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PDF file

• Innovation in irrigation 2004 (PDF - 1040 KB)

Introduction - Innovation in Irrigation 2004

The irrigation industry is the lifeblood of many of Australia’s rural and regional communities. It provides 188,000 jobs, and every year adds more than $12 billion to the Australian economy.

Irrigation has always faced challenges - from its pioneering days in the 1880s, through the development of early infrastructure, the opening up of new irrigation districts (including for rice, cotton and horticulture), and the more recent growth of the wine industry. But the rate of change in the past decade has been unprecedented.

Today, irrigators face a variety of issues. These include a constantly evolving commodity market and production environment, and the need to maintain business profitability during drought. The significant water reforms that were begun more than a decade ago have affected irrigation more than any other industry sector.

Change is also being driven by concern for the environment – locally and globally – with the realisation that good water and environmental management can bring benefits for the farmer through increased productivity, profit or market access.

The irrigation industry has demonstrated that it can successfully address the challenges before it through innovative, far-sighted thinking. It has drawn upon a depth of skills and experiences, and invested in new skills, technologies and ways of doing business. Water use efficiency has become the new catch cry and an economic driver behind many new and innovative water management approaches.

As you will see from this booklet, innovation comes in all shapes and sizes; with individuals, cooperatives, grower-driven organisations and government programs all playing a role. Irrigation authorities and commodity groups are also participating in regional strategies and adopting a "whole-of-catchment" approach to managing their biophysical resources. The motivators for irrigators to adopt these improvements vary from industry to industry and often include the influence of a collective regional or industry approach.

The irrigation innovations depicted here show how pioneers and champions can take the lead, developing the innovations, skills and knowledge for efficient and sustainable production. The 12 "Innovators in Irrigation" showcased in this publication have become leaders in the area of water management by employing creative strategies to ensure high productivity for every megalitre of water they use. It is hoped that these case studies will inspire and encourage fellow irrigators to develop the skills and knowledge needed for efficient and sustainable production and to realise the exciting potential of Australia’s irrigation future.

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