Have you ever wondered what irrigation farms of the future will look like?
A walk around Corey Mitchell’s property in Tennyson may give you an insight. On Thursday 4 December 2014 from 11.00am to 1.30pm, Corey is opening his modernised irrigation farm to allow you to do just that.
As a recipient of Round 2 funding through the Farm Water Program, Corey benefited from the installation of an automated pipe and riser system on his 162 hectare dairy farm. The Farm Walk will celebrate the successful completion of Rounds 1 and 2 with program participants, while also showcasing some of the advances in technology within the irrigation industry.
“This is a great chance to discuss some of the benefits and challenges of farm water savings projects. I found the on-farm savings achieved through the project considerable and the funding made it a realisable dream,” Mr Mitchell said.
Chief Executive Officer for the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (GB CMA), Mr Chris Norman, said the Farm Water Program is administered by a consortium of Northern Victorian organisations, led by the GB CMA.
“The benefits of the Farm Water Program are significant. In Round 1 and 2 of funding, 52 GL of water savings were achieved through improved farm irrigation systems,” Mr Norman said.
“With an average cost-benefit ratio of 1.34, the program funding is estimated to generate at least $28 million a year in economic benefits across the region. This could mean an extra 355 jobs in the region; not to mention the significant social, industry and environmental benefits,” he added.
“The Farm Walk offers a fantastic opportunity for those interested to not only hear about the program, but also see the end results in action,” Mr Norman said.
Mr Norman added that 381 projects were funded in Rounds 1 and 2 of the program, of which, an amazing 379 were completed on time and to budget. Another 130 projects are underway now as part of Round 3 of the Farm Water Program which was announced in August 2013.
The call for projects for Round 4 of the Farm Water Program is expected to occur in early 2015.
IN BRIEF
What: Farm Water Program Farm Walk
When: Thursday 4th December 2014, 11.00am – 1.30pm
Where: 334 Trounson Road, Tennyson VIC 3572 (25 kms west of Rochester)
RSVP: Lisa Duncan or Brendan Stary Friday 28th November 2014 Ph: (03) 5822 7700 Email: farmwaterprogram@gbcma.vic.gov.au
Notes: In the case of forecast severe weather conditions the event may be rescheduled. Another Farm Walk is also planned for January to take place in Katunga.
For further information, please contact Gillian Mason on 03 5822 7700 or 0401 336 014.