Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Newry farmer, James Clyne thrives with modernised irrigation with enhanced efficiency, more family time, and future goalsDairy farmer James Clyne, once burdened by outdated irrigation, now enjoys modernisation benefits. With automated systems and efficient water use, he has more family time and future goals, including a robotic dairy. By news@gippsland - 22nd July 2024 - Back to News Dairy farmer James Clyne cuts a different figure now to when we spoke to him last winter when the Newry pipeline was being installed. He's got a spring in his step because modernisation is making a big difference to his quality of life. Today, he's enjoying more time with his family and is starting to think about new goals for the future. 
Newry dairy farmer James Clyne now enjoys modernised, automated irrigation, gaining efficiency, more family time, and new goals like a robotic dairy Modernization boosts efficiencyJames owns and manages a 320-hectare high input dairy and milks around 1,000 cows in the Macalister Irrigation District. He's one of nearly 30 farmers to benefit from improved farming efficiencies and water savings thanks to the modern pipeline we built in Newry. These works were part of Phase 2 of the Macalister Irrigation District 2030 modernisation program (MID2030). It's been a massive effort installing the modern irrigation infrastructure that's replaced the old open channels on his farm, but he believes it's worth it. Over the 11-month project period, he installed 172 automated pipe and riser outlets - which almost covers the whole farm - and merged 23 outlets into seven. He said irrigation is now more consistent, and 90 percent is fully automated on the farm. And it's delivered other big benefits too. Efficiency through modernizationFor James, the time and labour saved through modernisation is game-changing and means he can spend more time with his kids. "The open channels have been decommissioned so I don't have to maintain and keep them clear of weeds anymore, and the reclaimed land will become grazing country when it's recovered. In the old days, if I had to irrigate the whole farm, it took four days flat out. Now I just check it twice a day to make sure everything's running smoothly," he said. With automation complete on the Southern Rural Water irrigation system too James says he can order water much easier. "I can order water with 24 hours' notice, and as long as the system accepts it, can plug it into my automated system and I literally don't think about it again until it's done. Holidays in the irrigation season are now possible because I can run my automated system from my phone and easily order and cancel water with less notice online." James is already realising irrigation efficiencies and says the water savings will be particularly valuable in tough years. "On the heifer and home farm blocks, usage was about 1 megalitre per hectare under the previous system. It's now at 0.5 and 0.7 megalitres per hectare respectively. These savings mean that with our 100 percent high reliability water shares, we can do at least one more irrigation of the whole farm in spring or summer," he said. Pipeline modernization successfulThe pipeline went through the middle of his farm, and he said the good working relationship between him, Southern Rural Water and works contractors ensured a good modernisation outcome. "The works took a significant portion of my land out of production which was challenging. However, we worked as partners and negotiations to find ways to help each other were always cordial and good will was shown by all parties involved." Productivity hasn't increased just yet, but James is confident that it's in the pipeline. "Even though the work footprint was relatively small, I needed to remove whole paddocks from the rotation. Right now, around seven kilometres of decommissioned open irrigation channels that have been reclaimed are recovering and will be returned to grazing. When those 20 hectares are back online, I'm confident productivity will go up," he said. With the Newry pipeline complete, James is optimistic about the future and is starting to make plans for further investments. "We know it's likely to be hotter and drier in the future but I'm confident modernisation makes us more drought resilient and able to run a sustainable farm business. I'm now focused on automating the remaining 10 percent of the farm with pipe and riser outlets and I'm starting to think about the possibility of a robotic dairy too," he said. Modernise irrigation systemsJames loves working in the diary sector and says continuing to modernise irrigation infrastructure in the Macalister Irrigation District is crucial to the long-term success of the region. "Climate variability is the greatest challenge to long term viability of agriculture. We need to ensure we have the equipment and systems to save more water and deliver it to food producers as reliably and efficiently as possible," he said. For now, James is looking forward to the upcoming irrigation system and running a farm that delivers results and lets him take well-earned time out to relax with his family and friends. The modernisation was jointly funded by Southern Rural Water, the Australian Government through the National Water Grid Fund, and the Victorian government. Pictures from Southern Rural Water website.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
