PLANNING FOR FUTURE IRRIGATION LANDSCAPES

摘要

In the north of the state of Victoria (Australia), irrigation of agricultural crops accounts for 70%rnof total annual water use. These irrigation communities are concerned about the sustainabilityrnand efficiency of irrigation infrastructure, and the ability of existing infrastructure to meet thernneeds of future irrigation businesses. At the same time, the broader community is seeking arngreater range of services from available water supplies for urban consumption and increasedrnwater allocations to improve river and stream health.rnTo address this crisis in Victoria, a partnership approach has been adopted to support strategicrnplanning initiatives. The partnerships include representatives from: the irrigation community,rncatchment management authorities, the Victorian State Government and rural water authorities.rnInnovative approaches have been developed and adopted to enable irrigation communities tornimprove water management practices and to formulate sustainable management options forrnfuture irrigation landscapes. The approaches have challenged established cultural, environmental,rnsocial and economic values and presented both threats and opportunities for irrigationrncommunities and river environments.rnThis paper will discuss three planning initiatives for future irrigation landscapes:rn(1) a regional pilot landscape change project,(2) State Government Legislative reform, (3) therndevelopment of reconfiguration plans. Goulburn Murray Water Authority (GMW), in northernrnVictoria, has offered support and leadership for these initiatives.