National irrigation expert shares water smarts with Alice Springs industry

Twenty horticulturalists and irrigation professionals from large organisations in Alice Springs have been learning smart irrigation skills this week from an expert who works with regional Councilsacross Australia and water-challenged agriculturalists in the Murray Darling Basin.

The two-day course, hosted by Alice Water Smart Homes and Businesses and led by WA based irrigation professional Paul Willmott is training local irrigation professionals in best practice irrigation technologies and techniques to further conserve Alice Springs’ precious water supply.

Some of the course participants are responsible for extremely large gardens, including the Alice Springs Correctional Centre with up to 20,000 square meters (two hectares) of turf, 18 different irrigation zones and extensive native gardens, and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (OLSH) College with approximately three hectares of garden across 3 schools.

“For its location Alice Springs has a surprising number of large areas of parks and sports fields that require a lot of water”, says Mr Willmott.

“Having worked with farmers and irrigators from the Murray Darling basin to the Kimberly region in Western Australia, I teach them the finer points of irrigation to help them keep their water use at a sustainable level.”

“Alice Springs also has its challenges – it is a harsh environment to grow lawns and gardens and I was not surprised to learn that over half of your water use is for gardens and irrigation.”

“People always ask how long to leave their pop-ups on for. Most people think of irrigation in terms of minutes but the weatherman doesn’t tell you it rained for half an hour - he tells you the rainfall in millimetres, and it’s the millimetres applied that counts.”

“The most important thing for larger organisations to have an efficient system is to get their water scheduling right.”

“Irrigation schedules should be changed whenever there is a significant change in the weather, soabout four times a year. You might need to water every 2-3 days in summer but by winter this might blow out to every 6-7 days.

“Its also good to incorporate rain, soil moisture and solar radiation sensors into the irrigation system. These are relatively cheap to buy, easy to use and will do some of the scheduling changes for you.”

Participants are also learning about water balance, root zones, soil textures, weather, plant types and plant water needs, as well as the adaption of smarter irrigation technologies.

Alice Water Smart Homes and Businesses Manager Liz Locksley said, “We wanted professionals to have the opportunity to learn about the latest water efficient irrigation practices, right here in Alice.”

Alice Water Smart has conducted over 1000 Water Efficiency Consultations and identified more than 1,500 million litres of water savings.

Jethro Laidlaw, Alice Water Smart’s Water Efficiency Manager is participating in the course and said “I now have a better grasp on the relationship between water flow, pressure and dripper size and feel confident about applying this knowledge to further help Alice residents save water.”

To put what they learn into practice, the participants audited and tested the existing irrigation system at OLSH College, Sadadeen and have made recommendations to improve water efficiency and irrigation performance for the Alice Springs’ climate.

Ian Clarke the Property Manager at OLSH schools said, “I was interested in the course to learn how to use water more effectively in this climate and keep up to date with modern irrigation techniques. My qualifications are from years ago."

For help on setting up the correct irrigation for your own home or business pick up a copy of the new Alice Water Smart Guide. Visit www.alicewatersmart.com.au for details.

Alice Water Smart is supported by the Australian Government’s Water for the Future initiative.

LinkedIn growth continues to outpace Facebook in the NT

Territorians are flocking to LinkedIn at three times the rate they are joining Facebook, according to the latest social media statistics for the NT compiled by Creative Territory.

While Facebook membership now stands at 92,720 against LinkedIn’s 19,352, Facebook has not been able to match LinkedIn’s growth rate. LinkedIn membership grew by 67 per cent in the 12 months to March 31 against Facebook’s 21 per cent.

As shown on the graph, Facebook membership tends to rise steadily in the lead up to Christmas and new year before suffering in a nose dive as people return to work from holidays. LinkedIn, while smaller in numbers, has continued steady growth over the past two years.

The latest statistics for the Northern Territory should dispel any doubts about the importance of social media in the public relations mix. More than half of Territorians aged 13 years and over are on Facebook and almost 1 in 5 of Territorians in the workforce are members of LinkedIn.

While younger Territorians are far more likely to interact on Facebook than older Territorians, usage is still high as people age, with around 1 in 4 people aged over 65 years remaining Facebook members.

The graph below shows the number of Facebook users in the Northern Territory in particular age groups. The red line graphs users in each group as a percentage of the NT population in that age group.

 

Quest is on at National Youth Week

Young singers will have the chance to win mentoring with Australian pop idol Mark Holden and country star Paul Costa when Mission Australia’s Urban Quest opens tomorrow.

Urban Quest will be launched during the Battle of the Bands Competition at National Youth Week celebrations in Darwin tomorrow night – right before Skarlett, who were runners-up in the 2011 Mission Australia comp, take to the stage to launch their new EP ‘Life so far’.

