Stage 3 restrictions in Victoria came into play at midnight Monday 30th March. These are difficult times for everyone, and it can be confusing with the ever-changing landscape to know which businesses are ‘essential’ and which businesses are in hibernation.   So, we just wanted to clarify the fact that Irrigation and Pump supplies are considered essential services.

Last week the IAL (Irrigation Australia Limited) received responses from the VIC/NSW & ACT governments clearly stating that irrigation and pumping are considered essential services.   We think it’s vital to allow irrigation businesses in Victoria to continue, as long they follow health guidelines and social distancing.   Not only is irrigation a very essential industry that our primary producers rely on to produce food and fibre to sustain our economy, feed our population and to keep thousands of Australians in work-read more.  But also, from a metropolitan perspective, Melbourne councils have spent many years setting up amazing open space areas, that need to be irrigated, in many cases via pumping which needs to be repaired and maintained.

Importance of irrigation supplies:

  • Agriculture is often greatly hampered due to irregular, insufficient or uncertain rain. Proper irrigation systems can secure uninterrupted agriculture.
  • Public open green space encourages mental and physical health in urban communities
  • The productivity of irrigated land is more than the un-irrigated land. Crop yields everywhere in the developing world are consistently higher in irrigated areas than in rainfed areas1.
  • Seeds cannot grow in dry soil as moisture is necessary for the germination of seeds. With the help of irrigation supply, the required moisture content of soil for the growth of seed can be ensured.
  • Multiple cropping in a year is possible through irrigation. This will enhance production & productivity. In many areas of India, two or three crops in a year are cultivated with irrigation facilities.
  • Through the irrigation, it is possible to supply the required amount of hydrogen & oxygen, which is important for the proper development of plant root.
  • A plant can absorb mineral nutrients from the irrigated soil. Thus irrigation is essential for the general growth of the plant.
  • Bringing more land under cultivation is possible through irrigation.
  • Insufficient rain may also cause drought & famines. Irrigation can play a protective role during the period of drought & famines.
  • Irrigation contributes to the economic growth and poverty reduction2. As income and employment are closely related to output and irrigation increases production, substantial increase in income is achieved in the countryside.

The future is uncertain.  Like everyone, we hope we don’t get to the point where restrictions are tightened even further.  But until then, irrigation and pump supplies will continue as a truly essential part of our lives.

As a business we are taking a cautious but proactive approach.   Each day our entire team, Field Staff included, are reminded of the basic hygiene measures:

  • Regular hand washing, particularly after touching anything touched by others
  • Keeping adequate distance from work colleagues
  • Keeping sites fenced off from the public
  • Avoiding any close contact (min 2m.) with clients and members of the public
  • Field staff are wiping down plant and equipment immediately after use
  • If staff are experiencing any symptoms – they will stay home
  • Split teams.  Staff are rotating work from home days.
  • Our entire store is sanitised internally by the hour, and all surfaces wiped down once touched
  • Signage throughout our store on social distancing

We hope you and your family’s are well and happy.

The Team at Century Rain