Irrigation knowledge exchange program for horticultural...

Irrigation knowledge exchange program for

horticultural industries

Charles Thompson RM Consulting Group

(RMCG)

Project Number: HG04007

danikah

Stamp

HG04007 This report is published by Horticulture Australia Ltd to pass on information concerning horticultural research and development undertaken for the Australian horticulture industry. The research contained in this report was funded by Horticulture Australia Ltd with the financial support of the apple & pear industry, avocado industry, strawberry industry, nashi industry, nursery industry, stonefruit industry and the citrus industry. All expressions of opinion are not to be regarded as expressing the opinion of Horticulture Australia Ltd or any authority of the Australian Government. The Company and the Australian Government accept no responsibility for any of the opinions or the accuracy of the information contained in this report and readers should rely upon their own enquiries in making decisions concerning their own interests. ISBN 0 7341 1232 7 Published and distributed by: Horticulture Australia Ltd Level 1 50 Carrington Street Sydney NSW 2000 Telephone: (02) 8295 2300 Fax: (02) 8295 2399 E-Mail: [email protected] © Copyright 2006

Media Summary

HG04007 - Irrigation knowledge exchange program for horticultural industries

An extensive amount of information has been collected and analysed, to inform policy decisions and provide industry recommendations in relation to water use by the horticulture industry and also demonstrate to the wider community the industry commitment to good resource stewardship.

The project also helps to clarify and articulate horticulture’s on-going water needs. This will help to enhance the case for maintaining and improving industry access to water, which is threatened by water scarcity and competition for water from expanding urban and environmental demands.

The first stage of the project identified and collated industry water use information that was available in existing reports and studies. Data has been aggregated for each of the horticultural industries, to demonstrate the returns and water efficiency of horticulture.

This data has been analysed to show:

Economic performance ($/ML, tonnes/ML, jobs/ML, businesses/ML)

Water applied versus crop requirement (ML/ha)

Economic contribution (to the economy)

The initial part of the project highlighted the need for strengthened information systems within the horticultural sector and at an industry-wide level.

The second stage of the project involved an extensive review and consultation, to gain valuable information by addressing specific issues for each of the six industries involved in the study (including the apple & pear, avocado, nursery, strawberry, citrus and summerfruit industries).

The project helped to identify the actual and potential uptake of irrigation technology and improved management practices, while also highlighting some of the motivational factors that drive adoption. The environmental, social and economic benefits for the industry were also be evaluated.

Irrigation Knowledge Exchange Program

Project Number: HG04007

November 2005

RM Consulting Group


Final Report

Project Title: Irrigation knowledge exchange program for horticultural industries

Organisation: RM Consulting Group

Postal Address Box 2410, Mail Centre

BENDIGO VIC 3554

Project Team: Charles Thompson

Clare Kelliher

Phone: 03 5441 4821, Email: [email protected]

Project Objective: The ‘irrigation knowledge exchange program for horticulture’, will investigate the returns and water efficiency across different horticultural industries, providing valuable information that can be used to highlight the performance of industry.

Report Date: 30th November, 2005

Funding Source: Horticulture Australia Limited

Disclaimer: Any recommendations contained in this publication do not necessarily represent current HAL Limited policy. No person should act on the basis of the contents of this publication, whether as to matters of fact or other content, without first obtaining specific, independent professional advice in respect of the matters set out in this publication.


Final Report

Table of Contents

1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................1

1.1 Background.................................................................................................................................. 1 1.2 Purpose........................................................................................................................................ 1 1.3 Outcomes .................................................................................................................................... 1

2 Preliminary Scoping Study .......................................................................................................2

2.1 Industry Consistency.................................................................................................................... 2 2.2 Process ........................................................................................................................................ 2 2.3 Existing Data................................................................................................................................ 2 2.4 Results by Industry ...................................................................................................................... 4 2.5 Results by State ........................................................................................................................... 5 2.6 Multipliers in Horticulture ............................................................................................................. 6 2.7 Industry Review ........................................................................................................................... 7 2.8 Conclusions.................................................................................................................................. 7

3 Industry Consultation...............................................................................................................8

3.1 Objectives .................................................................................................................................... 8 3.2 Consultation ................................................................................................................................. 8

4 Irrigation Service Providers ...................................................................................................10

4.1 Outline ....................................................................................................................................... 10 4.2 Common Issues ......................................................................................................................... 10 4.3 Recommendations...................................................................................................................... 11

5 Apple & Pear Industry ............................................................................................................12

5.1 Major Irrigation Regions............................................................................................................. 12 5.2 Industry Water Issues ................................................................................................................ 13 5.3 Regional Water Issues................................................................................................................ 14 5.4 Key Indicators ............................................................................................................................ 16 5.5 Water & Irrigation Trends .......................................................................................................... 18

6 Avocado Industry ...................................................................................................................20


7 Nursery Industry ....................................................................................................................27


8 Strawberry Industry ...............................................................................................................35

8.1 Major Irrigation Regions............................................................................................................. 35 8.2 Industry Water Issues ................................................................................................................ 36


Final Report

8.3 Regional Water Issues................................................................................................................ 36 8.4 Key Indicators ............................................................................................................................ 38 8.5 Water & Irrigation Trends .......................................................................................................... 39

9 Citrus Industry .......................................................................................................................41


10 Summerfruit Industry ..........................................................................................................48

10.1 Major Irrigation Regions ............................................................................................................ 48 10.2 Industry Water Issues ............................................................................................................... 49 10.3 Regional Water Issues............................................................................................................... 50 10.4 Key Indicators ........................................................................................................................... 51 10.5 Water & Irrigation Trends.......................................................................................................... 53

11 Conclusions...........................................................................................................................54

11.1 Industry Water Issues ............................................................................................................... 54 11.2 Recommendations..................................................................................................................... 55

Appendix 1 Reference List .......................................................................................................56

Appendix 2 Data Collection......................................................................................................57


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1 Introduction

1.1 Background

The HAL Water Initiative is designed to ‘help ensure ongoing access to water for horticulture’. Access to water is fundamental for industry and is threatened by water scarcity and competition for water from expanding urban and environmental demands.

Governments are implementing major water reforms across Australia, which has enabled water trade and has resulted in higher water charges, as irrigators have been required to meet full cost recovery.

Future water reforms being flagged by governments include irrigators needing to meet the requirements of a site use licence in order to access irrigation water. We need to make sure that the conditions on site use licences are practical and not unnecessarily onerous.

The HAL Water Initiative aims to improve access to water for the industry by implementing three strategies. These are:

Demonstrate social and economic benefits of horticultural water use to wider community.

Innovation in efficient and environmentally responsible water use.

Policy analysis and support to water management decision makers regarding horticultural needs.

1.2 Purpose

The ‘irrigation knowledge exchange program for horticulture’, will investigate the returns and water efficiency across different horticultural industries, providing valuable information that can be used to highlight the performance of industry.

The project has been developed to encourage industry participation, helping to achieve the objectives of the Water Initiative. This will involve:

Providing data that demonstrates the social and economic benefits of water use. The data must fit a consistent framework that can be aggregated.

Demonstrating commitment to improved water management and sound environmental stewardship.

Defining and articulating the water services required by industry/growers.

1.3 Outcomes

The project is designed to collect information, provide industry recommendations and inform policy decisions in relation to water use for horticulture and also demonstrate to the wider community the industry commitment to good resource stewardship.


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2 Preliminary Scoping Study

2.1 Industry Consistency

Data has been aggregated for each of the horticultural industries, to demonstrate the returns and water efficiency of horticulture. Initially it was anticipated that data would be analysed to show:

Economic performance ($/ML, tonnes/ML, jobs/ML, businesses/ML)

Water applied versus crop requirement (ML/ha and %)

Environmental performance (ML applied in excess of crop requirement and trend)

Water savings potential (ML being achieved and trend)

The information will provide a resource that can be used to highlight the performance of horticulture, in relation to water use. This will help to enhance the case for maintaining and improving industry access to water.

2.2 Process

The data obviously had to be within a consistent framework, to allow analysis and comparison across industry. The information provided forms a significant component of the project.

This process has involved two steps, to ensure the data is both accurate and consistent:

1. Accessing any/all existing data sources available

2. Industry data review/collection, to provide any up-dated data (potential sources)

The details are outlined in the sections to follow.

2.3 Existing Data

2.3.1 Source

The following data has been used to compare horticultural industries at a national level:

National Land & Water Resources Audit, ‘Horticulture, productivity & sustainability’, 2001.

Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census 1997/2001.

ABS, ‘Australian Commodity Statistics’, 2004.

Horticulture Australia, ‘The Australian Horticultural Statistics Handbook’, 2004.

Barraclough & Co, ‘Queensland Horticulture, Audit of Water & Irrigation Use Efficiencies’, 1999.

Grape/Wine Research Development Corporation, 2002/03.


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2.3.2 Framework

Based on this existing data a consistent framework was developed, with the following characteristics across each industry:

Area (ha)

Production (t)

Value of production ($m)

Irrigation requirement (ML/ha)

Total jobs/businesses

The results (Section 2.4/2.5) indicate the resource use across each industry and state.

2.3.3 Assumptions

To determine the resource use across horticultural industries, some of the following assumptions were used:

The most appropriate/accurate source of data was used as a basis for the aggregated industry statistics.

The total number of industry jobs has been determined, based on ABS information Report No. ABS 62820.40.001, which gives 97,000 jobs in 1997. It is has been estimated that employment in the industry has increased by 15% in the last four years to 2001/02 to give approximately 110,000 jobs. This has been pro rata distributed to each industry using an average of 4.54 jobs per business.

Business numbers are based on the number of total horticultural properties (ABS Census 2001) and distributed by the value of production for each industry using an average of 3.62 businesses per million dollars. Industry statistics were used, when available.

A range has been determined for each industry water requirement. These estimates indicate the variation in demand, due to climate and regional variables. An estimated average water requirement was used to determine the total volume of water used by each industry.

Water requirement estimates for certain industry groups (largely produced in northern Australia) were based on the ‘Queensland Horticulture, Audit of Water & Irrigation Use Efficiencies’, Barraclough & Co.


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2.4 Results by Industry

Data Source: NL&WRA 2001, HAL Statistics 2003 (ABS 2001/02), Grape/Wine RDC (2002/03), Barraclough & Co (1999) Note: High income per ML is not an indication of profitability.

*NGIA estimates a GVP of $1,007 (Farm gate $ value of green-life for the year ending June 2003, based on the total wholesale/production end of the industry)

System Main crop t y p e Human Resources Use Natural Resource Use Industry Production Indicative Water Use Range

Grower

Business (no.)