Now in its third year, Urban Quest aims to help young people build self-esteem and confidence through music.

Mission Australia NT Director Jillian Smith said it is important Urban Quest is a part of National Youth Week.

“In the last two National Survey of Young Australians, Territory kids have ranked school or study problems and body image among their top personal concerns,” Ms Smith said.

“Urban Quest not only helps improve self-confidence, but it also connects young people with their local community and help services we offer including Youth Connections.

“Urban Quest is more than a singing competition. We hope to touch many young Territorians through the event so they, and their friends, know where to go for help and support.”

Urban Quest is open to singers aged from 10 to 19 years with auditions to be held in Darwin, Palmerston, Katherine and Alice Springs in May.

This year the competition will culminate with a free Finals Concert under the stars at the Darwin Waterfront on 6 July, where ten Urban Quest finalists will perform their best song on the night to win.

The Urban Quest Finals Concert will be judged by Mark Holden, Paul Costa and Darwin’s own James Mangohig from electronic soul duo Sietta, and feature guest performances by some of Darwin’s favourite young stars.

For more information and entry forms visit www.missionaustralia.com.au or facebook.com/missionaust.

Swimming pool changes could save as much electricity as a large solar power station

A change to the operation of more than 1,400 swimming pools in Alice Springs could result in large-scale electricity savings and over half a million dollars staying in homeowners’ pockets.

The revelation has been made by Alice Solar City after an analysis of pool ownership in the town and the results of a recent pool pump competition.

Alice Solar City General Manager Sam Latz says that the 1,400 residential swimming pools in the town collectively consume an estimated 3,100 Megawatt Hours (MWh) of electricity per year, costing $880,000.
“That’s over $600 per household each year just to run a pool pump” says Sam Latz.

“If all these pools were to switch to using a ‘variable speed’ pool pump and were operated for maximum savings, we would save 2,000MWh of electricity worth $560,000 per year, along with 1,400 tonnes of annual greenhouse gas emissions.”

“This is close to the savings being achieved at the Uterne solar power station, located south of the town.”

“To switch all pool owners to using a variable speed pump would be a collective cost of $1.5 million, an investment which would repay itself in savings in less than three years.
“Further, we would reduce peak demand on our electricity network depending when the pumps run, avoiding the need for more expensive investment in power lines and generators.”

Mr Latz says that the savings were evidenced during a recent push to get pool owners to undertake a free Pool Energy Consultation.

“We know that homeowners are keen to find ways to reduce their electricity bills, especially with the recent increase in power prices. So we offered pool owners the chance to have a free Pool Energy Consultation over summer, highlighting that pools typically make up 30% of the power bill.”

“We conducted 42 consultations as part of the competition and consistently found that 50% energy savings could be achieved if a new variable speed pool pump was installed, or a variable speed controller installed onto the existing standard pool pump.”

“We also found that pool pumps are often set to run more than necessary, and pool owners can further reduce their pool-related electricity costs by altering the pool pumping schedule.”

One lucky Alice Springs household Fred Miegel took up the offer of the pool consultation and won the draw to win the competition prize of $1000 towards a variable speed pool pump, which will help them save $400 on their power bills each year.

“It’s nice to know that what we were doing was pretty close to getting maximum energy savings, but with the new pool pump we’ll be able to save even more”, said Mr Miegel.

Sam Latz said, “If all pool owners switched to the variable speed pool pump it would present a great opportunity for not only the town, but for homeowner’s hip-pockets.”

Five families secure affordable futures

The lives of five Territory families changed last week after they secured an affordable house and land package at Zuccoli.

Five packages, priced from $475,550 to $542,000, went on sale for low to middle income earners who had progressed their application to approved purchaser status under the government’s Territory Government’s Real Housing for Growth Plan.

Sold on a first in, first served basis, Jenna Hingston said she was delighted to be one of the successful buyers.

“It’s a dream come true. I couldn’t breathe and they (Urbex) were trying to ask me questions. I think I was in shock,” she said.

Ms Hingston, who’s always wanted to own her own home, said she seriously looked at buying a property for more than a year.

“I’m just really grateful. I missed out on the last housing release in February, which was disappointing.

“To be the first caller through this time and know that a brand new home will be mine makes it all worth it.”

Urbex General Manager Wayne Rex said the sales followed the recent success of the housing release at Johnston Ridge.

“Urbex is committed to providing a range of affordable home ownership opportunities for Territorians,” Mr Rex said.

“Our team has worked hard with government and local builders to deliver a range of quality house and land packages at affordable price points.”

The house and land packages included home designs by the Bendella Group, NIMM Constructions and The Total Group.

To be eligible for the government’s Real Housing for Growth Plan home buyer initiative,  buyers must meet eligibility criteria including income limits and have finance approval in-principle.  

