi Catchment of northern NSW.

The catchment is highly exposed to reduced water availability. The economy is dominated by agricultural production, much of it irrigated, and many agriculturally dependent supporting industries. Agriculture alone represents about half of annual regional output, mostly from cotton, livestock, cereals, poultry and horticulture. Dryland agriculture dominates in the higher rainfall areas of the catchment’s east, including the major regional centre of Tamworth, while irrigated agriculture is more important in the catchment’s west, especially around communities such as Narrabri, Wee Waa and Walgett.

sTudyIng The ImpacT of reduced waTer avaIlabIlITyA number of studies exploring the social and economic impacts of the Plan have been released recently, as part of the ongoing work of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority and by members of the community, to highlight the plight of concerned regions of the Basin. Different studies have reached very different conclusions on the magnitude of these impacts.

This is partly a result of different scenarios being considered, such as different views on the likely climatic future, and the shifting policy

Modelling the economic value of water

summer 2012 31

Feature

dr daniel Terrill and Kelly heaTOn, delOiTTe access ecOnOmics

environment, highlighted by changes to the water recovery from the Plan.

Deloitte Access Economics’ study factored in four important considerations as follows to ensure the modelling accurately reflected the impact of the reduced future water on the catchment: • The drivers of land use change on a short- and long-term basis were modelled, informed

by both landholder consultations throughout the catchment and observations from recent history.

Primarily, this meant ensuring the modelling reflected land use decision making that optimises for drier conditions, in particular those conditions that can be known in advance. This means that the least efficient water uses are typically the first to be abandoned as conditions first start to get drier, but the cost of each unit of reduced water becomes progressively higher as the catchment becomes drier.

• Wecombinedanalysisatthewhole-of-catchmentlevelwithdisaggregationtothesmallercommunity level.

Many previous studies modelling the impact of the Plan have been conducted at a more aggregated level, such as the whole of Basin. This becomes problematic because of the different circumstances seen across the Basin. In general, regional impacts are more apparent, in proportional terms, when a smaller area is modelled. Focusing on the catchment level highlighted the impacts of reduced water availability specific to, and within, the Namoi Catchment.

• Thelikelymigrationdecisionsofcatchmentresidentswerefactoredintothemodelling.Migration decisions are a critical determinant of the magnitude of the effect of

reduced water at different levels, such as the community, the catchment, the Basin or the nation. When economic opportunities decline in a region because there is less water, any migration of people to seek relatively better opportunities elsewhere will tend to amplify economic impacts for the region people are leaving, but such an impact will not be seen for the state or nation as a whole. • Analysisofeconomicimpactsatthecommunitylevelhighlightedwinnersandlosers,

which are masked when analysis is only performed at a larger level. Most vulnerable are those communities with a high economic dependency on

water and that lack the characteristics that make some communities resilient in the face of external economic shocks, such as less water, a diversified economic base and an educated population.

The value of waTer To The namoI caTchmenTAn aim of our study for the Namoi Councils was to understand and estimate the value of water to the Namoi Catchment. The modelling suggested that each additional millimetre of rainfall lost to dryland agriculture from normal conditions costs the Namoi economy $519,000. This is an average value across all rainfall. The realised value of any one rainfall event varies enormously depending on how it falls, when it falls, and how much has already fallen. For example, a springtime rainfall event that finishes the dryland broadacre crops of the region could be worth tens or hundreds of million dollars to the catchment, whereas some rainfall events at the wrong time could impose a net cost on the catchment. Catchment rainfall has a further critical element of value, being the source of surface water runoff and resulting irrigation allocations.

For consumptive water available to irrigators, each additional megalitre of water lost costs the Namoi economy $750, of which just under half is experienced directly in agriculture.

Importantly, the recent drought visibly demonstrated that for each additional unit of water lost, the impact of reduced water worsens.

Accordingly, the value of water varies greatly depending on how much is already available.

Our modelling suggests that over the next 20 years, the impacts of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan will be greater than the best estimate of climate change for the Namoi Catchment. However, climate change is likely to continue and worsen beyond 2030. Whereas the Basin Plan only affects irrigated agriculture, the prospect of climate change threatens both dryland and irrigated agriculture. Also relevant is that the losses due to the Basin Plan are discretionary, to the extent that irrigator participation is voluntary, whereas the losses due to climate change will tend to be less discretionary.

One modelled scenario dominates all others in terms of its impacts on the catchment. An indefinite continuation of the recent drought would have been much more costly to the Namoi Catchment, on an annual basis, than either or both the Basin plan and climate change. This not only reflects the much greater reduction in water during the drought compared to either the Basin Plan or likely climate change, but also reflects the non-discretionary and unpredictable nature of a drought, where declining water availability cannot be predicted, and adjusted for, in advance.

Nonetheless, whereas drought is a temporary phenomenon, both climate change and the Basin Plan are expected to have ongoing implications for agricultural production and the regional economies it supports.

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Email: sales@aqualab.com.au Website: www.aqualab.com.au

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You can choose from radio or mobile phone (NextG) communications – or a combination of both.

Accessing the data is easy thanks to Accessing the data is easy thanks to our Internet based addVANTAGE Pro software. You can install your own copy or have your data hosted on our servers. Either way, you can view your data from anywhere in the world.

With the new LiveData function you With the new LiveData function you can view sensor readings on a virtual dashboard. You can even view your sites on a Google Map.

Here is just a sample of the applications where you will find Adcon at work:

Soil Moisture MonitoringAutomatic Weather StationsIrrigation System MonitoringIrrigation ControlRemote Pump ContRemote Pump ControlRemote Water Meter ReadingRemote Diesel Monitoring (CANBUS)Water Flow, Level, Quality

For more information, call 08 8342 5343 or send an email to sales@aqualab.com.au

32

ContraCtors Corner

Tip #1: To reduce run-off, select an irrigation timer that controls your water applicationsChoose an irrigation timer with at least four start times per program. Determine how long a station can be on before run-off occurs. Divide the run time necessary to meet the plant water requirements by this factor. If necessary, use each start time and reduce run-off that results from running valve stations too long. Even better, use an advanced controller with a feature that will allow the total irrigation run time to be split into usable cycles and the application of water in intervals that the soil will easily accept.

Tip #2: Use master valves and flow sensing equipment as an insurance policyIt's important to use a master valve when irrigating slopes. Strategically locate the master valve to reduce the length of constantly pressurised mainline around the slope, and before the zone valves. A normally closed master valve will supply a mainline with water only when a cycle is initiated from the controller. This

equipment will reduce the time that a damaged sprinkler, a broken pipe or a defective valve will have to wash away the landscape.

Flow sensing equipment can detect excessively high flows when a problem occurs. If calibrated properly, the flow sensing equipment will work in conjunction with the master valve to shut the system down and eliminate significant damage during an excess flow condition.

Tip #3: Use reverse-flow valves to reduce problems associated with a worn diaphragmThe inner workings of a reverse-flow valve will stop water from continuously flowing if the diaphragm is torn. In other words, it is effective because it will fail in the "off " position. A valve without a reverse-flow feature can fail in the open position, run continuously and erode the slope until it is repaired.

Tip #4: Use pressure compensating/regulating devices to get the best sprinkler coverageWhen used in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications, pressure-regulating modules can be installed on valves to adjust the operating pressure of sprinkler heads down stream.

Sprinkler nozzles that provide the optimum pressure distribute water as efficiently and uniformly as possible. Sprinkler nozzles operating at pressures significantly above or below the optimum usually perform poorly and, as a result, plant material suffers.

Built-in pressure compensating or regulating devices provide the best option since the optimum operating pressure is delivered directly to each sprinkler head. This will eliminate misting caused by high pressures, reduce water drift due to wind, and give the water droplets the best chance of getting to where they are designed to go.

Tip #5: Adjust the distance between lateral lines to compensate for the slopeOn a 2:1 slope, a properly adjusted sprinkler will throw about 80% of its radius above the head and 120% of its radius below the head. This concept is hard for many people to understand because, on the site plan of an irrigation project, slopes appear to cover less ground than they actually do, and the effect of the slope cannot be accurately portrayed.