Businesses per 000'

megalitre

(no./1000 ML)

Estimated No. of Jobs

Jobs per 000'

megalitre

(no./1000 ML)

Area (ha)

Water (ML)

Production (t)

Value ($m)

Average return ($/ha)

Average return ($/ML)

Note this is

different to profit/ML

Production per

megalitre

(t/ML)

Average Price per

Tonne

($/t)

Requirement in high

demand year

in low rain fall area (ML/ha)

Requirement in low demand

year in high

rain fall area (ML/ha)

pome fruit 1,634 15 7,428 66 18,690 112,140 438,147 453 24,238 4,040 3.9 1,034 12.0 1.0

summerfruit 960 6 4,365 27 26,910 162,015 162,015 266 9,892 1,643 1.0 1,643 12.0 1.0

bananas 876 9 3,982 42 14,087 94,383 313,314 415 29,481 4,400 3.3 1,326 13.0 3.0

mandarins 339 10 1,541 44 4,704 35,279 78,079 94 19,984 2,664 3.3 1,204 10.0 4.0

other citrus 1,196 5 5,434 23 25,696 231,265 504,610 331 12,897 1,433 2.2 657 14.0 4.6

nuts 1,259 11 5,723 48 19,750 118,500 44,114 128 6,474 1,079 0.4 2,899 16.0 1.0

avocados 1,172 47 5,327 215 3,306 24,791 28,485 69 20,874 2,783 1.1 2,422 18.0 2.8

tropical fruit 1,312 11 5,964 51 21,404 117,725 192,621 183 8,568 1,558 1.6 952 14.5 1.5

dried vine fruits 341 11 1,551 52 4,000 30,000 30,293 95 23,650 3,153 1.0 3,123 9.0 4.0

table grape 1,004 25 4,565 114 5,000 40,000 86,523 278 55,680 6,960 2.2 3,218 10.0 4.0

wine grapes 5,389 6 16,000 17 159,362 956,172 1,544,793 1,286 8,069 1,345 1.6 832 9.0 dryland

kiwi fruit 25 21 112 95 294 1,176 2,953 7 23,129 5,782 2.5 2,303 12.0 1.0

Pere

nnia

l Tre

e C

rop

Total 15,508 8 61,992 32 303,203 1,930,515 3,425,947 3,606 11,893 1,868 2 1,053 12.9 2.7

asparagus 238 13 1,081 57 2,363 18,904 13,921 66 27,888 3,486 0.7 4,734 14.0 4.0

berry fruit 517 240 2,348 1,090 2,155 2,155 22,604 143 66,450 66,450 10.5 6,335 7.0 0.5

pyrethrum 740 590

Pere

nnia

l N

on-

Tr e

e

Cro

ps

Total 754 36 3,429 163 5,258 21,059 37,115 209 39,768 9,929 1.8 5,634 10.5 2.3

beans and peas 305 3 1,386 14 16,649 99,894 79,047 85 5,075 846 0.8 1,069 8.0 2.0

brassicas 601 9 2,732 43 13,476 63,337 226,398 167 12,363 2,630 3.6 736 7.0 2.0

cucurbits 342 14 1,555 65 10,000 24,000 128,722 95 9,480 3,950 5.4 736 5.0 2.0

leaf vegetables 503 12 2,287 55 6,881 41,286 187,327 140 20,273 3,379 4.5 745 12.0 3.0

melons 472 25 2,145 113 8,247 18,968 188,075 131 15,860 6,896 9.9 695 6.0 1.0

onions & garlic 701 18 3,186 80 6,674 40,041 294,790 194 29,115 4,853 7.4 659 8.0 4.0

peppers 232 16 1,053 73 2,419 14,514 41,859 64 26,540 4,423 2.9 1,534 8.0 4.0

potatoes 1,751 8 7,959 35 37,943 227,658 1,333,159 485 12,793 2,132 5.9 364 10.0 4.0

root vegetables 851 32 3,870 144 10,750 26,875 401,323 236 21,953 8,781 14.9 588 5.0 1.0

sweet corn 190 5 864 21 6,956 41,736 80,467 53 7,576 1,263 1.9 655 14.0 4.0

tomatoes 829 42 3,767 193 8,478 19,499 424,950 230 27,094 11,780 21.8 541 10.0 2.0

Annual Cr o

ps

Total 6,777 11 30,803 50 128,473 617,809 3,386,117 1,879 14,622 3,041 5.5 555 8.5 2.6

Cut Flowers 1,277 44 5,805 199 5,826 29,130 n/a 194 33,282 6,656 n/a n/a 10.0 1.0

Nursery 2,138 75 8,543 301 4,728 28,368 n/a 436* 92,217 15,369 n/a n/a 16.0 3.0

Total 26,454 10 110,572 42 447,488 2,626,881 6,849,179 6,323 14,131 2,407 2.6 923 11.6 2.3


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2.5 Results by State

This data set has been developed from ABS 2001 census, rather than the more accurate industry sources used above.


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2.6 Multipliers in Horticulture

2.6.1 Issues

Estimating multipliers in horticulture is difficult and fraught with danger. Government provided input-output tables generally do not provide information specific to horticulture.

In addition there are different approaches used. Type 1 multipliers measure the direct and indirect production induced effects, Type 2 multipliers take into account the flow on effects of subsequent rounds of consumer spending.

Type 2 multipliers are larger and are generally considered to overstate the economic impacts, as they assume that the employment generated would be nil without the industry, where in reality it is likely to be substituted by another activity.

2.6.2 Related work

Considering these issues ACIL Tasman (2002 for DLWC) looked at the economic impacts of irrigation in NSW Draft Water Sharing Plans and concluded a maximum multiplier of 2.0 was appropriate.

The CIE 2004 study for NPSI “Implications of water reforms for the national economy”, estimated that indirect contribution of irrigation to the economy (including value added from processing and flow on effects) are approximately 2.5 times the direct effects.

However this multiplier was used on the economic contribution of irrigation less the value of the next best dryland enterprise and was not calculated for the gross value of production, due to the large number of assumptions required.

Estimates released by the Australian Farm Institute (Australia’s Farm-Dependent Economy (FDE): Analysis of the Role of Agriculture in the Australian Economy, 2005), show that the FDE contributed an average of 12.1% of the national GDP for the six years up to and including 2003-04. Of this, the Agricultural Sector contributed an average of 3.2% of GDP, the Farm-Input Sector contributed an average of 0.8% of GDP, and the Farm-Output Sector contributed an average of 8.1% of GDP.

2.6.3 Approach

It seems reasonable to use a multiplier of 2.0 as an estimate to apply the farm gate GVP for horticulture when assessing the indirect impacts allowing for substitution. However it would appear to be a much higher multiplier if substitution is assumed to be zero.

Some earlier multipliers used by industry have taken this approach and have used values of up to 5.0 times (e.g. 1985 value of NSW Irrigation Industry, by NSW Agriculture). While this is not the value lost if the industry is removed, it is a reflection of the value added through the economy. And is closer to the perception of growers who intuitively compare their processed product retail value, with their wholesale value.

Therefore it is suggested that a multiplier of 2.0 be used assuming substitution and 4.0 be used assuming no substitution.

However it should be noted that some economists do not believe multipliers should be used at all; as everything can be substituted and it is like claiming an economic benefit from all activities, whether the activity is beneficial or not. For example, should a multiplier on a car accident be claimed as an economic contribution to the economy?


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2.7 Industry Review

2.7.1 Overview

Representatives from each industry were asked to assess the data, to establish whether or not, it was a reasonable reflection of the industry.

To help provide cross industry and regional consistency, the representatives were asked to provide more appropriate references/contacts (if available) or any applicable information at the regional level. The information would then identify the potential and trend for water use.

A number of industry contacts were provided and then contacted, in an attempt to access additional data sources.

2.7.2 Key Issues

It seemed that beyond the national level, industry information systems generally continued to become more fragmented. Therefore accurate, consistent information was difficult to access and is either not collected or is not available at the industry organisation level.

Therefore some of the issues highlighted were:

A lack industry-wide information was available

Some regional specific information could be accessed, however could not be translated at a national level (within a consistent framework)

Industry groups were sometimes difficult to define

2.7.3 Data Aggregation

It should be noted that the industry review prompted the following changes to the existing data aggregation:

Nursery industry statistics are out of date and more recent figures have not yet been released

Oranges/mandarins were analysed as a separate part of the citrus industry, due to the different water requirements of the crop

Statistics for the banana industry (number of growers, area and production), were altered based on more recent information from the banana growers association

Industry feedback indicated that crop water requirements are highly variable according to season and between regions, therefore indicative ranges should be reported rather than an average requirement.

2.8 Conclusions

Based on the information collected, the available sources of data, and the review process, it appears that the aggregated statistics comparing horticultural industries (Figure 2.4) are the most appropriate/accurate and should be used in evaluation and analysis.

The review highlighted the need for strengthened information systems within the horticultural sector and at an industry-wide level.


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3 Industry Consultation

3.1 Objectives

Valuable information will be gained, by addressing specific issues for each of the industries involved. The process will help to:

Identify actual and potential uptake of irrigation technology (and trends). Evaluate the environmental, social and economic benefits of technology for the industry and major catchment area.

The areas with new technology will be estimated, along with the water savings being achieved if any, quantification of environmental benefits provided to the wider community by industry in its adoption of new technology (e.g. estimation of drainage reductions, sediment loss, salinity benefits). These will vary between industry and catchments.

Determine motivational factors that drive adoption of new technology (uptake drivers). Identify the key drivers of irrigation technology and irrigation management practice by grower, commodity and by catchment.

This will help us understand underlying drivers for technology and target actions/messages accordingly.

Quantify the education status and needs of irrigators and other stakeholders. Assess optimal training levels and identify industry “gaps”.

This information can then be used by industry/HAL to develop extension messages for encouraging irrigation technology uptake for the most beneficial target audiences.

This could include messages tailored for:

– Irrigation suppliers (e.g. irrigation design)

– Catchments (e.g. Coastal Queensland, Urban)

3.2 Consultation

3.2.1 Industry Involvement

Currently Stage 2 will include the apple & pear, avocado, nursery, strawberry, citrus and summerfruit industries. Further information for each of these industries will be collected.

Consultation has included discussions/interviews with:

– industry/HAL representatives

– growers

– water authorities (supply, water trade etc.)

– researchers, government department personnel

– advisors and industry specialists


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3.2.2 Process

The consultation process, used to collect data will be:

Designed with regard for each specific industry, hence the structure and characteristics of these industries will be considered.

