SHEPPARTON IRRIGATION REGION (AGRICULTURAL FLOODPLAINS) LAND AND WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN 2016-2020 - GROWING THE NATURAL ADVANTAGE - PART A
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SHEPPARTON IRRIGATION REGION
(AGRICULTURAL FLOODPLAINS) LAND AND
WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN 2016-2020
THE FINAL UPDATE OF THE 1990-2020 PLAN
GROWING THE NATURAL ADVANTAGE - PART A
FOREWORD
For 25 years community and agencies have worked together to tackle issues that threaten the
natural resources underpinning agricultural production across the Shepparton Irrigation Region
(SIR). Considerable progress has been made over this time. Implementing, reviewing and renewing
our SIR Land and Water Management Plan have been essential steps. This process has ensured we
set actions and targets, report on progress and reflect regional priorities. We are now implementing
the last 5 years of a 30-year plan, a significant achievement for catchment management.
Our success is built on strong and enduring partnerships, an approach that is reflected in the
development of this plan, the fifth and final iteration. A community led Taskforce was established
under the guidance of the Sustainable Irrigation Program Advisory Group to look at the previous
plan and identify emerging issues and actions to make the SIR a world-leader in the sustainable
production of milk, fruit, vegetables, grains and meat. The Taskforce directed a way forward for this
sustainable production that also protects and enhances our natural resources.
The Taskforce recognised the need to advocate for increased funding for the continuation of
drainage, whole farm planning, and biodiversity and revegetation programs across the SIR.
Community see the continued improvement in on-farm water use efficiency through the Farm
Water Program as critical for the future prosperity of the region. Community also wanted more
emphasis placed on projects that support water availability and farm viability, waste management,
water and land stewardship and renewable energy use.
The Taskforce revised the structure for overseeing the plan implementation, forming the Shepparton
Irrigation Region People and Planning Integration Committee (SIRPPIC). This Committee builds on
existing partnerships and encourages innovation and community leadership development.
Together we can achieve effective land and water management and a thriving SIR.
Helen Reynolds Carl Walters Chris Norman
Chair Sustainable Irrigation Chief Executive Officer
SIRPPIC 2015-17 Program Manager GB CMA
GB CMA
CONTENTS
This update was led by the Shepparton Irrigation Region People and
Planning Integration Committee on behalf of the Goulburn Broken The SIRLWMP 2016-20 Summary 2
Catchment Management Authority, 2015 and we thank them for
1. The journey since the 1980s 3
their contribution and leadership.
Thank you also to the following contributors: Rod McLennan, Adaptive planning: From salinity to resilience 3
Helen Murdoch, Pat Feehan, Carl Walters, Rebecca Caldwell, Jenny
How to read the plan: Parts A and B 3
Wilson, Terry Hunter, Megan McFarlane, Chris Nicholson, Lachlan
Barnes, Simon Casanelia, Mark Turner, Neville Atkinson, James Twenty-five years of achievement 5
Burkitt, Rebecca Pike and Fiona Johnson.
© State of Victoria, Goulburn Broken Catchment Management
2. The region’s natural advantage 6
Authority 2016.
3. Challenges, changes and progress 8
Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority
168 Welsford Street, PO Box 1752 The link between the Regional Catchment Strategy and the 11
Shepparton VIC 3630 SIRLWMP
www.gbcma.vic.gov.au
4. The 2020 vision 12
Disclaimer: This publication may be of assistance, but the Goulburn
Broken Catchment Management Authority and its partners do 5. Realising the vision 14
not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or
is wholly appropriate for your particular purpose and therefore Critical attributes being targeted 14
disclaim all liability from error, loss or other consequence which may
arise from relying on any information in this publication.
Priorities for action 22
6. Implementation plan 26
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF TRADITIONAL OWNERS Implementation programs 26
The Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority
7. Evaluation and making adaptation happen 28
acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land in
the Goulburn Broken Catchment and strongly respects Adapt by understanding change and impact 28
the rich culture and intrinsic connection the Traditional
Owners have to the land. Glossary of terms and acronyms 33
References 34
1
THE SIRLWMP 2016-20 SUMMARY
VISION & PURPOSE PRIORITIES 5-YEAR TARGETS
impact on one or more of the critical attributes for implementing priorities
–– 90% of the irrigation delivery system is modernised, with all irrigated land connected
The Shepparton Update irrigation
–– 60% of irrigated farms have been redesigned to capitalise on, and align with, modernised irrigation
Irrigation Region infrastructure
delivery
community leads
Australia in producing
food in harmony with –– 10% of farmers are assisted each year to make changes that improve farm viability and provide
the environment. Build natural resource
long-term public benefits
management into the
The purpose of the –– All farmers and designers have ready access to information that allows them to factor
farming system
plan is to support environmental sensitivities into planning
and grow the natural
base that is vital
–– Irrigated land is protected from salinity and waterlogging threats by a coordinated private and
for agriculture, Match drainage to
public drainage network
biodiversity and people meet changed needs
–– Groundwater pumps are ready to be used when required to mitigate risk from high watertables
to jointly flourish.
