Irrigation & Water Management

Critical Water Allocations

The South Australian Government is underwriting Critical Water Allocations (CWA) to ensure the survival of citrus, vines and other permanent plantings along the River Murray corridor during 2008-09.

The CWA Scheme is open to viable irrigators of permanent plantings along the River Murray corridor in South Australia. Irrigators who want to remain in the industry and can demonstrate the longer-term viability of their business can apply for a CWA to secure the water needed for the survival of permanent plantings.

The CWA Scheme is in addition to State Drought Response and Exceptional Circumstances measures; the $610 million Murray Futures program; and the Commonwealth Government's new irrigator exit package.

Further information, guidelines and application forms are available from the CWA section of the PIRSA website.

Irrigators Toolkit

A new irrigators toolkit was launched by Minister Maywald at the 2007 Riverland Field Days. Resources available in the Toolkit include:

The Toolkit will continue to be updated as new information is provided and can be downloaded from the PIRSA Drought Information website or by contacting the Loxton Research Centre on 8595 9100 to have a free copy of the CD sent to you.

River Murray Water Resources Reports

The Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation (DWLBC) River Murray Water Resources Assessment Report is a new initiative for 2007-08. This fortnightly update includes information about water resource conditions in South Australia and interstate, including information on irrigation allocations and probability of improvement.

Additional resources and links

Manage Today, Plan for Tommorrow [External Site]

The Federal Government's Department for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has released a program to ensure the long-term sustainability of horticulture in the Murray Darling Basin. The program is designed to help growers manage their business today and plan for tomorrow. It is free, confidential and one-on-one.

Programmes from National Plan for Water Security

The Federal Government's Department for Environment and Water Resources has released a number of programmes for funding under the National Plan for Water Security. Funding is available for individual irrigators and producers as well as organisations.

Vist the department's website for full details of the programmes

Drought Strategy Checklist - Horticulture     (.PDF) 33KB
A series of questions, which may help growers manage their properties during the period of reduced water allocation. PIRSA Fact Sheet 19/06.

Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation (DWLBC)   [External Site]
Information on River condition is an important business planning tool. The DWLBC website provides useful information on managing river resources.

HAL Horticulture Grower Resources   [External Site]
Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) have a range of grower resources on their website with options for managing the drought conditions

Murray Darling Basin Commission River Information Centre   [External Site]
The Murray Darling Basin Commission provide a weekly update report on the state of the River system including flows and storage levels.

SA Water website   [External Site]
Keep up to date with the latest water restrictions in place by visiting the SA Water website.