News & Media

Cr Wendy Buck was elected to Council on 9 August 2010.
Mayor Ed Cox congratulated Wendy Buck on her appointment.
Along with her husband Richard and daughter, Cr Buck owns and operates the Gazebo Motor Inn, Strathmerton.
Cr Buck extensively participates in the agricultural sector and is the facilitator of the Murray Irrigators Farming Support Group and the community representative on the Northern Victorian Irrigation Renewal Project Murray Valley Modernisation Consultation Committee.
Cr Buck is also chairman of the Water Technology Cluster Events Committee and the Water Technology Cluster Irrigation Expo and the farmer representative and associate member of the Irrigators, Surveyors & Designers Group.
Cr Buck developed the Small Communities Great Treasurers of the Moira Shire tourism brochure and website and was the founding editor of the Strathmerton Standard newspaper.
Cr Wendy Buck: contact details
Phone: 0427 820 645
Email: wbuck@moira.vic.gov.au

Dairy Australia accepts applications for R&D projects from individuals and organisations worldwide. Applications are judged on the perceived benefits to the Australian dairy industry and potential for success.
for more information go to http://www.government-grant.com.au/2010/08/dairy-australia-reasearch-projects/
We will consider funding applications that address one or more of our Core Objectives (as set out in the Dairy Australia Strategic Plan):

Increase farm productivity.
Maintain and develop high margin markets, channels and products.
Promote and protect the unique benefits of dairy.
Applications should be made by the organisation conducting the proposed research. For example, applications from universities should be submitted through their central office or research secretariat. Where several organisations are collaboration in research projects, one organisation should take responsibility for the project and subcontract part of the research to the other organisation(s).

Ideally the duration of projects is 1-3 years. Extended projects may be considered in exceptional circumstances.

Applications to More Than One R&D Corporation
If you are applying for joint funding from two or more R&D corporations, you should determine the most appropriate ‘lead’ corporation and prepare the funding submission in the way directed by that corporation. For example, if Dairy Australia is being asked to fund more than 50 per cent of the project, then we should be considered the lead corporation. On the other hand, if we are being asked for less than 50 per cent of the total cost, we will accept proposals in the format sent by other corporations.

Please check with the lead corporation to determine whether it distributes copies of your funding submission to other R&D corporations or if you are expected to do this. Please inform all the relevant parties that you are seeking joint funding.

Monday, 19th July 2010
Shepparton News - Country News
Irrigation pioneer
Flood irrigation innovator John Padman has been nominated for a leadership and innovation award under the Regional Achievement and Community Awards.
Mr Padman heads up Strathmerton irrigation company Padman Stops and is passionate about fast flow irrigation technology to generate improved water savings.
He produced a pump and flow meter that could be used to track the effects of ``fast watering'', conducting trials to monitor their effectiveness.
In nominating him, the Murray Valley Irrigators Support Group described Mr Padman as a driving force in the irrigation community, achieving excellent outcomes.
Finalists in each of the eight categories will attend a presentation dinner in Ballarat on October 16.
For information go to www.awardsaustralia. com

In the face of the Federal Government's Water for the Future program and its $3.1 billion water buyback scheme, as well as the anticipated substantial reduction in irrigation water available for food production to be legislated in the new Murray Darling Basin Plan, RAMROC's water4food campaign is about:
ensuring water justice for our region and its communities
maintaining the viability and sustainability of our rural towns
retaining the region's food producing capacity
contributing to long term global food security
The eight Soroptimist International Clubs in the riverina are supporting the water4food campaign, by way of representations to both federal and state governments, as well as individual Soroptimist club donations.
During June 2010, the Soroptimists will be women walking 4 water4food to publicly show their ongoing support. This will take place in and around our towns, both individually and in groups. Our target is to walk the number of kilometres that join our clubs - from Albury to Cootamundra and all points west.
The Soroptimist president, Will Mead, has pledged to walk the 190km distance from Tocumwal to Griffith. The other 136 members have a target of 470km between them.
So watch our walking tally grow – visit the water4food website www.water4food.com.au during the month of June for a weekly update on progress.
We are also arranging to hold community meetings in 6 centres along the Tocumwal to Griffith route, so that communities can hear at first hand about the water4food campaign, and the implications of the draft Murray Darling Basin Plan which is scheduled for public release in July or early August.
We encourage our communities to support the water4food campaign.
Community Meetings
Monday 5th July 2010
10.00am to 11.00am - Tocumwal Community Centre - located at the hospital
12.00 noon to 1.00pm - Finley Returned Services Club in Tocumwal Street
2.30pm to 3.30pm - Deniliquin Multi Arts Workshop Hall, Cressy Street
Tuesday 6th July 2010
10.00am to 11.00am - Jerilderie Council Building, Ian Gilbert Room
12.30pm to 1.30pm - Coleambally Community Club, Falcon Road
3.00pm to 4.00pm - Burley Griffin Room at Griffith Regional Theatre
To donate to the campaign your options are:
Electronic Transfer
Account name: RAMROC
BSB: 633000
Acc No: 113387955
Bendigo Bank Mathoura Branch

Cheque payable to
RAMROC, PO Box 3572, Albury NSW 2640

For further information, please contact:
Mrs Will Mead, President Riverina Soroptimists International 02 6962 3856 or 0407 262 514
RAMROC chairman Cr Terry Hogan 02 6954 6743 or 0428 546 765
RAMROC executive officer Mr Ray Stubbs 02 6023 8791 or 0408 498 534

PROPOSALS INVITED FOR $300 MILLION ON-FARM IRRIGATION EFFICIENCY PROGRAM

The Rudd Government is calling for proposals for a new $300 million on-farm irrigation efficiency grants program to help deliver a long-term sustainable future for Murray-Darling Basin irrigation communities.

Releasing the program guidelines Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong, said the funding would help irrigation communities adjust to a future with less water by supporting farmers investing in water-saving irrigation practices and technology.