The purpose will be
achieved by realising –– Five seasonal watering proposals are developed annually for priority waterways and wetlands to
Balance water
long-term goals for meet environmental outcomes, with consideration of agricultural and social needs
availability for all users
five critical regional –– Water quality is improved or maintained to meet set targets in waterways
attributes: water
availability, water
Reconnect large areas –– Across three focus landscapes, the extent of native vegetation is increased by 300 ha each year
quality, watertables,
of enhanced nature –– Across three focus landscapes, 150 ha of native vegetation is enhanced each year
native vegetation
extent, and farm
and food processor
–– Community-led ideas and actions and research have increased stewardship of the natural
viability. Build stewardship,
resource base
incorporating local
–– Community and industry groups, agencies and individuals have increased capacity to contribute
action and ideas
to the SIR vision
Maintain partnerships –– Partners actively participate in SIRLWMP-led projects
and good governance –– SIRPPIC is accountable through demonstrated processes and actions that contribute to SIRLWMP implementation
Adapt by understanding
–– SIRLWMP is adaptive through demonstrated processes that consider change, impact and responses
change and impact
2
2
1. THE JOURNEY SINCE THE 1980s
This chapter describes how ADAPTIVE PLANNING: Plan implementation results directly
in works on the ground and increases
the approach to natural FROM SALINITY TO regional resilience by connecting HOW TO READ THE
resource management has RESILIENCE stakeholders: the plan and its resulting PLAN: PARTS A AND B
evolved since the first land processes influence how stakeholders
and water management This Shepparton Irrigation Region Land invest, impacting positively on natural SIRLWMP Part A
and Water Management Plan (SIRLWMP) resources. Growing the natural advantage
plan was developed and summarises the strategic
is the fifth update of the adaptive 30-year
lists major onground plan first prepared in 1989 (GBSPPAC
Building on three decades of lessons and
rationale, priorities and
achievements, this version of the plan
achievements from the 1989). It lists priority interventions for the implementation approach, and
identifies the next phase of critical actions
1980s to now. next five years to shore up the natural
by bringing into sharp focus the features
establishes the framework that
base of soils, water and biodiversity. So links the long-term vision with
of the region and its people that make it
far, Governments have invested $450 onground action and ongoing
a stand-out in terms of natural and other
million in implementing the plan. The adaptation.
competitive advantages.
investment by the local community is
While the community-agency partnership SIRWLMP Part B
more than double this amount (GB CMA
model fostered during development SIR profile and implementation
2011).1
and implementation of the 1989 plan program tasks include data
The focus on managing the natural on the SIR’s natural resources
remains a feature today, this update also
base evolved from an emphasis on the and related industries,
highlights the importance of linking long-
single threat of salinity in the 1980s to progress to date and detailed
term management of natural resources
integrated catchment management in the implementation program tasks.
more directly with the business of food
mid-1990s, to valuing total benefits via Part B also provides greater
production.
‘ecosystem services’ (such as maintaining contextual detail than is included
productive soils and clean water) in the This update also lays down a clearer in Part A of the plan.
early 2000s, to the resilience of complex pathway between the complex system of
systems of people and nature from 2005. people and nature and what needs to be
done to make the regional system resilient.
1. The $450 million does not include all of the Goulburn Broken CMA’s program investment. It also does not include the $2 billion
irrigation delivery system modernisation project being delivered across the GMID.
3
Figure 1. Planning hierarchy showing how vision is achieved by implementing priorities
Responsibility Vision and Purpose
The Shepparton Irrigation Region
community leads Australia in
Board
producing food in harmony with the
environment.
The purpose of the plan is to support
and grow the natural base that is vital
for agriculture, biodiversity and
Critical Attributes people to jointly flourish.
with long term goals
Farm and food processor viability
SIRPPIC
Native vegetation extent Water availablility
Watertables Water quality
Adapt by understanding change and impact Update irrigation infrastructure
Operational programs
Maintain partnership and good
governance Build NRM into the farming system
Priorities
with 5 year targets
Build stewardship, incorporating local Match drainage to meet changed needs
action and ideas
Balance water availability for all uses Reconnect large areas of nature
4
The plan identifies five critical attributes
TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF Figure 2. SIRLWMP achievements against original targets1990-2015 (GB CMA 2015a)
that underpin the functioning of the SIR as
a system and therefore need to be targeted ACHIEVEMENT 120%
for action to improve or maintain. Eight 308,692
Since 1990, the SIRLWMP has
priorities have been identified to guide ha
achieved much of its planned works 100%
actions in meeting goals for these critical 230
program (Figure 2). However, while 3,475
308
attributes (see Figure 1 and Chapter 5). km (no.)
progress towards long-term strategy (no.)
80%
The Shepparton Irrigation Region People implementation targets is on track in most
and Planning Integration Committee areas, it is falling behind in others.
(SIRPPIC), which includes community 60%
Targets are subject to changing contexts,
and agency stakeholders, plays a key
for example the completion of originally 52,847 1.4
role in setting direction, monitoring ha EC
planned infrastructure works (drains 40% 64,590
implementation of this plan and adapting 450
ha
and public groundwater pumps) was km 34
it to changed circumstances, on behalf (no.) 48
slowed due to changes in priorities for
of the Goulburn Broken Catchment 20% (no.)
Government investment.
Management Authority Board (GB CMA).
On-farm works, such as laser levelling, are
The original plan written in 1989 had a
generally on track or ahead of target due 0%
30-year horizon, so this version could be
Laser
levelling
Drain -
primary built
Drain -
community built
Area protected
by surface drains
Farm reuse
systems installed
Highflow drain
diversion - dams built
Groundwater pumps -
public installed (new)
Groundwater pumps -
private installed (new)
Area protected by
groundwater pumps
Salinity credits used
to increased investment in on-farm water
considered as the last update. However,
efficiency projects (largely via the Farm
a major review set for 2020 is likely to
Water Program) by the Australian and
find that a plan is still needed to respond
Victorian Governments and irrigators.
to current issues and prepare for an
uncertain future, consistent with the Whole farm plans have always been
‘resilience approach’. critical in implementing the SIRLWMP
because they link farm and regional- Table 1. Whole farm plan achievements (GB CMA 2009-2015)
The SIRLWMP is one of several ‘sub-
scale priorities. The trend in whole farm
strategies’ that guide implementation of 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
planning investment since the 2011
the overarching and adaptive Goulburn
plan update reflects changing Victorian Plans (n) 247 212 256 223 170 79 71
Broken Region Catchment Strategy (GB
Government priorities (Table 1). Area (ha) 20,476 16,018 21,388 23,492 17,499 8,629 6,715
CMA 2013). The SIRLWMP also satisfies
Victorian Government requirements for This update identifies ongoing and new
land and water management plans. works to implement the final stage of the
original 30-year plan.
