Innovation in Irrigation
Vineyards at Murtho, South Australia
Photo John Baker
The Innovation in Irrigation project set out to inspire innovative approaches to irrigation in order to promote a dynamic and flexible industry; one which is able to withstand changes associated with world markets and an uncertain climatic future.
There have now been three Innovation in Irrigation Showcases funded by the Australian Government's Natural Heritage Trust. They each highlight irrigators from across Australia who demonstrate how individuals, businesses, communities and governments have successfully used innovative approaches to make the best use of declining water resources.
Since 2004, 24 irrigators have been featured, bringing their pioneering strategies and decision making processes to the wider irrigation community.
Drivers of change
The irrigation case studies highlight the factors that have driven the proponents to make changes to their practices. These drivers of change include:
- market pressures such as increasing commodity prices or increasing costs of inputs;
- environmental pressures, including reduced water availability due to lower than expected rainfall or climatic factors; and
- community pressures such as increased demand for water for environmental or other public goods or services.
Processes of change
The case studies also highlight the processes of change that were undertaken and in doing so point out to others what they might consider in undertaking similar changes for themselves.
Transferability
The technological or management tools that have been applied in the case studies are transferable to other situations across Australia. Alternatively, the case studies highlight the principles applied and demonstrate that the same principles of change can be applied in any situation.
Government's role
The Australian Government is keen to promote an independent and capable industry. The irrigators featured here include examples where irrigators have achieved success individually as well as where Australian Government investments, policies and or programs have resulted in direct public and private benefit.
The Innovation in Irrigation showcases have been developed with the support of the Australian Government's $3 billion Natural Heritage Trust.
- 2007 Innovation in irrigation brochure
- 2005 Innovation in irrigation brochure
- 2004 Innovation in irrigation brochure
News
See also
- Australian Water Resources 2005
- Community Water Grants
- Council of Australian Governments' Water Reform Framework
- Lake Eyre Basin Agreement
- Living Murray Initiative
- Meteorological information for primary industry and natural resources management
- Murray-Darling Basin Initiative
- National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality (NAP)
- National Framework for Improved Groundwater Management in Australia
- National Principles for the Provision of Water for Ecosystems
- National Water Initiative
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