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PDF file

• Innovation in irrigation 2005 (PDF - 2260 KB)

Introduction - Innovation in Irrigation 2005

Agriculture in Australia is undergoing enormous change, driven by shifts in consumer demand and markets; technological advances and innovation; sustainability issues, especially concerning water and native vegetation; declining terms of trade; and microeconomic reform.

It is a heady mix of challenges, and Australia's farmers are continuing to perform magnificently.

They have been consistent leaders in the productivity improvement that has underpinned 13 years, to date, of continuous national economic growth, even in the face of drought.

Irrigated agriculture has been at the forefront of this tremendous effort, while engaging what is perhaps the biggest challenge confronting all Australians: the sustainable use of water.

Australian farmers are also working their way through tough over-allocation issues. They are working with government to establish an appropriate property right to water, and they are working towards water trading.

At the same time they are widely adopting new irrigation technologies that boost production, in many cases very significantly, from each unit of water.

Irrigated agriculture now represents about 28 per cent of Australia's gross value of agricultural production.

The six case studies in this brochure, reflecting excellence in Australian irrigation, are great examples of how hard work and innovation by individuals and communities are spearheading the success of irrigation in Australia and improving the value of Australia's water resources.

With support from the Australian Government's $3 billion Natural Heritage Trust, the six irrigators in this booklet, along with the 12 featured in last year's inaugural Innovation in Irrigation Showcase, are demonstrating how creative strategies can ensure high productivity for every megalitre of water used.

The drivers of change in each of this year's case studies, and the responses to them, are different but they all have one thing in common: each innovator is a recognised leader in their field.

The studies vary from individual farmers to regional town resource managers. Their stories range from developing strategies to manage regional inland city effluent, to combining water savings and productivity increases in crops such as maize, table grapes, mangos and citrus.

The purpose of these studies is to inspire and encourage others to follow their lead, and in doing so, help the irrigation industry to continue to develop even more efficient and sustainable production systems.

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