A University research team interviewed RIT irrigators last year about their views on the water market, water security, viability of their crops and the long term outlook for horticulture production in the Renmark Irrigation District

The research revealed high levels of uncertainty amongst irrigators regarding their future viability, including unintended consequences from the water market, the role of water brokers, and the environmental viability of the river system.

The lead investigator Guy Robinson presented the findings at the International Geographical Union Congress in Paris last year at the Societe de Geographie building (see photo)

A free copy of the research article – Managing water for environmental provision and horticultural production in South Australia’s Riverland can be downloaded here

Have you lived in Renmark or Loxton for the last 15 years?

If so, your views on how environmental and water policy changes have affected you are needed by a research team from La Trobe University.

If you want to be involved please contact Dr Heather Downey, Chief Investigator – email: H.Downey@latrobe.edu.au

More information can be found here

Commissioner Joanne Chong is coming to Renmark on June 29 for a  public forum on the Murray-Darling Basin Plan Review. This forum is a chance for community members to share their thoughts and experiences, learn about the review, and contribute to shaping the future of the Basin Plan.

DATE: 29 June 10.30am -12pm

PLACE: Hotel Renmark

Register now to attend: https://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/current/basin-plan-2023/public-forums

All irrigators and other customers of the Renmark Irrigation Trust are advised that the Trust will cease pumping water at the Main Pumping Station at 9pm on Sunday 14 May 2023.

Water supply will be restored by approximately 11.59pm on Friday 19 May 2023.

The annual shutdown enables planned preventative maintenance and other works which cannot be carried out while normal pumping is in progress.

Domestic and industrial water users should maintain storage capable of holding up to 7 days water supply at all times.

Renmark Irrigation Trust was the Council responsible for rebuilding the irrigation settlement in Renmark after the 1956 Flood. It was a momentous task. The costs involved in reconstructing roads, relocating flood levees, rebuilding and reconnecting irrigation channels and blocks were overwhelming.

A panel of Renmark residents spoke on 3 May 2023 at Renmark Paringa Library about their memories of RIT’s role in the reconstruction, and how families rebuilt their lives.  

Panel: Max Burr – Clack John – Ian Tolley

More information about the event can be found here

A video of the event can be found here

The recent flood in the Murray Darling Basin has meant that the River Murray storages are at very high levels. They are at 89 per cent capacity, which is 50 per cent above the long-term average for the end of March.

There has also been a boost to the water which has been available for the environment. Some floodplains have received water for the first time since the 1956 flood.

These factors mean that River Murray irrigators will be able to access 100 percent of their allocation in 2023-24

The Trust office will be closed for Easter from 5pm today, 6 April until 8.30am Tuesday 11 April.

For emergencies please ring (08) 8586 6050

Water orders are available between 8.30am and 10.30am. Please ring (08) 8586 6050

Have a safe and happy Easter

Work is being carried out over the Summer to install batteries in the area adjacent to the office at the Main Pump Station.

The batteries will improve the stability and reliability of the electricity supply grid in the local area, and provide an additional income stream to RIT.

RIT is working in partnership with Enel-X on the project.

Greenwood Solutions have been engaged to do the installation work.

Have a look at progress so far!

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7036918909085618176

This news item from SA Power Networks updates information which we posted on 23 January

SA Power Networks’ has recently published a fact sheet which details the steps for customers to take to have their power supply reconnected.

Please click here for the ‘SA Power Networks – Reconnecting Power after Flooding Fact Sheet’ as well as further information about the process involved in restoring power.

The high waters have brought an unwanted guest downstream—a class 1 noxious species of fish called the oriental weatherloach.  These small creatures have been causing havoc in upstream irrigation systems (first 2 left photos) and are now being found in our pipeline network, grower’s filters and domestic meters (third right photo). We have been advised their numbers will reduce as the water recedes. Please maintain your filters regularly.

The above 2 photos on the left are courtesy of Western Murray Irrigation, the third photo on the right is courtesy of RIT field staff.

Further details can be found on the PIRSA website:

https://pir.sa.gov.au/recreational_fishing/rules/species_limits/pest_profile/oriental_weatherloach