5
2. THE REGION’S NATURAL ADVANTAGE
The Shepparton Irrigation The region is internationally renowned Getting produce to domestic and Victoria’s largest river, the Goulburn,
for its high quality produce and international markets is relatively easy meanders through the SIR and Australia’s
Region is the heart of food
innovative approaches to natural resource because the region is: largest river, the Murray, runs along its
production in Australia, management, with a $4.9 billion northern border.
–– a major node of Australia’s highway
founded on a wealth of economy that includes $1.38 billion of
network (25 per cent of Victoria’s The region is an inland jewel that
natural advantages. agricultural production (Monticello 2012).
truck registrations; The Shepparton continues to attract long-term investment
The region ticks all the required boxes for Adviser 2015) in agriculture, agricultural-related
efficient irrigated agriculture: –– within two hours of seaports and an industries and manufacturing.
–– abundant sunshine international airport Unlike many other inland regions in
–– productive soils and a landscape suited –– within two hours of Melbourne (4.4 Australia, the SIR population of 138,000
to irrigation million people; Australian Bureau of (GB CMA 2013) is growing. Since the
Statistics 2014). first Europeans arrived in the mid-1800s,
–– a reliable annual supply of clean water
soldier settlement schemes and successive
to supplement rainfall The region covers 500,000 hectares,
waves of migrants from many parts of
–– a state-of-the-art irrigation-delivery 4.5 per cent of the Murray-Darling
the globe have resulted in a diverse,
system Basin, including 300,000 hectares of
harmonious and vibrant community.
irrigated agriculture (GB CMA 2013).
–– world-class farm infrastructure and
Annual rainfall of 440 millimetres per The region enjoys a rich Aboriginal
management.
year (Bureau of Meteorology 2015) is heritage and has a local Indigenous
supplemented by annual delivery of population of more than 6,000, the
approximately 880 gigalitres of water largest in regional Victoria (GB CMA
(Carl Walters, pers. comm.) through a 2013). Yorta Yorta Nation, which includes
natural and constructed irrigation supply eight clans, has statutory responsibilities
network. for managing traditional cultural heritage
(Victorian Government 2006)2 and crown
land within Yorta Yorta Country, which
covers most of the SIR (State of Victoria
and Yorta Yorta Nation 2004).
2. The Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation has Registered Aboriginal Party status under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006
6
Residents, tourists, kangaroos, cows and
others enjoy a great climate in an iconic
Australian setting: agricultural woodland
landscapes between vast areas of riverine
forests and wetlands, including the
world’s largest river red gum forest, the
Ramsar-listed Barmah wetlands.
The SIR has significant brand strengths
in quality produce, integrated
governance, and cutting-edge irrigated
food production and food processing
technologies. The region also enjoys an
international reputation for environmental
leadership. Visitors from all over the globe
visit the region to better understand how
the state-of-the-art irrigation delivery
system and farm technologies are
integrated with management of natural
resources and how genuine partnerships
are fostered between government,
industry and the community.
Maintaining this reputation and
overcoming challenges falls within the
domain of the SIRLWMP, as described in
the next chapter.
7
3. CHALLENGES, CHANGES AND PROGRESS
Natural assets provide The future of SIR communities depends People left dairying and horticulture,
on a strong economy and thriving several major food processing factories
benefits that are
biodiversity. A strong economy cannot closed and many features of the natural
fundamental to our lives. be sustained without clean and reliable environment were severely stressed.
Most of the region’s water and healthy soils. Biodiversity However, industries are recovering: for
natural assets have cannot be increased or even maintained example, the region has the highest
been highly modified without intervention in our working rate in Australia of orchard plantings for
landscapes. the fresh-fruit market (Peter Hall pers.
from their pre-European
comm.).
state and continue to Thanks to many visionary leaders
change: we have ‘working and the efforts of local communities, The Murray-Darling Basin Plan (MDBA
supported by successive governments, 2012) has been heavily influenced by
landscapes’, with complex the region is well-placed for an increase lessons from the millennium drought.
relationships between in agricultural production, but this places The planned retrieval across the Basin
people and nature. heavy demands on the underpinning of 2,750 gigalitres of water for the
natural resource base of soils, water and environment has come from water
biodiversity. saving infrastructure, on-farm efficiency
and Commonwealth buyback projects.
SIR communities are up against the same
Basin Plan implementation presents
major challenge facing other regions in
opportunities as well as challenges to
the Murray-Darling Basin: how to make
irrigation-dependent communities.
best use of a limited supply of water
as demand increases in a variable and A once-in-a-generation water-savings
changing climate. project was initiated in 2007 with a $2
billion investment in upgrades to the
The millennium drought from 1997 to
publicly-owned irrigation delivery system
2010 highlighted the effects of reduced
(modernisation). This GMW Connections
water availability. The restructuring of
Project aims to save 429 gigalitres of
dairying and horticulture that might have
water (GMW 2015b).
taken one or two decades under ‘normal’
climatic conditions happened in just a
few years.
8So far, the project has remediated 196 caused watertables to rise, resulting in Figure 3. Residual rainfall 1964-2015 and SIR watertable contours 2015
kilometres of delivery channel, removed waterlogging and salinisation of soils.
