The Loddon Campaspe Irrigation Region is well equipped to farm productively into the future, according to a Yarrawalla landholder impressed with the Loddon Campaspe Irrigation Region Research and Reporting Day conducted by the Department of Primary Industries and North Central Catchment Management Authority.

Strategic Irrigation Team Leader, Tim Shanahan, said that the agencies working in and around the Loddon Campaspe Irrigation Region have undertaken significant research, projects and policy planning over the past year.

"It is important for the results and progress of these activities to be communicated to the local landholders and community. Information is one of the vital tools required to ensure our region and farmers continue to be productive and sustainable."

Sue Bennett and husband Brian Smith farm 1350 hectares of irrigated/dryland crops and organic apples on a property that Mr Smith's family has farmed for five generations.

Ms Bennett said the November 6 event held at the Pyramid Hill Memorial Hall provided a chance to consolidate knowledge about irrigation changes taking place and enhancing the region. Topics presented included the use of saline water in irrigation, modernisation, carryover, groundwater dependent ecosystems, water trading and the use of spatial sciences in irrigation.

"It confirmed our opinion that this area has huge potential to move into the 21st century with virtually unlimited opportunities. We have the water, the climate and the population to grow and produce most food commodities.

"Our farms are generally big, which gives us the opportunity to use a small portion for a high input, high return crop, while continuing traditional types of farming."

Ms Bennett was particularly interested to hear about water allocation options in the Northern Regions Sustainable Water Strategy catchments. "One option being considered is the allocation of 30 per cent of available water for current year use, with further inflows being split between storage for the following year and use in the current year.

"I would encourage people to consider the implications on their businesses of the various options discussed in this paper and respond accordingly, before December 12."

North Central CMA Natural Resource Management Committee member and Sustainable Irrigation Portfolio member, Christine Brooke, said the topics were very relevant to the 31 landholders and agency representatives in attendance.

"The program was well structured, providing a range of presentations to inform, foster debate and challenge people to think positively about the major changes taking place in irrigation in our region."

Ms Brooke said there was a lot of work being done and information available, particularly about the "New Dryland" concept and partnerships between agencies including the North Central CMA, Department of Primary Industries, Department of Sustainability & the Environment, Northern Victoria Irrigation Renewal Project and Goulburn-Murray Water in delivering programs.

A summary of the irrigation research and reporting day is being prepared and will be widely distributed. Information booklets can be obtained by contacting the North Central CMA on 5448 7124.

For further information please contact: 

Communications Officer, North Central CMA
PO Box 18, Huntly VIC 3551
t: 03 5448 7124
e: info@nccma.vic.gov.au