Therefore, sprinklers can be spaced consistently along the lateral, but the distance between bottom and middle laterals should be reduced and moved up toward the top of the slope to obtain head-to-head coverage and compensate for the true effects of the slope.

Tip #6: Space lateral lines across the slope rather than with the slopeWhen installing the lateral lines, make sure they follow the contours of the slope. If lateral lines are incorrectly installed from the top to the bottom of a slope, the pressure differential resulting from the elevation change could create severely uneven pressures at each of the sprinkler nozzles. This will cause irregular water distribution. Additionally, the higher pressures at the bottom could shorten the longevity of the pipes and sprinklers.

dealIng wITh slope IrrIgaTIonmeeting plant requirements and managing irrigation systems can be difficult under normal circumstances. when slope plantings are involved, applying water efficiently and effectively can be extremely challenging. too little water and plants won't grow, too much water and you've got other problems. several tactics can be used to help you deal with these ups and downs. Following are ten design and product application tips for effective slope irrigation.

sloping ground provides added challenges for applying water uniformly and efficiently. getting the design right in the first place and installing the appropriate equipment are important first steps.

Tip #7: Limit sprinkler heads on a valve zone to decrease potential damageAs you add more sprinkler heads to a zone, the size of the delivery system components and infrastructure will increase. In this case, bigger also means that more water will be available to cause damage in the event that something on a system breaks. Consequently, large zones are not recommended unless other safeguards are included to circumvent potential problems.

Tip #8: Limit sprinkler heads on a valve zone to increase performanceTailor the irrigation system to meet the specific water requirements of the slope areas. Separate zones to apply water to slope sections with considerably different plant material, as well as different exposures to sun, wind and other climatic influences. If you mix zones, it will be hard to keep plant material healthy because one side of the slope will get too much or too little water.

Tip #9: Place part-circle sprinklers on separate zones or use matched precipitation rate nozzle packagesUniform water distribution is critical for effective slope irrigation. To achieve this, separate part-circle sprinklers from full-circle sprinklers, and then adjust the station run times. An easier method is to use nozzle sets that are specifically designed to create consistent precipitation rates, despite the various arcs and radii.

Using matched precipitation rate nozzles on the same valve system reduces the chance that your system will put down too much water with some heads and not enough from others. This will help to diminish the potential for severe soil erosion.

Tip #10: Install sprinklers with check valves to contain erosionWhen used properly, a check valve will contain the unpressurised water in the lateral lines after the zone valve has completed its watering cycle (if the valve is located at a higher elevation). Without a check valve, the elevation difference from a valve above to the sprinklers below could generate enough internal pressure to force water out of the sprinkler.

A check valve will prevent the water that remains in the pipe from draining out of the sprinklers after the valve has shut off—thus reducing the chance of erosion of the landscape areas around or on the slope. Look for sprinklers that have built-in check valves. This eliminates the need for a separately installed check valve under each sprinkler.

RememberEffective slope irrigation is a mixture of good upfront planning, proper installation, and a solid maintenance technique. If all three are done properly, many emotional, financial and physical problems can be avoided—and a healthy, aesthetically pleasing slope planting will be the result.

AcknowledgmentThanks to Rain Bird for allowing Irrigation Australia to reproduce this item from its website, http://www.rainbird.com

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34

ProFessional deVeloPment

Two of the key reasons that IAL developed its certification program were to provide a way of recognising the skills and knowledge of individuals and, in turn, to give industry members and clients a way of identifying professionals who have the skills to perform particular jobs.

In essence, the certification program is the industry’s way of differentiating “irrigation professionals committed to best practice and professionalism of the industry at large” (IAL website). The certification program is a voluntary one that relies on members to uphold the code of conduct and to ensure the program’s integrity.

While most certified professionals take this responsibility seriously, unfortunately some don’t. The experience of the processing tomato industry in Victoria earlier this year highlights what can happen when professionals don’t act professionally.

CIDs required to complete designsThe Australian Processing Tomato Research Council Inc. coordinated a number of project applications to the Round 2 of the On Farm Efficiency Program. Liz Mann, Industry Development Manager for the council, explained that included irrigation designs were required to be completed by a certified irrigation designer.

“We did this as we believed it would help bring an additional level of check to ensure the irrigation upgrades were adequately designed,” said Liz.

While a list of CIDs was supplied to all growers so that they could identify professionals to work with, Liz said that most irrigation equipment suppliers already either employed a CID directly or had a close working relationship with one. This is not uncommon in the industry and can have an advantage in that a designer is familiar with a supplier as well as their equipment and processes. It also means that it is important that both parties work to maintain standards as a negative experience can reflect on both.

According to Liz, certification was no guarantee that a design would be best practice.

“Some of the initial work was appalling,” she said. “The designs did not specify anything, they were coloured rectangles.”

To overcome this Liz sent information out to growers for them to pass onto irrigation dealers and other professionals to ensure the designs contained more meaningful information (see figures).

“I was surprised to find that a CID did not already require certain information, and that a CID stamp could be applied to any design providing it was completed and approved by someone who was a CID,” she said.

Irrigation Australia asked Liz what she thought IAL should do to ensure that work of professional standard is completed by its certified designers.

“IAL needs to ensure that CIDs complete work to a certain standard, with a number of things included on every design, e.g. hectares, row lengths, flow rate variation and pump duty.

InTegrITy of cerTIfIcaTIon program members’ responsIbIlITy

figures 1 and 1b. This information was specified by the Processing Tomato council as being the minimum required for a subsurface irrigation design.

figure 2. This information was specified by the Processing Tomato council as being the minimum required for an overhead irrigation design

Pivot number 1 Pivot length 494 m End gun fitted - Effective area 76.66 ha Min. number of spans 9 Flow rate 71 L/s

Responsibilities accompany certificationIAL CEO Ian Atkinson said that while Liz’s experience isn’t the norm, it does show that certification brings with it responsibilities.

“The actions of a few people who don’t take their responsibilities to the program to uphold the code of practice has the potential to reflect poorly on the whole program,” he said. “In some ways CID is like holding a truck licence.

summer 2012 35

booKshelF

in november the Centre for Policy development (CPd) released its report on the future of australian agriculture Farming Smarter, Not Harder. the centre says that the report was developed in the context of rising global demand, resource scarcity and environmental pressures.

today’s growing global population and skyrocketing food prices create new market opportunities for australian agriculture. but australia has fragile and vulnerable soils, which are being degraded at an unsustainable rate.

the report concludes that if we continue with ‘business as usual’, we will keep losing soils faster than they can be replaced. acting now to improve soil condition could increase agricultural production by up to $2.1 billion per year. it could also help farmers cut costs on fertiliser and water use.

“winners of the food boom will be countries with less fossil fuel intensive agriculture, more reliable production, and access to healthy land and soils,” said the report’s lead author laura eadie. “how we manage our land and soils will be the key to whether australia sees more of the upsides or downsides of rising global food demand.”

Farming Smarter, Not Harder finds that australian agriculture can build a lasting competitive advantage through innovation that raises agricultural productivity, reduces fuel and fertiliser dependence, and preserves the environment and resources it draws on. to achieve this, australia needs to:

• Investinknowledge:increasegovernmentinvestmentinresearchanddevelopment by up to 7% a year; increase funding for extension programs; implement the Productivity Commission’s recommendation to set up rural research australia; fund the national soil health strategy with an endowment sufficient to support ongoing research and monitoring for at least 20 years.

• Stopchoppingandchangingsupportforregionalnaturalresourcemanagement:

o Federal and state governments should commit to a 10-year agreement to provide stable long-term funding for regional natural resource management (nrm) bodies, including specific funding to monitor long-term trends in natural resource condition.

o enable accountable community governance of land and soil management. to enable farming communities to protect themselves from free-riding, they should be supported to develop stewardship standards based on a shared understanding of what it takes to maintain productive agricultural landscapes over the long term.