Zuccoli is a master planned community developed by Urbex in partnersip with the Northern Territory’s Land Development Corporation.

When complete the suburb, located along Lambrick avenue just off Stuart Highway, will be the largest in Palmerston and will incorporate schools, sporting facilities, commercial/retail centres, community facilities and an extensive range of walking and bicylce tracks.

People wanting more information on life at the Village can visit www.zuccolivillage.com.au or call Janzey Pratt on 1300 556 950.

Application kits and further information about the Territory Government’s Real Housing for Growth Plan can be found at www.housing.nt.gov.au.

TIO joins forces with CAFL to promote road safety

TIO has joined forces with the Central Australian Football League as naming rights sponsor to promote road safety in Central Australia.

TIO Chief Executive Richard Harding said around 600 players and thousands of fans across Alice Springs and remote Central Australia participated in CAFL activities.

“People love their footy in Central Australia and we’re hoping to leverage that to get the road safety message out,” Mr Harding said.

“Our support for footy in the Top End has allowed us to work with the AFL on a range of road safety initiatives, including the Road Safety Day in January. Our support for the CAFL will bring this important message to central Australians.

“It is a particularly important message for CAFL players and their fans. Each week more than 300 players travel on unsealed roads from Indigenous communities to and from Alice Springs to participate in the competition, travelling distances of up to 720km for a round trip.

CAFL Regional Manager Andy Hood said the three-year partnership is one of the most important the CAFL has been involved with for many years. “The partnership will help with the sustainability of the CAFL over the next three years,” he said.

“Just as important is the opportunity to work together to promote road safety messages through AFL football throughout Central Australia and educating Territorians about road safety.

“Our players travel a lot of kilometres on difficult roads, so getting the road safety message out to them is critical.”

Mr Harding said TIO was proud to extend its road safety football programs into Central Australia.

“As administrators of the NT Government Motor Accidents Compensation Scheme, we have made a conscious decision to align our sponsorships and community engagement activities to provide lasting benefits to the Territory.

“We want young drivers to be aware of their choices and know the consequences, and this is a great opportunity to engage with them through something they are passionate about,” he said.

Alice Springs becomes first Australian town to adopt voluntary water use guidelines

A new water use Guide, which lists the top six actions to help Alice Springs residents save water will be launched today on World Water Day at a free community breakfast, 7-9am on the Town Council lawns.

The Alice Water Smart Guide is a culmination of local knowledge, the results of almost 1000 professional Water Efficiency Consultations by Alice Water Smart and input and feedback from the Alice Springs community. A volunteer Citizens’ Advisory Panel helped pull it all together.

“It has been developed for locals, by locals”, says Alice Water Smart Homes and Business Manager Liz Locksley.

“The top six actions have been chosen as they will have the biggest impact on water savings, but at the same time, very little impact on the great lifestyle that Alice people have come to love – beautiful gardens, outdoor BBQs and a dip in the pool.”

“The Guide offers advice and ideas for saving water, including choosing the correct irrigation, when and how long to water gardens and different plants types, and how to detect hidden leaks.”

“Implementing the Actions is completely voluntary for residents and businesses, but if they do they will be rewarded at the hip pocket.”

“If we all do just a couple of Actions in the Guide we will be playing our part to make Alice water smart for the long term and helping to make the town’s non-renewable water supply last longer.”

“Five of the six actions focus on gardens and leaks, as this is where more than 75% of water is wasted in homes and businesses. That surprises a lot of people.”

“The Actions describe the way we use water in Alice Springs, and include:

1. Use efficient irrigation and adjust watering times seasonally

2. Water between 8pm-8am

3. Schedule watering

4. Fix leaks quickly

5. Find hidden leaks

6. Encourage others to be water smart
Northern Territory Minister for Land Resource Management and Essential Services, Willem Westra van Holthe said the Alice Water Smart Guide is timely, when residents are looking for ways to reduce their water use.

“It’s great to see the Alice Springs community taking the initiative on this vitally important program,” Mr Westra van Holthe said.
“Water reserves, particularly in the arid zone, are our most precious asset. We all have a part to play in the responsible management of this resource.”

Copies of the Alice Water Smart Guide are available from the Alice Springs Town Council, Power and Water in the Alice Plaza and various sites around town or can be downloaded from www.alicewatersmart.com.au

Alice Water Smart is supported by the Australian Government through the Water for the Future initiative.

Adam Giles new Chief Minister for the Northern Territory

The Country Liberals Party chairman has confirmed Adam Giles as the new Chief Minister for the Northern Territory, becoming the first Aboriginal state or territory leader in Australia.

The following background information on Adam Giles has been confirmed from a number of sources.

