With stages one and two of the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline now connected, the Farming with Pipes Expo on 16 September will provide the region’s farmers with timely information.
To be held at the Donald Football Oval amidst stages three and four of the pipeline project, the expo will bring farmers up to speed with the project’s progression and showcase the possibilities of on-farm water reticulation systems.
Around 20 local businesses offering leading-edge water reticulation products like tanks, troughs, pipes and pumps will be on site for practical demonstrations, alongside service providers such as pipe installers.
The event is hosted by the Wimmera Development Association (WDA), Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and GWM Water. Colin Kemp, business adviser for the WDA said last year’s expo was attended by about 500 farmers.
“The expo provides one, central point for farmers to learn exactly what’s going on with the pipeline project and how they can link into it,” said Kemp.
“They can also see first hand products that could form part of their on-farm water reticulation systems and ask questions of suppliers. This free advice is invaluable for farmers to weigh up what infrastructure they need, and find out about any pitfalls.”
DPI’s manager for the pipeline project Brian Kearns said a line-up of guest speakers would again be part of the program.
Kearns himself will talk about opportunities and support for farmers in relation to the pipeline, while Dr Bruce Van Every, Trevor Dedini and Paul Atherton from GWM Water will each offer a different perspective on the pipeline project.
“Using the opportunity to reach a large group of farmers, we’ll also be lining up some guest speakers to talk about farm diversification,” he said.
