Rural News

North Central CMA releases new irrigation drainage toolkit

By Country News

Sep 4, 2026

The toolkit is a key resource for effective management of on-farm irrigation drainage. Photo by Contributed

The North Central Catchment Management Authority has released a new irrigation drainage toolkit for landholders in Torrumbarry and the Loddon Valley.

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The toolkit is a key resource for effective management of on-farm irrigation drainage while protecting the environmental and cultural values and reducing the risks of waterlogging and salinity.

North Central CMA sustainable irrigation project manager Tammy Herne said the toolkit supported farmers’ decision-making.

“It highlights best management practices such as following a whole-farm plan, maintaining on-farm drainage infrastructure and keeping tailwater on the property and reusing it,” Ms Herne said.

“The toolkit focuses on irrigation-induced rainfall run-off, not floodwaters.

“It also outlines the different drainage systems across the region and who is responsible for their management.”

Ms Herne identified three key principles for landholders to abide by.

Planning permits must be obtained for earthworks if they change the location or rate of water flow; water that is flowing off property must not be polluted; and landholders must take responsibility for identifying and obtaining permits needed for work on private or public land.

The toolkit can be accessed at tinyurl.com/4szt9nrt