Loddon Campaspe region provided with state government funded irrigation plan

Thanks to the work of the Loddon Campaspe Irrigation Region (LCIR) steering committee - chaired by Sally Mitchell - the local community had their say on water management in their region.

North central CMA have been working with irrigators across the catchment for two years to develop a plan that will help guide government investment, build the local economy, benefit the environment and improve the sustainability of irrigators.

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The plan works as a framework allowing government and private investors to be guided by community objectives for the region as they implement programs and strategies for more effective water management.

The state government has invested $4 million from the Victorian Sustainable Irrigation Program to improve water security and boost farmers productivity and efficiency, all while minimising the environmental impact.

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The vision for the plan is to 'Use water for healthy, productive, sustainable irrigated food and fibre' within the 447,615 hectares of investment area.

CMA's Manager for Sustainable Agriculture Mandy Coulson said that there's a real focus on on-farm activities in the new plan.

"The key drivers of the plan are climate change - the drier hotter climate, irrigation modernisation, water shortages and fluctuating commodity prices," Ms Coulson said.

Ms Coulson said the region faces major challenges - ranging from natural threats due to climate variability, to protecting Aboriginal cultural heritage sites.

"This plan really sets a vision in which we can help support the community and allow investors to support their priorities," she said.

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"Climate change is something that's right amongst us at the moment, and one aspect of the plan is supporting businesses to adapt through the variable climate change."

The plan involves several key areas of development in response to climate threats - namely business planning, wholesale planning and training and education programs.

The plan also has a strong Traditional Owner focus as it deepens the opportunities for self determination and Aboriginal landholder involvement in regional water management.

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Minister for water Lisa Neville said that the plan was a strong step forward.

"This plan will give our irrigators and communities opportunities to improve their practices," she said, "helping us protect the environment and our unique mosaic of wetlands and natural water courses."

The full plan can be viewed on the CMA website.

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