The Lake Wellington Irrigator Reference Group plays a key role in ensuring irrigation programs remain practical, effective and grounded in local knowledge.

Since 2018, the group has helped the West Gippsland CMA and Agriculture Victoria to understand emerging issues and meet the needs of irrigators across the catchment.  

With the programs recent expansion beyond the Macalister Irrigation District (MID), the group now includes members from the Latrobe River area. These new perspectives help ensure the diverse needs and priorities of farmers across the entire Lake Wellington catchment are reflected.  

The Irrigator Reference Group acts in an advisory role.

Responsibilities include:

• Contribute relevant local and technical knowledge on irrigation related issues in the Lake Wellington catchment.
• Provide input on implementation of the Lake Wellington Land and Water Management Plan.
• Act as an advisory body to the Lake Wellington Sustainable Irrigation Group (SIG), the multi-agency forum charged with implementing the Lake Wellington Land and Water Management Plan.
• Act as a conduit for broader community feedback on irrigation issues and implementation of the Sustainable Irrigation Program.

The group represents a mix of industries, experience and backgrounds, reflecting the diversity of the irrigation community across the region.

Participants describe the group as a valuable way to stay informed and contribute to positive change. Some have used the experience to support onfarm decisions, while others value the opportunity to work alongside producers bringing new ideas, technology and fresh perspectives.

Collaboration between agencies and irrigators remains a strong feature of the group.

This work contributes to the long running Sustainable Irrigation Program, which supports farmers to improve efficiency and protect the regions natural and cultural assets.

Expressions of interest for membership commences at the start of the relevant financial year, with the next recruitment process scheduled for June/July 2027. The group meets four times a year.

for further information contact Jo Rule, Sustainable Irrigation Officer at WGCMA joannar@wgcma.vic.gov.au.