“We are investing in irrigation infrastructure to help our farmers and regional communities and protect food security.”

Senator Wong said the On-Farm Irrigation Infrastructure Program was open to irrigators in the Southern Basin and the Lachlan River catchment.

The new program invites competitive bids to deliver cost-effective ‘tranches’ of on-farm investment from partners such as irrigation water providers, peak-industry groups and catchment management authorities.

The program has been modelled on the arrangements trialled through the On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency (Pilot Projects) program. It will invest in more efficient irrigation systems in areas where a long-term economic and environmental benefit can be demonstrated.

The $300 million in funding comes from the $5.8 billion Sustainable Rural Water Use and Infrastructure program, a key plank of the Government’s 10-year, $12.9 billion Water for the Future plan. Funding starts in 2009-10 and continues until 2013.
More information on this program and Water for the Future is available at: www.environment.gov.au.

Global carbon market
The Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong, announced two new measures that will assist Australian businesses and individuals to participate in the global carbon market.
Individuals and businesses can open accounts in the Australian National Registry of Emissions Units.
“This will allow them to participate in the global carbon market by trading Kyoto units using the Registry.

“The Registry will also be a crucial piece of infrastructure once the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme is introduced.”

The Australian Government also established Australia’s National Authority for the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and Joint Implementation (JI).

The National Authority approves participation by businesses in CDM and JI projects under the Kyoto Protocol.

Senator Wong said G20 leaders last week committed to stimulate investment in clean energy, renewables, and energy efficiency and provide financial and technical support for such projects in developing countries.

“In the recent G8 declaration, key economies made it clear that they are moving towards emissions trading schemes such as the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme,” Senator Wong said.

“These milestones provide new opportunities for Australian businesses in the emerging global carbon market.

“It helps them access the cost-effective abatement opportunities that exist internationally.

“A robust global carbon market will mean that carbon pollution reductions occur first in the countries and sectors with the lowest-cost abatement opportunities. This reduces the costs – for the world and for Australia – of achieving the emissions reductions that the world needs.”

BACKGROUND

The CDM allows developed countries or authorised private entities to undertake projects that reduce emissions in developing countries.

JI allows developed countries or authorised private entities to implement emissions reduction projects in other developed countries.

The carbon credits generated by CDM and JI projects can be traded on international carbon markets.

From 1 July 2011, liable entities under the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) will be able to use eligible credits generated from CDM and JI projects for compliance purposes. Australia can also use the credits towards meeting its Kyoto target.

To contribute to Australia’s commitment to refrain from using nuclear-based credits for compliance under the Kyoto Protocol, the National Authority will not approve participation in nuclear CDM and JI projects.

As a further measure to meet this commitment, the Government intends to rule out the use of nuclear-based CERs and ERUs for compliance purposes under the CPRS.

For information on how to apply for an account in the National Registry, visit www.climatechange.gov.au/international/anreu

For information on how to receive approval to participate in CDM and JI projects, visit www.climatechange.gov.au/nationalauthority.html

Introduction of the 2009 Chinese Irrigation & Drainage Delegation Members Companies to Australia
1.Introduction of the Irrigation and Drainage Branch, China Association of Water Enterprises
Irrigation and Drainage Branch, China Association of Water Enterprises（hereinafter the Association）is a organization, registered officially in China Ministry of Civil Affairs, which registration NO. is 3188-1. Its administrative authority is China Bureau of Comprehensive Development Ministry of Water Resources.
The Association is a national irrigation & drainage industry organization organized by companies (whose business is irrigation and drainage equipment), relevant colleges and universities, and scientific research & academic institutions.
The Association is dedicated to promoting technological progress of irrigation and drainage equipment industry and scientific research in China and accelerating the reform and development of irrigation and drainage project.

Introduction of Ms. Xu Fuchu, the General Secretary of the Association

Graduated from the Institute of Water Conservancy and Hydropower, Wuhan University, China. She has 8 years work experience in planning and design of cropland water conservancy projects.

She once worked for Water Resources Division of Rural Area, the People's Republic of China Ministry of Water Resources. Since 1997, she has held the position as the General Secretary of Irrigation and Drainage Branch, China Association of Water Enterprises.

During this period, she led Chinese irrigation and drainage enterprises to develop a number of industry self-regulation, technology promotion and market development work, and has led Chinese irrigation and drainage delegations to visit the United States, Europe and other countries and places for international exchange. She is the first Chinese person to introduce Chinese irrigation and drainage equipment industry to the world.
2.
Introduction of Jieyang Da Hua Saving Water Facilities Co., Ltd. Guangdong Province, China
Jieyang Da Hua Saving Water Facilities Co., Ltd. is a high-tech enterprise which makes water-saving irrigation products research, development, production, sales and design and construction of water-saving irrigation project.

Our main products include: Rocker sprinkler, sprinkler series, drip irrigation hose, sprinkler small mobile units, compensated emitter tube, aluminum pipe, PE pipe fittings, PVC pipe fittings, garden sprinklers and so on. We also can do design, production and installation of agricultural, landscape fountains and greenhouses irrigation projects.

Contact info of Jieyang Da Hua Saving Water Facilities Co., Ltd.:
ADD: Meidou Industrial Park, Rongcheng District, Guangdong Province, China
Tel: 0663-8671095
Fax: 0663-8681630
Email: phc@263.net

Representative of Jieyang Da Hua Saving Water Facilities Co., Ltd.
Pan Huai Cong, General Manager, major in Management, undergraduate degree.

Has served as Xinfeng Spring Factory, Jieyang City, Guangdong Province. Has rich experience in business management and marketing.

In 1996, occupied the position as the General Manager in Jieyang Da Hua Saving Water Facilities Co., Ltd.

After twelve years, he led Jieyang Da Hua Saving Water Facilities Co., Ltd. into the ranks of excellent enterprises manufacturers of China water-saving irrigation products, and the selected to be the Vice President of Irrigation and Drainage Branch, China Association of Water Enterprises .

