Lured Across the Tasman for Water

Angus Borrell knew little about irrigation in Tasmania when he was asked to consider a move to our State.

After growing up and studying a Bachelor of Science in New Zealand, as well as working as a Site Engineer in Scotland and England, Angus was quite content returning to his home country managing a hydrometric network in Otago.

However, once he discovered the level of government and private support for irrigation infrastructure in Tasmania, he decided to apply for the role as a Hydrologist with Tasmanian Irrigation.

Eleven months ago, he crossed the Tasman to take on the job, bringing a wealth of international experience in water management planning, surveying, infrastructure projects and hydrometric network management.

“Water is what reduces risk in farming,” Angus said. “Our ability to get water where and when it’s needed for irrigation underpins the sustainable growth of farming in Tasmania.

“The level of investment into irrigation infrastructure by the Australian and Tasmanian Governments, as well as by landowners, is a unique partnership and is generating economic benefits for the State.

“Continued investment in irrigation is incredibly innovative and forward thinking in terms of what it delivers for the whole of Australia, such as food security, on-farm risk minimisation, building sustainable regional communities and generating agricultural career opportunities for the next generation.”

A key focus for Angus at Tasmanian Irrigation is ensuring the organisation meets all water licence compliance requirements, and that we operate an efficient and effective hydrometric network to collect water-related data across the 19 operational schemes.

This includes taking water in line with certain thresholds and conditions stipulated by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, ensuring environmental obligations are adhered to, maintaining remote hydrometric sites and monitoring water inputs and outputs across Tasmanian Irrigation’s dam portfolio.

“When we have high levels of rainfall, we need to be able to make on-the-spot decisions to capture and store as much water as possible. And when we have dry conditions and lower flows in the catchments, our budgeting and forecasting has to be as accurate as possible so we can best utilise available water for our customers and the environment.

“Ultimately we want our hydrometric network to accurately measure water so we can make good decisions, such as around pump station access and safety during flood events as well as minimise infrastructure damage.”

Despite loving exploring every corner of Tasmania and spending as much time as possible fishing, Angus is “still a Kiwi through and through”.

“The scenery and places here are second to none, and the people are so friendly,” he said.

“I am so fortunate to have this opportunity to work for Tasmanian Irrigation and to ensure our operations are as sustainable and efficient as possible.”