Waterwise for the future

Local Land Services are fast-tracking climate-smart irrigation in NSW with on-farm training and technical support to help growers adopt sustainable water and nutrient management practices.

Last updated: 14 July 2026

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An irrigation drip dribbles water onto a plant sprout.

Project overview

Status: In progress

Local Land Services (LLS) are supporting intensive horticulture growers in Greater Sydney and North Coast LLS regions to build resilience through improved irrigation practices. This includes:

hands-on training, irrigation system assessments, and on-farm demonstrations
a focus on protected cropping and intensive horticulture systems
upskilling training for both growers and private sector advisors in best-practice water and nutrient management.

Project objectives

The WaterWise for the Future project aims to:

accelerate adoption of climate-smart and sustainable practices
support growers to optimise irrigation, drainage, and nutrient inputs
support growers in future-proofing their operations through practical, evidence-based solutions
build climate resilience in the horticulture sector
upskill growers and industry advisors to manage protected cropping and intensive systems more effectively.

Project background

Over the past 30 years, intensive horticulture has transitioned from in-ground farming to protected cropping and precision irrigation systems. These changes, driven by climate and market pressures, have created new production environments that require updated knowledge and skills.

While these systems offer greater control and efficiency, many growers and advisors face a knowledge gap in managing water and nutrients effectively under changing climate conditions.

Project delivery

The program uses a hands-on, grower-first approach to build skills and confidence including:

irrigation system performance assessments
on-farm training sessions tailored to local conditions and grower needs
demonstrations of cost-effective irrigation and drainage solutions
training for industry professionals working with horticulture clients
customised advice on fertiliser, irrigation scheduling, and water use efficiency

Two targeted training streams are currently under development:

Irrigation Fundamentals – For growers new to irrigation or looking to strengthen their core knowledge
Irrigation Advanced – For experienced growers and advisors looking to improve performance and sustainability.

Training will be delivered through workshops, field days, and digital resources across demonstration sites in both regions.

Project timeline

Duration: 4 years

Delivery start: 2025

Training calendar and event dates: To be announced

Work underway

Events have been held on the North Coast with growers and industry.
Demonstration sites are currently being setup in both regions with a range of activities planned for the upcoming irrigation season.
Development of an excel tool for data collection and calculation, as part of an Irrigation Assessment/Audit which uniformly distributes results. The tools are designed to be downloaded to your computer and uploaded into google drive for rapid input via phone/tablet when out in the field.

Project updates

June 2026

Local field vegetable growers joined Local Land Services for a water, soil and savings advanced workshop to dig deep into cabbage irrigation and soil health.

Participants looked at the 2-year soil wealth trial results and undertook a live field walk looking at soil moisture probes in action.

A group of people sit around a U shaped desk and watch a presentation. — The soil wealth demonstration was presented by Umberto Calvo (AHR).

The key takeaways from the day:

improving soil porosity and biology keeps moisture where it matters, boosting infiltration and crop yields
scheduling tools show just how much water and fertiliser growers can save by monitoring soil moisture closely.

100% of surveyed participants walked away planning to make at least one practice change to their soil and irrigation management.

The event was also supported by VegNET which is funded by Hort Innovation using the vegetable research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.

A group of people walk through cabbages. — Attendees also had a chance to walk through the trial site to see the benefits of the day's theory topics.

Project outcomes

Read the following case studies from current demonstration and trial sites.

An aerial view of a terraced market garden with rows of crops alongside a curved dirt road. Various sheds and buildings are located alongside.

Improving irrigation scheduling and soil moisture monitoring

See how a semi-automated irrigation system has helped a North Coast market gardener improve irrigation management and reduce water waste.

Rows of tall corn plants on the left and background. Rows of catchcans line the prepared dark soil garden beds.

Improving water efficiency of irrigation systems

See the results from a trial comparing high-riser and low fixed irrigation sprinklers in sweetcorn production.

How to get involved

Are you an irrigator or grower in Greater Sydney or the North Coast? Whether you are just starting with protected cropping or looking to fine-tune your current system, Waterwise for the future is here to support you with upcoming workshops, field days and training opportunities.