3.Introduction of Beijing Northern Cross Irrigation Technology Co., Ltd.
Beijing Northern Cross Irrigation Technology Co., Ltd.（Northern Cross®）is located in Zhongguancun Science Park, Haidian District, Beijing City, is a professional company engaged in sales of irrigation equipment, irrigation project construction, irrigation system design, irrigation technical training and consultation. Business involves agriculture, park, golf, environmental engineering and other fields. It can provide customers with perfect service of irrigation system from technical advice to engineering design and construction solutions.

The Company has set strong business relationship with many foreign manufacturers. It is authorized dealer of irrigation products in China of the U.S. Toro ®, also of agricultural products of Irritrol ®and Nelson ® as well as domestic agent and of technical support service provider of large-scale irrigation of Lindasy ®, of filter system of Yardney ®, Azude ®.

Contact info of Beijing Northern Cross Irrigation Technology Co., Ltd.:
ADD: 12B07, C Building, Jinyu International, NO.48, Wangjingxilu, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100102
Tel: 010-64787101
Fax: 010-64787102
Website: http://www.northerncross.cn
Email: office@northerncross.cn

Representative of Beijing Northern Cross Irrigation Technology Co., Ltd.
Yue Jinhua, General Manager, graduated from Water Resources and Hydropower Engineering, China Agricultural University, undergraduate education degree.

Has ever worked for the Water Conservancy Bureau of Shunyi District, Beijing and Beijing Representative Office, Rain Bird International Inc. in the United States.

He is one successful irrigation entrepreneur with strong growthiness at young generation of China.

4.Introduction of Jin Tan Wang Da Watering Machine Co., Ltd.
Jin Tan Wang Da Watering Machine Co., Ltd. is a professional manufacturer of agricultural irrigation pumps and irrigation machine.

Leading products: BP, ZB, TC, NS, ZW series self-priming pump, HW, HBC series of mixed-flow pump, CB series centrifugal pump, NB, NBZ sand pump suction line, IS, ISG, ISW series of industrial pump, YW, TP , WQ series sewage pump, SZG1-18 water-ring vacuum pump, AFB-type single-stage single-suction cantilever resistant pump, PX series nozzle, TS series plastic hose, sprinkler irrigation and its supporting units, sets of water pipeline and series of XQB pressure irrigation equipment complete, but also can take all kinds of fountains, spray irrigation, micro-irrigation, landscape irrigation and various types of drainage works: design, installation and maintenance to the urban and rural areas..
Representative of Jin Tan Wang Da Watering Machine Co., Ltd.
Mr. Gao Wangda, Chairman& CEO. Machinery specialty, College Degree. Had worked for Jintan Sprinkler Factory, Jiangsu Province, China. Former Director of Foundry and Metal Working workshops, former Marketing Chief, Deputy Sales President and others. Resigned in 1991 and established Jin Tan Wang Da Watering Machine Co., Ltd. Mr. Gao Wangda has extensive experience in irrigation and drainage machinery.

In 1976, he had participated in national projects sprinkler technologies mechanical work many times as a member of a joint national sprinkler mechanical design team formed by Chinese Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Machinery Industry and other ministries.

So far, Jin Tan Wang Da Watering Machine Co., Ltd. which he led comes out top at manufacture, research and development and sales of Chinese irrigation machine and supporting products in China.

Now Mr. Gao Wangda is the Vice President of Irrigation and Drainage Branch, China Association of Water Enterprises.

5.Introduction of Xinjiang Lan Shan Tun He Saving Water Technology Co., Ltd.
Xinjiang Lan Shan Tun He Saving Water Technology Co., Ltd. ( hereinafter: Lan Shan Tun He) is an enterprise mainly operates production and marketing of polyester (PET), PVC profile, PVC pipe, drip irrigation and other water-saving irrigation equipments.

It is also a wholly foreign-owned enterprise supported by Blue Ridge Capital in Changji, Xinjiang, China, engaging in research and development, production and processing of agricultural water-saving irrigation equipment and construction and technical services of water-saving irrigation projects.

Representative of Xinjiang Lan Shan Tun He Saving Water Technology Co., Ltd.
Zhao Xingyi: General Manager of Xinjiang Lan Shan Tun He Saving Water Technology Co., Ltd.

Once held the position of Finance Department of Xinjiang Tunhe Trade and Industry Company, Deputy General Manager of Tunhe Polyester Company and others.

He is the expert in the field of development and construction of enterprise projects and business management.

Wei Tongquan: Undergraduate degree, specialty: Water and Soil Engineering, Institute of Water Conservancy and construction, Academy of Agricultural Sciences (Northwest, China)

Registered Master Builder, Engineer.

Once held the positions as the Technician and Project Leader at National Engineering Research and Technology Center (Xinjiang); Engineer, Project Manager and Director at Xinjiang Tunhe Water-Saving Technology Co., Ltd. and others.

Currently, as the Director of Xinjiang Lan Shan Tun He Water-saving Technology Project Center.

6.Introduction of Dan Dong Bo Hai Irrigation and Technology Co., Ltd.
Dan Dong Bo Hai Irrigation and Technology Co., Ltd. is an integrated enterprise which sets irrigation product development, production, marketing and irrigation design, construction as one. It is one influential water-saving irrigation products manufacturer in northeastern region of China.

Our main products are: large circular sprinkler units, deep distance and flexible shaft pump by independent researched and developed (national patent product), mobile, semi-mobile, fixed-spray and drip irrigation units, PVC pipe with complete specifications, pipe fitting, PE pipe, pipe fittings, aluminum alloy tubes, soft plastic strips, a variety of centrifugal, gravel and net filter, kinds of agricultural pumps and so on.

Representative of Dan Dong Bo Hai Irrigation and Technology Co., Ltd.
Gao Weihua, General Manager, Undergraduate degree. Specialty: Business Management.