Address the issues using a structured format/template, to ensure the outcomes/information can be compared and analysed.


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4 Irrigation Service Providers

4.1 Outline

A range of irrigation specialists and advisors were contacted to provide a greater understanding of technology uptake, irrigation management and possible impediments to adoption.

Consultation has included discussions with experts, who offer services in the following fields:

– Irrigation supply/design

– Irrigation control/scheduling

– Water management

– Soil moisture and environmental monitoring

4.2 Common Issues

Some of the key issues identified in this process, were that:

Generally producers (and industry) have gained a much greater understanding of the value of water as a commodity – in recent years. This realisation has led to a significant improvement in the efficiency of water use. It is anticipated that this trend will continue.

Irrigation technology and advisory services are generally taken on board by the larger growers/businesses, who are often among the industry leaders. However there is also a significant proportion of semi-retirees and hobby farmers. These people tend to be professionals and are highly innovative, market-oriented and use the latest technology.

Technical support and advice is essential, however it is often given little emphasise by many supplies/distributors who are simply ‘keen to sell a product’. An investment in new irrigation infrastructure will often also require a change in management practice. Often a considerable amount of time needs to be invested working directly with growers, to build a level of understanding and knowledge – to ensure these practices are adopted.

Irrigation management is often looked at in isolation. An integrated approach needs to be developed and encouraged, to enhance production and pest/disease control (so that growers understand of the potential benefits for production - yield and quality).

Improved technology and increased understanding of the gains to be made through reduced water consumption and costs have been the driver for growers to become more efficient. The economic gains associated with improved technology, irrigation scheduling and management needs to be demonstrated. This will lead to greater adoption and ultimately improved water management.


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4.3 Recommendations

The following recommendations were suggested, as a means to enhance the adoption of technology, irrigation scheduling and improved water management:

Develop case studies to demonstrate the economic/production benefits of technology adoption, irrigation scheduling and management. Ideally these would be developed for a range of industries and could be targeted to specific regions.

Place a continued emphasis on extension programs (e.g. Water for Profit, WaterWise), which help to provide an avenue to educate the vast majority of horticultural producers.

Develop the skills and knowledge of industry/irrigation advisors, to encourage a more integrated approach to crop management and production.

Ensure growers have access to appropriately qualified professionals (eg. IAA certified designers) and provide incentives to encourage technical support/advice, to accompany the adoption of new technology.


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5 Apple & Pear Industry

5.1 Major Irrigation Regions

5.1.1 Overview

The five major regions for the Australian apple & pear industry include:

Goulburn Valley, Loddon & Central – VIC

Huon Valley – TAS

South West – WA

Adelaide – SA

Central Ranges – NSW

These regions were defined according to economic contribution and productive area. Irrigation and water use vary considerably, it is important to be aware of these contrasts.

5.1.2 Goulburn Valley, Loddon & Central Victoria

Victoria is the main producer of apples and pears, with approximately 31% of national apple production in 2004. Over 85% of the nations pears produced in the Goulburn Valley region, an important centre for both apple & pear production. The Central Victorian region includes Harcourt, an area well known for apple production.

The Goulburn Valley region represents a major proportion of the Australian irrigation industry and forms part of the Murray Darling Basin system (The Shepparton Irrigation Area). Water supplied to the region is primarily used for pasture production (for the dairy industry), together the stone and pome fruit industries account for only 3% of water usage in Northern Victoria.

The production system and water supply/issues in the Harcourt area vary enormously, from the Goulburn Valley. Ideally these regions need to be considered in isolation, however they have been combined due to locality and it is therefore important to acknowledge the vast differences.

5.1.3 Huon Valley - Tasmania

Predominately a rural area, the Huon Valley produces the majority of Tasmanian apples (77% of the total crop in 2004) and around 17% of national production. The region has a cool climate and changeable temperatures, with a reliable annual rainfall.

Irrigation is carried out from both river supplies and farm dams. There are no major irrigation schemes due to the lack of prime agricultural land and a relatively good rainfall regime.


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5.1.4 South West – Western Australia

Western Australia made up 15 per cent of Australia's total apple production in 2004 (Apple Summary), being the third largest producer nationally and the second largest pear producing state after Victoria. Around 26 per cent of state’s apple production was exported in 2004.

Much of this production is with the South West of the state (around Donnybrook), with fertile soils, high rainfall and a close proximity to Perth, the region provides a good base for a wide range of agricultural production. The region has a Mediterranean climate with dry summer months and a reliable rainfall during winter.

5.1.5 Adelaide Hills – South Australia

The horticultural region of the Adelaide Hills falls within the metropolitan catchment of Adelaide. With a temperate climate and soils suitable for producing premium produce, around 80% of South Australian apples are produced in the region.

The region supplies potable water for both the industry and the residents of the region as well as a substantial quantity of water for metropolitan Adelaide.

5.1.6 Central Ranges/Batlow – New South Wales

NSW is Australia’s second largest producer of apples growing 18 per cent of the nation’s crop in 2004.

The central ranges region has intensive horticulture around Orange, Mudgee and on the Bell river floodplain, with irrigated cotton and other summer crops on the Macquarie river floodplain. Irrigation is concentrated in regulated sections of the valley.

The region surrounding Batlow is located in the Murrumbidgee catchment and is an important irrigation industry for apple production.

5.2 Industry Water Issues

Common water issues for the industry include:

Water access/availability

Efficient usage, management of irrigation scheduling

Quality of water

Water use - salinity

Urban sprawl – demand, competition for water

Water supply – in some regions irrigation is supplementary and in other regions it is essential for production

Management of irrigation scheduling


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Water access is probably one of the most significant concerns for the industry. In the past producers have assumed that development would not be limited by restrictions on dam construction or water allocation/license demands.

Catchments aligned with major population centres are facing growing competition for water resources. Producers are also under increasing pressure (or scrutiny), due to growing environmental concerns (water quality etc.), particularly in the Adelaide Hills, Yarra Valley and areas surrounding Perth.

Most regions have been influenced by development and population growth to some degree (including regional centres), creating competition for resources, apart a few areas such as Batlow and the Granite Belt.

These water issues are generally being addressed at a regional level, rather than being tackled by the industry. There is agreement that the cross-industry (horticulture) approach needs to continue to address these issues.

It should be highlighted that the industry is continuing to significantly increase production, while water use is remaining relatively stable.

5.3 Regional Water Issues

Table 5-1 Irrigation and water issues analysis

Region Water Issues General Comments

Goulburn Valley, Loddon & Central Victoria

High water tables

Saline groundwater

Drainage management

Nutrient in outflows

Regional disposal issues

Conversion to drip systems and irrigation scheduling

Efficiency of the water delivery system

The Goulburn Valley is a unique region for the industry, forming part of the MDBC and the only major irrigation scheme (most other areas have developed on-farm storage).

Production is targeted at the bulk commodity market (rather than premium product). The price of water is relatively cheap, when compared with other regions.

These factors limit the ability to drive change and adoption of improved management techniques is therefore a continuing issue.

Huon Valley

Water quality

Irrigation management and scheduling

Environmental considerations

The region has a limited amount of information and research available that attempts to address these issues.

The Huon Valley does not fall within the catchment of Hobart and therefore growers are not facing the same pressure/competition, as in other parts of the country.


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South West (Western Australia)

Security of resource, availability

Water quality/salinity

Price of water

Cost of management

Water infrastructure, used for apple industry is predominately privately funded (rather than developed through government schemes).

Adelaide Water availability, access

Environmental sustainability (salinity) - growing public scrutiny

Water quality

Urban sprawl – competition for water resources, major catchment area for metropolitan Adelaide

The ongoing viability and sustainability of the apple industry in the region will depend on the ability to access appropriate water resources, through the grower-established infrastructure.

Within the Adelaide Hills there is evidence of under watering, driven by limited availability and economic rationalism.

Central Ranges (New South Wales)

Water availability

Water quality, salinity

Water access rights, development (dam construction)

Competition, other industry groups (cotton)

Profitability and management

Urban sprawl – competition for resources, pressure on the industry

Recent conflict between the upper and lower catchment, seems to disadvantage growers that have already developed horticultural enterprises. Grower groups have been extremely active, in an attempt to address these issues.


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5.4 Key Indicators

The data outlined below, has been collected (or confirmed) after consultation with industry. It should be noted that some of these figures have been estimated.

Table 5-2 Apple Production and Water Use

Major Irrigation Regions

Key Indicators

Unit

Industry

–

Goulburn Valley & Central

Huon Valley

South West

Adelaide Central Ranges

Total VIC TAS WA SA NSW

Area ha 17,330 3,199 1,485 1,467 864 1,556

Water Use ML 103,980 24,952 4,604 10,269 6,048 9,958

Production Tonnes 301,646 49,963

(17%)

38,310

(13%)

33,245

(11%)

16,314

(5%)

25,921

(9%)

GVP ($m) 282 50 30 27 26 21

$/ML 2,712 2,021 6,615 2,675 4,323 2,120

Economic performance

T/ML 2.9 2.0 8.3 3.2 2.7 2.6

Jobs 4,641 823 496 446 427 346 Employment contribution

Businesses 1,021 181 109 98 94 76

Water applied

ML/ha 1.0 – 12.0 6.5 – 12.0 1.0 – 4.0 6.0 – 9.0 5.6 - 8.4* 5.0 – 8.0

Source: ABS Census 2001 – area adapted from tree numbers, RMCG Estimates, Mount Lofty Ranges Irrigation Evaluation Final Report 2004*

It should be noted that water requirements obviously vary considerably between regions, varieties and depend on seasonal climate conditions.


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Table 5-3 Apple & Pear Production and Water Use


Key Indicators

Unit

Industry Goulburn Valley & Central

South West

Huon Valley

Adelaide

Central Ranges

Total VIC WA TAS SA NSW

Area ha 22,732 7,225 1,783 1,505 1,064 1,662

Water Use ML 136,392 56,355 12,481 4,666 5,320 10,637


(42%)

40,460

(9%)

38,371

(8%)

20,044

(4%)

27,055

(6%)

GVP ($m) 372 122 32 31 30 22

$/ML 2,729 2,159 2,555 6,548 5,678 2,096


T/ML 3.5 3.5 3.2 8.2 3.8 2.5

Jobs 6,118 2,009 527 514 496 364 Employment contribution

Businesses 1,346 442 116 113 109 80

Water applied

ML/ha 1.0 – 12.0* 6.5 – 12.0 6.0 – 9.0 1.0 – 4.0 0.8 – 6.6* 5.0 - 8.0

Source: ABS Census 2001 – area adapted from tree numbers, RMCG Estimates, Mount Lofty Ranges Irrigation Evaluation Final Report 2004*

The information outlined in Table 5-2, provides a comparison of the apple & pear industry across the major growing regions of Australia. These figures highlight the industry contribution to both the state and national economy.

