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Environment protection guidelines steer horticulture investment boom
The Mallee region is known as Victoria's fruit bowl, producing close to 100 per cent of the State's dried vine fruits, 70 per cent of its table grapes and 70 per cent of the nation's export wine grapes.
But over the past two decades irrigation-related salinity has been affecting plants and animals across the Mallee's floodplains and farms and downstream all the way to Adelaide.
Concerted efforts are underway to improve irrigation management and farm planning, and to reduce the threats to the environment.
Funding
The Australian and State Governments have supported these efforts. With the Mallee Catchment Management Authority (CMA) and the community it has developed rigorous environment protection guidelines and approval processes for all new irrigation initiatives.
Activities
An irrigation development coordinator has been employed to assess and oversee all applications for new irrigation and to act as a liaison, or case, manager between the Catchment Management Authority, approvals agencies and irrigators.
"We knew enough not to repeat the mistakes of the past, so now when dryland is converted to irrigated farm, we want to ensure that development only occurs in areas of least impact with the utmost water efficiency," said Glen Sutherland, Mallee CMA Water Resources Manager.
"In the mid 1990s the region experienced a boom in the wine industry as it leapt from hundreds of hectares of vines to thousands of hectares within a few years, and recently we have continued to see large-scale development in almond and olive plantations," said Glen.
"The Mallee is so popular as a region for agricultural development because of the relatively secure water supply, good soils, and strong population base in Mildura.
"It's also popular because of the robust system we have developed for approving plans for irrigation development-it's well documented, well understood and well supported."
Achievements
The project has seen approximately 150 irrigation plans submitted and approved, and more than 100 conservation agreements reached. Since 1997 the ability to trade water has also meant irrigated horticulture has been able to expand significantly and has promoted best practice in sustainable horticulture.
More information
- Glen Sutherland, Mallee CMA Water Resources Manager: (03) 5051 4308 or glen.sutherland@dpi.vic.gov.au
- Mallee Catchment Management Authority
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