825 kilometres of delivery channel, Part of the solution was found to be
installed 5,801 new meters3, removed improved irrigation efficiency, achieved
1,962 redundant meters4 and saved 206 by public and private investment in
gigalitres of water (Rose Young pers. farm planning and farm infrastructure
comm.). While the predicted reduction upgrades and water use licences which
in the SIR’s ‘irrigation footprint’ (the describe maximum application rates for
total area irrigated) that was initially irrigation.
envisaged is not happening, this project
Further reduced water accessions
has significantly altered the irrigation
to watertables were achieved by
landscape across the Goulburn Murray
coordinating surface water run-off
Irrigation District (GMID).
and saline groundwater disposal
As the regional delivery system is through drains built across the region.
modernised, irrigated farms are also Salt contributions from the region to
undergoing a matching accelerated downstream waterways comply with
infrastructure overhaul. A total of 67.9 targets set by Basin Salinity Management
gigalitres of water has been saved so far 2030 (BSM2030) (MDBMC 2015).
through the Goulburn Broken CMA-led
A series of extreme rainfall events
consortium’s Farm Water Program (GB
since the millennium drought have led
CMA 2015b). Water savings are shared
to a rapid recharge of groundwater,
between the environment and irrigators.
consistent with residual rainfall:
Through foresight and good watertable-depth and water quality
management, our region’s farmers salinity thresholds remain critical
have been saving water and creating objectives for management. (Residual
significant water-use efficiencies rainfall is calculated as the cumulative
since the late 1980s when, ironically, monthly deviation from the mean and
it was excess water that catalysed is indicative of the wetness of the soil
an unprecedented community-led profile and therefore watertable level;
response: the ‘wet’ period in an irrigated see Figure 3.)
landscape from the 1950s to the 1990s
3,4. Includes both ‘backbone’ and on-farm meters.
9Managed drainage is critical in sustaining as changes in crop types or seasonal
productivity of the soils and protecting production. The emerging diverse land-
the quality of water in rivers and streams. use pattern, with irrigation demand and
The shallow groundwater and surface supply varying annually on parts of farms
water drainage system is being adapted and in areas across the region, is creating
to changes in water delivery and farm a new set of risks and opportunities
irrigation requirements. Implementation for the health of soils, water systems,
of remaining drainage works needs to be biodiversity and sites of significant cultural
accelerated because of risks from climate heritage.
variability in the form of more frequent
Reduced water availability also provides
and intense summer storms.
a stronger private driver for improved
Other significant changes in climate irrigation efficiency. There is a need to
likely to affect the region include greater review the regional irrigation development
variability in the ‘autumn and spring guidelines and conditions on water use
breaks’, increased storm events, increased licences to ensure they remain relevant to
temperatures and fewer frosts. The these changing risks.
unprecedented drought and extreme
Sensitive management of waterway
bushfires and floods over the last decade
systems, especially regulation of flows,
have impacted on the region’s people and
is critical to the ecological health of the
biodiversity long after these events.
region’s many waterways and wetlands.
Consistent with world-wide trends, Flows are being adjusted as part of
increasing production costs and lower significant water policy reforms that aim
commodity prices continue to lower to balance delivery of water for:
profit margins, driving the need for
–– biodiversity habitat (within and
higher production volumes or a shift in
downstream of the region, including
production type. When coupled with
wetlands outside of riparian areas)
opportunities from upgraded irrigation
–– irrigated agriculture and associated
delivery infrastructure, some enterprises
processing industries
are trying to capture the cost advantages
of increased size. –– domestic consumption.
There is a trend towards larger-scale, There is now also pressure to recognise
more intensively irrigated enterprises. As recreational and cultural values in using
this trend continues, it means that areas streams, storages and other water
on farms might be used differently, such resources as part of evolving water policy.
10Catchment partners communicate even more important as the climate
priorities to water policy bodies such as changes) so that species can adapt to
the Murray-Darling Basin Authority and different climatic conditions. In addition,
THE LINK BETWEEN THE REGIONAL
the Victorian Government. as the likelihood and impact of fires is CATCHMENT STRATEGY AND THE SIRLWMP
exacerbated during extended dry periods,
While water quality continues to be
natural and other assets are placed at The Goulburn Broken Regional Catchment Strategy (RCS; GB CMA
a priority in the SIRLWMP, significant
further risk. 2013) provides the long-term vision and an integrated planning
investment over the last 20 years in
framework for managing land, water and biodiversity resources in the
water treatment plants, water reuse While the region is extremely fortunate
Goulburn Broken Catchment. It is the overarching strategy for directing
systems, dairy shed effluent design and to have a gravity-fed irrigation system,
implementation through sub-strategies and action plans, in accordance
management, improvements in fertiliser some water-use efficiencies of the
with government and community priorities.
and water management and removal modernised irrigation system can only
of stock grazing along streams have be captured by using increased amounts The SIRLWMP aligns with the principles set in the RCS, including
reduced phosphorus and nitrogen loads of energy to operate pumps, adding application of a systems approach, which is underpinned by an
to below long-term targets. The five-year to increasing energy demands from understanding of system resilience.
rolling average phosphorus load equates increased production and other changes. The SIRLWMP encompasses the plan for one of the Goulburn Broken
to a reduction of 80 per cent from the The resulting emerging challenges require Catchment’s five sub-catchment social-ecological systems, the
benchmark year of 1993-94 (GB CMA actions that factor in the broad costs and Agricultural Floodplains, as well as part of the North Central Catchment
2015a). benefits to the region’s overall resilience. (which is in the west of the SIR).
Renewable energy sources will help
Much of the SIR has been cleared since
address increasing energy demands as
European settlement to make way for
we also strive to reduce greenhouse gas
productive agriculture and many species
emissions or are faced with shortages in
of plants and animals have become
non-renewable energy sources. Farmers
extinct or are ‘hanging on’ in ecosystems
are increasingly considering ways to use
that are below threshold requirements for
waste for reducing input costs.
survival in the long term. However, many
local landscapes have significant riparian As challenges and changes continue
and roadside corridors and patches of to shape the region, we need to turn
habitat that are acting as biodiversity our efforts to identifying and managing
reservoirs. priorities that keep the region functioning,
as described in the next chapters.