• Alignfinancialincentiveswiththelong-termneedsofsustainablefarmingcommunities. in addition to the drought policy reforms announced on october 26, drought assistance policies should support farming communities to take a lead in preparations for more frequent and severe droughts, and should be linked to community stewardship standards.

“recent projections indicate the potential doubling of exports by 2050, according to the national Food Plan and anZ-commissioned greener Pastures report. our work looks at how to support farmers dealing with the practical challenges of seizing this opportunity, in the context of soil degradation and rising input costs,” said laura.

the case to increase research funding and foster innovative farming is made even stronger by the likely impacts of climate change. without action to adapt to more variable and extreme weather, by 2050 australia could lose $6.5 billion per year in wheat, beef, mutton, lamb and dairy production.

the report profiles leading farmers who are already seeing the benefits of innovations in sustainable farming. it proposes simple measures to support them and the agricultural communities that depend on healthy farming landscapes.

to download the report go to the CPd website and follow the prompts www.cpd.org.au

InvesT In soIl healTh To Take advanTage of The world food boom

The licence says that at the time you got the licence you were assessed as being competent in a driving test and you had an adequate understanding of the road rules. It doesn’t say you will always drive to the speed limit, load your truck in accord with best practice, or only charge a fair price.”

Ian said that CIDs are required to comply with IAL’s Code of Conduct for Certified Irrigation Professionals (available at http://www.irrigation.org.au/index.cfm?/training-and-certification)

As for Liz’s concerns, the relevant sections of the code require all certified irrigation professionals to:

Undertake all activities in a competent manner; maintain a current knowledge of best practice in the irrigation industry; clearly and formally disclose to customers the expected irrigation performance outcomes from work undertaken; and ultimately allow their name and endorsement as an IAL Certified Irrigation Professional to be used only in relation to those projects in which they have been personally and directly involved, and as such to take responsibility for any design, installation, operation, or written advice which they endorsed.

Under the code, clients who are dissatisfied can ask that the actions of an individual be investigated by IAL through the CEO. Non-compliance with this code may result in action being taken as described in the CIP Disputes resolution process and temporary suspension or permanent revocation of certification. Importantly, the decisions about questions such as ‘has best practice been followed?’ are considered by industry peers through IAL’s Certification Board. IAL would welcome a formal complaint at this time because we need to demonstrate the effectiveness of our code.

in october the Federal government announced it was putting another $1.7 billion in funding to deliver an additional 450 gl of environmental flow for the murray-darling basin. the government said that this extra water would mean that the total environmental flow for the system would be 3200 gl, a figure that recent modelling suggested as optimal for returning the system to health.

the money will be made available over ten years from 2014 to improve existing infrastructure and remove constraints such as low lying bridges and undersized dam outlets.

legislation to establish the special account and advance appropriation is expected to be introduced into Parliament before the end of the year.

2013 TraInIng schedule beIng developed IAL will be putting together its training program for 2013 and you can expect to see a number of courses continue that have proven their popularity and relevance to the industry, including:• IrrigationEfficiency• EvaporationMasterClass• IntroductiontoIrrigation• MeterValidators/Installers• CIDPreparation.

If you are interested in any of these courses or have suggestions for courses you would like to see developed, contact IAL on freecall 1300 949 891, email info@irrigation.org.au

neWs sniPPeT

36

smart watermarK

smart Watermark is a joint initiative of the australian Water association, irrigation australia, the nursery and garden industry australia and the Water services association of australia.

IN 2011 SMART WaterMark created an award to recognise the Commercial Product of the Year, as the result of an increase in applications from commercial products, particularly from the irrigation, catering, cleaning, pool and construction sectors.

An Independent Expert Panel selects the finalists, scoring each of the shortlisted products against four criteria. 1. Innovation – is the product an innovative

solution to water conservation, and is it the first to market in its category?

2. Design – is the product easy to use and install and well designed?

3. Marketability – what is the price point, affordability and packaging of the product?

4. Sustainability – what is the carbon footprint of the product?There are now over 260 products and services

certified to use the Smart WaterMark label for their water saving properties.

Commercial Product of the Year winner. The 2012 Commercial Product of the Year Winner is Dulux EnviroWash a water-based paint wash system that separates water-based paints from wash water and allows that water to be recycled.

Manufacturers of irrigation related products and services featured in the list of finalists for the Commercial Product of the Year. Finalists were:

Irrigation & Water technologies kIsss. The KISSS system is a subsurface irrigation system that reduces evaporation and makes water more readily available at the root.

Water Group smart Metering. Water Group Pty Ltd provide consulting, smart metering and turnkey delivery services to conserve water. The services they offer range from water efficiency opportunities to leak reduction, funding applications, program delivery, rain or stormwater harvesting, grey and black water recycling, sewer mining, water treatment to approvals processes.

observant. Observant offer remote monitoring and management solutions, designed and built in Australia. These models are specifically designed to improve water use efficiency in agriculture and urban situations.

Winterhalter uC-s. This undercounter commercial glasswasher has a water consumption of 2.4 L per cycle.

Consumer Product of the Year winner. The 2012 Consumer Product of the Year Award Winner is Katco Holdings Wobble-Tee. Wobble-Tee is an Australian made and owned domestic sprinkler that connects to the end of a garden hose. Up to three sprinklers can be connected to one hose. A feature is that the sprinklers can be operated under low to medium water pressure, and because of droplet size and flow application rate, there is little water lost on run off or misting.

Finalists were:Filtrex split system. The Filtrex Water Split

System treats black and greywater separately. The greywater system can be used to irrigate via drip lines to flower beds and garden areas.

advanced Waste Water systems Grey Flow. The Grey Flow system is a tankless grey water diverter which filters household grey water and diverts it into a drip irrigation system.

iLanD RAInDoG. The Raindog is a first-flush unit mainly designed for underground tanks.

Lo-Flo sprinkler. The Lo-Flo Sprinkler is a water efficient end-of-hose garden sprinkler with a low application rate. Field trials have show that Low-Flo will save water through slow and efficient percolation with little water lost through flooding or run-off.

"We've been really impressed with the range and quality of applications to Smart WaterMark from the commercial sector which account for half of our applications last year," said CEO Julian Gray. "And we're really glad we can showcase Australian innovation in water conservation by awarding not only the Mark, but also a Product of the Year Award."

2012 PrOducT Of The year Winners annOunced

aPPs TO share

With el nino back in swing, and

summer approaching, now is a

great time to share some water

saving apps and information

with your customers.

iSaveH2o –

australia’s first

mobile rain tank

calculator and live

product database

(free).

Bom’s Water Storage app –

great for latest dam levels

across australia (free).

oz Weather app – a good all

round weather app (99c).

smartgardenWatering app

– useful melbourne app for

optimising water use in the

garden.

you can also download the

guide to good garden Watering

on the smart Watermark

website (www.smartwatermark.

info). This informative leaflet

written by ial is a consumer

guide to efficient irrigation in

the garden.

The Katco holdings Wobble-Tee sprinkler has won this year’s consumer Product of the year award.

summer 2012 37

around industry

new face for power equIpmenTLong serving and highly respected marine industry identity Chris Guppy has signed on with Power Equipment as Power Products Area Manager for Queensland. Power Equipment is the authorised distributor of Yanmar and JCB diesel engines.

For Chris, this appointment represents a return to home, as he worked for Power Equipment a decade ago. He will be working with OEM, trade customers and end users to assist them with their needs with the Yanmar and JCB line of diesel engines.

“As a small farmer, I can very much relate to the needs of people who work on the land,” said Chris.

Returning to Power Equipment, Chris noted that the multi faceted growth which has occurred in the company and their products over the past decade has been incredible. And, having spent ten years in the role of National Service Manager for Suzuki, he is well qualified with engines and a good fit for Power Equipment.

(08) 6103 8530: info@waterwellsolutions.com.au www.waterwellsolutions.com.au

IrrIgear recognIses phIlmac Each year, all of Irrigear’s 60+ stores participate in an appraisal process that scores suppliers based on a range of criteria. The results are used to rank suppliers based on performance. This year Philmac were not only nominated in the top five but were named as Irrigear’s “Supplier of the Year” for 2012 at the group’s National Conference Awards Dinner.

