Human capability has been identified as a potential limiting factor to the successful development and upgrade of irrigation schemes. Well planned, designed and coordinated irrigation schemes increase the supply and reliability of irrigation water and enhance agricultural and community resilience. While much expertise exists or is subcontracted, improved outcomes can be achieved by increasing the capability of schemes developers in specific areas, including project management, financial management, communication skills and understanding of industry good management practice to address intensification impacts on the environment.
Irrigation NZ, through MAF Community Irrigation Fund (now MAF Irrigation Acceleration Fund), has received project funding to support developing and existing scheme governors in the further development of their skills. After holding a series of stakeholder scoping workshops two outcomes are being delivered.
(1) Rural Water Infrastructure Development '101' workshop
(2) A web resource containing scheme and expert directories, and supporting material for the workshop
Rural Water Infrastructure Development ‘101’ workshop: This workshop delivers the fundamental requirements for successful irrigation development, whilst also providing applicants to the Irrigation Acceleration Fund (IAF) guidelines to the standards and practices expected in their planning to support success. The 3 day workshop contains 6 modules; Governance & Structure; Strategic Planning; Risk Analysis, Management & Due Diligence, Financial Pathways: Legal, Tax & Audit; Communication Planning & Stakeholder Engagement; Project & Contract Manangement & Procurement Pathways.
First course: 5th-7th Decmber 2012, Oamaru - cost $1,500 plus accommodation. Contact ccoughlan@irrigationnz.co.nz for more information.
Each module will be presented by experts and reference material will be provided – including links to existing courses, experts, facilitators, further information and tools.
All reference material will be found on the ‘Infrastructure’ tab (currently under development) on the Irrigation Knowledge Centre www.irrigationefficiency.co.nz. The web resource will also provide a directory of schemes (contacts and an overview) and experts (including their experiences).
Project Scoping: Irrigation NZ held 3 interactive scoping meetings where irrigators outlined the process from their perspective, highlighting where gaps exist and support for skill development would enable proposals to deliver the greatest level of success. Representatives from all schemes were invited to attend this one day workshop facilitated by Dr Terry Heiler. Workshop Scoping Paper