Efforts need to be targeted at these
reservoirs and the pathways connecting
them to allow plants and animals and
their genes to migrate (which is becoming
114. THE 2020 VISION
The vision, purpose and narrative Effective and efficient joint action
updates the vision set for 2020 when involves the integration and leveraging
VISION the original Shepparton Irrigation Region of partner contributions, based on a
Land and Water Salinity Management clear understanding and respect for the
The Shepparton Irrigation
Region community leads Plan was prepared in 1989. Many aspects roles that the community, government
Australia in food production of the original plan have been realised and business play in an agriculturally
in harmony with the and are important foundations for the dominated economy.
environment. future desired now.
The community–government agency
partnership helps government direct
investment in natural resource projects
HOW WE WANT TO that provide public benefits and create
DESCRIBE THE SIR IN the confidence for business to invest.
PURPOSE 2020
This investment has a high leverage
effect: every dollar of government
To support and grow the investment is more than matched by
The SIR is a vibrant and prosperous
natural base that is vital for local contributions.
region where enthusiastic communities
agriculture, biodiversity and
work closely with each other, The region continues to be widely
people to jointly flourish.
government and other businesses. This recognised for leadership in community-
joint action to meet challenges head led environmental management, hosting
on is a legacy of lessons learnt and delegates from across the globe each
the international reputation earned year and contributing to national
in the 1980s when rising watertables and international forums. Visitors
threatened to waterlog and salinise soils. are impressed by the genuineness of
government, industry and community
partnerships and by practical
demonstrations of cutting-edge farm and
farm-related technologies that conserve
and enhance the use of resources.
12The region has the capacity to adapt Bird species that have been missing from
and grow in response to changes in the the region’s landscapes for decades
climate, markets and community needs are re-establishing, using the corridors
and aspirations because the natural base created between large reservoirs of
is shored up in a way that provides future habitat.
generations with options to expand
The population of the region continues
agriculture or develop other industries.
to grow, attracting and retaining vibrant
Agricultural productivity has increased as and diverse people who are willing to
irrigation farmers capitalise on efficiencies work together and continually learn and
from the completion of the revolutionary develop.
upgrade of water delivery infrastructure
Indigenous Australians actively manage
and associated improvements in farm
large areas of their country in partnership
infrastructure and management.
with government and local communities.
Water-sharing arrangements are Yorta Yorta people’s ecological and
becoming sophisticated, providing at cultural knowledge of their country is
least minimum flows for agriculture and widely appreciated and incorporated
other consumptive users, as well as for into the day-to-day management of our
the environment, during extended dry environment.
periods. Environmental flow management
The SIR’s natural environment inspires
is focused on making the most of
a common connection between its
every drop: the timing and volumes of
diverse people. People in the region’s
environmental water releases are refined
urban centres recognise the rivers as
to allow irrigators and other users to use
their lifeblood and derive a significant
water simultaneously. The river channel
sense of well-being and custodianship
and streamside floodplains are flooded
through recreation in riverine environs.
from time to time, resulting in the re-
Rural people have a strong sense of
establishment of native vegetation and
responsibility for their local environment,
the provision of good quality water.
working together to deal with problems
and capture opportunities to thrive in the
future.
135. REALISING THE VISION
The many relationships CRITICAL ATTRIBUTES Long-term goals for these critical
attributes further direct action and also
in our complex system of BEING TARGETED act as reference points when reviewing
people and nature creates progress.
a risk of spreading scarce To be effective and efficient, and in
context of all the challenges and changes
resources and efforts too described in Chapter 3, interventions
thinly in trying to carry must be targeted at five attributes that
out actions to meet the are critical to the functioning of the
purpose of supporting and region’s complex system of people and
growing the natural base.
nature. These critical attributes are: CRITICAL ATTRIBUTES
–– watertables AND THE RESILIENCE-
This chapter describes –– water quality BASED APPROACH
management of this –– native vegetation extent
complex system by –– water availability Along with being critical to
–– farm and food-processor viability. the functioning of the region’s
focusing on the actions
Focusing on critical attributes fosters complex system of people and
with the highest impact. nature, critical attributes are
shared understanding of trade-offs
There are just a few and multiple benefits when choosing targeted for intervention because
high-level goals we are interventions: most interventions usually they have crossed, are crossing, or
could cross thresholds. Decisions
trying to achieve and a impact on several critical attributes
because of the highly connected nature about interventions are made
few interventions that to “manage the resilience of
of the dynamic working landscape of
enable these goals to be people and nature. Intervention priorities the current domain and avoid a
achieved. are described in the second part of this domain shift or transformation”,
chapter. or to “enable systemic change”
(Abel et al 2016), either because
it needs to be encouraged or is
inevitable.
14WATERTABLES The risks of salinisation and waterlogging The way forward Management of public and private
have increased in recent years due to the groundwater pumps needs to be adapted
The risk of high watertables is well
Salinity associated with high watertables return of wetter conditions. Watertables to provide cost-effective groundwater
understood, however knowledge
has been the biggest natural resource dropped about three metres during the pumping when and where required.
about how quickly the risk can increase
challenge in the SIR over the last three millennium drought but quickly bounced There are approximately 80 public pumps
with reasonable winter rainfall is not
decades. We live with and actively back with 170,000 hectares having a and 800 private pumps servicing 85,000
widely known. Partnerships with key
manage high watertables and associated watertable within three metres of the hectares across the SIR (Terry Hunter, pers.
stakeholders are very mature, nurtured
salinity. surface in 2014 (Terry Hunter pers. comm.).
continually for 30 years, however the
comm.).
