WATER SECURITY DAF APPLETHORPE
It was a pleasure to join in with the growers from the local Granite Belt region last night for an information session hosted by DAF Applethorpe followed by drinks and a BBQ. An interesting mix of speakers covering relevant topics including one from the Mayor for SDRC, Tracy Dobie, on water security for the region.
While the climate outlook for rain presented by the guys from DTN is not looking great, it is important to remain optimistic as these outlooks are based on computer modelling and nature being nature can throw up a few surprises.
Netpro Support Options
An integral part of the Granite Belt region and horticultural industry, NetPro looks forward to continuing to support the growers in our region and the Granite Belt Growers Association (GBGA) in its’ efforts to do what can be done to advocate for improved water security and farming practices for the region.
Success Stories
Golden Valley Orchards
In 2003, Golden Valley Orchards were offered the opportunity to work with the NCEA (National Centre for Engineering in Agriculture) and NetPro Pty Ltd on a research project evaluating the effectiveness of (among others) NetPro’s dam-covers.
Renato says of his first impressions of the idea: “Evaporation is a pretty big problem – I thought it was definitely a good idea. The only problem was the expense: the cover cost two hundred thousand but we received a subsidy of eighty thousand.”
The dam in question is the main dam for Golden Valley Orchards, holding some twenty-five million gallons (133ML), has a surface area of eight acres (3.3ha). The Golden Valley Orchards extend over 200 acres (83ha), irrigated from this dam and a couple of other smaller dams.
The dam cover was completed by November 2003. Five years down the track, Renato says “We are very happy with it (the cover). It reduces evaporation losses by over 90%, so you could say there was hardly any evaporation.” This is tribute indeed, for according to the Bureau of Meteorology maps, the Stanthorpe region’s average annual evaporation is higher than its average annual rainfall (evaporation 1600mm/year; rainfall 1000mm/year).
The net outcome for Golden Valley Orchards is “we have saved so much water that it’s made a difference between having enough water and not”, says Renato. He continues: “What do we lose here? Over meter a year? Look at that over four years: four meters over the surface area of the dam … that’s a lot of water!”
The original trial results have been reported by NCEA in 2005. An abridged copy of the report is available in our Support section.