Designing Resilient Irrigation for a Historic Property
Burnewang North, located between Elmore and Rochester in northern Victoria, is a historic property renowned for rearing racehorses and producing lucerne hay, oaten hay, canola, oats, and wheat. With a thriving business and a proud legacy to uphold, the owners recognised the need to drought-proof their land and future-proof operations for generations to come. That’s when they engaged Rich River Irrigation Developments (RRID).
The project began with detailed farm surveys, including both broad acre and precision surveys. This provided the foundation for designing a comprehensive drainage and reuse system tailored to the property’s scale and mixed land use. By mapping irrigation zones with accuracy, RRID ensured every paddock could be serviced efficiently and sustainably.
With the design approved, RRID coordinated the installation of the main irrigation line and hydrant infrastructure, along with a new pump station. A key part of the works included liaising with Powercor to install a 300kVA transformer and infeed lines, ensuring the farm had the power capacity to operate its upgraded system. The irrigation network was designed to draw water from two critical sources: the Goulburn Murray Water supply system and the Campaspe River. This dual-supply approach gives the property flexibility and security in times of drought.
To maximise efficiency, Burnewang North invested in three BAUER T61 Rainstar hardhose irrigators. These mobile units are easily moved between hydrant points across the farm, delivering reliable coverage where and when it’s needed. The system combines modern efficiency with practical on-farm flexibility – exactly what a property of this scale requires.
Award-winning results
The success of the project was recognised when Burnewang North received the GMW Rural Water Award for the best above-ground water system. It’s proof that with the right planning, engineering, and technology, historic properties can achieve world-class irrigation outcomes that secure their future.
