G-MW's largest irrigation area signs first reconfiguration agreement
Goulburn-Murray Water's (G-MW's) Reconfiguration Program for the Central-Goulburn Irrigation Area was launched today with the signing of the first reconfiguration agreement at a property east of Tatura. Under the agreement 650 m of channel, 2 structures (a channel off-take and siphon) and 4 metered service points will be decommissioned with water savings estimated at 20 ML.
According to G-MW Managing Director Russell Cooper Central-Goulburn is G-MW's largest irrigation area with one of the longest channel networks and largest number of metered outlets.
"There is tremendous scope for reconfiguration to transform Central-Goulburn irrigators' service and supply, enabling more efficient water use and positioning the region to make the most of opportunities to modernise irrigation infrastructure, including the State Government's Foodbowl Modernisation Project," said Mr Cooper.
G-MW customer and case study participant Mark Williams believes the new supply arrangements will halve the time required to complete a full watering of his farm - back from four to only two days.
"I'm looking to rearrange my on farm layout to match up to the single, higher-volume supply point. I expect the new layout will enable quicker watering using less water, and importantly, taking up less of my time compared with co-ordinating my irrigation around four individual outlets. I am looking to improve farm productivity on two fronts - labour and water," said Mr Williams.
The Central Goulburn Irrigation Area Reconfiguration and Asset Modernisation Strategy will build on the experience gained through this first case study to develop a plan for an affordable and modern irrigation network in the Central Goulburn Irrigation Area.
"Our experience working with a variety of industries, farm enterprises, even soil types and supply expectations confirms that reconfiguration is not a one size fits all exercise. Each region's approach must be tested and refined and case studies are part of this process," said Mr Cooper.
A community working group is in place chaired by local dairy farmer Russell Pell. The working group includes Water Service Committee, community, agency and local council representatives. The Central-Goulburn Reconfiguration Program will develop Infrastructure Reconfiguration Plans for all channel systems within the Central-Goulburn Area. Customer input will be sought through a series of customer forums scheduled for later this month.
Reconfiguration is important to delivering an efficient and affordable irrigation service in the region.
"Every asset that is taken out of service reduces the ongoing maintenance and operating costs across the entire district. Individual farmers design a system that works for their farm and local irrigators benefit from a more cost-effective system that secures the future of irrigated agriculture and investment in the region," said Mr Cooper.
Central Goulburn is the largest of G-MW's five irrigation areas with the second longest channel supply network (1460 km), and nearly double the number of meter outlets (5546). It has the largest number of irrigated holdings (2800) and the largest total area water entitlement at 385 gigalitres. (At 100% allocation)
"Many of these factors reflect the history of the region and how it was opened up for agriculture. Our reconfiguration program will also need to take account of the range of agricultural enterprises that include dairy, cropping, grazing and horticulture which will directly impact on individual customers' supply and service needs," said Mr Cooper.
The reconfiguration case studies are funded under the Water Recovery Package MOU which provides $6 Million for development of reconfiguration plans and $50 Million to achieve 25 GL of water savings by May 2009. G-MW's reconfiguration programs involve three main steps
- Developing a comprehensive understanding of the assets in place, from the major supply channels through to on-farm irrigation arrangements, along with the current and future water use.
- Identifying opportunities to reconfigure supply including on-farm distribution and in doing so rationalise the amount of infrastructure in place. (Reconfiguration)
- Implement new technology such as automating the main supply channels and other improvements to maximise the system's performance and service to irrigators.(Modernisation)
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