Project Name:
Loddon-Murray Irrigation Region Surface Water Management Implementation Plan
Client:
North Central Catchment Management Authority
Project Description:
Hydro Environmental was engaged by the North Central Catchment Management Authority to prepare the Loddon-Murray Irrigation Region Surface Water Management Implementation Plan. This project stemmed from Hydro Environmental’s involvement in the preparation of the Loddon-Murray Surface Water Management Strategy, which was endorsed by Government in April 2002.
The Implementation Plan, which has recently been released for public comment, is a resource planning and management tool. The Plan details the what, where, when and how with respect to the implementation of surface water management works and measures in the Loddon-Murray Irrigation Region.
The Implementation Plan addresses the issue of surface water management from a ‘Whole of Catchment’ approach. This means that the focus is not purely on implementing regional works and measures but includes on-farm actions to achieve water savings and to minimise downstream impacts.
As part of this project, Hydro Environmental was instrumental in the establishment of a triple-bottom line assessment framework, which is now being used by DSE as the benchmark for other water resource planning documents being prepared across the State.
As part of the preparation of the Plan consideration had to be given to its impact on the MDBC CAP on river diversions and its ability to assist in the achievement of regional salinity and nutrient targets.
Key Skills Applied:
Irrigation practices, community consultation, capacity building, water planning and management, water accounting, water regulatory framework, project management, report writing, triple bottom line assessment, water quality management, drain design, risk assessment, water policy, water savings initiatives and strategies.