Wildlife preservation in the pipeline for Wimmera water scheme

Press release from MS SUSSAN LEY MP & MR JOHN FORREST MP

Rural water will increasingly be delivered through pipes, rather than open channels. While this change will reduce water loss, it does have the potential to reduce water access for wildlife. Recent research has shown that including wildlife troughs can help in preserving biodiversity while improving efficiency through piped systems.

"Water and wildlife are two precious resources for rural Australia, and this research shows how both can be protected through commonsense planing," Federal Member for Mallee John Forrest said.

Mr Forrest was launching the report Bio-diversity in a Piped Rural Water System –Evaluating the impact of the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline on biodiversity on farms at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days in Horsham, Victoria. This report communicates the findings of a two-year study comparing wildlife access to water on farms in the Northern Mallee Pipeline region and on farms still receiving water from the channel system in the Wimmera and southern Mallee.

"The research shows that by including wildlife water troughs in the piped system, we can enhance the biodiversity value of woodlands and provide a habitat for all water-dependent fauna," Mr Forrest said.

The project, funded by Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC), was managed by Birchip Cropping Group, and supported by CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, the Wimmera, North Central and Mallee Catchment Management Authorities, and GWM Water.

"The research will assist land owners in managing water resources on their farms. It provides information on the biodiversity values of on-farm watering points and an effective strategy to maintain and improve the wildlife values on farms through the use of purpose-built water troughs," Mr Forrest said

Sussan Ley, the Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry, said that the research is a good example of collaboration between Australian farmers and Government in providing tangible results for the rural sector.

"The Birchip Cropping Group has earned a reputation throughout Australia and the world for its positive, forward-thinking approach to agriculture," Ms Ley said.

"Like the Birchip Cropping Group, RIRDC represents the interests of the rural sector, and has a strong track record in investing in innovation that allows Australian farming to become more sustainable, more profitable, more productive." Ms Ley said.

Bio-diversity in a Piped Rural Water System – Evaluating the impact of the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline on biodiversity on farms is available from RIRDC. For more details visit http://www.rirdc.gov.au/ or call (02) 6272 4819.

Find out more about the Diversity in a Piped System project.