These indicators also help to identify where the industry sits and can be used as a basis for developing industry targets for the future. It also provides an indication of the water resources used by industry and value of production.

After consultation with industry representatives, it was highlighted that there is a limited amount of data collected at an industry level. Some production and cost indicators are collected within certain regions.


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Figure 5-1 Apple & Pear Growing Regions, Gross Value of Production

5.5 Water & Irrigation Trends

5.5.1 Technology adoption

Micro irrigation systems are already widely used by fruit growers in the Goulburn Valley. Industry representatives believe 70% of fruit production in the area is now under micro irrigation and the trend for further increases in adoption will continue (Peterson, Towards an R&D Strategy for Irrigated Horticulture).

Some incentives are offered to irrigators that convert from conventional to micro systems (Peterson, Towards an R&D Strategy for Irrigated Horticulture).

Industry representatives agree that there is a trend/move towards the continued uptake of irrigation technology. Although it was highlighted that this development occurs at a range of levels and is not always ‘state of the art’. There appears to be a lack of education/information to support the adoption of technology.

Generally there has been an industry trend towards micro system technology, although adoption is limited by profitability and a lack of knowledge of the benefits.

Ultimately economic benefits will drive the uptake of technology, although some regions are faced with increasing pressure to deliver environmental and social benefits.


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5.5.2 Irrigation metering and irrigation scheduling

Despite relatively high adoption of micro technology, there is considerable room for improvement in management – new irrigation infrastructure does not necessarily guarantee that potential savings will be realised. Concurrent adoption of management practices is required.

Experience and observation of whether conditions and tree growth, generally provides the main basis for irrigation scheduling decisions.

A relatively small number of growers use objective tools such as soil moisture monitoring devices to fine-tune irrigation management.

5.5.3 Environmental performance and water savings

Generally the opportunity for significant water savings are limited, in comparison with other industry groups.

Industry water efficiency is very high compared with other industry groups, generally irrigators are not over-irrigating or wasting water to drainage (Mount Lofty Ranges Irrigation Evaluation – Rural Solutions SA).

In some regions growers are generally under watering due to limited availability. Management of irrigation scheduling is one avenue where efficiency/productivity may continue to be improved.

Environmentally sustainable production will be dependent of the industry accessing sufficient water to maintain the current and future levels of production, while also ensuring sufficient water is available for other users including the environment (Mount Lofty Ranges Irrigation Evaluation – Rural Solutions SA).

5.5.4 Education and knowledge

Education/training programs (eg. WaterWise) are offered in various regions, with a positive response from growers. Although participation needs to be encouraged and the adoption of change requires a number of drivers (economic incentive).

Irrigation training courses should continue to be encouraged and improved, with a view to increasing uptake of improved management practices.

Growers would benefit from the availability of more and better on-ground advisory services to support the overall program, and to assist individual growers in the transition from old and inefficient to new and efficient systems.


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6 Avocado Industry


6.1.1 Overview

The major regions for the Australian avocado industry include:

Wide Bay - QLD

Atherton Tablelands - QLD

South Eastern - QLD

Northern Coast – NSW

South West/Perth – WA

Sunraysia/Riverland – VIC/NSW/SA

These regions, defined according to economic contribution and productive area, have very different issues in relation to water and irrigation. It was therefore important to include Sunraysia/Riverland and South West/Perth regions, to ensure the full range of issues were considered.

6.1.2 Wide Bay

The region extends from north-west of Bundaberg to Maryborough/Harvey Bay. Summer tropical rainfall patterns produce an average annual rainfall of around 1,024 mm in the Bundaberg area. Horticultural production in Wide Bay is concentrated in the area around Bundaberg and in Isis Shire. In recent years there has been considerable expansion in the production of avocados.

Water availability and security is variable depending on location in the district. Many growers have licenses to flood harvest a variety of streams into aboveground dams. Underground water is variable in availability. The construction of Paradise Dam will alleviate security issues, although the issue of price from the development is yet to be resolved.

6.1.3 Atherton Tablelands

Horticultural production in the Atherton Tablelands is concentrated in Mareeba and Atherton. The Atherton Tablelands lie west of the Great Dividing Range, hence the elevation changes considerably throughout the region. Horticulture is the most significant agricultural activity in the region and it is amongst one of the top six horticultural regions in Queensland, with avocados being a major crop (in terms of value of production).

Water supplies used for agricultural production in the Northern Tablelands are predominantly sourced from the Tinaroo Dam, which supplies the Mareeba-Dimbulah Irrigation Area (MDIA). MDIA has made considerable progress in improving its distribution efficiency in recent years.

There is concern regarding the ability of the Tinaroo Falls scheme to cope with any expansions in water demand. Further irrigation also takes place through private pumping from supplemented streams and local rivers.


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The Southern Tablelands mainly source irrigation water from local systems and bores. These water supplies have recently been subject of a detailed examination by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Consequently there is a growing possibility that farmers who had previously unlimited or relatively high allocations may be subject to greater irrigation restrictions in the future. This will in some instances, adversely impact the viability of certain farms.

6.1.4 South Eastern (Sunshine Coast/Eastern Darling Downs)

The South East Queensland horticultural region includes the Eastern Darling Downs and Sunshine Coast. The climate varies throughout the region, but in general is sub-tropical with warm to hot summers and temperate winters.

Water availability and security is variable depending on location in the district. Many growers have licenses to flood harvest a variety of streams into aboveground dams. Underground water (supplied with bores) is variable in availability.

The Condamine River and its tributaries flow through parts of the region and there is extensive underground water for irrigation. Some areas to the west rely on water harvesting and aboveground water storages for supply.

6.1.5 Far North Coast - NSW

The region has a subtropical climate with warm humid summers and wet winters. Rich in horticultural production, major use of water is from unregulated rivers in the region. The river, estuaries and coastal ecosystems are particularly sensitive to the impact of urbanisation and economic growth.

There are currently 1,176 surface water licences in the Richmond catchment (DLWC Licensing Administration System - Dec. 1998). This represents 46% of total licences, and 43% of the total irrigated area for the Upper North Coast. The majority of these licences are for irrigation.

6.1.6 South West/Perth – Western Australia

With fertile soils, high rainfall and a close proximity to Perth, the South West provides a basis for a wide range of agricultural production. The region has a Mediterranean climate with dry summer months and a reliable rainfall during winter.

The growing region surrounding Perth has deep sandy soils, with low water holding capacity. Growers are confronted with the growing pressures of urbanisation and increasing scrutiny of environmental management.

6.1.7 Sunraysia/Riverland

Although they are treated as a single district the issues are quite distinct, in terms of water supply policy, historical development and administration. Supply to Victorian growers is only partly piped, and water-on-demand is still in the future for many producers.

NSW is a smaller user of irrigation water at this end of the Murray and is well advanced in terms of infrastructure upgrade and grower adoption of efficient and sustainable practices. All growers access water on demand. Water Supply along the Riverland (SA) is piped and pressurised, and compatible with efficient on-farm adoption of pressurised irrigation practices.


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Outline the common water issues for the industry:

Water quality, salinity

Water availability

Urban sprawl – demands, competition for water



Some of these points were detailed in the Australian Avocado Growers Strategic Plan, 2000 – 2005. The vision for 2020 is to double the irrigation efficiency of Australia’s avocado industry (Turning Water into Oil – Physiology and Efficiency, Turner).

Growers generally expect a reduction in water availability in the future, and those experiencing shortages/restrictions expect the situation to continue.

Water quality is crucial and to minimise potential production losses the water EC should be less than 0.6dS/m.




Wide Bay

Water availability and security

Competition with other industry

Price of water, new development

Water availability has at times been limiting factor to expansion of horticulture in the region.

Strong competition between sugarcane and horticulture for water.

Region regarded highly in terms of water efficiency management (trickle tape/micro-sprinklers).


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Atherton Tablelands

Water security, reliability and service delivery

Irrigation scheduling, management

Water allocation security

Evidence of under watering by many growers, with opportunity to improve WUE through decreased and increased water use.

High uptake of the latest irrigation systems.

South East Queensland (Sunshine Coast/Eastern Darling Downs)

Water availability and security

Urban encroachment and tourism

Competition amongst various horticultural sectors

Irrigation scheduling, management

Water use efficiency

The region has a large proportion of semi-retirees and hobby farmers. These people tend to be professionals and are highly innovative, market-oriented and use the latest technology.

South West/Perth (Western Australia)



Price of water

Cost of management

Water is becoming a growing issue in Western Australia.

Water infrastructure is predominately privately funded (rather than developed through government schemes).

North Coast (New South Wales)

Urban encroachment

Water quality

Security of supply

Environmental sustainability

River health is growing issue in the region, with water extraction the main cause of modified flow regimes.

Sunraysia/Riverland (Tri-State)

Water availability, supply

Water quality – salinity

Nutrient leaching

Irrigation scheduling, management/education

Growers have generally adopted efficient irrigation systems, soil moisture monitoring and irrigation scheduling.


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6.4 Key Indicators

The data outlined below, has been collected (or confirmed) after consultation with industry. Note that some of these figures have been estimated.

Table 6-2 Avocado production and water use


Key Indicators

Unit

Industry

– TTotal

Wide Bay

QLD

South Eastern

QLD

Atherton Tableland

QLD

Southern Coast

WA

Northern Coast

NSW

Sunraysia/ Riverland

Tri-State

Area Ha 6,840 1,019 1,226 643 994 849 964

Water Use ML 51,300 5,910 11,402 5,594 5,865 5,943 7,326


(23%)

6,329

(21%)

3,862

(13%)

2,466

(8%)

3,098

(10%)

2,566

(9%)

GVP ($m) 57.6 13.0 11.9 7.2 5.96 5.7 5.3

$/ML 1,122 2,193 1,044 1,303 1,016 968 724


T/ML 0.58 1.16 0.56 0.69 0.42 0.52 0.35

Jobs 5,327 1,202 1,101 666 551 527 490 Employment contribution

Businesses 1,172 265 242 147 121 116 108

Water applied ML/ha 2.8 – 18.0* 2.8 – 11.5* 2.8 – 11.5* 2.8 – 11.5* 7.0 – 18 2.8 – 11.5 8.0 – 12

Source: ABS Census 2001 – area adapted from tree numbers, *Barraclough & Co (1999), RMCG Estimate


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Figure 6-1 Avocado Growing Regions, Gross Value of Production



The majority of producers use highly efficient trickle tape and micro-sprinklers. The region is regarded highly, in terms of water use efficiency management.