Had served as the President at Aluminum Plant of Baishan City Jilin Province, China, and the Director of Baishan Metallurgical Bureau.

Has rich experience on business management.

In 1997, he resigned his official post and founded Dan Dong Bo Hai Irrigation and Technology Co., Ltd.

Since establishment, he has been active in advocating and implementing the cooperation mode between factory and research institutes and junior colleges and universities.

He successively led and organized the research & development production of agricultural irrigation with PVC and PE pipe formula, and successfully developed a series of DBP sprinkler units and other water-saving irrigation products. Enterprise capital rose rapidly from RMB 500,000 at early start to RMB 10 million in the short term, while realized steady growing of enterprise output value, sales and profits.

7. Introduction of Hu Nan Bonanza Valve Co., Ltd.
Hu Nan Bonanza Valve Co., Ltd. is a high-tech enterprise with professional manufacturing of various valves, gates, sewage field bars and other hydraulic and mechanical product.

Main products: energy-saving side direction automatic non-return device (referred to as BLS energy-saving non-return device).

Contact info of Hu Nan Bonanza Valve Co., Ltd.:
ADD( Office)：NO.479, Furonzhonglu, Changsha City, Hunan Province
ADD (Factory): Economic Development Zone, Ningxiang, Changsha City, Hunan Province
Tel: 0731-2567798
Fax: 0731-2567628
Post Code: 410005
Website: www.hnbls.com www.bonanza.net.cn

Representative of Hu Nan Bonanza Valve Co., Ltd.
Ye Feng, Chairman of the board, Undergraduate degree. Specialty: Machinery. Specializes in product research & development and business management.

Ye Peng, Director, undergraduate degree. Specialty: Machinery.
Specializes in product research and development.

8.Introduction of Zhong Shui Xin Hua Irrigation and Technology Co., Ltd.
Zhong Shui Xin Hua Irrigation and Technology Co., Ltd. is a professional company which engages in whole research and development, production, sales and engineering design of agricultural water-saving irrigation and safe drinking water facilities in rural areas. The company has general contracting aptitude of water industry design and water conservancy and hydropower construction. It can provide full range of services for domestic irrigation and drainage, water supply projects with planning, consultation, design, construction, equipment sets and technical training etc.

Main business: commitment to the subject and projects of water-saving technologies research and development; take water-saving irrigation, safe drinking water projects planning, design and construction; develop, produce and sell water-saving irrigation products and water treatment equipment; undertake water treatment projects and environmental management projects.

Main products: inside drip irrigation emitter, compensated tube, micro-sprinklers, filtration fertilizer equipment, plastic pipe and fittings, chlorine dioxide disinfection equipment, iron removal and manganese removal water purification equipment, fluorine removal and arsenic removal water purification equipment and so on.
Representative of Zhong Shui Xin Hua Irrigation and Technology Co., Ltd.

Representative of Zhong Shui Xin Hua Irrigation and Technology Co., Ltd.
Chen Yangyang: Assistant to the General Manager, Zhong Shui Xin Hua Irrigation and Technology Co., Ltd.

College degree.

Specializes in market development and business management.

9.Introduction of Jian De Agricultural Science Development and Service Co., Ltd.
Jian De Agricultural Science Development and Service Co., Ltd. is a modern agricultural enterprise which set domestic agriculture, industry, technology and trade in one.

Our main products are: drip irrigation belt, micro-sprinkle belt and filter. All products have had a wide range of applications in watermelon, strawberry, grape and other fruit growing, the planting of tomato, pepper, black fungus, mushroom and other vegetables, as well as all kinds of industrial crops planting, such as tobacco, tea, flower etc.

Until now, regarding the area of drip irrigation products, the company has reached 15,000,000 Mu in various parts of China with, one million farmers had been benefited.

Representative of Jian De Agricultural Science Development and Service Co., Ltd.
Chen Xinmin, Deputy General Manager.

College degree.

Specializes in marketing and business management.

10.Introduction of Fujian Aton Advanced Materials Technology Co., Ltd.
Fujian Aton Advanced Materials Technology Co., Ltd., it is a state-level key high-tech enterprise in China that focuses on pipeline industry; a company that has 9 subsidiaries; a plastic large enterprise group that has total assets of more than 0.5 billion; and a company that hold the position as the Vice President at Irrigation and Drainage Branch, China Association of Water Enterprises.

Water-saving irrigation system products independently developed by the company:
Filter, UPVC sprinkler pipe, LDPE pipe sprinkler, drip irrigation belt drip irrigation pipe, filtration irrigation pipe, rocker sprinkler, ground sprinkler, micro-sprinkler, emitter and other accessories.

Representative of Fujian Aton Advanced Materials Technology Co., Ltd.
Chen Liyang, Deputy General Manager.
Dr. of Economics, University of Kyoto, Japan.

Served as the Manager of Investment Department.

Now, holds the position as the Deputy General Manager in charge of export and foreign investment.

Specializes in market research, feasibility analysis.

Murray Irrigators Support Group has been asked to attend the Government Inquiry into Adapting Farming practices in Climate Change, held in Melbourne on Sept 3rd 2009.
As the facilitator of the Murray Irrigators Support Group I am pleased to being given the opportunity to represent our farmers at the Government Inquiry.
The Murray Irrigators Support Group (MISG)responded to a Government inquiry from the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Primary Industry and Resources in March 09 at the Strathmerton Bowls Club, farmers were invited to have an input into this government submission, Wendy Buck Facilitator, of the Murray Irrigators Support Group, Dudley Bryant/farmer and Chairman Murray Valley Modernisation Committee, John Padman/ Padman Stops and Bill Williamson/CRC Irrigation Futures, will go to Melbourne to speak to the Government Inquiry into adapting farming practices in climate change, for further information on the submission follow the Government submission link on about MISG or email info@misg.com.au, Wendy Buck Facilitator MISG
Northern Victorian Irrigators is sponsoring the trip to Melbourne for the team. Thank you NVI.

