Australian Water Management Review Vol. 1 2014 | Page 71

Image 2. A key outcome of the WaterSmart Farms project
was improved knowledge of irrigation and significant
water savings. Photo: Basant Maheshwari

Image 1. As part of the WaterSmart Farms
project, lateral move irrigators like this were funded.

A key outcome of the WaterSmart Farms project was
improved knowledge of irrigation and significant
water savings. Photo: Basant Maheshwari
(see image 2)
Using external independent auditors improved
irrigator knowledge of their systems and helped
to inform both growers and DPI in the irrigation
infrastructure decision making process. It is critical
that irrigators receive follow up advice and support to
ensure their irrigation systems are working efficiently.

Improved efficiency. Almost all growers (97%)
reported water savings as a result of the WaterSmart
Farms project. This shows immediate positive
benefits to the grower and the environment and
a return on tax payer investment. Other savings
reported were:

Grant important to involvement. The project
used an upfront, transparent, grant value system
which was set at $3,300/ML for both river and
potable water users. The ratio