Related Articles- Gippsland farmers gain access to expanded Irrigation Farm Plan Incentives across Lake Wellington catchment
Gippsland farmers can now access expanded Irrigation Efficiency Incentives, covering up to 75% of farm plan costs, improving water efficiency, reducing nutrient losses, and supporting tailored upgrades across Lake Wellington Catchment. - Inverloch dairy farmer Mick Hughes highlights community collaboration survive South Gippsland's dry season challenges
Inverloch dairy farmer Mick Hughes credits collaboration with the Inverloch Cluster and local water authorities for navigating South Gippsland's recurring dry conditions and improving farm drought resilience. - Farmers warn Woolworths' green-and-gold Hillview butter misleads consumers and undercuts Australian dairy
Australian dairy farmers warn Woolworths' green-and-gold Hillview butter misleads consumers, undercuts local producers, and risks jobs, as imported US butter competes with declining domestic dairy production. - West Gippsland CMA invites dairy farmers to join effluent management project, expressions of interest open from 1-30 April 2026
South Gippsland dairy farmers can apply for funding from 1 April 2026 to improve effluent management, boost soil health, reduce river pollution, and implement sustainable farm practices with expert guidance. - Southern Rural Water supports South West Victorian farmers through groundwater access and the 'Farmer Helping Farmer' initiative
A section of the Main Northern Channel near Brewers Hill Road, Maffra, damaged by wombats, has been repaired. Water will return to full capacity, and normal delivery will resume tomorrow. - East Gippsland Water donates hay to support farmers through Lions Club ‘Need for Feed’ program
East Gippsland Water donated two semi loads of hay to support drought-affected farmers in Victoria’s south-west, demonstrating sustainability, community support, and its commitment to recycling and environmental stewardship. - David Littleproud urges Australians to support local farmers amid rising imported food and supermarket pressures
Nationals Leader David Littleproud urges Australians to buy local food as farmers face soaring costs, supermarket pressures, and rising imports, warning inaction threatens food security and the future of Australian agriculture. - Agriculture advisory committee supports East Gippsland farmers through collaboration and regional advocacy initiatives
The Agriculture Sector Advisory Committee advises on policies, programs, and partnerships to support East Gippsland farmers, addressing biosecurity, water security, pest management, and regional agricultural priorities for a resilient sector. - Southern Rural Water declares spill entitlement in MID, boosting farmers' allocations as Lake Glenmaggie nears capacity
Southern Rural Water has declared a spill for Macalister Irrigation District customers until 16 September, providing water above 100% allocation as Lake Glenmaggie nears capacity at 98% following strong winter inflows. - David Littleproud urges Labor to deliver interest-free loans as farmers voice urgent drought forum concerns
Nationals leader David Littleproud says the Drought Forum reinforced urgent calls for interest-free farm loans, urging Labor to act swiftly as farmers face worsening hardship, particularly in South Australia's dairy industry. - Albanese government criticised for unfair Australia-EU trade deal undermining farmers and dairy producers’ rights
The Albanese government’s Australia-EU trade deal is criticised for weak market access, unfair geographic restrictions, and disadvantageous Australian farmers, particularly dairy and red meat producers, according to industry leaders. - West Gippsland CMA celebrates 25 years of sustainable irrigation, transforming Gippsland farms, saving water and protecting local waterways
West Gippsland CMA's Sustainable Irrigation Program celebrates 25 years, with 1,200 projects saving 47 gigalitres annually, enhancing farm productivity, protecting waterways, and expanding beyond the Macalister Irrigation District. - Future of Orbost Project strengthens water access, supporting agricultural innovation and long-term regional growth
The Future of Orbost Project supports farmers by clarifying water availability, facilitating licence transfers, and building resilience, driving innovation, productivity, diversification, and sustainable long-term growth in East Gippsland. - Orbost Snowy River cycling thrives with East Gippsland Council Business Support Voucher Program and tailored mentoring
Orbost business Snowy River Cycling leveraged Council’s Business Support Voucher Program, receiving tailored mentoring that boosted growth, strategic planning, and access to the Forestry Transition Fund, enabling sustainable business expansion. - Buckley Park Community Farm receives $10,000 South Gippsland Water grant for irrigation, hothouse and sustainable food production upgrades
Buckley Park Community Farm received a $10,000 South Gippsland Water grant, funding irrigation upgrades, a chlorine filter, and a hothouse system to boost sustainability and local food production. - East Gippsland Council cuts planning approval times, boosting efficiency for residents, landowners, and businesses