“This is fantastic recognition from a customer with whom we share a very long lasting business relationship,” said Jason Mitchell, Philmac’s General Manager, Group Marketing.

“It is a great honour and humbling for us to be recognised by the Irrigear group and we remain absolutely committed to further improving our performance even further in the future.”

Irrigear General Manager Simon Treptow congratulated the top five nominees.

“It’s a real win for an Irrigear supplier to make it to the final five because it is purely based on the how the members see the suppliers performing. It really sorts the best from the average,” he said.

Irrigear store owners rank their suppliers across a range of criteria including field representation effectiveness, supply chain efficiency, product quality, accounts receivable efficiency, value for money, innovation and supplier stability.

“We pride ourselves on our high quality Australian made fittings, but to be recognised across this range of criteria is a very rewarding,” said Jason.

“On behalf of the entire team at Philmac, I would like to thank the Irrigear members for their continued support and am certain that we will continue to work well together into the future.”

mea expands InTo waSA based MEA has expanded into Western Australia with roll out of a $265,000 environmental monitoring network for the Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) that covers more than 1,150 km from Geraldton to Esperance.

Earlier in the year, MEA successfully tendered to supply the forty new automatic weather stations which make up the monitoring network designed to help local growers and irrigators better use natural resources. Through the network, growers will be able to monitor localised temperature, humidity, wind and rainfall from their desktop computer or mobile phone.

It will also be used for research and helping growers respond to seasonal climate and weather events and by Emergency Services to assess fire danger in remote areas and help authorities to be proactive in protecting local communities, farms and homes.

The Weather Station Monitoring Network works by collecting data from the 40 weather stations and feeding the data at ten-minute intervals onto DAFWA’s website via the Next 3G mobile network. It is being installed over a larger distance than any of MEA’s previous networks and their installer will cover over 7000 km to put the weather stations in place.

Funded through the Western Australian State government’s Royalties for Regions program, the network will support growers who are under pressure from increasingly dry conditions over the last ten years.

For more information, visit www.mea.com.au

chris guppy is Power equipment’s new power products area manager for

Queensland.

iCid insights

acTIvITIes of work bodIes wITh ausTralIan represenTaTIonA most important period for the exchange of knowledge at IEC meetings is the period between the Annual International Executive Council (IEC) meetings of the ICID. In this period the hard work such as preparation of new results and identifying achievements needs to be done to be presented at the next working group meeting. The next working group meetings will be held in September 2013 in Turkey.

Working Groups with Australian representation are:WG-MIS – Ian Moorhouse, concluded in AdelaideWG-DRG/ASRWG – Willem F. VlotmanWG-ENV – Clarke BallardWG-DROUGHT – Clarke BallardWG-CONGRESS/PC FINANCE – Ian AtkinsonWG-MDG – Nadeem Ashgar, merged into the Task Force for World Water Forum 7 (TF-WWF7)WG-TRUE – Stephen MillsWG-PQW – Tapas Biswas

WIllem VlotmAN, ClArk BAllArd, ANd geOffrey fenn

Date Place & country Details

11 to 13 december 2012

adelaide australia 4th international Conference on sustainable irrigation and drainage: management, technologies and Policies. organised by university of south australia (unisa) and wessex institute of technology, uK. website www.wessex.ac.uk/12-conferences/sustainable-irrigation-2012.html

29 september – 5 october 2013

mardin, turkey First world irrigation Forum. Contact is mrs serpil Koylu, turkish national Committee, iCid (tuCid), email tucid@dsi.gov.tr, serpil.koylu@dsi.gov.tr, websites http://www.icid2013.org, www.worldirrigationforum.orgnotification of acceptance of abstracts: 15 January 2013receipt of full text of accepted papers: 15 January - 15 april 2013.

14 to 20 september 2014

gwangju metropolitan City, south Korea

22nd international Congress on irrigation and drainage. Contact is hun sun lee, Korean national Committee on irrigation and drainage (KCid), email kcidkr@gmail.com, kcid@ekr.or.kr, website http://www.icid2014.org

october 2015 montpelier, France 66th ieC meeting, october 2015, montpellier, France. Contact: secrétaire général, association Française pour l'etude des irrigations et du drainage (aFeid), email afeid@cemagref.fr, website http://afeid.montpellier.cemagref.fr

2016 Chiang mai, thailand

67th ieC meeting, 2016, Chiang mai, thailand. Contact: secretary general, thai national Committee on irrigation and drainage (thaiCid), deputy director general of royal irrigation department, ministry of agriculture and Cooperatives, bangkok email thaicid123@gmail.com, website www.rid.go.th/thaicid

ieC – international executive Council, annual iCid meetingiCid – international Commission on irrigation and drainage, new delhi india

imPOrTanT daTes fOr yOur diary

In the next IssueThe Autumn issue of Irrigation Australia Journal will feature:

editorial:Innovation Irrigation in the West

Advertising Feature:Central control and automationRecycled water

Confirm your advertising presence now and ensure your message is seen by the entire Irrigation Australia Membership nationwide.

Contact Brian Rault on (03) 8534 5014 or brian.rault@commstrat.com.au to receive advertising information.

The JOurnal fOr irrigaTiOn PrOfessiOnals

summer 2012 39

Working group updateWorking Group on Modernisation of Irrigation services (WG-MIs). The working group terminated its activities in Adelaide but, unfortunately, could not produce a solid outcome. The main discussion in the group centred on what could or should have been done but still there was no consensus to finalise its activities with a paper on modernisation of irrigation services.

The group was terminated and it was suggested that a new working group be formed in Turkey. A lot of work needs to be done to establish a new group dealing with irrigation matters, not least formulating its objectives, mission and a work plan. With lots of new developments in the field of irrigation in Australia we could be a major contributor if not propose to lead a new working group on irrigation. If you are interested contact Willem Vlotman for more information, email vlotmanwf@bigpond.com.

Working Group on Drainage (WG-DrG). The 11th International Drainage Workshop (IDW) was held in Cairo, Egypt, from 23 to 27 September 2012. Its theme was Agricultural Drainage Needs and Future Priorities. Nearly 175 participants from fifteen countries attended representing governments, UN agencies, intergovernmental organisations, academia, business and industry, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), indigenous groups, youth and the media. Some of the main conclusions and recommendations from the deliberations and the papers presented are:• Thereductionofthedrainagecoefficientwas

found to be an economically and environmentally sound management practice if irrigation efficiency and uniformity of water distribution are improved.

• Controllingsaltwaterintrusionincoastalareaswas discussed and solutions such as increasing recharge of aquifers, reducing abstraction from coastal aquifers, moving wells further inland and using subsurface barriers were recommended.

• Drydrainage,whichistheuseofnaturallowlying areas to collect surplus water and salt, was found to contribute significantly to maintaining a favourable salt balance in irrigated areas.

• Integratingirrigationanddrainagenetworkswasreported in many papers and it was concluded that controlled drainage is still an important aspect of water and salt control.

• Reuseofdrainagewatercanfillthegapbetweensupply and demands in agricultural areas, while use of salt tolerant crops downstream of irrigation schemes should be an integral part of catchment planning and water resource management.

• Itwasrecommendedthatdedicatedsub-surfacedrainage GIS and remote sensing be used in design and planning of drainage systems.

• Toenhancetheexchangeofplanning,designand management experiences in the field of drainage, ICID use a dedicated section of the ICID website or use the Agricultural Drainage Group of LinkedIn, which is setup by the WG-DRG, to exchange knowledge and experiences.Ongoing activities of the WG-DRG will focus

on following up an innovative sub-surface drainage methodology, which can also be used for sub-irrigation. The new methodology relies heavily on capillary action and is called Capiphon drainage. Ongoing studies are taking place to compare

Capiphon drainage to conventional lotted pipe drainage. For more information contact Geoffrey Fenn (grf@globalonline.com.au) and check the WG-DRG website for the presentation Geoffrey gave in Adelaide. The WG-DRG will continue its activities to update the database on drained areas in the world which is published in the ICID Annual report.

