Irrigation demonstration trials

Funding of up to $30,000 is now available for the next round of irrigation demonstration trials.

The Sustainable Irrigation Program (SIP) supports farmers in the Lake Wellington Catchment with funding to demonstrate innovative irrigation and nutrient management technologies through the Irrigation Demonstration Project.

The Irrigation Demonstration Project is aimed at irrigators who are interested in trailing emerging technologies and methods on their farm and sharing the learnings with the irrigation community.

Expressions of interest are open until 4pm Tuesday 26 November 2024.

For more information download the Landholder booklet (PDF 2MB)


Press play for an overview of the Sustainable Irrigation Program.

Previous demonstration projects

Between 2022-24, four irrigators in the Macalister Irrigation District received grant funding to host demonstration sites on their farms. Two focused on best practice management of dairy effluent, with the remaining two focusing on technologies to increase water use efficiency and reduce energy emissions.

Solar powered irrigation

Wilandra farms in Clydebank automated 22 hectares of fixed irrigation sprays, saving time and water while maximising solar energy.

Fact sheet
Project Report

Variable Rate Irrigation

Leathorn Dairies successfully implemented VRI technology on their farm in Newry, saving water and increasing pasture.

Fact Sheet
Project Report

Effluent through pipe & riser

The Knights used grant funding to monitor the impact of effluent application on their soil, helping them reduce fertiliser and keep nutrients on farm and out of the waterways.

Fact sheet
Project report

Self-cleaning effluent filter

Tinamba farmer Tom Gannon trialled a self-cleaning filter on his effluent pump, reducing time-consuming blockages and improving effluent distribution through his centre pivot.

Fact sheet
Project report