Management of salt is essential to capacity and preparedness of some The drainage works program needs to be
achieve a sustainable irrigation industry The trend of the shallow watertable rise partners to contribute in recent years has completed, using a hybrid approach to
and protect the productive capacity of is concerning given how long it took for diminished and requires attention. drainage (a combination of constructed
the region. Actions to manage salinity watertables to drop during the drought. and natural drainage courses to remove
Continued monitoring of salinity
have significant benefits for agriculture, The increased risk is clearly linked to drainage water) as detailed in the SIR
threats is needed and mapping needs
water quality, water supply security and rainfall on a wet (irrigated) catchment. drainage program (GB CMA 2015d).
to be refined, with trends in watertable
biodiversity. There is potentially a $100 Historically there have been fluctuations
levels and salt content assessed and Agreed cost-sharing for onground
million annual loss in regional production in available funding for surface and sub-
communicated. The Murray-Darling responses are well defined. Cost-sharing
if no action is taken (Alexander 2014). surface drainage works for mitigating this
Basin Authority has now recognised for public groundwater pumps and
risk.
The Murray-Darling Basin Authority that continuous communication and surface drainage through GMW’s tariff
recognises that managed discharge of salt A works program of surface and sub- resulting management are crucial in the review and regional and state drainage
to waterways from the region is required surface drainage has been in place for ongoing control of salinisation of irrigated reviews need to be redefined.
to protect agricultural land from saline many years to help manage watertables landscapes (MDBA 2015).
Landholders have a role to play in
shallow water tables. The Murray-Darling and dispose of surface water. This has
It is important that irrigators understand managing salinity risks on their farm and
Basin Authority regulates this action via been coupled with a range of incentives
and manage their drainage risks. Agencies providing them with current salinity risk
obligations placed upon Victoria and the and extension to help manage drainage
also need to design and manage surface information is important to help with
region under BSM2030 (MDBMC 2015) on farm, including whole farm planning.
and sub-surface irrigation drainage decision making.
While funding for whole farm planning
The target related to Murray-Darling networks or other options to deal with
has continued to provide drainage
Basin Authority’s requirements for salinity excess water when on-farm management
benefits on farm, government investment
impacts on the River Murray at Morgan is systems are overwhelmed by extreme
in drainage works has fluctuated, leaving
discussed in the ‘Water quality’ attribute rainfall events.
an incomplete drainage network that
section.
does not to protect all areas still at risk.
The long-term goal is to manage shallow
watertables so that soil zones at risk are
not salinised or waterlogged.
15WATER QUALITY Blackwater events occurred after heavy oxygen levels, is vital to trigger responses Safe drinking water risk management
rainfall in 2010 and 2011 following to minimise the impact of activities plans need to be implemented with
The high quality of the region’s water a long period of drought. Blackwater that threaten aquatic life, agricultural water authorities, including reduced stock
resources provides for many beneficial events usually happen in warmer weather production and human health and safety. access to water and management of point
water uses, including safe drinking, after floods when most or all oxygen in sources.
The long-term water quality goal is ‘to
irrigation, industry, and aquatic the water is consumed by decomposing
maintain and improve water quality for Blackwater and blue-green algal events
ecosystems. vegetation, impacting severely on oxygen-
the range of beneficial uses (values)’ (GB are a major challenge for environmental-
dependent biota. Fish deaths can be the
While groundwater salinity was one of CMA 2014). flow management and monitoring
highly visible result of a blackwater event.
the initial (1989) plan’s key risks to farm conditions, particularly during high risk
production, assets and environmental Although elevated pathogen levels periods, is the only way to manage
are unlikely, they have extremely high The way forward potential risks.
features, salinity levels are generally below
threshold levels of concern now. Salinity consequences, and a catchment approach Continued efforts are needed in: A better understanding of the occurrence
contributions from the region comply is one component of catchment-to-tap
–– stakeholder collaboration to address of biocides, endocrine active compounds
with targets managed under the Murray- risk management. Water businesses are
identified risks and heavy metals will also be gained by
Darling Basin Authority. required to develop, implement and
targeted monitoring and research.
maintain a risk management plan that –– implementing the SIRLWMP and the
In the 1990s, blue-green algal blooms Goulburn Broken Waterway Strategy,
assesses risk from catchment-to-tap and
were becoming increasingly prevalent and including incentives to remove or
demonstrates effective barriers to protect
water quality was found to be breaching lessen the impact of grazing on
human health from microbial risk.
state, national and Murray-Darling Basin riparian zones
guidelines (GBCaLP Board 1996). The Biocides and heavy metals are generally
of low risk. Endocrine active compounds –– using environmental flows to maintain
major cause of water quality decline was
have been detected at low levels (Scott et or improve water quality
from sediment and nutrients (phosphorus
and nitrogen) entering waterways al 2014). –– monitoring, reporting and reviewing,
upstream of and within the SIR from under the auspice of the regional
Targeted programs have resulted in
diffuse and point sources. Irrigation Drainage Memorandum of
significant reductions in nutrient loads
Understanding (DSE 2010), especially
The unprecedented fires in 2009 and to waterways, thereby improving water
against various water quality thresholds
2013 caused areas in the upper regions quality. The five-year rolling average
indicated by the State Environment
of the Goulburn Broken Catchment phosphorus load from the Goulburn
Protection Policy (Waters of Victoria),
to be particularly vulnerable to soil Broken Catchment is below the long-term
BSM2030, Australian Drinking Water
erosion, further increasing water target set in 1996, equating to a reduction
Quality Guidelines and the Australian
quality risks through sedimentation. of 80 per cent from the benchmark year of
and New Zealand Environment
This sedimentation risk is also increased 1993-94 (GB CMA 2015a). Sedimentation
Conservation Council
through stock grazing in and along risks are being reduced by streamside
waterways. revegetation and regular monitoring –– maintaining current management
of water quality, including dissolved activities and control risks.
