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Three people standing in large grass covered farmland looking at each other with trees in the background.

Celebrating a 25-year pivot towards a sustainable farming future

  • Context: Regional
  • 2000 onwards

West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is celebrating over 25 years of its sustainable irrigation program and the long-term partnerships that have been central to its success.

The joint initiative between the CMA, Agriculture Victoria and local farmers has resulted in a remarkable transformation of irrigated land and water use across central Gippsland.

Since launching in 2000, the successful program has delivered over 1,200 irrigation improvement projects in the Macalister Irrigation District (MID) and across the Lake Wellington Catchment – home to important river systems like Durt’Yowan (Latrobe), Wirn wirndook Yeerung (Macalister) and Avon rivers.

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The Sustainable Irrigation Program is a part of the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action Sustainable Irrigation Program, implemented in Gippsland by Agriculture Victoria and the West Gippsland CMA.

“The CMA is incredibly proud to celebrate over two decades of effort to reduce the environmental impact of irrigation by keeping water and nutrients on farm and out of local waterways that flow into the Gippsland Lakes.”
– Martin Fuller, CEO West Gippsland CMA

“Thanks to the sustained, collective efforts of farmers, agencies and local irrigation communities, we’re now seeing a total of 47 gigalitres of water worth $85 million dollars being saved every year.  That’s a huge financial benefit for irrigators and a boost to water security for the region’s agricultural industry,” said CEO of West Gippsland CMA, Martin Fuller.

And the results speak for themselves, with over 46 gigalitres of nutrient rich water carrying an estimated 23 tonnes of phosphorus being retained on farm every year for the benefit of soil health and pasture productivity. This reduces the need to buy-in synthetic fertilisers all while protecting surrounding waterways from run-off. “A classic win-win” Anthony points out.

During 2024-25, 14 irrigation projects covering an area of 375 hectares were delivered, providing estimated water savings of over 730 megalitres and reducing phosphorous load by approximately 190 kilograms per year.

Watch the video about the program.

Read more here.

Dairy cows in a fenced paddock with buildings and a range in the background.
West Gippsland CMA, sustainable agriculture irrigation and farming, VIC.
Large group of people standing on an open grassy field with trees on the horizon in the distant horizon.
West Gippsland CMA, irrigation forum, VIC.
Three people talking standing in a field holding pivot irrigation hoses.
West Gippsland CMA, sustainable agriculture irrigation and farming, VIC.
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