Working group on Water Management in Water stressed regions (WG-DrouGht). The WG will host a workshop at the Mardin World Irrigation Forum on Developing Management Strategies for Coping with Drought and Water Scarcity. It will have three main themes:• droughtmanagementstrategies• copingwithwaterscarcity• rainfallmanagement(waterharvesting).

A call for papers is expected to go out shortly, with abstracts required in about December. It is intended that Australia will present a paper on management of the drought of 2000 to 2009 in the southern Murray-Darling Basin. Other papers would be very welcome.

MiscellaneousNo reports were received from the other Working Groups or very little has happened to date since the Adelaide meetings. For more details see the ICID website under the section work bodies and the minutes from Adelaide and the website of the working group if they have one.

note. Willem Vlotman is Chairman IACID and Vice President Honoraire ICID.

GROW WITH USThink Water was formed in Australia in 2007 by a group of like-minded irrigation professionals who share the same vision: to create a water services business that meets therapidly changing water management environment.

Think Water has since grown into an international group of more than 50 independently owned irrigation and general watersolutions businesses who enjoy the benefits of superior buyingpower, marketing support, training, and knowledge sharing.

We invite you to share in our success. Call Phil Best:

MOBILE 0408 036 785or email admin@thinkwater.com.au

Lee and Jayne RothwellThink Water Alstonville.

And enjoy the benefits!“Joining Think Water is one of the bestdecisions we ever made. The benefits are across the board: from great supplierarrangements to sharing knowledge withother members, and marketing support.There is no doubt we have better relation-ships and get better terms from suppliers.There is also a great advantage in beingable to ask other members about issuesthey face—they’re all in business just likeus, facing the same issues as us… so it’sgreat to be able to pick up the phone andask friends how they tackled a problem.”Lee and Jayne Rothwell, Think Water Alstonville.

40

state rounduP

AMenDMenTS TO WATer ruLeS Amendments to the Water Market Rules 2009 (WMR) and the Water Charge (Termination Fees) Rules 2009 (WCTFR) came into effect 17 October 2012, after being registered by the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities. The amendments address technical issues with the water rules identified during the transitional period and are based on advice from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

To help operators to understand the amendments to the water rules, the ACCC has published a guideline. The guideline summarises the changes to the WMR and WCTFR and provides guidance on the steps operators should take to ensure they comply with the amended water rules.

Guides to the water market rules and water charge rules can be downloaded from website www.accc.gov.au/water.

map. Predicted likelihood of rain in different regions of Australia, November 2012 – January 2013.

SeArCHInG FOr InnOVATIVe WATer PrOJeCTS TO FunDApplications are now open for the Smart Water Fund’s tenth round of funding. In this round there is $1 million in funding to support innovative urban water projects.

Commercial businesses, research institutions and consulting firms can apply for funding for projects in the following two areas that can demonstrate benefits and value to the Smart Water Fund joint venture partners, Victoria’s urban water utilities:• resourcerecovery,e.g.energyormineralrecoveryandopportunitiesincarbon

sequestration as a result of carbon pricing introductions• innovationinassetplanning,construction,maintenanceandrenewalwiththe

potential to enhance industry productivity or reduce costs.For information, including funding guidelines and applications, go to the

Smart Water Fund website, www.smartwater.com.au.

The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting a wetter than normal season for the Kimberley region in WA, the NT and southwest Queensland from November to January 2013 as a result of warmer than normal waters in the Indian Ocean. For the rest of the country, it is predicting that the chances of a drier or wetter November to January period are roughly equal.

These predictions are made based on how consistently the Pacific and Indian Oceans affect Australian rainfall. During November to January, history shows the effect to be moderately consistent over parts of western WA, the Kimberley region of WA, most of the NT, Queensland and NSW. Over northern SA, Victoria and Tasmania the effect is weakly consistent, with the rest of the country very weakly consistent.

After hovering around El Niño thresholds during winter, tropical Pacific temperatures have retreated to neutral levels over the past several weeks. Climate models surveyed by the Bureau of Meteorology suggest sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean are likely to stay at neutral levels during the remainder of 2012 and early 2013, hence the prediction of equal chances of a drier wetter summer period.

InVeSTMenT In IrrIGATIOn r&D eSSenTIALIn September, industry groups, including IAL, and farmers met in Canberra to argue the case for irrigators and government to co-invest in much needed R&D that would lead to improved global food security, farm profits and best environmental outcomes.

The context of the meeting was a 20-year low in investment in irrigation research, development and extension (R, D&E) characterised by the winding up and 2012 of the only irrigation research organisations in Australia – the CRC for Irrigation Futures (in 2010) and the National Program for Program for Sustainable Irrigation (earlier this year).

There is some tragic irony to this considering the fact that the recent Asian Century White Paper identified the opportunity for Australia in being a key supplier of food to Asia’s growing middle class.

Participants at the meeting called for real and practical on-the-ground research, development and, importantly, extension services. They warned that the lack of funding for R&D is becoming a major issue, with irrigators holding grave concerns that Australian farmers are being hamstrung by apathy.

nWC LAunCHeS neW WeBSITe AnD reLeASeS AnnuAL rePOrT The National Water Commission 2011–12 Annual Report is now available on its new website www.nwc.gov.au, which showcases the Commission’s renewed role and work program.

A major task completed for COAG by the NWC in 2011 was a comprehensive report on the impact of the National Water Initiative (NWI) and its water reform outcomes.

The Commission was also subject to an independent COAG review, as was required under a sunset clause in the National Water Commission Act 2004. The review concluded that ‘the remaining elements of the NWI still to be implemented are the more difficult ones and 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’.

As a result the Australian Government renewed NWC’s role in providing oversight of the COAG national water reform agenda and the objectives agreed under the NWI.

BOM PreDICTS WeT SuMMer FOr nOrTHern AuSTrALIA

contractors remove unsuitable soil and excavate in preparation for foundations

BunDIDGerry WATer SAVInG PrOJeCT Construction of two regulators that are part of the Murrumbidgee Computer Aided River Management project (CARM) started in October this year. The work, which is funded by Water for Rivers, is on Bundidgerry Creek, approximately 8 km east of Narrandera.

The regulators, which will be managed by State Water, are part of a $65 million world-class infrastructure development and enhancement project that will improve the efficiency of the Murrumbidgee River system by reducing water losses in the Bundidgerry Creek system.

At present the creek system experiences high losses from evaporation and seepage during regulated flow periods as a result of extensive areas of wetland inundation.

Contractors, GJ & KL Douglass from Cohuna in Victoria, have dewatered the sites and started construction by excavating the foundations and installing a compacted embankment. Steel sheet piles will be driven through the banks followed by concreting and the installation of regulator gates. Construction is due to be finished in December 2012.

For information on the CARM project visit website www.carmproject.com.au

waTer markeTs sTrengThenProviders of water market advice WaterNET report that the start of the 2012-13 irrigation season has seen water markets improve as drier conditions and higher grain prices have lifted water demand across northern Victoria and southern NSW. Victorian temporary water prices have more than doubled since the start of the irrigation season from $20 ML to as high as $45 ML in recent trade. Temporary water is currently trading for $40 ML in Victorian and $35 ML in NSW. The sharp increases in water prices have caught irrigators off guard, with many buyers expecting the market to decline from the season opening as occurred last season.

Temporary water prices have risen as a result of drier weather conditions over the last three months and expectations of an El Niño event this summer. Irrigators have been forced to increase watering so far this season to compensate for reduced rainfall. Higher grain prices have also pushed water prices higher as dairy and intensive livestock operators have looked to increase fodder production on farm to keep input costs down. Ongoing droughts in the United States, the Black Sea region and reduced forecasts for the Australian wheat crop will likely see this trend continue.

