4.1.1.5 - What catchment issues do I need to consider?
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In addition to the irrigation requirements of the site there are a number of off-farm issues that have to be considered before irrigation development can commence. These issues are discussed in Step 2.2.11. Further information relevant to border-check irrigation is given here:
- Earthworks – Border-check irrigation development typically involves significant earthworks that require a local government planning permit. These permits ensure that regional drainage is not restricted or significantly changed by the proposed works, potentially impacting upon others. To avoid having to apply for a planning permit every time you want to implement part of your whole farm plan, your council can certify the Whole Farm Plan, and you can implement it over several years. For more information, contact your local DPI office.
- Remnant vegetation – A local government planning permit is required to remove remnant native vegetation. This isn’t automatic – in some cases a permit may not be given. If a permit is issued, it is likely that a condition of the permit will be to plant “compensatory” plantings of suitable species. For more information, contact your council or the Benalla or Bendigo DSE office.
With border-check irrigation it is often possible to develop the area while leaving valuable stands of remnant vegetation intact. However, for trees within the irrigated area (grey box in particular), water needs to be kept away from at least the area within the drip line of the trees; otherwise they are likely to die as a result of waterlogging.
- Farm dams – Drainage reuse storages are an important component of border-check irrigation systems. New drainage reuse or irrigation storages must comply with the Victorian farm dams legislation.
- Typically, you can have up to one megalitre of storage capacity for each 10 ha of irrigated land. If you want to store more than this, you need to provide water entitlement, either by purchasing water or by transferring some of your existing water entitlement. For more information, contact your local Rural Water Authority office.
