What is the Irrigation Efficiency Project?
The Irrigation Efficiency Project is a three year project to improve irrigation efficiency and management in the South East of South Australia. The project consists of a range of programs including:
• Irrigation for Profit workshops, introductory and comprehensive series.
• Innovation grants available to irrigators to promote profitable irrigation practice and sustainable resource management.
• Information on the Catchment Board’s web site and information sheets developed as the project progresses.
• Development of six on-farm surface irrigation case study sites in the Upper SE.
• Economic study to evaluate incentives to encourage adoption of proven management practices and efficient irrigation systems.
What is Irrigation Efficiency?
Irrigation efficiency is applying the right amount of water at the right time, evenly and reliably to achieve maximum production potential and minimize impacts on the environment.
The following examples show the variation in different irrigation efficiency indices in the South East.
The role of the steering committee is to provide advice to the SE Natural Resources Management Board on the implementation of the Irrigation Efficiency Project, including providing guidance on project methodology and project planning and direction in relation to the proposed education, extension, research and community awareness programmes.
Irrigation Efficiency Steering Committee
Current steering committee members are:
• Jen Lillecrap (SE NRM Board)
• Graham Kaye (Viticulture, Padthaway)
• Peter Balnaves (Viticulture, Coonawarra)
• Ross Young (Potatoes, Kalangadoo)
• Scott Campbell (Lucerne, Keith)
• Mike Hayes (Pasture for dairy, Mt Gambier)
• Tony Adams (Rural Solutions SA, Irrigated Crop Management Services, Loxton)
• Ross Carruthers (DWLBC, Volumetric Conversion Project)
• Terry Strickland ( Irrigation Efficiency Officer)
• Wayne Hancock (Mid SE Irrigators)
Related Documents
For more information about the project, please download the information sheet: What is the Irrigation Efficiency Project? |