Temporary water prices are expected to strengthen until the end of the year as demand for irrigation increases as a result of climatic and market

conditions. Longer term, WaterNet expects prices to weaken in the new year as Victorian irrigators are given access to water quarantined in Spillable Water Accounts. At the time of writing, Spillable Water Accounts (SWAs) held over 1,200 GL of water, with the Victorian Murray alone holding 982.4 GL in SWAs. If a declaration of low risk of spill were made today, the volume of available water would almost double in the Victorian Murray.

Permanent water (entitlement) markets have strengthened across Victoria because of limited supply in the market. Over the last two months Victorian High Reliability water shares have increased from $1,300 to $1,400/ML. NSW High Security water has similarly strengthened in price to $1,500 to $1,600 in very low volumes of trade, while NSW General Security entitlements have remained

steady $700/ML in the Murrumbidgee and $600 on the NSW Murray.

Permanent water prices have traditionally trailed the temporary market in responding to price movements. If an El Niño eventuates, permanent markets will respond as large irrigators and corporate agriculture companies who have been relying on the temporary market over the last few years look for the security of permanent water.

note. This item was contributed by Lex Batters, Senior Water Market Analyst for WaterNET providers of independent water market advice and analysis to clients across Australia. WaterNET is part of the Ruralco Holdings Limited group which also includes the water specialist group, ProWater Nationwide. For information contact Lex on phone 03 58 242323, email lbatters@waternet.com.au

note. The volume weighted average price for allocation is generally lower than the spot market due to related party trades and other abnormal trading activity.

FIGure 1 VICTOrIAn AnD nSW VOLuMe WeIGHTeD AVerAGe PrICe FOr ALLOCATIOn (SOurCe: nSW AnD VICTOrIAn WATer reGISTerS)

neWs sniPPeT

ThInk waTer NetWork HelPS ImProVe IrrIgAtIoN Business PerfOrmance A NETWORK OF more than 50 independent irrigation and general water service businesses in Australia and New Zealand is helping its members to survive a difficult period in the irrigation industry.

Operating under the Think Water banner, the network has grown rapidly in an increasingly tightening market.

General Manager Bryan Ward said this was because the network offered existing businesses a rare opportunity to maintain independence while at the same time benefiting from important corporate support.

“This includes human resources advice, training, marketing collateral, branding and buying power,” he said.

“The collective expertise within the group is industry leading. We are in a unique position to be able to say that few problems or challenges are new as someone in the group has usually faced and dealt

with that particular challenge successfully before.”Brian said understanding and improving

profitability for network members was a major focus for Think Water.

“Financial performance benchmarking is a service offered that helps our member businesses to better understand their cost and profit base,” he said.

The program is run independently by Resurg, a group specialising in benchmarking across franchise groups like Think Water. The information elicited can help identify areas of risk and opportunity to reduce costs.

“Within this benchmarking program, a small group of Think Water businesses meet twice a year to discuss their financial performance, and those who are in this group consistently perform better than the group average.”

According to Brian, there are significant benefits from being able to network with other business people in the same sector who were not direct competitors.

“Accessing this sort of intelligence is hard to quantify,” he said. “But the advantages include participating in discussions on technical issues, supplier and product access, staff management issues, business improvement ideas and collective branding and purchasing.”

For information go to website www.thinkwater.com.au

new ProduCts & serViCes

IrrIgaTIon ausTralIa 2012 conference Papers and presentations onlineIf you couldn’t get to the conference earlier this year or if you want to find a paper from a presentation you missed then help is on hand. Just go to the IAL website and you can download the papers and presentations from each session over the three days of the conference. The link is http://irrigation.org.au/index.cfm?/publications/2012-ial-conference-papers

summer 2012 43

CASE IH IRRIGATION POWER UNITS.THE POWER TO DELIVER.

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observanT gloBAl CoNtrol key to effeCtIVe lAterAl ANd PIVot irrigaTiOn When Jim Winter started using a lateral irrigation system at Trangie last year, he quickly saw the water saving potential.

“With soil moisture probes, you only irrigate when you need to, but you also need to keep an eye on it more; a lateral system needs more fine-tuning then a sprinkler and flood system,” he said.

He installed Observant Global to manage this equipment at the same time, so he can keep an eye on every aspect from his phone or laptop.

At Trangie, Observant’s monitoring system links a main base station and camera on the lateral irrigator, two soil moisture probes, a channel level sensor and a weather station. Jim can see this data through his Observant Global online portal.

“What I have found handy is to see the positioning of the machine at any time of the day or night. I don’t have to drive out to see if it’s coming to the end of a run. And if the lateral shuts down for any reason, I get an email or SMS alert,” he explained.

Jim originally brought in Observant’s system to demonstrate it to the Trangie Nevertire Scheme (where he is president). He says he no longer needs to fine-tune the water flow.

“I just use the sensors to see if it’s getting too high. Combining a lateral system with Observant saves time and labour, and has the potential for better water efficiency, which is important given the challenges with water allocation around here,” says Jim.

Will Murray also installed a new lateral irrigator last year, at “Quiamong”, a property in Conargo with just under 700 ha of wheat, barley and canola.

“This land used to be flood irrigation,” Will explains. “The great thing about changing to lateral is we no longer need so much water to irrigate the seed. And with Observant Global we’re also saving time. I wouldn’t want to go back to the old ways, driving out there four or five times a day.”

The 850 m wide T&L lateral travels 7.2 km. “This is a fair distance to cover and my main concern was monitoring the

machinery. During the day I can flick on the phone, and it keeps me up to date on where the lateral is, how the pumps are running and the channel height,” explained Will.

He says he uses the Observant iPhone app more than anything else, and it’s saving him as much as three hours every day.

Two diesel pumps feed the lateral, which Will can start remotely, and there’s a channel sensor to give information on water height. He is now putting a fuel sensor on the diesel pumps to check those levels, and soil moisture probes in the paddocks.

“Knowing exactly what moisture is in the ground will give us a great advantage. It’s great peace of mind to know exactly what’s going on there.”

Observant’s Global system is also at work in the resource sector, managing surplus water from mining activities to meet strict environmental conditions.

“We operate centre pivot irrigators as part of the overall mining water infrastructure networks, and installed Observant C2 units to monitor and operate pivots remotely and also gather water quality and flow data from weather stations and soil moisture probes,” says Richard Nixon, Principal Hydrogeologist for Global Groundwater in WA.

“We also manage remote irrigation scheduling, and can take into account crop water requirements, nutrient and environmental impacts.”

Richard has used Observant’s data to develop effective irrigation modeling, so he can forecast and prioritise irrigation and fertigation events up to a week in advance. He is also able to provide nutrient audit reports to the required authorities, and a range of stakeholders can securely log and view the Observant data remotely.

Whether its surplus water or water allocations, irrigators around Australia are looking for ways to maximise the efficiency of their operations. Integrating Observant’s Global system into new lateral or centre pivot equipment not only maximises the potential for time and cost savings, it also provides peace of mind that everything is working as it should be.

44

new ProduCts & serViCes

nelson IrrIgaTIon neW lOW Pressure “uP-TOP” sPrinKler for CeNtre PIVotS Nelson Australia, offers a significant improvement for low pressure “up-top” mounting of centre pivot water application packages.

The new Navy Plate for the A3000 Accelerator is designed for up-top mounting. As a low pressure rotating type sprinkler, the A3000 Accelerator produces a wider wetted pattern than sprayheads resulting in better overlap and longer soak time to reduce runoff. As well, the rotating streams of the A3000 are low angle and multi-trajectory, resulting in both improved uniformity and application efficiency.

Compared to impact sprinklers, the A3000 Navy Plate operates at lower pressures — 0.7 bar — saving energy. Expect long wear life because, unlike impact sprinklers where the seals and bearing are exposed to water quality and pressure, the A3000’s seals and thrust bearing are protected.

Re-nozzling to match crop requirements or pumping capacity is fast and easy, as the A3000 Accelerator features a quick-change, color-coded plastic nozzle. The new Navy Plate for the A3000 operates through a full nozzle range without having to change sprinkler models. This new sprinkler offers an excellent up-top water application solution at 0.7 bar operating pressure.

