Murray Now

The Water Technology Irrigation Expo (WTC) is upon us again, kicking off for three days over May this event promises to deliver up-to-date irrigation information, including the latest water-saving technologies to the farming community. “Innovations in irrigation are more pressing now that we see more climatic conditions in Australia, explains Wendy Buck, WTC Expo Chairman. Although this is not a new revelation; we are continually looking to improve our water use and efficiency, especially in regional Australia.”

The WTC Expo brings together businesses and individuals looking to keep up-to-date with irrigation information. This year the WTC Expo will be held at Echuca Racecourse on Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 May. The expo will not only benefit businesses but also any individuals that have property or an interest in the irrigation industry.

The expo offers learning opportunities on the latest irrigation technology and ways to implement practices into their own business or lifestyles.

Organisations such as Irrigation Australia Limited (IAL), the National Program for Sustainable Irrigation (NPSI) and the Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures (CRCIF) see the need for a shift in irrigation innovation. Such a shift would enable the irrigation industry to improve its water use efficiency, and to improve river and landscape health, while accruing long term benefits for the people of Australia (Extract: Irrigation Innovation in a Changing Climate, Tim Cummins, 2008).

Over the two days of the WTC Expo there will be guest keynote speakers tackling the theme “Industry Innovation”. Presentations include Ian Gibb (Farmanco) talking about successful farm case studies examining economic considerations of irrigation upgrades. Joel Spry and Mark Costello (North Central CMA) will speak on ‘Living with less water adaptation strategies for the new dry land farmer’. In addition there will be daily demonstrations from CAP Industries, Riverina Water Engineering, Cobram Irrigation, Water Dynamics and much more.

Heath Patterson from Patterson Pumps at last year’s expo

NVIRP representatives will be available to provide details on the opportunities available to farmers under the “on-farm incentives program”. This provides a great opportunity for irrigation farmers to discuss with the irrigation service providers what options would best suit their individual farm situation to maximize the chances for future on farm funding.

The expo is an initiative of the Goulburn-Murray Water Technology Cluster and is a partnership between regionally focused organisations, irrigators and local government all collaborating to improve efficient use of water for a sustainable future. John Mapson, WTC Expo Vice Chairman agrees saying that “Australia is a world leader in irrigation best management practices and the development of irrigation technologies. Actually I would go as far as to say that the Goulburn Murray region is fast becoming known as the water technology capital of Australia.”

This year the WTC Expo is expecting over 1000 people through the gates and there will be over 90 displays by manufacturers and product suppliers. Over the two days entry is free with gates opening from 10am till 4pm daily.

For more information www.wtcexpo.com.au

Or contact Wendy Buck email: wendy@wtcexpo.com.au