Achievers named
Photo: Wendy Buck and John Padman
The Cobram Courier July 29,2009
Two individuals and a business have been nominated for Regional Achievement and Community Awards.
John Padman and Wendy Buck, both from Strathmerton and padman Stops in Strathmerton, have been recognised for their hard work in the community and have been nominated for various awards.
The Regional Achievement and Community Awards aim to encourage, acknowledge and reward the valuable contributions of businesses, towns, enviroment and sustainability initiatives, individuals and communities are making throughout regional and rural Victoria.
Under these awards there are eight different sections focusing on different areas of the community.
John Padman has been nominated for the Parks Victoria Enviroment and Sustainability Award.
His business, Padman Stops has also been nominated for the Regional Development Victoria Business Achievement Award.
mr padman is the manager of automatic irrigation control manufacturer Padman Stops and is changing the way business is done.
The business is pioneering environmentally sustainable flood irrigation techniques through its "Fast Watering" project. Mr Padman has assisted irrigators to achieve 80 per cent water efficiency, save precious water, increase crop productivity and reduce soil degredation while reducing carbon emissions generated in the irrigation progress process through his innovative technologies.
Mr Padman has already earned his fair share of recognition for his business' hard work.
He has been awarded at the 2008 Savewater! Awards and has also been recognised by the Victorian Premier John Brumby.
Ms Wendy Buck has also been nominated for the bartercard Local Hero Award and the Parks Victoria Regional Achiever Award, as part of the Regional Achievement and Community Awards.
Ms Buck is currently pursuing three projects in the local community.
She is the Editor and photographer of the Strathmerton Standard, which ensures the rural community is in touch with whats happening.
She has also developed and marketed th Small Communities Great Treasures tourism brochure, which has encouraged tourism and ecanomic growth in our drought enravaged community.
Ms Buck has also facilitated the Murray irrigators Support Group/myfarm website.
This site encourages water savings, productivity and sustainabilityfor farmers in these difficult climatic times.
The best of luck is wished for these locals who have been recognised for their outstanding achievement in the community.
Great prizes includeing exposure on Prime Television or a share in $12,000 in Award Saver Accounts from the Commonwealth bank are included as part of the awards.
A gala awards dinner and presentation evening will be held in ballarat on Saturday, october 10 to honour each state's outstanding rural and regional achievers.
Three finalists in each category will attend the prestigious event, alongside 400 other guests.
Nominations for the Regional Achievement and Community Awards closed on July 17.

Modern techniques are the future of ag.
Southern Riverina News June 17, 2009
Photo: Farm talk.. Murray Valley Modernisation Co-ordinator Colin James addresses farmers at the field day.
Victorian premier John Brumby reaffirmed his strong support for irrigation modernisation in Victoria's north, at a field day in katunga recently.
Mr brumby surprised the participants at The Future of Irrigation Field Day held at Bill Greads' dairy farm at the end of May.
Premier John Brumby said he came to see John Padman's technology, and to talk to some of the farmers about the future of modernised irrigation in Victoria's north.
The Premier spoke about Victoria's discussions with the Commonwealth, including the need to ensure that Victoria's massive irrigation upgrade is properly balanced with future Commonwealth water purchases.
He also outlined the importance of the $300 million provided for in the federal Budget for on farm upgrades and how these on farm upgrades would complement the $2 billion Foodbowl modernisation project.
Farmers went to the field day witness outstanding results from delivery to grass roots.
More than 200 farmers turned out for the day and many comments on how much they enjoyed the field day. They also relished the opportunity to inspect Bill Gread's ambitious farm upgrade - with white rock channels, 10ft padman Stops and the latest in automated metres is the Rolls Royce of farm upgrades.
Providing helpfull information on the day was a range of great speakers including Senior Modernisation Coordinator and John Edwards consultant Goulburn Valley Irrigation Services Colin James, Dudley Bryant from Northern Victorian Irrigators, John Padman of Padman Stops and Peter Hendy of peter Hendy laser land Forming.
Laurel Boaz, who leases Mr Greads' property, said she chose to settle in the region because of the 100 per cent water allocation.
She commented on how now, with reduced water allocation, they have to change their farming practices to achieve the amazing results they are having with Lucerne.
Mr Padman said the field day was also a great opportunity to look positively to the future.
"If we achieved nothing else we were able to motivate a large group of farmers to give them hope for the future in these challenging times," he said.
Mr Padman hosted the day, along with facilitator Wendy Buck from Murray Irrigators Support Group and NVIRP.

Field day surprise.

June 3, 2009 - Numurkah Leader
Photo: John Padman, Dudley Bryant, Premier John Brumby, Bill Gread and lauren Boaz.
AMIDST the overall and workboot-clad farmers walking the irrigation channels of Bill Gread’s Katunga farm last Wednesday was a flurry of men in black suits and slick sunglasses, accompanying Victorian Premier John Brumby on his surprise visit to the area.

Premier Brumby joined 150 farmers from across the region to pick his way along Mr Gread’s white rock lined channels and watch “fast watering” - a concept invented by Strathmerton Padman Stops manufacturer John Padman - at work.

Organised by the Murray Irrigators Support Group, Northern Victoria Irrigators Renewal Project (NVIRP) and Padman Stops, the field day was aimed at giving local farmers the opportunity to learn more about the importance of on-farm upgrades, and the new technology which Mr Gread has embraced, to outstanding effect, over the past few years.

It also, however, provided Premier Brumby with a peek into the importance of on-farm investment.

Mr Gread’s investments include the installation of new automated meters, pipes and channels, laser grading of his property, the lining of channels with white rock to prevent seepage and reduce weed growth, and the installation of wide bay outlets and new fencing - all techniques which have allowed the Katunga farmer to establish a hardy crop of lucerne whilst achieving 50% water savings.