Key Points
·        First Aboriginal leader of a State or Territory in Australia
·        Elected to Parliament in 2008 as Member for Braitling
·        Lives in Alice Springs with wife and daughter
·        40 years old

Short Biography
(Source – Country Liberal Party website)

Adam was born in the Blue Mountains, NSW and began his working life in a bakery at the age of 12.

After high school he studied accounting and then real estate, working in property management before moving into public housing management for ATSIC.

He then moved to Canberra to work as a social and economic policy advisor for the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. As a member of the NT’s Indigenous Economic Taskforce, Adam travelled and worked throughout the Territory before settling in Alice Springs.

It was after working for the Department of Employment and Workplace relations that Adam became frustrated with Labor’s welfare policy for Indigenous people and decided to run for the Federal seat of Lingiari for the CLP.

He lost but was elected to the Alice Springs seat of Braitling in 2008.

Adam believes in giving back to the community and is committed to securing a more prosperous Alice Springs.

He lives in Alice Springs with his wife, Tamara and has a daughter.

Social Media

·        Twitter: http://twitter.com/adamgiles
·        Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/adam.giles.9693

Batman water treatment program delivers excellent results

Vista Gold Australia announced today that its water treatment program for Mt Todd’s Batman Pit had delivered excellent results with 97% of all metals in the top 15 metres of the water having been taken out.

Brent Murdoch, Vista Gold General Manager said that the in-situ water treatment program had produced an outstanding improvement on the quality of the water in Batman Pit.

“Vista Gold has invested $9 million into this water treatment program. We have added 10,000 tonnes of finely ground limestone and 2,000 tonnes of quicklime to the water and it is paying off.”

“Just as the scientists said it would, the limestone has caused a chemical reaction in the water, increased the pH level and caused the metals to precipitate to the bottom.”

Since October last year the pH level in Batman Pit has increased from an acidic 3.3 to a pH level of 7.5.

Recent reports have raised concerns about the level of cadmium in the water, which Mr Murdoch says is one of the slowest metals to drop out.

“79% of the cadmium has already gone from the top 15 metres, or pumping zone, and we expect it to continue to reduce as the metal responds to the treatment,” he said.

Vista Gold was recently issued a Waste Discharge Licence by the Northern Territory Government for the release of water from the mine site into the Edith River. It has not however, discharged any water from Batman Pit this wet season.

Batman Pit currently holds 10.3 gigalitres of treated water. Vista Gold will only release the water when the quality of the water and the flow of the Edith River meet specific environmental protection levels.

Under the terms of the Waste Discharge Licence, Vista Gold is required to publish water monitoring results on its website when it discharges water. The company has made a commitment to the community beyond this and is already publishing weekly water treatment results on www.mttodd.com.au.

A table showing all of the metal values in Batman Pit is also now available on the website.

“Vista Gold is committed to ensuring that the water in the Edith River meets the Australia Drinking Water Guidelines for Health,” he said. “This is our commitment to the community.”

For more information on the RP3 Water Treatment Metal Reductions go to: http://mttodd.com.au/environment

'WATER RULES' ARE OUT SAYS CITIZENS' ADVISORY PANEL

The Citizens’ Advisory Panel that has been guiding the development of the proposed ‘Community Water Rules’ in Alice Springs has responded to the community’s call to change the name.

The new name for the set of voluntary guidelines is the 'Alice Water Smart Guide'.

The Alice Water Smart Guide will include the top six water use actions to help residents become more water efficient, and will be launched on World Water Day, 22 March, at a community breakfast on the Council lawns, 7-9am.

Panel spokesperson Michelle Cooper said “It was a unanimous decision. The name Alice Water Smart Guide is the right fit with our hopes for this initiative. We heard the community’s call for the working title of ‘Community Water Rules,’ to be changed.”

“Our hope is that it helps Alice Springs residents understand how precious our water is, and how we can all play a part in reducing our water use through small simple actions.” said Michelle.

“We are positive that the outcomes of this Guide will be beneficial to the community particularly given the recent water tariff price rises”.

“We’d like the Guide to inspire new ideas and innovation about water – there’s always room for improvement and more to learn. The Guide will be a living document and we welcome feedback on the content when it is launched.”

To decide on the name and content of the Guide, the Panel considered feedback from public surveys and workshops conducted by Alice Water Smart, as well as from more than 850 Water Efficiency Consultations conducted in Alice Springs homes.

It will be widely distributed to everyone in town, including new residents, through real estate agents, cafes, hotels and as a magnet for everyone’s fridge door.

“We’d even like it included in tours of Alice Springs so visitors learn how we value water here in our desert oasis” says Ms Cooper.

Alice Water Smart is a comprehensive set of projects helping Alice Springs residents to save 1600 million litres of water over two years - equivalent to two months average water supply.

To ‘learn more about the Alice Water Smart Guide visit www.alicewatersmart.com.au

Alice Water Smart is supported by the Australian Government’s Water for the Future initiative.