East Gippsland Council has nearly halved planning permit approval times to 43 days, improving efficiency, reducing red tape, and supporting residents, landowners, and businesses with faster project approvals. - Gippsland faces sobering family violence rates during 16 Days of Activism Campaign, Danny O’Brien warns
Gippsland records some of Victoria’s highest family violence rates, says Danny O’Brien, urging community action during the 16 Days of Activism to promote respect, safety, and awareness across the region. - Darren Chester urges more fuel reduction to protect Victorian communities from bushfires
Darren Chester urged increased fuel reduction on Victorian public land, warning unmanaged forests worsen bushfires, and criticised the native timber industry shutdown while praising volunteers and community resilience. - Gippsland Water shares practical water-saving tips, family activities, sign-up at Wellington Sustainability Festival on 14 March 2026
Gippsland Water will share water-saving tips, family activities, and Sounding Board sign-ups at the Wellington Sustainability Festival, Saturday 14 March, at Nakunbalook Environmental and Cultural Education Centre, Sale - Free Gippsland workshop with Tony Evans on maximising dairy effluent through composting and sustainability
Gippsland dairy farmers are invited to a free workshop with Tony Evans on effluent management, exploring composting, fermentation, and biogas to boost sustainability, save money, and reduce reliance on external nutrients. - Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project begins, for safer, more accessible visitor experience from $9.6M shared investment
Work has begun on the $9.6 million Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project, delivering staged upgrades to create a safer, more accessible, pedestrian-friendly destination while supporting businesses and preserving Cowes' vibrant visitor appeal. - Wellington Early Years Expo returns, offering free family fun, services and play-based activities for young children on 30 April 2026
The 2026 Wellington Early Years Expo returns to the Gippsland Regional Sports Complex in Sale on Thursday 30 April inviting families to enjoy an afternoon of learning and connection for children aged 0–5 years. - Glenmaggie Dam needle valve 1 shutdown planned 18 March for expert refurbishment, ensuring reliable irrigation and environmental water supply
Glenmaggie Dam will shut down the Main Southern Channel on 18 March to remove and refurbish Needle Valve 1, ensuring reliable irrigation and environmental water flows for farms and the Macalister River. - Mitchell River fish habitat enhanced with log structures to support native species and recreational fishing opportunities
East Gippsland CMA is enhancing Mitchell River fish habitat with log structures, supporting native species like black bream, estuary perch, and Australian Bass, benefiting ecosystems and recreational fishing opportunities. - GPAC’s Summer Nights series brings free outdoor movies and family fun to Gippsland community on 13, 14, 21 February and 20 March 2026
GPAC’s Summer Nights brought families together with free outdoor movies, live entertainment, and food trucks, drawing strong community attendance and extending the series due to popular demand in Gippsland. - Latrobe City Children's Expo returns to Kernot Hall with family fun, interactive learning and the Monash Teddy Bear Hospital
Latrobe City Children's Expo returns to Kernot Hall on 23 October, featuring fun activities, entertainment, local services, and the Monash Teddy Bear Hospital promoting children's health, learning, and community connection. - Danny O’Brien met residents across nine towns over two days, holding more than 20 discussions on their concerns for the shire
Danny O’Brien met residents across nine Gippsland South towns, discussing cost-of-living pressures, infrastructure, farming challenges, and local priorities, committing to ongoing advocacy and future mobile office visits. - Thrilling aerobatics, military and heritage aircraft, live entertainment and family fun at the ANZAC Week Airshow in Sale, 18–19 April 2026
Experience jaw-dropping aerobatics, military and heritage aircraft, live music, vintage fashion, family activities, and aviation career insights at the 2026 ANZAC Week Airshow, 18–19 April, West Sale Airport. - Gippsland Water hosts Baw Baw pop-ups, inviting community feedback on future water planning and services on 18 April, 6 and 16 May 2026
Gippsland Water hosts Baw Baw pop-up events, inviting community feedback on future water services, planning, pricing, and infrastructure decisions. - Have your say on key council plans, policies, and the future direction of South Gippsland through current engagement opportunities
South Gippsland Shire Council invites community feedback on key draft plans, policies, and the 2026/27 Budget, with in-person engagement opportunities and "Coffee with a Councillor" sessions in October. - Latrobe City Council seeks community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park as lease nears end
Latrobe City Council is inviting community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park, with the current operator's lease expiring in May 2026 under Crown Land Leasing Policy requirements for open and impartial processes. - Mallacoota community invited to share ideas for long-term future of Foreshore Holiday Park drop-in sessions on 10 and 13 April 2026