Many producers are large scale and professional. There is high uptake of the latest application and monitoring technology as well as significant use of irrigation consultants. However, at the same time there is a sizeable group of traditional producers not adopting these practices.

High uptake of the latest irrigation systems. However uptake of monitoring technology is low and where in place there is an opportunity for improvement in its use

The main factors that would encourage growers to be more efficient, are increased profit, water scarcity and a decrease in the price of technology used to enhance application and scheduling (Audit of Irrigation & Water Use Efficiencies, Barraclough & Co, 1999)


A considerable number of growers are supplied from unregulated streams, bores and on-farm harvesting. Many growers use on-farm storage to support their system

A number of growers use technology to support irrigation scheduling, although opportunity exists for further improvement

Generally uptake of monitoring technology remains low and where it is in place there is opportunity for improvement in its use


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The industry has an opportunity to improve water use efficiency through both decreased and increased water use, as in some areas there is evidence of under watering by a considerable number of growers.

Improvement in water use efficiency could result in significant economic gains and potentially some water savings can be achieved by enhancing the use of scheduling and management best practice


Need for integration of water management and farm management

Lack of crop factor data/information, to support water use models

Need to develop best practice benchmarks, specific to the industry for each region

There remains a need to identify and quantify the linkages between water management and high quality yields, which will be especially important to motivate growers to improve efficiency and therefore profit

Need to develop training courses and research and development programs


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7 Nursery Industry


7.1.1 Overview

The Australian nursery industry is represented by all states and territories, with the greatest volume of production, concentrated in peri urban areas.

The five major regions for the industry include:

Melbourne, Yarra Ranges – VIC

Sydney - NSW

Brisbane, Cooloola Sunshine Coast - QLD

Sunraysia - VIC

Far North Coast - NSW

These regions were defined according to economic contribution and productive area. These factors ultimately drive water use and irrigation for the industry. Some of these areas have been grouped according to location, given the proximity to a major capital city.

7.1.2 Melbourne, Yarra Ranges

Water supply is managed by both metropolitan water authorities and some regional urban water authorities. Nurseries use a significant amount of mains water, and some businesses are licensed to use water as river diverters.

The area takes in the Port Phillip and Westernport region’s water storage and waterway system, which provides certainty of potable water supply for around 75% of Victoria’s population as well as a range of other environmental, social and economic benefits.

The region has a great diversity of soil types that reflect differences in parent material, topography, climate, organic activity and age. These soils have some chemical and physical limitations that require careful management.

7.1.3 Brisbane, Cooloola/Sunshine Coast

Within the metropolitan catchment of Brisbane, many nurseries utilise town supplies. Water restrictions are currently in place and although Nurseries are largely exempt, they are likely to face a decline in plant sales.

The Cooloola/Sunshine Coast horticultural region stretches from Gympie in the north to the northern outskirts of Brisbane. The climate varies throughout the region, but in general is sub-tropical with warm to hot summers and temperate winters.

Water availability and security is variable depending on location in the district. Many growers have licenses to flood harvest a variety of streams into aboveground dams. Underground water is variable in availability.


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7.1.4 Sunraysia

Although they are treated as a single district the NSW and Victorian irrigated districts on the Murray are quite distinct, in terms of water supply policy, historical development and administration. Supply to Victorian growers is only partly piped, and water-on-demand is still in the future for many producers.

The situation on the NSW side of the river stands in contrast to Victoria. NSW is a smaller user of irrigation water at this end of the Murray and is well advanced in terms of infrastructure upgrade and grower adoption of efficient and sustainable practices. All growers access water on demand.

7.1.5 Far North Coast – NSW

The region has a subtropical climate with warm humid summers and wet winters. Rich in horticultural production, major use of water is from unregulated rivers in the region. The river, estuaries and coastal ecosystems are particularly sensitive to the impact of urbanisation and economic growth.



Access to water resources

Water quality

Nutrient runoff, leaching

Urban concentration, competition for water

Irrigation efficiency, scheduling

Wastewater reuse

These issues were highlighted by industry representatives and were also addressed in: Lane, Audit and gap analysis of nursery wastewater research and communication, 2003.

The nursery industry has focused extensively on water conservation in recent years, as irrigation and water-use issues are a key concern for the industry. It has been highlighted in the past, that the industry lacks reliable information on water and nutrient management practices at a national level (Lane, 2003).

The industry has been undertaking a number of projects aimed at providing strategies and resources to tackle theses major water issues.

During 2004/05 strategic and proactive initiatives to address the industry’s key water issues were developed in conjunction with state NGI associations. The major outcome from this liaison is the National Industry Water Policy. This policy provides a strategic framework for ongoing projects and activities and sets up a platform for dealing with external stakeholders on water issues.


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During 2005/06 this policy will be finalised and key areas will be targeted including:

Continuing to promote responsible water use in the garden in a positive way such as the ´Wise about Water´ program which commenced in September 2004

Developing a coordinated response to the impact of water restrictions

Addressing issues of water availability for the industry

Continuing efforts in implementing best practice water management at production and retail levels.

Nursery & Garden Industry Australia, 2005


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Melbourne, Yarra Ranges

Water access, restrictions

Competition for urban supply

Water quality

Environmental issues, nutrient runoff/leaching

Research supports sub-irrigation benefits for nursery irrigation and plant water requirements (Melbourne University, 1998).

Water recycling offers environmental and financial benefits – are risks (water quality).

Sydney


Security of supply, water license rights

Water restrictions

Environmental issues


Lack of industry confidence, drought implications.

Past research found that nurseries use higher rates of fertiliser than necessary and have substantial differences in application rates (NSW Agriculture, 1990’s).

The industry has made a genuine effort to address these issues.

Brisbane, Cooloola Sunshine Coast

Water availability, access, cost

Urban expansion, competition for water

Water quality - salinity

Nutrient runoff

Significant variation in application rates.

Salinity levels are an issue in some areas, with shandying used.

Push for access to reclaimed water.

The ‘WATERWORK’ program has had an impact.

Sunraysia

Water availability, supply


Nutrient leaching


Lack of plant specific information on water requirements etc.

Far North Coast

Security of supply, water license rights

Profitability, cost of water

Urban encroachment

Nutrient runoff/leaching

Significant range of application rates.

River health is growing issue in the region, with water extraction the main cause of modified flow regimes.


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7.4 Key Indicators

The data outlined below, has been collected (or confirmed) after consultation with industry. It should be noted that some of these figures have been estimated and are represented in italics.

Table 7-2 Nursery production and water use


Key Indicators

Unit

Industry Melbourne Yarra

Ranges

Sydney

Brisbane, Cooloola Sunshine

Coast

Sunraysia

Far North Coast

Total VIC NSW QLD VIC NSW

Area ha 4,852 752 520 411 225 258

Water Use ML 29,112 4,512 3,120 2,466 1,350 1,548

Production Tonnes N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

GVP ($m) 436# 77 43 39 22 21

$/ML 14,977# 17,066 13,782 15,815 16,296 13,566


T/ML N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Jobs 8,543# 1,509 843 764 431 411 Employment contribution

Businesses 2,138# 378 211 191 108 103

Water applied ML/ha 3.0 – 16.0

Source: ABS Census 2004, #NGIA Statistics 2004, RMCG Estimate

The water application varies considerably for nursery production, depending on the crop type, crop mix, crop maturity and the irrigation system in place. Most nursery production involves growing a range of species and at variety of growing stages/maturity – achieving optimum uniformity is therefore difficult. Drip systems (estimated application of 3ML/ha), micro sprays and bottom watering are generally more water efficient than standard overhead irrigation (estimated application of 14ML/ha) – however these are not suitable for all production types. In comparison with other horticulture, nursery production is unique due to the small areas, constant and irregular turnover of plants, and a large number of plantings (20% effective rainfall).

# The Nursery & Garden Industry Australia (NGIA) produced an industry size and structure report June 2004 (for the year ending June 2003), these figures included the number of businesses and jobs at a national level. The GVP (Farm gate $ value of green-life) was estimated to be $1,007 million.

This report was based on the total wholesale/production end of the industry.


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Figure 7-1 Nursery Regions, Gross Value of Production

The NGIA is continuing to collect/amalgamate industry data.

Extracting the most recent data on the industry size and structure.

Tonnes of production is problematic, but given product is sold by standard pot size - an estimate may be able to be derived.

Industry representatives emphasised the significant range in water use across the industry, although indicative figures on water use and performance were difficult to determine with any accuracy.


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Melbourne Water and Yarra Valley Water is in the process of metering all licensed diverters, on a catchment to catchment basis over the next few years

A significant proportion of nurseries schedule irrigation using timers in combination with visual observations

Low use meters in the industry, pretty much only town – low awareness as a management tool

In ground moisture sensors (effective in pot sensors temperature/EC triggers malfunction), trigged by pot weight – difficult to have automated irrigation technology (pots create an issue)


The majority of Australian nurseries still use overhead sprinklers (around 70%, Audit 2003), most of these systems water unevenly and often only a small percentage of water applied usually hits the container, due to plant spacing and canopy effects.

Alternatives to overhead irrigation are not adopted due to a lack of economic analysis data. There is a specific need for Australian information relating to the costs/benefits of various irrigation system alternatives.

Recycled water use and treatment, up to 80% of water on-site. Is being picked up increasingly – uptake is increasing, spreading rapidly NYAS. To meet a lot of the other best practice requirements – will be taken up (drainage management etc.), supported by industry best practices.

Conversion of overhead sprinklers to drip and capillary technology, with improved water use efficiency.

7.5.3 Environmental performance

Needs to be considered in more detail, with regard for the following issues:

Significant nutrient savings can be realised through selection of an appropriate irrigation system.

Trend towards reducing the application of water in excess of crop requirement.

Nursery EMS and best practice guidelines that cover recycled water use.

7.5.4 Potential water savings

A significant number of nurseries are still wasting large quantities of water and nutrients, as a consequence of high application rates and uneven watering. Despite the gains made with the Waterworks program and other developments.

Significant water savings can be realised through selection of an appropriate irrigation system.

While significant water savings could be realised by scheduling based on soil moisture tension and/or evapotranspiration data, the technology is not available to do so.


