and Planning ( DELWP ) shared their expertise on water availability and deliverability and some of the changes in demand observed over the years in terms of the river reach water it is taken from and the time of the year that is it needed and volumes of trade associated with these changes . The pair spoke about delivery risks , shortfalls , and competition providing a frank assessment of future scenarios . Their discussion of water trading and competition for water sparked an important conversation . Again , one of the key messages was that managing water requires a delicate balance of social , economic , and environmental considerations . Their presentation was of critical importance for the almond industry , as competition for water has the capacity to affect the almond industry with water shortages placing additional pressure on growers , and the risk to the almond industry ' s sustainability position as a large-scale water user . Over in Deniliquin , the tour visited Lawson Syphon , a man-made channel that spans over 700m that crosses under the Edward River and adjacent billabongs . En route to Lawson Syphon , Michael Pisasale from Murray Irrigation Limited ( MIL ) gave an overview of MIL and its operations within the MDBA . Visiting Lawson Syphon was insightful about engineering solutions , demonstrating the use of MIL in improving water quality going back into the river , as well as helping deliver water downstream without traveling through Barmah Choke . Arriving at Lake Hume in the late afternoon , the group was once again joined by Andrew Shields ( GMW ), this time to speak about the role of
Goulburn Murray Water ( GMW ) in managing and maintaining MDBA water stores , in line with the Victorian Government entitlements framework and operating rules , and challenges in managing inter-valley trade transfers and seasonal determination to provide certainty for users as early as possible . Isaac Jeffery from the National Irrigators Council ( NIC ) also joined the tour in Lake Hume , outlining the NIC ' s role and current activities in Canberra . His discussion of social media and communications was informative , highlighted an opportunity for the ABA to engage further with the NIC and other industries . The next day it was on to Hume Dam and Dartmouth Dam before heading back to Mildura . At Hume Dam , Simon Nolan ( Water NSW ) explained the operation rules and challenges , flow rates and downstream impacts associated with operating the dam . En route to Dartmouth Dam , Adam McClean spoke about operation strategies and challenges at Dartmouth Dam . Adam ’ s in-depth knowledge of the system and its constraints was valuable . At Dartmouth Dam , the group was joined joined by Peter Liepkalns ( GMW ) who talked about the history of the development and operations of Dartmouth Dam . Visiting both Hume and Dartmouth dams on the same day was a valuable exercise in helping to understand the benefits and limitations of both . The study tour achieved its objective of allowing participants to develop a better understanding of the Murray- Darling and Goulburn water systems and supply issues . Learning about the complexities of water
“
We need to understand , engage with and collaborate with all players and strategies , focussing on points of agreement for long-term legitimacy and river health benefit for communities and consumptive users .
- ABA Chairman Peter Hayes
management is a vital component in the industry developing a sustainability strategy and water policy . As an industry body , it is imperative that the ABA keeps growers well informed of the challenges and water availability , and Murray- Darling Basin system limitations . The tour raised some food for thought regarding water availability during the next dry period . “ It is important we put measures in place to protect our social license to farm ," said AlmondCo ' s Ben Wiblin . As the conditions get drier , issues like competition will only get worse . It was evident from the tour that the complex nature of water management comes from over 100 years of river operations , multiple structures and management requirements , changing trends in water use and users and a multitude of organisations and government entities involved . For this reason , it is imperative that the ABA engages with , and understands the needs and limitations of all involved to ensure that water is managed effectively to support almond growers , other industries and the broader community and the health of the river system . “ We need to understand , engage with and collaborate with all players and strategies , focussing on points of agreement for long-term legitimacy and river health benefit for communities and consumptive users ," said ABA Chairman Peter Hayes .
industry . australianalmonds . com . au
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