Mallacoota residents and park users are invited to informal drop-in sessions to share feedback, helping shape the Mallacoota Foreshore Holiday Park master plan and guide its future improvements. - Southern Rural Water invites community to have your say on future water services, pricing and sustainability
Southern Rural Water invites the community to help shape future water pricing and services, balancing cost, access, sustainability, and regional needs across southern Victoria. - Lifeline Workshop in Warragul Library: Understanding and Preventing Family Violence for community awareness and safety
Free two‑hour session at Lifeline, held at MYLI Warragul on 25 Nov 2025 from 1‑3 pm, aims to build awareness, understanding and practical strategies to prevent family violence. - Baw Baw Shire aquatic facilities future management decision announced
Baw Baw Council will continue current aquatic and leisure facility operations with YMCA Victoria for 12 months, ensuring service continuity while assessing future management and preparing for a future tender process. - Over 350 attended Youth Agritech Expo, experiencing hands-on innovation and future opportunities in modern farming industry
More than 350 people joined East Gippsland's Youth Agritech Expo, where students explored hands-on agricultural innovations, from drones to driverless tractors, sparking fresh excitement about farming's high-tech, diverse, and innovative future. - West Gippsland CMA hosts hands-on workshop 'Carbon Farming - Know your number' at Leongatha office on 24 March 2026
Join local farmer Nick Dudley for a free, hands-on workshop in Leongatha on 24 March to calculate farm emissions, use carbon calculators, and explore productivity improvements. Registration required. - Nationals pledge to restore Parentline funding, criticise Labor's decision to axe vital family counselling service for Gippslanders
The Nationals vow to reinstate Parentline funding if elected, condemning Labor's cut to the vital family counselling service that supports Victorian parents, particularly in regional communities facing limited access to services. - Third year of Bairnsdale sewer renewal project secures future wastewater system with innovative relining
Bairnsdale’s sewer renewal project enters year three, using CCTV inspections and trenchless relining to upgrade ageing pipes, reduce disruption, and improve reliability, with $650,000 annually invested and works guaranteed for 50 years. - Darren Chester meets new BRHS CEO Peter Abraham to discuss future opportunities for East Gippsland Healthcare
Darren Chester met new BRHS CEO Peter Abraham to discuss healthcare challenges, commend local innovations improving patient care, and strengthen collaboration to deliver high-quality, accessible health services across East Gippsland. - Latrobe City invites community input to shape the 2026/27 budget and future priorities, submit feedback by 17 November 2025
Latrobe City Council is seeking community input to help shape the 2026/27 Budget. Share your priorities via council's Have Your Say platform by 5pm, Monday 17 November 2025. - Darren Chester congratulates Glengarry Primary 2026 student leaders, inspiring future community, volunteer and civic leadership development
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester congratulated Glengarry Primary 2026 student leaders, encouraging them to embrace leadership, teamwork, and service as they develop skills to positively impact their community. - Gippsland Water launches pop-up events inviting Latrobe Valley residents to help shape future water services and planning decisions
Gippsland Water will host pop-up events across the Latrobe Valley, inviting community feedback to help shape future water services, pricing, and infrastructure planning. - Community invited to join Project Reference Group shaping East Gippsland’s future aquatic strategy and facilities planning
East Gippsland community members are invited to join a Project Reference Group to help shape the new Aquatic Strategy, guiding future facility planning, investment, and service delivery across the shire. - East Gippsland Council to install raised pedestrian crossings and enhanced lighting on Lakes Entrance Church Street
East Gippsland Council will install two raised pedestrian crossings and improved lighting on Church Street, Lakes Entrance, enhancing safety, prioritising pedestrians, and supporting safer travel for residents and visitors. - Join South Gippsland Shire '16 Days of Activism' event with the theme 'Walk Against Family Violence' on
Join Council's Walk Against Family Violence on 26 November in Leongatha. Wear orange, take part in the Respect photo pop-up, and support the 16 Days of Activism campaign. - Gippsland Water begins Warragul wastewater plant upgrade to support growth, improve efficiency, and reduce environmental impact
Gippsland Water has begun a two-year Warragul wastewater plant upgrade, replacing ageing infrastructure, improving operations, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing environmental outcomes to support rapid regional growth. - East Gippsland hosts first Creative Summit, celebrating local artists, culture, community and future creativity on 28 March 2026
East Gippsland’s first Creative Summit on 28 March brings artists, performers, and creatives together to celebrate talent, connect communities, showcase projects, and shape the region’s cultural future through IMMERSIVE programs.
|
|
