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It is estimated that 94,000 ML of water is diverted each year for agricultural purposes. This has been increasing by about 2000 ML a year for the past 10 years, driven in part by the significant expansion of wine grape production in the region. |
Meeting the Challenge
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Strategy 25: Natural resources management legislation will deliver an integrated system to ensure South Australia’s resources are used sustainably.
Completion date: Ongoing
Lead agency: Department of Water, land & Biodiversity Conservation |
Reports, progress and links:
The Natural Resources Management Act 2004 provides the framework for NRM management in South Australia. In regard to the Water Proofing Adelaide Region, the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board has been appointed. Refer to Strategy 6 for more information on the NRM Board activities or visit the NRM Board website.
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Strategy 26: The SA Government, in consultation with the agricultural and horticultural industry, will provide ongoing education, training and extension programs to improve knowledge of best practice irrigation systems.
Completion date: Ongoing from 2006
Lead agency: Department of Primary Industries & Resources |
Reports, progress and links:
Through Rural Solutions SA, the Department of Primary Industries & Resources SA maintains capacity to deliver training programs to irrigators. In collaboration with Wine and Vegetable Industry groups, Natural Resource Management Boards and Federal Program partners, trial sites have been established and training activities undertaken on the Northern Adelaide Plains and McLaren Vale.
In collaboration with Wine and Vegetable Industry groups, Natural Resource Management Boards and Federal Program partners, trial sites have been established and training activities undertaken on the Northern Adelaide Plains and McLaren Vale. Rural Solutions SA is working with Local Government to pilot a program to improve water management on public open spaces. PIRSA also maintains website information and publications are available for purchase through the Roseworthy Information Centre.
PIRSA staff handle about 1,000 technical inquiries per annum from the state's fruit and vegetable growers, many of these relating to irrigation issues.
Recent additional responses to drought include special training on business decision-making responding to water restrictions for irrigation in the Riverland and Murraylands regions. This has included a series of community discussion groups. The River Murray Drought Response Team has been established to ensure irrigators have appropriately information and community support to manage through and beyond the drought. Thjs includes the Planning for Recovery business development project of the Drought Response Program
Recent Commonwealth funding through Horticulture Australia Limited and the Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation will be funding 1 to 1 technical, financial and business skilling support to irrigators.
PIRSA also maintains website information and publications are available for purchase through the Roseworthy Information Centre.
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