Current Projects

Greengrove Irrigation System (1997– ongoing)

Following involvement over several years (after competitive tendering) in the assessment, concept development, EIS preparation (in conjunction with PB) and scheme design, Hassall & Associates were awarded the contract to construct and commission the Greengrove Irrigation System (completed August 2004) and following completion, managed the initial establishment and have recently won the operation and management contract.

The scheme has the capacity to irrigate up to 16ML/day and will accommodate Dubbo's reclaimed water reuse needs for many years. The scheme consists of 208 ha of efficient irrigation (6 centre pivots) and associated infrastructure (power, pipelines, roads, stormwater management, fencing etc) and offsets other irrigation water supplies by utilising the waste stream to produce high quality fodder (approximate contract value of $3.5M).

Full Regulated Flow Easements (March 2004 - Current)

This involved the development of a framework and model for determining relief packages for landholders facing inundation and access issues due to full regulated river flow regimes in the Murray River. A set of guidelines was developed in consultation with stakeholder representatives that ensured transparent and consistent application to landholders. The team undertook fieldwork to convey the principles of the relief framework to landholders and assess the level of payment to be offered to secure easements.

Making Successful Investments in NRM Practice Change (2006 –2010)

This is a research and skills building project that runs until May 2010 working in close collaboration with 10 regional NRM bodies across Australia. The participating regions will gain direct benefit from being involved in the project.

The aim of this project is to improve the ability of regional NRM bodies to monitor and evaluate practice change resulting from their investments and to apply the resulting learnings to future planning and investment. As part of this project, Hassall & Associates will analyse the factors affecting practice adoption and motivation for change.

Picton Regional Effluent Reuse Scheme (2000–current)

Hassall & Associates completed the construction stage (early 2001) and now operate and manage the Effluent Reuse Scheme for Sydney Water TransUtilities. The overall contract involved the final design, full Project Management and the long term management and monitoring (6 to 20 years) of the Picton Regional Effluent Reuse Scheme. This scheme incorporates centre pivot irrigation (40ha), state of the art solid set sprinkler irrigation (80ha in 2 stages) and 300 ML of storage, on a difficult undulating site. Capital cost was in the order of $2M. The scheme now produces high quality fodder (hay and silage) for local dairies and other livestock enterprises.

Due to the site's proximity to the Nepean River and its outer Sydney location, it is an environmentally sensitive scheme hence employing the latest technology to achieve long term sustainability and meet or exceed all relevant environmental requirements.

Corporate Infrastructure mapping (ongoing)

Corporate Agricultural Companies have utilised our mapping services for asset control and property planning. About 150,000ha have been mapped using satellite imagery including infrastructure maps showing the dimensions and physical locations of corporate assets. Involvement of the managers with hand held GPS units enabled additional data to be collected in a cost effective way. Cropping templates were developed from the base GIS data to assist managers in the reporting process. Laminated maps up to 800 x 1200 cm were produced to assist managers in the planning and day-to-day running of the business.