Over lunch, Premier Brumby mingled with farmers, talking about the issues they confronted in the face of drought, before he addressed the gathering, sparking speculation that an announcement about funding for irrigation infrastructure rationalisation could be on the cards.

“I’m a big believer in farmers who want to stay in the game and be the best at what they do,” Premier Brumby said.

“What we’ve tried to do is put in place the right measures to support these farmers - that’s what the $1 billion Foodbowl (Modernisation Project) investment is all about. We want to bring irrigation infrastructure up to genuine 21st century standards. Nowhere in Australia, or the world, will you see this quantity of money spent on irrigation infrastructure.”

Premier Brumby said the State Government was now turning its attention to on-farm efficiency works, with recent discussions on the subject with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd resulting in on-farm upgrade funding being included in the federal budget.

“The bulk of the $300 million included in the budget for on-farm efficiency upgrades will end up in the NVIRP region,” he said.

Premier Brumby said his visit to the Katunga field day had confirmed as correct his belief in the Foodbowl Modernisation Project and on-farm upgrade funding.

“I think what I’ve seen today confirms the correctness of the approach we’ve taken,” he said.

“We’ve got to build up the farm system to give farmers the very best opportunity to compete. I’m a great believer in the future of the irrigation industry and this region.”

Irrigation in the spotlight
The Cobram Courier
June 3, 2009
Photo: Discussions: Wendy Buck John Padman and premier John Brumby take a stroll through the farm.
Premier John Brumby was amongst the visitors at a fiture of irrigation field day in Katunga on Friday.
The field day wad held at Bill Greads dairy farm which is leased by Laurel Boaz.
Hosts of the day were Wendy Buck from Murray Irrigators Support Group, John Padman from padman Stops and the Northern Victoria Irrigation Renewal Project.
Many farmers came along to see Mr Gread and his ambitious farm upgrades, including white rock channels 10ft Padman Stops and the latest automated metres, notably the Rolls Royce of farm upgrades.
John Edwards from Goulburn Valley Irrigation Services (ISDG) praised this technology and its water efficiency.
"The white rock lining of the 20 ML/day channel now supplying the Heslop/Slikas farm is a good innovation in virtually eliminating leakage and seepage from open channels," Mr Edwards said. "The Fast Flow Irrigation techniques developed on the Gread farm illistrates the success of improved irrigation technology."
Adding to the festivities was a surprise visit from premier John Brumby who came to see Mr Padmans revolutionary technology and to talk to some of the farmers about the future of modernised irrigation in northern Victoria.
He outlined the importance of the $300 million provided for farm upgrades in the Federal Budget and how these would complement the $2 billion Foodbowl Modernisation Project.
Mr Brumby also spoke about Victoria's discussions with the Commonwealth, including the need to insure that Victoria's massive irrigation upgrade is properly balanced with future Commonwealth purchases, and reaffirmed his strong support for irrigation modernisation in the region.
NVIRP CEO Murray Smith was very pleased with the response generated from the field day.
"It was great day, where farmers were also able to talk to others about what irrigation delivery options they were planning on their farms." Mr Smith said.
"Farmers were keen to look at and discuss options that they could integrate on their farm to achieve water efficiencies with the modern irrigation system."
The future is looking bright, Mr Smith assures, for irrigators in the area.
C0-hosts Mr Padman and Ms Buck were equallly ecstatic with the results from the events.
"Its bloody magnificent," Mr Padman said.
"If we achieved nothing else we were able to motivate a large group of farmers to give them hope for the future in these challenging times."

Fast Flow on Show
Sponsors of the field day were MISG, Padman Stops and NVIRP.
Country News June 1 2009
Photo: John Padman explains the "Fast Watering" technique to farmers and the Premier John Brumby
By Geoff Adams
Was it the fast-flowing stream or just seeing that much water in a drought that kept more than 100 farmers transfixed at the field day demonstration?
They watched while irrigation equiptment manufacturer John Padman and farmer Laurel Boaz turned on the stream through a 45cm pipe in a big 2.8ha bay on the katunga dairy farm.
After about 10 minutes the crowd dispursed and returned to the house yard for lunch. By the time they had finished the sausages and hamburges, the bay was finished.
it was a practical demonstration of what can be done with fast-flow irrigation.
farm owner Bill Gread has built almost a kilometre of new cannels on the 160ha farm in Spences Rd, with about 300m lined with white rock to reduce seepage and weed growth.
Mr Gread has ploughed hundreds of thousands of dollars into the formerly neglected property during the past two years,intending to see how well the fast-flow principals worked.
Northern Victoria Irrigation Renewal Project, which jointly sponsored the day, has commissioned a study into the performance of the novel channel lining, developed by district farmers and installed by contractor Peter Hendy.
Murray Valley modernisation co-ordinator Colin James told the group about 25per cent of the areas channels and regulators could be retired, saving millions of dollars while improving services to irrigators.
He said projects so far had saved about 3.2GL of water, with 34km of channels rationalised.
Northern Victorian Irrigators chairman Dudley Bryant encouraged farmers to look at modernisation as part of a big picture, upgrading the channel systems as well as opportunities for onfarm development, leading to a more sustainable irrigation industry.
New lessees of the farm, Laurel Boaz and Rod Thomson, have moved to Victoria from Gatton in Queensland to take over the farm.
They expect to have the dairy ready to go this week, and intend to milk about 400 cows on the property using maize and lucerne silage and grazing on ryegrass and clover.
Premier John Brumby made a surprise visit to the field day.
He arrived without the usual media pack, and disappeared among the farmers.
He told farmers in a short address he'd been in talks with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd over how to find more on-farm efficiency works that eventually made it into the federal budget.
He said the $300 million was released for on-farm upgrades, and the bulk of that would come to this area and be linked with modernisation.
Asked why he came to Katunga, Mr Brumby said he'd been keen to see Mr Padman's technology and to talk to some of the farmers about the issues he had been discussing with the prime minister.

