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

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

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

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

SA Power Networks has a dedicated website for customers who have lost power during the River Murray Floods.

The main points are:

If the property has been damaged/inundated the owner will need to contact an electrician to obtain a certificate of compliance and contact their retailer to raise a service request so that SA Power Networks can then reconnect electricity supply. Right now, if they haven’t already done so, customers should:

1. Keep up to date with SASES alerts and warnings
2. Visit sa.gov.au/floods for the latest information, including registering for a clean-up/structural assessment
3. Register for SA Power Networks’ free SMS/Email notification service
4. Look at the factsheet (power reconnection process overview) published by SA Power Networks

There will also be a pop up hub on the river front next to the Renmark Club on 31 January where you can ask any questions regarding the reconnection of power.

If you have been impacted by the high river event, government support is available. Visit the below link for more information.

https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/emergencies-and-safety/river-murray-flood/financial-assistance

The Members, Board and Staff of the Renmark Irrigation Trust were saddened by the recent passing of Don Tripney.

Don began working for the Trust on 8 February 1954 as a trainee channelman in the days when channelmen were an important link between the Trust and Irrigators. In 1955 Don was offered a vacancy on the clerical staff and began working as a rates clerk.

One of his jobs in the 1956 flood was to monitor what was happening in the Trust basement. One Friday night he noticed that there were cracks in the floor and damp patches so he was told to shift documents to a higher level. There was about a metre of water in the basement which soaked up the walls. Unfortunately, the documents were leaning against the wall and became water logged.

With the recent high waters, staff were once again on basement watch but this time all documents were moved offsite.

In 1966 Don was appointed secretary of the Trust and in 1983 he was appointed as the first secretary manager. Don retired from the Trust on 7 July 1990. Don continued to be invaluable to the Trust following his retirement and was always happy to share his knowledge and stories.

We were pleased to see Don in early December to celebrate the Main Pumping Station’s 50th birthday. He thoroughly enjoyed the tour and the afternoon tea!

The peak of the flood has now passed Mildura and is expected in Renmark next week. Today, Monday, 19 December 2022, the Trust’s main pumping station is operating at 2.6m above the normal Lock 5 weir pool level. The forecast rise in the river is within the main pumping station’s operational capacity.

Trust staff will continue to monitor operations closely during the holiday period.

The continuity of power supply is of concern to all communities along the river in South Australia. However, through advocacy and liaison, the main pumping station’s power supply risk has been mitigated by:

• the reduction in the “safety” margin of power lines over water from 4.7 to 3.7m;
• the introduction of boating exclusion zones;
• the state government 250GL secondary levy bank around the Renmark sub-station; and
• confirmation of SAPN’s ability to isolate and re-route the power supply.

Organic matter in the water remains high – please check and clean your filters regularly. Our Water Service Managers are available throughout the holiday period (8586 6050)

(Photo credit: Riverland Commercial Photography)