For information go to website www.nelsonirrigation.com.au

valmonT WAter SAVINgS ANd VArIABle rAte IrrIgAtIoN Water demand is increasing yearly while resources are becoming more limited. World population is booming, cities and industries are expanding, and more water-intensive food products are becoming a priority in more diets. Within two decades, water demand is expected to increase by an astounding 40%, according to SmartPlanet.com.

In agriculture, it is everyone’s responsibility to take an active role in water conservation. In some parts of California, growers have adopted new irrigation technology for their operations. Bolthouse Farms, one of the largest carrot operations in the world, switched to Valley center pivots to irrigate their crop in 2005. They switched with the goal of reducing input costs and to increase efficiently. The 2005 trial was successful enough that the company decided to invest in more pivots and move forward. Today, they have about 67 pivots in operation.

“With center pivots, our water use has been reduced by about 30 per cent, which in turn reduced fertiliser use and fuel and energy costs,” Dan Wilke, irrigation manager at Bolthouse Farms said. A vital benefit the pivots provide Bolthouse is increased crop uniformity, the result of precision irrigation, reported Dan.

Half way across the country, water conservation is at the forefront of the mind of manufacturer, Valley Irrigation. Valley Irrigation and

CropMetrics have worked together to advance Valley Variable Rate Irrigation (VRI), the patented control option designed to conserve resources. VRI provides ultimate precision irrigation to growers with centre pivots, through :• VRIspeedcontrol,whichallowsyoutoadjust

application depth in up to 180 individual sectors in a field

• VRIzonecontrol,whichallowsyoutoadjustthe application depth in up to 5,400 different management zones in a field.Roric Paulman, a Nebraska corn grower, relies

on the precision application of water that VRI provides. He has eleven different soil types in one field and VRI Zone Control allows him to successfully vary the application rate.

“It makes us more aware of the resources and how we can evaluate them,” Roric said. “It’s a second look at our fields. We look at fertility, soil type and can now manage to another level that couldn’t be done before.”

“We’re going to continue to push the limit. Water districts are more interested in our water footprint and will continue to increase regulation, so we’re going to continue to be better stewards of the water resource,” Roric said. “We’re good now, but we’re going to have to be better.”

For more information go to valleyirrigation.com

DELIVERING PUMPING SOLUTIONS10/12

Melbourne Sydney Brisbane Christchurch Auckland(03) 9793 9999 (02) 9671 3666 (07) 3200 6488 (03) 365 0279 (09) 525 8282

Email: info@brownbros.com.au Web: www.brownbros.com.au

Lowara has an extensive range of pumps and pressure systems suitable

for the man on the land.

Reliable, high performance, quality materials, and the widespread Lowara support network make these pumps an ideal selection

for rural water supply systems.

Reliability, fl exibility and savings were paramount in our brief to fi nd the correct pump set. Brown Brothers Engineers have a proven track record

in all these areas, our decision was quite an easy one.

The system has proven to be all it promised and more with all areas now irrigated with consistent pressures and uniformity; our irrigati on window has decreased also even with the Greens now on the same cycle as the tees, fairways and approaches. I have no hesitati on in recommending Lowara or Hydrovar as your next pump set.

- Mark Jennings, Box Hill Golf Club, Victoria

Contact your local Lowara dealer about supplying your next pump and water supply system.

StockWater Supply

BoostingWater Supply

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46

new ProduCts & serViCes

brown broThers delIVerINg tHe goodS IRRIGATION TASMANIA P/L was asked to quote on the supply and installation of the irrigation system for Tasman Park Race Track at Launceston in Tasmania. The specification called for competitor’s product but being a long term supplier of the Lowara brand and having full confidence with the product, we offered Lowara SV multistage pumps, Hydrovar controllers and a Brown Brothers Engineers custom built control panel for the triplex system.

Part of our submission was the offering that we could interface this system with the Toro Sitepro irrigation controller allowing for full functionality within the system. Technical data showing comparisons of Lowara against other brands was also submitted along with the ability of Irrigation Tasmania P/L and Brown Brothers Engineers P/L to support the product.

The project was won and duly installed, and Brown Brothers Engineers delivered the triplex set pre built, tested and ready to go. The pump set went in without a hitch and was jointly set up on site and commissioned with Brown Brothers Engineers and Irrigation Tasmania staff. The interface caused some minor problems but after delaying flights home and staying to finish the commissioning the interface was up and running. The system has been in and running for four years to date with minimal issues – and none product related.

We still use, sell and recommend the Lowara SV and Hydrovar range of pumps and drives for projects where our clients demand quality, excellence and full product support – a package you get from an Irrigation Tasmania /Brown Brothers Engineers combination.

hansen producTs NeW HANSeN HIgH PerformANCe VAlVe HANSEN PRODUCTS AGAIN have taken on board the feedback from their customers and added yet another high performance valve to their stable of valves and fittings - the “Hansen Leveller Valve” for use in controlled tank filling.

The Leveller Valve is a dual level, high performance, tank/reservoir valve. Hansen recognises the pump sits at the heart of most water systems and therefore needs to be protected and preserved so that your system always runs at its best.

The Hansen Leveller Valve does exactly that. It not only protects but extends pump life by reducing its work load, saving on maintenance costs and heavily reducing the worry of system failure. It achieves this by allowing the user to set the valve to open at an optimum level to stop the pump cycling or restarting “hot” during high water use. This results in longer pump life with fewer on/off cycles. The Hansen Leveller Valve can also be installed in a Rain Harvesting System for top up from mains or pump systems during dry periods, taking full advantage of natures reserves.

When Eion Townley of Valley View Lifestyle Ltd asked Cuddon Irrigation’s Designer Graham Mitchell to come up with a water treatment and storage system for their lifestyle blocks, Graham didn’t hesitate to incorporate the new Hansen Leveller Valve into the design. Graham recognised the importance of protecting the pump and knows he can rely on the Hansen Leveller Valve to perform by reducing the pump load and allowing the pump to run efficiently without cycling and restarting hot. He achieves this by setting the start level in the tank to a point where at high usage periods the pump cannot overload.

Some of the features that helped Graham choose the Hansen Leveller Valve:• adjustableminimumandmaximumonoffcontrol

(50 mm to 2.5 m)•suitableforhigh/lowpressures(0.2to12bar)

and in clean and dirty fluid conditions•delivershighvolumesofwaterquicklywith

unrestrictive full flow (1275 Lpm at 12 bar)

•patentpending“selfcleaningpilot”foruseinclean/dirty water conditions.

•softopenandcloseactionpreventingvalvebounceand water hammer

•strongcompactdesign•manufacturedfromstrong,non-corrosive,UV-

stabilised materials.All Hansen products carry their Lifetime Warranty

(see our website for details, www.hansenproducts.co.nz)

left & far left: Onsite set up in progress

Top: Project site at Tasman Park race Track.

above: Onsite set up nearly complete

For information contact Michael Phillips at Irrigation Tasmania, phone 03 6435 1073, email michael@irrigationtas.com.au

summer 2012 47

power equIpmenT JCB PoWer SeleCted for eNVIrofIx Hydro Seeder WHEN THE MANUFACTURERS of the Envirofix hydro seeding equipment received a commission for their biggest machine developed yet, they turned to a single JCB industrial diesel engine to deliver the power required by this massive machine.

The basic operation of a hydro seeder is straightforward. The tank holds a mixture of seed, fertiliser and tackifiers all held in suspension in water. Agitators within the holding tank ensure that the elements remain in suspension and well mixed while a mulch pump draws the mix from the tank to spray onto the area being seeded.

A contractor associated with the natural gas terminal construction at Gladstone in Queensland placed an order with Envirofix for a 13,000 L hydro seeder. As the biggest unit built to date had been around 4,000 L, the new unit presented a massive challenge.

“Our client already has four seeding machines from Envirofix,” said company MD Richard Hurley. “The challenge was to take the basic engineering principals that make our systems so successful, and apply them to a larger application. This involved us developing some unique features in our new machine.”

