Sustainability a key topic at 2018 Irrigation Australia Conference & Exhibition

Water — whether it’s for growing food and fibre, on recreational venues or for environmental use, irrigators have an important role regarding sustainability. The 2018 Irrigation Australia International Conference & Exhibition will showcase the latest solutions, technologies and knowledge to help irrigators use water sustainably and responsibly.

The largest irrigation event in the Southern Hemisphere, the theme for this year’s conference is ‘Addressing the Big Issues’, and will look at five key topics: issues for Australia, future planning, agriculture, turf and landscape, and international matters, with myriad subtopics under those.

Irrigation Australia’s CEO, Bryan Ward, said: “This is the only event in Australia solely dedicated to advancing and promoting the entire irrigation industry value chain, presenting issues both relating to and impacting on irrigation in this country. The event brings together the irrigation industry’s full ambit, from researchers and scientists to manufacturers, retailers, installers, designers and end users.

“As well as the conference’s five key topics, the entire event will highlight and showcase information and solutions around sustainability, energy-efficient irrigation, the future, rainwater harvesting, technology, productivity, education, and government and policy.

“Irrigation Australia has a responsibility to ensure that education on sustainability and caring for the environment are among our priorities. To this end, there will be many exhibitors and presentations on this area.

“We will also have a series of free-to-attend workshops on offer. These will cover a broad range of areas and are an excellent way for irrigators to keep themselves informed of issues.”

Alongside the free exhibition and workshops, the conference will have with more than 80 local and international speakers. “Once again, we have an outstanding line-up of global leaders in their fields, stretching from research through to commerce, who will share their expertise on irrigation.”

Speakers in the sustainability field include:

• Dr Chantal Donnelly, Head of the Bureau of Meteorology’s Water Resource Modelling, ‘How can weather, water and climate data contribute to irrigation decision making?’
• Michael Renehan, of Murray Irrigation Ltd, ‘Murray Irrigation: kicking environmental goals with our irrigation network’
• Prof Peter Coombes, Director of Urban Water Cycle Solutions, ‘Rainwater harvesting, urban residential design specification’

“And because we see training and education vital for the modern, constantly changing workforce, Irrigation Australia’s National Training, Certification and Marketing Manager, Geoff Harvey, will also talk about certification and training,” said Ward.

“The Irrigation Australia International Conference & Exhibition has a proud history and reputation for delivering a quality program across a very diverse industry. We encourage all those involved in the irrigation, in their many capacities, to take advantage of the opportunity to keep up with the latest knowledge and solutions.”

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What: 2018 Irrigation Australia International Conference and Exhibition

When: 13–15 June

Where: International Convention Centre, Sydney

Exhibition entry: free

Conference early-bird rates end: 20 April

To register: visit http://iaice.com.au