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The Waterworks program was developed to improve nursery irrigation, drainage and recycling practices through the development of an extensive manual and delivery of training workshops. The workshops were highly valued by the industry, as demonstrated by excellent ongoing attendance rates.

The industry is confident that the irrigation practices have changed as a result of the Waterworks program, through:

Better irrigation design, systems and management

Better plant quality with faster and more even growth

Significant water savings


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8 Strawberry Industry


8.1.1 Overview

The five major regions for the industry include:

Melbourne, Yarra Range – VIC

Cooloola, Sunshine Coast – QLD

Adelaide – SA

Gingin & Wanneroo – WA

These regions were defined according to economic contribution and productive area. These factors ultimately drive water use and irrigation for the industry.

8.1.2 Yarra Ranges, Melbourne

The majority of Victoria’s strawberries are grown in the Yarra Valley and within the catchment of metropolitan Melbourne. Water supplied for the industry, is delivered by both metropolitan water authorities and some regional urban water authorities. Strawberry growers generally rely on diversions from the Yarra tributary and have faced severe restrictions and bans in recent seasons. Some growers have been able to find alternative water sources, such as mains water or temporary supplies from aqueducts.

The area takes in the Port Phillip and Westernport region’s water storage and waterway system provides certainty of potable water supply for around 75% of Victoria’s population as well as a range of other environmental, social and economic benefits.

The region has a great diversity of soil types that reflect differences in parent material, topography, climate, organic activity and age. These soils have some chemical and physical limitations that require careful management.

8.1.3 Cooloola/Sunshine Coast

The Cooloola/Sunshine Coast horticultural region stretches from Gympie in the north to the northern outskirts of Brisbane. The climate varies throughout the region, but in general is sub-tropical with warm to hot summers and temperate winters. The average annual rainfall is approximately 1,450 mm, although there is considerable variability across the region.

Water availability and security is variable depending on location in the district. Many growers have licenses to flood harvest a variety of streams into aboveground dams. Underground water (supplied with bores) is variable in availability.


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8.1.4 Adelaide Hills

The horticultural region of the Adelaide Hills falls within the metropolitan catchment of Adelaide. With a temperate climate and soils suitable for producing premium produce, around 80% of South Australian apples are produced in the region.

8.1.5 Gingin & Wanneroo

Approximately 80% of strawberries produced in Western Australia are grown on the Swan Coastal Plain. Typically coarse sandy soils, the soils on the Plains are of low nutrient and water holding capacity. To produce marketable crops, these soils have a low natural fertility and require high fertiliser applications. Water moves rapidly through these soils, with potential for nitrate movement to groundwater.



Water availability

Quality of water

Water use – salinity, nutrient leaching

Urban sprawl – demands, competition for water



Some of these points were detailed in the Strawberry Industry Strategic Plan, 2004 – 2008 (discuss the industry progress during this period). Any comments on the industry push to tackle these issues.




Melbourne, Yarra Ranges

Environmental issues, nutrient runoff/leaching

Water access, restrictions


Value of water

Irrigation Management/Education (application, limiting productivity/fruit quality)

Limited research being carried out in Victoria.

Potential to improve productivity/fruit quality.

Trend towards mini-sprinkler and overhead irrigation systems.


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Cooloola, Sunshine Coast

Access to water

Profitability, cost of water/infrastructure

Water quality - salinity

Nutrient runoff

Urban and tourism expansion is causing strong competition for water resources in the region.

Overhead and trickle systems are used.

Strawberry plants are susceptible to poor water quality, more so with overhead systems.

Adelaide

Water quality – environmental issues, growing public scrutiny

Urban sprawl – competition for water resources, major catchment area for metropolitan Adelaide

Water availability, access

Evidence of under watering, driven by limited availability and economic rationalism.

Gingin & Wanneroo

Nutrient leaching

Water quality

Irrigation management, scheduling

Inadequate guidelines for irrigation scheduling and unlimited access to cheap water has resulted in an inefficient use of water though over-irrigation (‘Sustainable Strawberry Production’, WA 2000)

Potential to improve productivity/fruit quality.


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8.4 Key Indicators

The data outlined below, has been collected (or confirmed) after consultation with industry. It should be noted that some of these figures have been estimated and are represented in italics.

Table 8-2 Strawberry production and water use


Key Indicators

Unit

Industry Yarra

Ranges, Melbourne

Cooloola, Sunshine

Coast

Adelaide

Gingin & Wanneroo

Total VIC QLD SA WA

Area ha 1,218 391 283 78 89

Water Use ML 2,436 782 991 273 178


(35%)

4,079

(26%)

1,159

(7%)

1,677

(11%)

GVP ($m) 95 32.4 25 9.6 8.7

$/ML 38,965 41,254 24,723 35,181 48,738


t/ML 6.4 6.9 4.1 4.3 9.4

Jobs 1,564 532 405 159 141 Employment contribution

Businesses 344 117 89 35 31

Water applied ML/ha 0.5 – 7.0 0.5 – 7.0 2.5 – 7.0* 2.0 – 7.0 0.5 – 7.0

Source: ABS Census 2001, RMCG Estimate, Growcom 2004*


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Figure 8-1 Strawberry Growing Regions, Gross Value of Production



Overhead and trickle irrigation systems have been widely adopted by the industry and are used in combination or as stand-alone methods.

An opportunity exists to improve the design and management of irrigation systems, to enable productivity gains and improved water use efficiency.

Profitability is clearly one of the key drivers behind technology uptake/adoption, therefore these benefits need to be demonstrated to growers.


Adoption of new techniques will require fundamental changes to management practices and monitoring for most growers and will not be achieved without intensive on farm support.

Few growers use objective tools such as soil moisture monitoring devices to enhance/assist irrigation management and scheduling.

The industry has an opportunity to improve irrigation management - to enhance productivity/fruit quality and improve profitability.


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Environmental management is a high priority for the industry, to ensure the industry is positioned as a nationally and internationally sustainable and responsible horticultural producer (Strawberry Industry, Strategic Plan 2004–2008). A set of grower guidelines, are currently being developed.

Over irrigation is believed to be a major cause of nitrogen leaching on sandy soils (e.g. Swan Coastal Plain, WA).

A Queensland Department of Primary Industries initiative (The Better Berries Program), will incorporate environmental management by providing recommendations and a management approach that minimises fertiliser, water and pesticide use.


There is need to develop an integrated approach to crop production, to maximise performance and profitability. Efficient crop water use and high yield potential can only be achieved if other agronomic factors such as nutrition, disease and pest management are also optimised.

Lack of grower participation in education and training programs, compared with other industry sectors. There is a need to clearly demonstrate an underlying incentive for such programs (e.g. economic), to drive participation and change.

Growers would benefit from the availability of more and better on-ground advisory services, to assist individual growers.


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9 Citrus Industry


9.1.1 Overview

The major regions for the Australian citrus industry include:

Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, Riverina – NSW

Sunraysia – NSW/VIC

Riverland – SA

Central Burnett - QLD

These regions were defined according to economic contribution and productive area. Irrigation and water issues vary considerably across the regions due to differing levels of efficiency and historical land and water use patterns.

9.1.2 Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, Riverina

The Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area (MIA) is the major centre for rice and irrigated horticulture production in NSW. Five irrigation areas are managed under Murrumbidgee Irrigation, as the supply company: including the Yanco, Mirrool and Tabbita Irrigation Areas, and the Benerembah and Wah Wah Irrigation Districts. Citrus and winegrapes dominate the horticulture industry in this area, with approximately 8,700 ha being planted with citrus trees. Of this area, valencias cover approximately 61% and navels cover 35% (Peterson, 2003).

Water is sourced from Burrinjuck Dam on the Murrumbidgee River, however water from the Snowy Scheme provides a substantial complementary resource via Blowering Dam. Permanent horticulture crops in the MIA receive approximately 12 ML/ha/yr of high security water, yet many vegetable crops rely on general security supplies.

Surface irrigation, in the form of furrow or overhead sprinklers (where topography is suitable), dominates horticultural irrigation in the MIA. However, there has been a trend in conversion to more efficient drip irrigation systems.

9.1.3 Sunraysia




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9.1.4 Riverland

The Riverland irrigation area is unique to other irrigation zones further upstream in the Murray-Darling system. Unlike other areas, Riverland has no rice or cotton industries and little dairy or broadacre irrigated cropping. Instead, perennial horticulture crops such as citrus and winegrapes are the dominant irrigation industries. Furthermore, water supply along the Riverland is piped and pressurised, and compatible with efficient on-farm adoption of pressurised irrigation practices. It has been over 20 years since open furrows were widely adopted in the area.

Riverland is also a small user of irrigation water, with less than 5% of total irrigation water from the Murray Darling being used in the region. For these reasons, the Riverland irrigation area is unique in comparison to other areas.

9.1.5 Central Burnett

The Central Burnett region incorporates the Shires of Mundubbera and Gayndah in south-eastern Queensland. Horticultural production in the area focuses on fruit, particularly citrus with some vegetables (asparagus) and grapes. Central Burnett is also characterised by a large range of open eucalypt timber.

The area allocated for fruit and vegetable production has increased dramatically from 1991 to 2001, with horticulture having a gross value of production of $61.3 million in 2001. This equates to 95% of the total value of crops produced in the region.


The common water issues for the citrus industry include:

Water availability and reliability

Price of water

Water use – salinity issues

Supply infrastructure – some regions have ageing and inefficient infrastructure


Water quality

The citrus industry has made significant improvements in matching water use to tree and soil requirements, substantially reducing overall water use and environmental impacts. However this has increased the demand for continuous supply of quality water in order to manage risk to trees, as a result of shorter frequencies of application. Therefore reliability of supply during critical periods is essential.

Improved technology and increased understanding of the gains to be made through reduced water consumption and costs have been the driver for growers to become more efficient.


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MIA, Riverina Conversion to drip irrigation and scheduling

Rising water tables

Saline ground water

Water ponding and surface drainage

Access to transfer market for water savings

Infrastructure is old and leaky, although progress has been made towards increased efficiency.

Permanent horticultural plantings receive a guaranteed water supply of approximately 12ML/ha each year, which is referred to as ‘high security’ water.

27% of all horticulture in the MIA utilises some form of pressurised irrigation system on farm, be it drip or micro sprinkler.

Sunraysia Water availability, supply


Nutrient leaching



Riverland Water availability, supply


Nutrient leaching


Crop use requirements


Central Burnett Water availability in major issue for the region

Price of water supplied

Continued efficiency with new technology (micro-sprinklers and trickle tape)

There are no apparent problems with water quality and the region is technologically advanced.

