Call for papers now open for 2018 Irrigation Australia conference

The 2018 Irrigation Australia International Conference, to be held from 13–15 June at ICC Sydney, has opened its call for papers.

According to Irrigation Australia CEO Bryan Ward, the conference theme of ‘Addressing the Big Issues’ will focus on topics such as energy provision and affordability, urban water policy and reform, infrastructure development and drought-management strategies. The Abstract Review Panel is looking for submissions that reflect these topics, Ward said, though it will consider all abstracts submitted.

Ward encourages people to submit original papers addressing these big issues through solutions, research, innovative product insights, technology advances and industry case studies. Presentations can be oral seminars, workshops, panel discussions or posters. As a guide, Ward has outlined several subtopics for the event:

• Agriculture: new technologies, wastewater and reclaimed water, micro-irrigation, drought and salinity management, water rights, transfers and mitigation, and site-specific irrigation and precision agriculture.
• Turf and landscape: sports turf, alternative water resources, flow-sensing and water management, auditing and scheduling, low-impact development irrigation, plant factors and the landscaper’s role.
• Key national areas: the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, National Water Infrastructure Development, urban water policy and reform, developing Northern Australia and Tasmania-specific issues.
• Future planning: issues surrounding supply and demand, energy affordability, sustainability and education and training.
• International matters: case studies, research and innovative projects.

“The conference audience will be diverse, covering every aspect of Australia’s irrigation industry,” said Ward. “We are looking for concise, informative abstracts, so the committee can properly understand what the paper offers.”

Ward also revealed some of the keynote speakers who have recently been announced for the event:

• Matthew Warren, Chief Executive of the Australian Energy Council.
• Phillip Glyde, Chief Executive of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority.
• Dr Julian Cribb, science writer, who will be speaking about technology trends in food and agriculture.

“This event brings together irrigators, suppliers, equipment manufacturers, researchers, water supply organisations, advisors, government officials and policymakers from across the rural and urban irrigation industries,” said Ali Mead, event director with conference organiser Exhibitions and Trade Fairs (ETF).

“It’s an opportunity for key people and companies who are committed to this important industry’s future to showcase their knowledge, solutions, products and services. I encourage people to submit their abstract for consideration.”

The closing date to submit abstracts is 27 October, with successful applicants set to be notified on 17 November. For more information on guidelines, and to submit abstracts via the portal, visit http://iaice.com.au/abstracts-submission-guidelines/.