Goulburn-Murray Water (G-MW) is refining a new approach to implementing modernisation and reconfiguration projects with customers and expects its Farm Irrigation Assessments model will be a vital tool in optimising irrigation system performance on both sides of the meter outlet.
According to G-MW Managing Director, David Stewart, the Farm Irrigation Assessments (FIAs) are an important outcome from the 2002 channel automation pilot project that took place on the Central Goulburn number 2 channel (CG2).
The CG2 project was the first large scale application of Total Channel Control (TCC) technology anywhere in the world. The project provided ‘in the field' understanding of how automation technology could be grafted onto a century old irrigation network to improve customer service and boost system efficiency.
Following the initial installation of TCC, a number of irrigators on CG2 raised concerns with G-MW in relation to the effect it was having on their irrigation practices. Their concerns were conveyed by the ‘CG2 irrigators' representative committee and G-MW has been negotiating with this committee to attempt to resolve these issues.
G-MW Managing Director David Stewart said, "The fundamental lesson from the CG2 pilot project is that the current and future needs and plans of customers must drive the planning and delivery of modernisation works."
G-MW's Farm Irrigation Assessments involve working with customers to better understand their on-farm water use requirements, and it includes modifying Whole Farm Plans to match a modernised irrigation system. The Assessment also focuses on:
- Anticipating potential farm supply and channel running level issues ,
- Selecting the most appropriate type and size of service point (meter), that takes account of factors such as local system operation and on-farm topography,
- Identifying opportunities to rationalise redundant infrastructure, to simplify farm layout and enable new and more efficient irrigation technology,
- Identifying on farm works that enable the farmer to realise the full benefits of automation.
Channel automation delivers enhanced customer service and allows the channel to run at its design level - the optimal level for minimising maintenance costs and water losses. The CG2 project highlighted that where farm layouts have developed around channel operating levels that are higher than the design level, flow onto farm may be compromised. The FIAs ensure these issues are identified and solutions sought well before system works begin.
G-MW has progressed a number of other activities in response to the outcomes of the CG2 project including
- Undertaking a $6.5 million channel remediation works program targeting high loss pools on the CG2;
- Committing to further in-situ testing of meters installed as part of CG2 project to confirm their performance under field conditions;
- Working with CG2 customers to explore changes to current system operating arrangements including changing notice time required to finish watering from 1 hour back to 15 minutes and using text messages to irrigators to notify when the outlet has opened and closed. G-MW is also exploring technology changes to enable future options such as onsite shut off.
These additional works have assisted G-MW and the CG2 Irrigator Committee to settle the irrigators' claims.
G-MW would like to acknowledge the invaluable input of the CG2 community to the improvement of the system. G-MW is also making sure that the lessons from the CG2 pilot project are incorporated into how it goes about modernisation in the future in all irrigation areas.
TCC is often described as ‘full automation' because the channel regulators and the on-farm meters are automated and remotely controlled, with local control limited to emergency shutoffs. Current modernisation efforts will see automation of channel regulators but on farm outlets will involve a mix of automation and local control. The combination for each site will be determined in consultation with local landholders.
David Stewart, Managing Director Mick Trevaskis, Chairman, CG2 Irrigator Committee
Media Contact: Linda Nieuwenhuizen
Position: Manager Corporate Communications
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