Rivers

Managing the Bush

Implications of water reforms for the national economy

This report been prepared by the CIE as part of the National Program for Sustainable Irrigation. The financial assistance provided by the Program through Land and Water Australia is gratefully acknowledged. Many people have contributed to this study. Murray Chapman, Program Coordinator for the National Program for Sustainable Irrigation deserves praise for his enthusiastic support and assistance throughout the study. Colin Creighton, formerly Rivers Manager, Land and Water (more)...

Waterwheel Newsletter 14

In this issue:

• Focus on the Condamine-Balonne
• Feature on soilwater monitoring
• Reducing erosion and increasing infiltration with PAM

Using ERA to measure the effects of irrigation on river health in Ord Irrigation Area

This Research Bulletin describes the process of undertaking an extensive field sampling program, to understand if there has been a loss of biodiversity, and the risk of algal blooms.

Real or unreal water savings?

Determining whole-of-system water use efficiency for NSW river valleys What are real or unreal water savings?

National Program for Sustainable Irrigation: Strategic Plan

The sustainability of irrigation is a key component of water resource management. Increased demand for water for agricultural, industrial and urban uses has put the management of Australia’s river and groundwater systems under scrutiny. Management must balance the various water use needs, providing also for in-stream requirements of biodiversity and water quality.

Investigation improvement to irrigation drainage systems

The Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority identified irrigation drainage as contributing 47% (1999) of the total catchment phosphorus loads to the Murray River each year. Environment Protection Authority guidelines for managing environmental impacts of construction projects, in this case the mobilisation and transport of sediments in both new and old drainage systems, also highlighted the need for appropriate drain construction and maintenance techniques. In response, this project (more)...

Investigations for Risk Assessments

The sustainability of Australia’s irrigation industry is currently under serious challenge. Irrigation uses ca. 75% of the water extracted from Australia’s rivers and groundwater systems, contributes to the pollution load in these rivers, and often leads to degradation of the irrigated land. In response to these challenges, the National Program for Sustainable irrigation (NPSI) has established an Ecological Risk Assessment Project, the overall objective (more)...

Irrigation Ecological Risk Assessment Project

Irrigated agriculture is a major contributor to the economic and social well being of Australia. Each year it produces around $10 billion of agricultural output or 50% of the country’s net agricultural profit. However, the sustainability of this important activity is currently under serious challenge. Irrigation uses 75% of the water extracted from Australia’s rivers and groundwater systems. It also contributes to the pollution load in these rivers. In response to (more)...

Australian Catchment, River and Estuary Assessment 2002

Publication also available on CD (EC040809) and DVD (EC050825).