Farm walk shows great water saving results

Red Gum Courier Nathalia and District 24th April 2009

The Murray Irrigators Support Group held a farm walk on Wednesday 8th April
Photo: Mark and Moniques Bryant.
Mark and Monique Bryant are to be congratulated on the amazing results they have achieved on their Kaarimba property.
30 farmers from around the region took the 1 hour farm walk of the shaftal and rye paddocks where an innovative watering regime proves you can save water and increase feed produced.
Mark explained how he used the fast watering technique and the advice from his agronomist, to always do a second watering four days after the first watering, no matter what! "I can't emphasise how important that piece of advice was to our result. After sowing the rye and shaftal on the 2nd of march, then grazing it on the 23rd and again on the 5th of April the rye being approx 22cm an excellent result, the keys to success being the second watering four days after the first and the Padman Stops. From last year's results Mark has cut his watering time in half from 24 hours to 12 hours per 8 hectares, and he was so happy with the results he stopped measuring at 12 tonns of feed per hectare using 4.2 megs of water.
John Padman, Padman Stops explained how the Padman Stop and the fast watering technique are tools for the farmers to use to improve productivity and congratulated Mark and monique on their results, he also added it was great to see so many young farmers attend the farm walk.
John said "this was the perfect example of what fast watering is all about getting far better results doing two to three fast waterings with the same amount of water as one slow watering. The MISG will be looking at doing further farm walks every 4-6 weeks, for further information or to be added to the mailing list contact Wendy Buck at info@misg.com.au or 03 5874 5282.

Farm walk shows remarkable results

Photo: Local farmers & Mark and Monique Bryant in the shaftal and rye farm walk.
April 15, 2009 - Numurkah Leader

THE Murray Irrigators Support Group (MISG) held the first in a series of farm walks last Wednesday, visiting a Kaarimba farm where detailed planning and new technology have achieved incredible results.

Farmers Mark and Monique Bryant opened their farm gate to 30 participants from around the region, and took them on a tour of their shaftal and rye paddocks, where an innovative watering regime has allowed them to not only save water, but also to increase the amount of feed they are able to produce.

"I used a fast watering technique and followed advice from my agronomist to do a second watering four days after the first, no matter what," Mark explained.

"I can't emphasise how important that piece of advice was to our result. After sowing the paddock on March 2, and doing a total of four waterings, we had 230 cows in here grazing on March 23 and the rye today is about nine inches high."

By "fast watering" using Padman Stops, Mark said he had cut his watering time in half - down from 24 hours for eight hectares, to 12 hours.

"I've halved my water consumption, and last year still managed to produce more than 12 tonnes of feed to one hectare of land and 4.2 megalitres of water," he explained.

Managing Director of Padman Stops, John Padman, who was on site to explain how the technology worked, said he was astounded by the amount of feed Mark and Monique had managed to produce.

"This is a perfect example of what fast watering is all about. You'll get far better results doing two or three fast waterings than you would with one slow watering with the same amount of water," he said.

"Mark and Monique are two young farmers who are looking at improving their output by taking up new technologies, and that's something we've all got to look at if we're to survive these hard times."

"We can't do the same thing we did five or 10 years ago - we have to work to get these sort of exceptional results if we're to survive into the future."

The MISG will hold a farm walk in the local region every month. For further information on these walks, or to add your name to their mailing list phone Wendy Buck on 5874 5282.

High yields achieved
Whats New on the Farm
Cobram Courier April 15, 2009
Photo A great yield: Tatura DPI senior irrigation officer Chelsea Nicholson measures the shaftal and rye with John Padman.
The Murray Irrigators Support Group held a farm walk on Wednesday 8th April at Mark and Moniques Bryant's.
Mark and Monique Bryant are to be congratulated on the amazing results they have achieved on their Kaarimba property.
About 30 farmers from around the region took the 1 hour farm walk of the shaftal and rye paddocks where an innovative watering regime proves you can save water and increase feed produced.
Mark explained how he used the fast watering technique and the advice from his agronomist, to always do a second watering four days after the first watering, no matter what!
"I can't emphasise how important that piece of advice was to our result,"
"After sowing the rye and shaftal on the 2nd of march, then grazing it on the 23rd and again on the 5th of April the rye being approx 22cm an excellent result.
The key is the second watering four days after the first and the Padman Stops."
Mark has cut his watering time in half from 24 hours to 12 hours per 8 hectares, and he was so happy with the results he stopped measuring at 12 tonns of feed per hectare using 4.2 megs of water.
John Padman, from Padman Stops explained how the Padman Stop and the fast watering technique are tools for the farmers to use to improve productivity and congratulated Mark and monique on their results, he also added it was encouraging to see young farming families achieving such positive results.
"This was the perfect example of what fast watering is all about getting far better results doing two to three fast waterings with the same amount of water as one slow watering," Mr Padman said. The MISG will be looking at doing further farm walks every 4-6 weeks.
For further information or to be added to the mailing list phone Wendy Buck on 5874 5282 or email at info@misg.com.au

Farmers changing with climate

farmers Changing with climate
April 1, 2009 - MIL
Photo: Farmers look on at the Padman Stops Field Day.
District farmers had the chance to tell the government what innovative approaches and techniques they have implemented or believe should be implemented to improve productivity at a forum and field day at Strathmerton in March.

The public forum at the Strathmerton Bowling Club and later the trial site at Padman Stops, was in response to a new inquiry by the House of Representatives standing committee on primary industry and resources into adapting farming practices in a new climate.

Farmers are concerned about the future of their industry and are seeing dramatic changes in the climate.

This was the farmers' chance to tell the government what innovative approaches and techniques they have implemented or believe should be implemented to improve productivity.

About 45 people attended the day, which was organised by the Murray Irrigators Support Group and Padman Stops.

