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| Irrigation Association of Australia | |
|---|---|
| Name | Irrigation Association of Australia |
| Type | Non-profit industry association |
| Founded | 20th century |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Area served | Australia, Oceania |
| Focus | Irrigation, water management, agricultural technology |
Irrigation Association of Australia is an industry association representing irrigation professionals, manufacturers, and water users across Australia and Oceania. The body engages with stakeholders in Murray–Darling Basin, New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania and Australian Capital Territory to advance irrigation practice, policy, and technology. Its activities intersect with major institutions such as the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation and regulatory frameworks shaped by parliaments and agencies including the Australian Parliament and state water authorities.
The organization emerged amid 20th-century developments in Australian water management influenced by projects like the Snowy Mountains Scheme, debates in the Murray–Darling Basin Authority, and advances in agricultural engineering led by figures associated with CSIRO. Early interactions involved alliances with professional bodies such as the Institution of Engineers Australia and agricultural societies including the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales. Over decades the association engaged with major irrigation schemes tied to regions like the Goulburn Valley and events such as the droughts that concerned the Bureau of Meteorology. It evolved alongside technology suppliers represented at exhibitions like those of the Australian Farm Institute and trade events hosted in cities such as Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, and Perth.
The association's mission aligns with objectives promoted by bodies like the Food and Agriculture Organization in sustainable water use, and with targets referenced in international agreements such as the Paris Agreement. It aims to improve irrigation efficiency, promote standards akin to those of the International Organization for Standardization, and support professional development comparable to programs by the Institute of Water Administrators. Objectives include liaising with agencies like the Australian Bureau of Statistics on agricultural water data, collaborating with research organizations including The University of Melbourne and University of Sydney, and engaging with industry groups such as the Australian Water Association and the National Farmers' Federation.
Governance structures reflect corporate practices seen in organizations such as the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry with a board, committees, and membership tiers that mirror those of the Australian Industry Group. Members include manufacturers similar to firms exhibiting at the Australian International Airshow and service providers like consultancies attached to universities such as Curtin University and University of Queensland. Membership categories encompass irrigators from regions like the Shepparton Irrigation Region, suppliers comparable to companies participating in AgQuip, and allied professionals from institutions such as the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology.
Programs include accreditation and training modeled on vocational frameworks administered by agencies like TAFE and national qualifications recognized by bodies such as the Australian Skills Quality Authority. Services range from technical advisory roles akin to consultancy offered by Landcare Australia affiliates to product certification paralleling practices of the Standards Australia network. The association organizes skills development programs similar to those run by the Grains Research and Development Corporation and provides guidance for operational planning used by managers of infrastructure like the Menindee Lakes and enterprises in regions served by the Irrigation Australia Limited network.
The association contributes to standards discussions in contexts comparable to the work of Standards Australia and advocates in forums frequented by representatives of the Productivity Commission, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (Australia), and state water ministers. Advocacy priorities align with conservation initiatives championed by organizations such as the Australian Conservation Foundation and policy dialogues associated with the Council of Australian Governments. The body has engaged in debates about water markets like those in the Murray–Darling Basin reforms and supported frameworks comparable to carbon and water accounting schemes discussed with entities including the Clean Energy Regulator.
Research collaborations have been forged with institutions like the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, University of New England (Australia), Charles Sturt University, and agricultural research agencies similar to the Grains Research and Development Corporation. Educational outreach includes partnerships with vocational institutions such as TAFE NSW and tertiary programs at universities like University of Western Australia and La Trobe University. The association has contributed to technical publications and standards development processes akin to those of the International Water Association and has facilitated pilot projects comparable to irrigation trials run in the Goulburn Valley and Riverina.
Annual conferences and trade shows mirror events such as AgQuip, the National Fieldays New Zealand, and sector meetings hosted by the Australian Water Association and National Farmers' Federation. Partnerships extend to international organizations including the Food and Agriculture Organization and sister groups in regions like New Zealand and the Pacific Islands Forum. The association collaborates with universities, industry consortia, and government programs often featured at venues in Canberra, Brisbane, Hobart, and venues used by entities such as the Australian Institute of Company Directors.