Published in 2007.

Publisher: Australian Government Department of Environment and Water Resources

Accessed from: http://www.environment.gov.au/about/publications/index.html [6 Sept 2007]

Access copyright information at: http://www.environment.gov.au/about/copyright.html

Download the report here

Introduction - Innovation in Irrigation 2007

To remain viable, the industry needs to be responsive to changes in world markets, political environments, social desires, whilst facing an uncertain climatic future. The definition of ‘normal' rainfall patterns is changing. Agricultural producers across Australia are increasingly aware that climate variability and increasing competition for limited water resources are among the challenges that farm businesses need to consider and manage.

The 2007 edition of Innovation in Irrigation is the third in a series funded by the Australian Government's Natural Heritage Trust that highlights irrigators from across Australia who are demonstrating how individuals, businesses, communities and governments can successfully use innovative approaches to rise to these challenges. In this edition, another six innovative irrigators are introduced, bringing the total number to 24 across three editions.

The Innovation in Irrigation series has brought their pioneering strategies and decision making processes to the wider irrigation community. The factors driving their irrigation decisions vary from location to location, and industry to industry. They cover market pressures such as increasing commodity prices or costs of inputs, environmental pressures, and community and political pressures such as increased demand for water for environmental or other public good.

The following six case studies highlight the steps undertaken by each of the irrigators to achieve their success, such as planning, research, collaboration, seeking advice and evaluation. These stories are designed to inspire and empower others exploring similar issues or pressures so that they may apply the ideas highlighted in these examples to their own situations. The irrigators featured in this booklet represent an independent and capable industry achieving sustainability and success through innovation. These six irrigators, like the 18 from 2004 and 2005, are leaders in their respective fields and are further proof that whatever the challenges that lay ahead, Australia's irrigation industry is well positioned to innovate and adapt.