Production is constrained by the lack of water.


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9.4 Key Indicators


Table 9-2 Citrus production and water use


Key Indicators

Unit

Industry Sunraysia Riverland MIA,

Riverina Central Burnett

Total NSW/VIC SA VIC QLD

Area Ha 36,041 8,002 6,602 9,019 3,846

Water Use ML 324,369 72,018 59,418 81,171 34,614

Production Tonnes 679,831 143,990 (21%)

167,296 (25%)

191,841 (28%)

52,457 (8%)

GVP ($m) 395 94.2 85.3 80.7 53.6

$/ML 1,218 1,308 1,436 994 1,022


t/ML 2.1 2.0 2.8 2.4 1.52

Jobs 6,418 1,527 1,386 1,309 868 Employment contribution

Businesses 1412 336 305 288 191

Water applied ML/ha 4.6 - 14.0 4.6 - 14.0 4.6 - 14.0 7.0 – 14.0 4.6 – 10.1*

Source: ABS Census 2001 – area adapted from tree numbers, RMCG Estimate, *Growcom 2004

Citrus is a relatively high water use crop, with similar usage patterns to other horticulture tree crops namely Almonds, Summerfruit and Avocados.

Drip irrigation is generally more water efficient than full ground cover application systems, with mature citrus trees using approximately 7-8 megalitres of water per hectare. However varietal differences need to be taken into account, as Mandarins can have a greater water demand, a major factor is leaf area.

Irrigation requirements vary markedly depending on rainfall received during critical growth and fruiting periods. The total crop water requirement is generally between 8-10 ML/ha per season for mature trees with an irrigation requirement of approximately 5-8 ML/ha, allowing for inefficiencies and drainage loss (Growcom, 2004).


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Figure 9-1 Citrus Growing Regions, Gross Value of Production


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The introduction of improved technology such as drippers and micro-sprinklers, in addition or to replace the traditional furrow and overhead methods of water application, has facilitated increased control of water application to meet plant/soil requirements, thereby substantially reducing run off and off-farm environmental impacts.

While the uptake of drip irrigation and improved management practices has facilitated the reduction of overall water consumption, it has increased the requirement for continuously available quality water. Water is now required in small amounts over a longer period of time to meet plant demand.

Advanced irrigation technologies (micro-sprinklers, trickle tape and open hydroponics) are being trialled and adopted in particular regions.

Around 2,400 hectares have open hydroponics have been adopted, with potential implications in relation to soil sustainability for heavier soils and the reliability of water supply. However the technology has the potential to improve quality and produce high yields.

These irrigation technologies has the added advantage that enables growers to fertilise their orchards through their irrigation systems, so that fertilisers can be applied at frequency and timing trees can take it up, reducing the risk of leaching nutrients.

An opportunity exists to extend the adoption of improved irrigation technology in areas still relying on ageing water supply infrastructure.


Tensiometers and enviroscans are used by some growers and have enhanced irrigation management.

The level of awareness and adoption of improved scheduling and irrigation practices is reasonably high, but capable of improvement.

There is a need to identify the effects of efficient irrigation systems such as deficit irrigation strategies on citrus crops.

Water ponding and surface drainage problems in some areas have meant irrigation systems should be tailored for soil capabilities.


Rising water tables resulting in salinity is the major environmental issue affecting the citrus industry.

Research into sustainable irrigation practices and improved water use efficiency should continue in order to reduce salinity and produce water savings.

Improved irrigation technology and better management practices, has facilitated the reduction of overall water consumption.


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There is a need for improved access to information on irrigation technology, policy and R&D research and outcomes.

Communication between stakeholders in the industry could be improved.

There is a limited range of training courses for on-farm labour and training of workers is usually done on farm.


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10 Summerfruit Industry


10.1.1 Overview

The major regions for the Australian summerfruit industry include:

Sunraysia – NSW/VIC

Riverland – SA

Goulburn Valley – VIC

Perth – WA

10.1.2 Sunraysia



10.1.3 Riverland

The Riverland irrigation area is unique to other irrigation zones further upstream in the Murray-Darling system. Perennial horticulture crops such as citrus and winegrapes are the dominant irrigation industries. Water supply along the Riverland is piped and pressurised, and compatible with efficient on-farm adoption of pressurised irrigation practices.

The Riverland is also a small user of irrigation water, with less than 5% of total irrigation water from the Murray Darling being used in the region. For these reasons, the Riverland irrigation area is unique in comparison to other areas.

10.1.4 Goulburn Valley

The Goulburn Valley region represents a major proportion of the Australian irrigation industry and forms part of the Murray Darling Basin system. It is an important centre of production for pome and stone fruits, and vegetables.

Water supplied to the region is primarily used for the pasture production (for the dairy industry), with the stone and pome fruit industries accounting for less than 3% of water usage. Many growers in the Goulburn Valley do not have water on demand.


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10.1.5 Perth

The growing region surrounding Perth has deep sandy soils, with low water holding capacity. The region has a Mediterranean climate with dry summer months and a reliable rainfall during winter.

Growers are confronted with the growing pressures of urbanisation and increasing scrutiny of environmental management.


Common water issues for the summerfruit industry include:

Water availability

Water quality

Pricing and cost

Environmental issues – salinity, nutrient leaching

Competition for water – other industries, urban sprawl

Efficiency and scheduling

The need to save water or to increase water use efficiency, are not incentives to change irrigation management. Growers are generally motivated to change irrigation management by a need to save time, to improve management flexibility, or when redeveloping an orchard (Kaine, 2001).

With improved technology and management, there is no doubt water use intensities (ML/ha) will continue to decrease, although the exact rate and extent of improvement is uncertain.


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Goulburn Valley High water tables

Saline groundwater

Drainage management

Nutrient in outflows

Regional disposal issues

Conversion to drip systems and irrigation scheduling

Efficiency of the water delivery system

Production is targeted at the bulk commodity market (rather than the premium product).

Generally growers do not have water on demand.

Sunraysia Water availability, supply


Nutrient leaching



Perth



Price of water

Cost of management

Water infrastructure is predominately privately funded (rather than developed through government schemes).

Riverland Water quality – salinity

Nutrient leaching


Crop use requirements


Water is supplied on demand for most growers.


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10.4 Key Indicators


Table 10-2 Summerfruit production and water use


Key Indicators

Unit

Industry Goulburn Valley & Loddon

Sunraysia

Perth Riverland

Total VIC NSW/VIC WA SA

Area Ha 20,274 4,359 2,716 1,281 1,288

Water Use ML 121,644 26,154 16,296 7,686 7,728

Production Tonnes 159,727 70,119 (44%)

17,101 (11%)

8,868 (6%)

14,186 (9%)

GVP ($m) 237.0 67.6 34.8 23.8 22.0

$/ML 1,949 2,584 2,137 3,096 2,855


t/ML 1.31 2.68 1.05 1.15 1.84

Jobs 3,846 1,095 564 386 359 Employment contribution

Businesses 846 241 124 85 79

Water applied ML/ha 1.0 - 12.0

Source: ABS Census 2001 – area adapted from tree numbers, RMCG Estimate


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Figure 10-1 Summerfruit Growing Regions, Gross Value of Production


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Move towards micro irrigation, and the adoption of soil moisture monitoring to reduce over watering.

Orchard redevelopment has driven the majority of change to micro irrigation systems.

Micro irrigation systems are already widely used by fruit growers in the Goulburn Valley. Industry representatives believe 70% of fruit production in the area is now under micro irrigation and the trend for further increases in adoption will continue (Peterson, Towards an R&D Strategy for Irrigated Horticulture).


The level of awareness and adoption of improved scheduling and irrigation practices is high and should continue to improve.

There is a need to identify the effects of efficient irrigation systems on crops and the water table.

Growers are more likely to adopt soil moisture monitoring if were faced with high water tables/salinity and/or were on a large orchard.

Successful adoption of soil moisture monitoring depended on growers having converted to a micro irrigation system, and having water available when required.

Many growers do not have water on demand and are required to order water in advance (e.g. Goulburn Valley), which is a major barrier to adoption of soil moisture monitoring.


Irrigation management in the Goulburn Valley came under scrutiny as water tables and salinity problems appeared in the area. Encouraging the conversion from flood to micro irrigation and improved management practices.

Research into sustainable irrigation practices and improved water use efficiency should continue in order to reduce salinity and produce water savings.

Improved irrigation practices would reduce water usage and associated off-site environmental impacts, such as waterlogging, salinity and declining river health.


There is a need for improved access to information on irrigation technology, policy and R&D research and outcomes.

Communication between stakeholders in the industry could be improved.

There is a limited range of training courses for on-farm labour and training of workers is usually done on farm


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11 Conclusions


The general water and irrigation issues for each industry, are outlined in the table below:

Table 11-1 Analysis of irrigation and water issues

Industry Water Issues General Comments

Apple & Pear Water access, availability

Water quality

Urban encroachment, competition

Water supply

Irrigation management

Water use efficiency is high compared with other industries, with limited opportunity for significant water savings. Management of irrigation scheduling is one avenue where efficiency could be improved.

Avocado Water availability

Water use – salinity


Urban encroachment

Improvement in water use efficiency could result in significant economic gains and potentially some water savings. This can be achieved by enhancing the use of scheduling and best practice management.

Nursery Access to water resources

Nutrient runoff/leaching

Water quality


Irrigation efficiency, scheduling

Wastewater reuse

Despite significant gains in recent years, a significant number of nurseries are still wasting large quantities of water and nutrients. Significant water savings can be realised through selection of appropriate irrigation system and improved scheduling.

Strawberry Water availability

Water quality


Profitability, cost of water


Potential for economic gain and water savings, through improved irrigation design and grower education.


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Common issues identified across these industry groups, include:

Water availability, access

Water quality

Urban encroachment, competition for resources

Water use efficiency, irrigation scheduling/management

Generally these water issues were also highlighted at the regional level, obviously with some exceptions in particular areas. This may be attributed to the nature of the industries, included in the study.

11.2 Recommendations

Based on these outcomes, the HAL water initiative should endeavour to address these needs and support industry, by focusing on:

A continued push for improved water access and availability for horticulture.

Develop a strategy to address water quality concerns, although it must be noted that these issues are generally specific to each region and may need to be addressed at this level.

Developing suitable strategies to manage the growing issue of urban encroachment, as the competition for water (and therefore the cost) continues to increase.

Support and promote programs developed to improve irrigation scheduling and management techniques. Therefore building the image of the horticultural industry, while improving water use efficiency, for economic and environmental returns.