The tank has three hydraulically driven agitators, there are two turret guns which can deliver the mixture simultaneously and there are six CCTV cameras located on the truck to give the driver the best all round view of operations.

At the heart of such a large unit is a power system that drives all the on-board systems, in this case the agitators and the pumps.

The requirement from the Envirofix engineers called for 120 hp from a turbo charged diesel engine.

Power Equipment, the authorised agent for both the Yanmar and JCB brands, recommended the JCB DieselMax 444 for this job. The JCB DieselMax 444 engine is housed in an enclosed engine compartment with excellent access on both sides for servicing. It is a 4-cylinder, 4.4 L powerhouse with four valves per cylinder with high torque at low speeds, and is rated at 89 kW at 2200 rpm

The JCB DieselMax 444 carries a market leading warranty policy. Quiet operation is an added feature given that this unit operates with a number of operators close to the engine.

The installation was very straight forward. The JCB DieselMax 444 engine, hydraulic pump and controls all came together as designed. The JCB engine draws diesel fuel from the main fuel tank on the carrier truck, further simplifying the installation.

At Gladstone the new Envirofix hydro seeder is being used to seed bare earth on construction sites to prevent erosion across vast areas and in turn control sediment running off to the ocean and ultimately the sensitive Great Barrier Reef.

For information contact Noel Heritage, Power Equipment Pty Ltd, phone 03 9709 8500,

email noel.heritage@powerequipment.com.au

waTerwell soluTIons underPerfOrming BOre BrOughT BacK frOm The BrinK THE BORE SHOWN in the photo had severely restricted flow as a result of biofouling from iron bacteria, which had blocked the screen, restricting the water flow from the surrounding aquifer.

AGE Developments managed the bore rehabilitation project. First the bore was brushed to remove the easily accessible loose material which was airlifted to waste. BluBac Boreclean was selected as the chemical to dissolve the residual iron biofouling and remove the bacteria in the gravel pack behind the screen.

BluBac was chosen for: •Efficiency-itisreadytousestraightfromthedrumsono

mixing is required. •Transport-itisnotadangerousgoodfortransport.•Workersafety-itisnotclassedaspoison,ratheritisanS5,

safe to use “With Caution”.•environmentalresponsibility-BluBacbiodegradesinjust

a few days. •Effectiveness-BluBacBoredissolvesironandiron

biofouling, even in hard water.A thousand litres of BluBac was supplied in an IBC

ready-fitted with a camlock connection for ease of dosing the bore. The air-lift rods were used to deliver the BluBac Boreclean down to the bottom of the well and over the length of the screen. The water column was then hydraulically loaded to assist the BluBac to penetrate through the gravel pack dissolving any iron biofouling.

The BluBac was left overnight to perform its actions. The next day the treatment water containing dissolved iron biofouling and iron deposits was airlifted to the surface and purged onto absorbent ground, where it would biodegrade within a few days.

The productivity of the bore totally restored and a significant reduction in energy costs was achieved.

For information go to website www.waterwellsolutions.com.au

48

AdVertISerS INdex

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new ProduCts & serViCes

levelguIde SoftWAre deVeloPmeNtS tAke lANd leVellINg ‘to NeW leVel’ NEW DEVELOPMENTS WITH the LevelGuide software program used for levelling land and contour generation have added to its simplicity and user-friendliness, further enhancing its suitability for all earthmoving and agricultural contractors.

LevelGuide is integrated within the wider AgGuide mapping and guidance program that also offers auto-steer, implement guidance, variable rate control and spray control, including boom section switching.

FarmscanAG Business Manager John Chalmers said land levelling was intensifying and expanding from the traditional cotton and cane production areas, the Riverina in NSW, Victoria and WA’s north west, driven by efficiency and productivity requirements and, often, environmental regulations.

“There is an increasing need to use and manage water more effectively and efficiently,’’ John said. “Users are looking to either control it or ensure they are maximising the value of every drop.’’

There is also increased responsibility for potentially contaminated run-off from agricultural lands.

John said the LevelGuide software program would soon incorporate cross levelling control, allowing operators to tilt buckets during cut and fill.

Supplier Steve Hanlon, Landform Survey and Design, said LevelGuide's ability to create curved surfaces was another major boost. Steve is an agricultural engineer and has been involved with land levelling and irrigation and dam design since the 1990s.

“One of the big frontiers in precision agriculture is to get drainage right, not just on irrigated land, but also in dryland crops, and this will be a big step towards achieving that.’’

He said LevelGuide was suitable for all earthmoving contractors and operators.

“LevelGuide was designed to have a similar look and feel to laser levelling technology. With laser bucket control, users would set a plane, decide the height for the bucket and go to work. They could also use a survey to cut up a paddock into simple planes and then set the bucket up and adjust the blade each time for each plane,” he explained.

The operator can collect one, two or three GPS points and the software calculates the bearing and the grade between the points. Operators can also manipulate the grade and the height like they do with a laser to allow for field conditions. If they want to build a drain it is simple to adjust, just like with laser levelling.

The program also uses multi-section designs, and users can automate the GPS to follow the multiple planes. They can go from plane to plane to plane and it will automatically set the grade as they go. And they can auto-steer and level at the same time.

“LevelGuide can utilise designs from various design software packages, but we find the Ezigrade software to be the most comprehensive,” said Steve.

John said farming and civil contractors could benefit from using the reliable and competitive LevelGuide software for construction works.

“If it’s constructing dams, designs can be imported into the LevelGuide ready to go. If it’s a block of land with simple planes, then the program can generate a design straight away. Full multi-plane cut-fill designs can be generated and imported, including on-screen colourisation and cross-section views. Freehand contour banks are also a breeze to set up,’’ he said.

Operators can also use their existing GPS units as long as they were satisfied with the vertical accuracy and reliability of their equipment. With LevelGuide, competitively priced GPS units are available and come optimised for the vertical accuracy requirements of land levelling.

For information contact John Chalmers, FarmscanAG phone 07 4602 4150 or 0415 230 275.

earthmoving contractors and operators have been impressed with the simplicity and easy-to-follow screen layout of the levelguide land levelling software program compared with alternatives.

land levelling with the levelguide software program will soon incorporate cross levelling control, allowing operators to tilt buckets during cut and fill, and the ability to create curved surfaces, which will provide for better drainage.

For further details call... 131 PUMP... or your Local Dealer

ISO 2858 StandardEND SUCTION PUMPS

APPLICATIONSMining - Irrigation - Rural -Building Services -

Industry - Construction - Fire Protection - Water Transfer - Municipal Water - Processing

PUMP SPECIFICATIONS● 32mm to 250mm discharge● Flow rates to 250 litres per second● Heads to 160 metres● Extensive material selection including Cast Iron, Zinc Free Bronze, Stainless Steel and many more● Versatile mounting options● Mechanical seal or packed gland shaft sealing● Sealed for life or regreasable bearings● Optional wear rings● Optional pump coatings

From the Most Trusted Name in Australia’s Water Industry for 140 years

ENGINEERED PUMPING SOLUTIONSFrom bareshaft pumps to fully integrated turnkey water management solutions, Southern Cross engineers design and manufacture the most reliable End Suction Pumps to meet any pumping requirement or specification.

HIGH PERFORMANCE TANK/RESERVOIR VALVE

NEW

Do You Have Tank Problems?

ReliableValve Closes at Maximum

level

Valve Opens at Minimum

level

Protect Your Pump✔ Lengthen your Pumps Life with Less

on/off Cycles✔ Prevent Pump Burnout caused by

Dry Tank Syndrome✔ Combine with Rain Harvesting to

take advantage of Natures Reserves✔ High Performance & Cost Effective

(1275 lpm at 12 bar)✔ Adjustable Minimum & Maximum

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rigorously hand tested using both Air and Water

Every Leveller Valve isHANDTESTED

Distributed by: HR Productswww.hrproducts.com.auPhone: 1 800 486 837