16NATIVE VEGETATION Although some clearing of native Successful regional models for targeting The impact of efforts within these focus
vegetation continues, the region is landscapes include the Superb Parrot landscapes can be maximised by pooling
EXTENT fortunate to have some local landscapes and Grey-crowned Babbler projects. various government agency, non-
The regional landscape has been that have large areas of agriculture These projects, along with conservation government organisation and individuals’
transformed since the 1880s, with more complemented by significant areas of management and landcare networks, are resources and by targeting specific
than 97 per cent of native vegetation on habitat: corridors, drainage lines, large community-based: they involve working properties. For example, pooled resources
private land cleared for settlement and patches and scattered remnants of native with local communities to maintain can target water quality and biodiversity
agriculture. vegetation, and continuous and scattered and improve habitat while supporting benefits simultaneously by linking large
wetlands and dams. sustainable, productive agriculture. fragments of native vegetation with
Most remaining native vegetation is in
a river habitat corridor, resulting in
public land reserves (such as the red These landscapes are critical for the The long-term goal for native vegetation
improved natural filtering of water, and
gum-dominated 28,500 hectare Barmah long-term survival of many species in the extent is to increase the extent of native
species being able to move in search of
National Park) and corridors alongside region because they provide sufficient vegetation within high priority landscapes.
food and mates while being protected
waterways and roads. Areas of native habitat for species and populations
from predators.
vegetation away from these reserves and to move and adapt as environmental
corridors are mainly isolated fragments conditions vary. These landscapes also The way forward There is also potential to target offset
with layers, fallen logs and other habitat have broad habitat diversity, which many Our approach to increase the extent and works that preserve and improve
elements needed to host a diversity of species need, such as planted indigenous quality of native vegetation is to build habitat within these focus landscapes.
flora and fauna. Many local species have shelterbelts to feed upon and large on these successful regional community Offset works can be statutory, such as
become extinct and others are under scattered paddock trees to roost in. Water models by targeting priority (or ‘focus’) compensatory works for clearing native
threat. levels in many of these landscapes’ water landscapes that have areas of existing vegetation, and voluntary, such as when
bodies can also be managed because they high quality habitat while recognising people choose to compensate for their
The loss of species impacts on our long-
are part of a regulated irrigation system, these landscapes as important for cars’ greenhouse gas emissions. Either
term productive capacity as well as the
which can help flora and fauna adjust to agriculture. way, arrangements can be made to
natural environment. For example, many
changing climatic conditions. protect these habitats in perpetuity.
insect-eating birds that benefit crops Plans created for these landscapes will be
and pastures are largely absent without While large areas of native vegetation landholder-centric, integrating the various
shrubs and natural ground layers. Native have been established and protected since needs of landholders and other land
vegetation is also nature’s water purifier, implementation of the SIRLWMP began in managers to achieve goals for agricultural
preventing large loads of sediments and 1990, government-funded extension and production and native vegetation and
nutrients from entering waterways. incentive projects have been spread thinly species conservation. These landscape
across the region: they have not usually plans could be considered as ‘integrated,
The biggest threats to the region’s
targeted specific landscapes nor been multi-property whole farm plans’ that are
flora and fauna are the clearing, direct
strictly guided by the goal of increasing consistent with a sustainable development
degradation and non-renewal of ageing
species’ populations. approach.
habitat.
17WATER AVAILABILITY But these rules also needed to ensure
that users all along the river systems
Historically, the region’s major rivers had could access water. Water extraction
relatively large but highly variable natural for consumptive use was first limited in
flows. Previous generations dammed the Murray-Darling Basin by a cap that
the rivers to provide a more reliable was implemented in 1997 based on
water supply for stock and domestic and 1993-4 extraction levels (for Victoria,
irrigation purposes. This has markedly South Australia and NSW). The cap was
changed river flows, impacting on river then reduced as it became apparent
and wetland health. Less water now flows that the riverine environments needed
in the Goulburn River through the SIR in water to improve their health. Water
winter and spring, with a more uniform savings began being returned to the
flow in summer to meet user demands. river as environmental flows through
various government-based water-saving
The northern regions of Victoria have
schemes, such as the Living Murray
developed a relatively sophisticated
program. Since 2007, further returns
approach to sharing water between
have been made via implementation of
consumptive, environmental and
water-saving projects and water buy-back
recreational users, thanks to a long
under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
history of working collaboratively. Rules
have been developed to secure the Droughts are a key risk to social,
supply of good quality water for irrigated economic and environmental outcomes.
food production and associated food Droughts reduce the volumes of
processing industries. This has been water available for agriculture and the
critical to the viability, vibrancy and social environment and increase tensions
fabric of our rural communities and is a between all water users. Water-supply
big part of the competitive advantage of storage capacity and management in
the SIR as a place to invest in irrigated Victoria mean short-term droughts
food production. The region has built this present only low risk. The key risk is from
advantage on a reliable seasonal supply of extended drought sequences, such as the
irrigation water in all but the driest years. 1997 to 2010 period, which can result in
extremely low natural river flows and very
low water allocations.
18Farmers suffered financially because of The GB CMA recognises the Murray, Farmers need to be skilled in positioning, Environmental features already in decline
the millennium drought and have since Goulburn, Broken and Campaspe Rivers adapting and structuring their business are still recovering from the millennium
been adapting through a period of as ‘working rivers’, with associated before and during a drought, including drought and there is a continuing need
increased water availability in preparation objectives and thresholds around use of the new tools of trade such as to build their health before the next
for future drought. (At the time of providing sustainable environmental ‘carryover’ water and the water market. drought sequence. The delivery of water
writing, very low 2015 winter and spring values while meeting economic and social to stressed rivers and wetlands, integrated
The maintenance of the water supply
inflows into the region’s main water needs (GB CMA 2014). with other regional priorities, is crucial to
infrastructure and its associated water
storages are again threatening to impact the region’s long-term resilience.