Encourage the adoption of irrigation performance targets by growers and industry, which are based on regional crop water requirements (ET based, and considering water quality) for ML/ha hydraulic loading, yield t/ML, and economic return $/ML. This is also being encouraged as part of the water management section in horticulture for Tomorrow Environmental Assurance program.

Note employment per ML is important to demonstrate to the wider community, but is not something than growers necessarily want to increase because of cost implications. Therefore this is probably an industry data collection item rather than a grower data collection item.

The initiative must consider these issues and develop appropriate/constructive strategies, to support/guide the industry by addressing these needs.


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Appendix 1 Reference List

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), ‘Australian Commodity Statistics’ 2004.

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Census 1997/2001.

Barraclough & Co (1999) Queensland Horticulture – Audit of Water & Irrigation Use Efficiencies.

CDI Pinnacle Management & Street Ryan & Associates (2004), Economic Contribution of Horticulture Industries to Queensland & Australian Economies, HAL Project Number HG03039.

Centre for International Economics for NPSI (2004), Implications of water reforms for the national economy.

Econtech for the Australian Farm Institute & Horticulture Australia (2005), Australian’s Farm-Dependent Economy: Analysis of the Role of Agriculture in the Australian Economy.

Grape/Wine Research Development Corporation, 2002/03 Statistics.

Growcom (2004), Water for Profit – Information Sheets, Electronic Version 4.0.

Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL), The Australian Horticultural Statistics Handbook, 2002 and Draft Handbook 2003.

Hulcup, K. and Phillips, D. (2001) Sustainable Strawberry Production, Agriculture Western Australia, HAL Project Number BS97003.

Irrigation Association Australia (2003), Water use efficiency incentive schemes, Workshop report.

Kaine, G., Bewsell, D., Boland, AM., and Linehan, C. (2001), How to win growers and influence change, APEN.

Boland, AM., Corrie, J., Bewsell, D. and Jerie, P. (2001), Development of Benchmarks and Best Management Practices (BMP’s) for Perennial Horticulture, final report of the NRMS project 17044.

Land, V. (2003) Audit and gap analysis of nursery waste – research and communication, QLD Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, HAL Project Number NY02024.

National Land & Water Resources Audit, ‘Horticulture, productivity & sustainability’, 2001.

Peterson, J. (2003) Towards An R&D Strategy For Irrigated Horticulture, Agricultural Supply Chain Services, HAL Project Number SR02011.

Rolfe, C. (2001) Demonstration of water management best practice in retail nurseries, NSW Agriculture, HAL Project Number NY98015.

Rural Solutions SA (2004) Mount Lofty Ranges Irrigation Evaluation, Final Project Report.


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Data

State Hort Region Sum of Total Veg Sum of Pome fruit Sum of Stone fruit Sum of Fruit Other Sum of Grapes Sum of Cut flowers Sum of Nurseries Sum of Total Horticulture

NSW Batlow $450,323 $18,795,919 $8,680,098 $6,834,468 $2,481,743 $- $2,860,286 $40,102,837

Central Ranges $19,812,246 $22,443,234 $39,876,050 $533,735 $28,293,520 $- $2,827,317 $113,786,102 Far North Coast $18,847,168 $18,493 $2,720,194 $112,267,363 $12,642 $- $21,283,169 $155,149,029 Hunter Valley $4,495,643 $- $122,593 $647,055 $17,459,374 $- $881,991 $23,606,656 MIA $122,489,621 $140,100 $8,177,189 $82,782,460 $103,390,891 $- $6,042,045 $323,022,306 New South Wales - other $40,333,830 $1,200,214 $9,360,115 $12,267,073 $14,685,859 $- $28,281,391 $106,128,482 Sunraysia NSW $22,066,143 $65,823 $8,851,220 $31,306,960 $98,872,267 $138,482 $5,428,119 $166,729,015 Sydney $76,429,118 $1,282,415 $9,640,598 $9,725,772 $1,087,946 $- $42,912,540 $141,078,389

NSW Total $304,924,092 $43,946,198 $87,428,057 $256,364,886 $266,284,242 $138,482 $110,516,858 $1,069,602,816

NT Darwin & Katherine $3,740,246 $- $26,154 $31,936,545 $- $1,099,740 $- $36,802,685 Northern Territory - other $186,787 $- $- $2,376,321 $14,261,511 $- $- $16,824,619

NT Total $3,927,033 $- $26,154 $34,312,866 $14,261,511 $1,099,740 $- $53,627,304

QLD Atherton $28,180,627 $13,374 $104,259 $408,476,018 $101,096 $3,124,240 $10,196,549 $450,196,163 Brisbane & Beaudesert $63,355,782 $- $680,956 $48,345,747 $70,454 $6,698,504 $51,698,124 $170,849,567 Bundaberg $106,564,994 $- $425,089 $33,864,301 $61,729 $852,458 $6,839,033 $148,607,604 Burdekin & Bowen $157,035,395 $- $5,088 $21,533,145 $9,709 $34,618 $3,662,746 $182,280,701 Emerald $2,301,875 $- $- $7,442,718 $3,196,151 $- $- $12,940,744 Lockyer Valley $161,597,418 $- $772,805 $7,525,340 $184,198 $18,775,722 $8,346,101 $197,201,584 Mundubbera & Burnett $15,003,163 $- $151,469 $56,844,224 $5,060,564 $1,311,142 $13,439,605 $91,810,167 Queensland - other $21,812,487 $- $480,968 $20,769,237 $7,717,488 $8,762,580 $4,244,587 $63,787,347 Rockhampton $6,936,481 $- $40,896 $9,875,453 $324,047 $25,963 $1,755,066 $18,957,906 Stanthorpe $51,450,357 $21,464,842 $10,859,820 $4,887,428 $1,610,560 $250,977 $2,193,832 $92,717,816 Sunshine Coast & Gympie $24,264,136 $- $597,888 $59,062,443 $25,714 $3,526,667 $17,655,577 $105,132,425

QLD Total $638,502,715 $21,478,216 $14,119,238 $678,626,054 $18,361,710 $43,362,871 $120,031,220 $1,534,482,024

SA Adelaide $57,899,280 $30,885,225 $5,712,283 $13,576,052 $18,167,246 $1,796,676 $12,444,610 $140,481,372 Clare & Barrossa $4,347,112 $433,962 $559,868 $291,347 $102,036,016 $209,051 $2,848,620 $110,725,976 Coonawarra & Padthaway $90,770,657 $2,855,179 $395,513 $8,428 $134,486,720 $793,811 $3,228,450 $232,538,758 McLaren & Langhorne $32,700,933 $1,172,955 $1,879,092 $5,972,920 $124,703,884 $1,827,375 $5,730,780 $173,987,939 Riverland $63,989,383 $2,017,842 $22,854,292 $124,245,550 $277,401,447 $410,794 $6,255,810 $497,175,118 South Australia - other $30,478,065 $10,457,099 $7,939,391 $41,907,965 $95,572,780 $2,195,775 $5,507,350 $194,058,425

SA Total $280,185,430 $47,822,262 $39,340,439 $186,002,262 $752,368,093 $7,233,482 $36,015,620 $1,348,967,588

TAS Huon Valley $3,162,306 $30,556,621 $4,947,864 $1,881,545 $367,770 $- $2,095,042 $43,011,148 North East Tas $44,292,308 $3,170,458 $316,439 $1,194,356 $8,731,951 $- $1,747,248 $59,452,760 North West Tas $95,004,065 $7,312,497 $843,415 $403,142 $237,127 $- $4,455,071 $108,255,317 Tasmania - other $4,425,193 $381,513 $1,699,178 $982,626 $2,328,817 $- $1,399,455 $11,216,782

TAS Total $146,883,872 $41,421,089 $7,806,896 $4,461,669 $11,665,665 $- $9,696,816 $221,936,007

VIC Bacchus Marsh & Werribee $110,895,257 $10,611,085 $478,378 $598,469 $1,124,374 $1,203,667 $8,221,460 $133,132,690 East Gippsland $45,659,548 $345,286 $84,112 $578,161 $218,634 $2,814,547 $3,748,170 $53,448,458 Goulburn Valley & Loddon $82,330,231 $129,497,212 $73,258,457 $10,932,229 $4,545,087 $2,835,508 $2,737,080 $306,135,804 Melbourne $129,740,349 $12,282,393 $643,180 $6,639,248 $2,695,277 $6,488,431 $22,938,400 $181,427,278 North East Victoria $1,591,733 $8,181,197 $5,392,405 $4,602,890 $17,566,848 $299,420 $1,613,660 $39,248,153 Sunraysia VIC $66,198,429 $197,470 $26,553,661 $93,920,881 $296,616,802 $415,445 $16,284,357 $500,187,044 Victoria - other $24,320,810 $356,840 $3,062,262 $3,001,990 $16,900,930 $32,648,758 $12,276,040 $92,567,630 West Gippsland $96,134,744 $9,594,605 $172,418 $3,666,484 $250,902 $12,437,907 $7,578,050 $129,835,110 Yarra Ranges $12,193,140 $12,420,098 $8,322,359 $33,250,332 $12,406,016 $12,285,203 $53,883,780 $144,760,928

VIC Total $569,064,241 $183,486,186 $117,967,232 $157,190,684 $352,324,870 $71,428,886 $129,280,997 $1,580,743,095

WA Carnarvon $11,328,022 $- $30,943 $8,072,234 $304,872 $- $13,678 $19,749,749

Gingin & Wanneroo $65,467,097 $328 $463,921 $15,568,848 $6,565,710 $10,652,486 $12,405,766 $111,124,156 Kununurra $33,368,412 $- $7,680 $6,031,489 $1,020 $- $225,684 $39,634,285 Perth $38,060,762 $16,333,735 $27,891,197 $3,384,520 $29,538,751 $3,615,070 $8,104,098 $126,928,133 South West - WA $66,326,842 $32,582,935 $11,653,771 $5,472,406 $56,649,555 $6,002,321 $7,577,502 $186,265,332 Western Australia - other $13,582,640 $386,378 $1,368,515 $3,918,669 $21,968,400 $17,459,883 $2,523,556 $61,208,041

WA Total $228,133,775 $49,303,376 $41,416,027 $42,448,166 $115,028,308 $37,729,760 $30,850,284 $544,909,696

Grand Total $2,171,621,158 $387,457,327 $308,104,043 $1,359,406,587 $1,530,294,399 $160,993,221 $436,391,795 $6,354,268,530

Appendix 2 Data Collection

State Information - ABS Census 2001, Neil Clarke & Associates

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