Program History

The On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency Program is an Australian Government initiative, as part of the Sustainable Rural Water Use and Infrastructure Program, which is aimed at assisting irrigators within the southern connected system of the Murray-Darling Basin to modernise their on-farm irrigation infrastructure while returning water savings to the environment.

This program is now in its fourth round and Waterfind has been a successful Delivery Partner in rounds 3 and 4 where it is delivering over $44 million in funding to irrigators in SA, NSW Murray, NSW Murrumbidgee and Northern Victoria. Projects include upgrades to existing systems or conversion to new irrigation practices which allow irrigators to reduce water losses and manage water allocation more efficiently allowing them to adapt to a future with reduced water availability due to climate change.

Waterfind is committed to the success of the program and the benefits it has to irrigators, irrigation communities and the environment.

Round 3

In July 2012, Waterfind applied to become a Delivery Partner through Round 3 of the Australian Government's On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency Program. On 10 December 2012, the Minister announced $100 million of in-principle funding approval for 5 projects. Waterfind was the only Delivery Partner chosen in Round 3 of the program who had not been a previous participant.

Over the following few months, Waterfind On-Farm team members travelled across New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia visiting potential proponents, discussing projects and completing the required project work information for the Australian Government.

On 16 August 2013, Waterfind was the first Delivery Partner from Round 3 to sign the funding agreement, enabling Waterfind to be the first Delivery Partner to help irrigators start projects across the three states.

The Projects

Waterfind will deliver over $12 million to irrigators in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia through Round 3 of the Australian Government's On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency Program.

Waterfind has two main sub-project types through Round 3 of the program, which are outlined below.

• 1. Includes laser grading and irrigation infrastructure upgrades and/or design projects through New South Wales and Victoria.
• 2. Laser grading located in South Australia and works to support dairy farming.

These projects are expected to save a total of 8,888ML with 5,807ML being returned to the Commonwealth for environmental use. Savings will be gained through a number of activities including:

• laser grading which increase efficiencies in water use and reduce the instances of pooling and water wastage
• variable speed pumps which reduce the power required per ML pumped
• irrigation monitoring sensors resulting in water efficiencies
• drainage water recycling systems
• enclosed pipes and riser systems which reduce farm evaporation and seepage

These projects have a 36 month timeline from the date of commencement, but many projects are being completed within the first two years.

Round 4

Waterfind was one of 6 delivery partners to be granted in-principle funding, following an announcement by the Australian Government on 29 July 2013, regarding the opening of a fourth funding round of the On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency Program worth $100m. An announcement on 1 April 2014, stated "The quality and value and applications under this program was so good that we have increased the size of grants to be awarded from the initially announced $100 million to $158 million."

Stage 2 of this process includes a detailed application for each irrigator project (of which Waterfind has lodged over 45) for the $32.5 million it has been granted in-principle. Projects will save in excess of 16,200ML and return approximately 75% to the environment. Once approved works completed through Round 4 of this program will include:

• Paddock Landforming
• Channel upgrades including installation of pipe and riser systems
• Installation and improvement of re-cycle systems for surface irrigation
• Automation system installation
• Conversion to surface and sub-surface drip systems
• Upgrade of old inefficient drip irrigation systems

Waterfind hopes to reach a funding agreement before the end of 2014

Newsletters

Newsletter Issue 1 - 13th November 2013 [PDF]

Newsletter Issue 2 - 30th January 2014 [PDF]

Newsletter Issue 3 - 13th May 2014 [PDF]

Newsletter Special Issue - May 2014 [PDF]

Field Days

Dehne Vinnicombe, Dairy Farmer, Jarlkin, Victoria

On 26 February, Waterfind hosted its first On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency Program - Round 3 Field Day at Dehne Vinnicombe's property near Jarklin to showcase the works completed and benefits of the Australian Government's OFIE program.

The Project

Dehne's project was approved under Round 3 of the On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency Program through Waterfind's sub-project: Laser grading and irrigation infrastructure upgrade and redesign.

Dehne and the contractors have worked hard over the last few months (in some very hot conditions!) finishing all of the landforming, completing the re-use system and installing new channels. With only the automation to now be installed, the project is due for completion in 2014.

Benefits of the project include:

• Increased production and reduced irrigation (11.6ML/ha to 8.7ML/ha)
• Water savings of 2.9ML/ha across all fields
• Re-use system allowing the capture and reuse of runoff

Dehne has returned 218ML of water to the Australian Government for environmental use. Dehne speaks highly of the program and when asked if he would apply again he said, "Yes, I would apply again. For the people who can apply, I would recommend applying."

Key comments from the day:

• The program gives irrigators the opportunity to save time while increasing production
• Having paperwork prepared before stage 2 of the application enables you to meet the short timeframe requirements
• Checking the details of your farm plan to ensure it matches what you need is critical
• It's important to allow for extended timeframes and possible increased costs in your budget