Separate water entitlements for the management arrangements are the keys
on the levels of water availability).
environment allows the environment to to controlling water allocations and a Communities benefit where development
Environmental needs, changing markets share more equally in the limited water reliable water supply. In addition, water occurs, but need to adapt to change.
and agricultural demands, and population available in droughts, and to target water trading and water carryover options for The forecast increase in the frequency
growth drive the need for a better to best minimise impacts. The allocation individual water entitlement holders allow and severity of droughts will increase the
understanding of how to make best and use of increasing volumes of water different and targeted individual risk volatility of on-farm and public water
use of available water. The water needs for the environment since 2010 is helping management, particularly in extremely supplies and will require farmers and rural
of each user-group and how to ‘cut- the river environment recover, rebuilding low water-availability years. As major communities to plan, invest and adapt
the-pie’ to maximise the benefits for its health so it will better withstand the water users, irrigators and environmental to maintain the region’s comparative
all, particularly when conditions are dry impacts of extended and severe droughts. water delivery partners pay charges for advantage in agriculture (2006).
and availability is reduced, must be well Ongoing research and monitoring will system maintenance and water delivery.
The roll-out of the Murray-Darling Basin
understood. progressively improve the targeting of The Victorian Government is committed
Plan water saving projects will continue,
water for environmental outcomes, both to ensure clear and transparent charging
Against a backdrop of water policy reform with its success depending on a strong
between and during droughts. Waterway arrangements as actioned in Water for
and changes in climate, a more accurate community–government partnership to
programs that improve the physical river Victoria (2016).
picture of the water needs of all users and improve water-use efficiency within both
habitat are also important in building
the water volumes available is emerging The long-term goal is to ensure that water the environmental and irrigation sectors
resilience to drought.
and driving many changes. Changes is available and allocated to meet the for the benefit of the region’s farms and
to water trading rules have transferred Environmental flows have so far only needs of the environment, agriculture and floodplains. The Victorian Government
water between irrigation areas in a less targeted benefits within wetlands and social consumption when required. is committed to supporting communities
controlled way. The ‘needs’ of some of the river channel. Vegetation on the adapt and expand production with less
these irrigation areas require revisiting to floodplain and the important interaction water (2016). This will require a mix of
ensure the delivery systems can operate between the floodplain and river channel The way forward existing and new ideas that encompass
and support irrigated production in the have not been targeted because of the In response to the dynamic, fast-changing technological, management and
future. potential impact on public and private nature of the irrigated agricultural engineering solutions. Further research
assets. Environmental risks have been industry, the availability of a reliable and innovative delivery is key in improving
reduced because we now have some supply of good quality water is critical, water-use efficiency.
water to deploy during a drought. requiring a clear, transparent and fair
water market to be continually improved.
19FARM AND FOOD Farmers face challenges to remain There has been a shift in farm size and
profitable in the face of a variable climate operations, with the demise of the 100
PROCESSOR VIABILITY and increasingly expensive inputs, such cow, 100 hectare farms of 30 years
as land, water, nutrients, oil, technology ago. Larger-scale farm enterprises have
The region is dominated by agricultural
and skills. emerged in an attempt to increase
production and the main agricultural
production and profitability. New
industry is irrigated dairying, covering Irrigation farmers in the region are
irrigation developments on individual
120,000 hectares and accounting for also paying more than in the past for
properties are integrated with broader
70 per cent (620,000 megalitres) of irrigation delivery shares, irrigation and
landscape sustainability needs by
water use. Horticulture covers 9,000 drainage service fees and municipal
complying with development guidelines.
hectares and uses approximately 7 per rates. These fixed charges are becoming
cent (60,000 megalitres) of the region’s more prominent in influencing farmers’ The Goulburn Broken Catchment is also
water. Other irrigated industries use about investment decisions, particularly in the losing about one per cent of farmland
22 per cent (200,000 megalitres) of the dairy industry. every year to other land uses (Cribbs
water, including cropping (for fodder and 2012). The SIR’s agricultural land use,
Increased returns from water-use
grain markets), viticulture and annual especially horticulture, is under pressure
efficiencies of the modernised irrigation
horticulture, such as tomatoes and other from urban expansion around larger
system can often only be gained by using
vegetables. (Carl Walters, pers. comm). centres like Shepparton and Cobram.
energy to operate pumps and move water
There are also areas of rain-fed cropping However, horticulture is beginning to
across the farm: farm irrigation power
and livestock production. expand outside of these traditional
costs are rising from zero in the former
locations.
Food production and processing are large gravity-fed system to (of the order of) 4 to
contributors to the region’s economy and 12 per cent in the modernised system (GB “The region has one of the highest
are important employers. These industries CMA 2015e). concentrations of food processing firms
face many challenges, including domestic in Australia including Simplot, Fonterra,
If the region’s farms are not viable and
and global pressures ‘to produce more Nestlé, Unilever, Murray Goulburn, Bega,
cannot continue to invest in adapting to
with less’. However, industry diversity has and of course SPC.” (Sheed 2015). The
change, then the whole system, including
helped develop the region’s resilience to shift in farm type, size and mix has been
regional communities and the riverine
variable domestic and world markets. accompanied by a change in the region’s
and water environment, will suffer. Only
The impact of global market peaks food processing industries. Several
one-fifth of Victorian farms are considered
and troughs have been ‘smoothed out’ long-established companies have either
large enough to fund the level of farm
because different industries are not closed or been amalgamated over the
investment required for productivity
usually impacted at the same time. last two decades, although smaller niche
growth and to provide an average
industries have emerged.
standard of living for a full-time farming
family (Barr 2012).
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