The Murray Irrigators Support Group was formed in response to grant opportunities, where farmers can come together to take advantage of collectively pooling recourses with government bodies, council and expert grant writers.

The group is a network where farmers can trial innovative approaches to farming and gain support from each other and other organisations.

At the forum and field day, the first speaker was Water Technology Cluster manager Bruce Cumming.

Green Grant called for.
Farming Extra April 2009.
Photo: Wendy Buck and Darryl Lukie.
An information and field day held in Strathmerton last week has led to a submission being put to the Victorian Government for a "green" grant.
Murray Irrigators and Padman Stops hosted the information day at the Strathmerton Bowls Club last month followed by a field day at Padman Stops' trial site that afternoon.
Co-ordinator Wendy Buck said the result of this was a submission to the Government for a grant, so farmers could trial a more efficient watering system.
"We are putting a submission to the government on behalf of the farmers, so we can propose a $10,000.00 grant for each farmer to trial the low energy green irrigation," Ms Buck said.
"By using the Padman Stops, it's faster, low energy watering, it's carbon plus so its better for the enviroment.
"We are proposing this grant so farmers can afford to trial the system on their farms."
The submission was put to the government recently.
Also included in the submission would be the opportunity for farmers to be included in soil moisture monitoring program, currently being undertaken by the Department of Primary Industries.
The day was attended by about 30 farmers and included a series of guest speakers.

Forum yields innovative results
Numurkah Leader March 11 2009
Photo: Wendy Buck and Garry Flannigan.
A local forum and field day delving into techniques to help farmers adapt to climate change has driven the forum organisers to prepare a submission to a Federal Government inquiry on the subject.
About 30 farmers from around the region attended the Adapting Farming Practices in a Changing Climate forum and field day in Strathmerton last wednesday, which was organised by the Strathmerton-based Murray Irrigators Support Group (MISG).
MISG member and managing director of Padman Stops, John Padman said he was pleased to see local farmers take the opportunity to contribute to the forum.
"It was a worthwhile day, with a diverse bunch of people bringing with them stories and ideas about what techniques they have implemented, and would like to implement to cope with the changing climate," he said.
"The MISG will now take these ideas and comments to government, and will prepare a submission proposing that the government make available to farmers a $10,000.00 grant, which will assist them with the implementation of innovative techniquesto help them increase their productivity in a hotter, drier climate."
The forum was also addressed by several guest speakers including manager of the state government-supported Water Cluster Committee, Bruce Cumming; Echuca based Department of Primary Industries representative Brian Holmes, and Federal Member for Murray Dr Sharman Stone.
The group of forum participants spent the afternoon touring an irrigation site at Padman Stops where John has been performing trials in "Fast Watering", a project which last year won him the national Savewater! award in the regional/rural category.

Irrigators seek green grant

Demonstration: Farmers attend the Padman Stops trial site.
March 11, 2009 - Cobram Courier
Photo: Farmers at the Padman Stops field day test stop.
An information and field day held in Strathmerton last week has led to a submission being put to the State Government for a `green' grant.
Murray Irrigators and Padman Stops hosted the information day at the Strathmerton Bowls Club on Wednesday, followed by a field day at Padman Stops' trial site that afternoon.

Co-ordinator Wendy Buck said the result of this was a submission to the government for a grant so farmers could trial a more efficient watering system.

"We are putting a submission to the government on behalf of farmers, so we can propose a $10 000 grant for each farmer to trial the low energy green irrigation," Ms Buck said.

"By using the Padman Stops, it's faster, low energy watering, it's carbon plus so it's better for the environment.

"We are proposing this grant so farmers can afford to trial the system on their farms," Ms Buck said.

She said the submission would be put to government by March 20.

Also included in the submission would be the opportunity for farmers to be included in a soil moisture monitoring program, currently being undertaken by the Department of Primary Industries.

The day was attended by around 30 farmers and included a series of guest speakers.

Water project group formed
New logo for MISG
November 5, 2008 - Numurkah Leader

FARMERS from around Moira Shire have been working in conjunction with council and John Padman of Padman Stops to form a support group for local innovative water projects.

Strathmerton woman Wendy Buck, facilitator of the new Murray Valley Fast Watering System Support Group, said the group was established as a means of encouraging local farmers to undertake new water saving projects, and attracting funds to support these projects.

“John Padman and his business Padman Stops has been undertaking a Fast Watering Project, which is quite revolutionary for local farmers, so we’ve formed this group based on his project,” Wendy said.

“The group aims to produce feed with less water, and understand the impact of on-farm physical factors and on-farm management factors on the effective use of fast irrigation applications.”

Wendy said the group would also work towards submitting grant applications for funds to help it pursue water saving projects.

“Landcare and Woolworths make grants of $5500 available for innovative water saving project, and have invited farmers to submit grant applications, so we decided the group would also use the expertise of the council business development and community development teams to work on our applications.”

Forum Empowers
Photo: Wendy Buck and John Padman
The Murray Irrigators Support Group is proposing proposing the Federal Government offer $10,000.00 to farmers, to upgrade their farming practices to better deal with climate change.
The group will be holding a public forum and field day on March 4 to discuss a submission an is encouraging all farmers to attend.
Farmers will be able to gather information from Moira Shire business development and community development teams, a grant officer, water technologies cluster manager Bruce Cumming and Federal Member for Murray Sharman Stone.
Facilitator Wendy Buck said there would also be a visit to a trial irrigation site at Padman Stops' Strathmerton factory.
"Its hoped grants sourced will help farmers to trial innovative techniques to improve productivity," Ms Buck said.
"By participating in these trials, documenting the water savings, sharing the results with other farmers and institutions, many others may benefit form these innovative irrigation solutions."
The support group was formed last year.
The day will be held at the Strathmerton Bowls Club on March 4 from 10am. Lunch will be provided but RSVPs are required.
For more information phone 5874 5282