Redesigning irrigation systems for modern efficiency
Rich River Irrigation Developments (RRID) is proud to lead the modernisation of one of Victoria’s most historically significant agricultural water projects — the Werribee Sewerage Farm. Located south-west of Melbourne, this iconic site has been using treated recycled water from Melbourne’s Western Treatment Plant to irrigate over 8,000 hectares of farmland since 1897.
However, after more than a century of continuous use, the existing irrigation infrastructure had become outdated, inefficient, and unsuitable for today’s precision farming requirements. That’s where RRID stepped in.
Our Role in Modernising Werribee’s Irrigation Network
This long-term infrastructure redevelopment project began with a clear mission: to future-proof the site by introducing modern irrigation system design, laser-levelled paddocks, and water-efficient practices. Rich River Irrigation Developments was engaged by the site’s management to undertake a complete redesign of the irrigation layout, stage by stage, with minimal disruption to farm productivity.
We are approximately one-third of the way through the project, with 300 to 600 hectares taken offline each year to allow for comprehensive redevelopment. Each stage follows a detailed, systematic process to ensure consistent quality and efficiency gains.
Scope of Services Delivered by RRID
Our team has been responsible for delivering full-service irrigation planning and implementation, including:
- Detailed site surveys to assess topography, soil conditions, and existing infrastructure.
- Water supply assessments for each development zone, ensuring irrigation feasibility and performance.
- Drainage mapping and planning to ensure sustainable water outflow and prevent field saturation or erosion.
- Conceptual planning of the entire irrigation complex, tailored to suit modern farming practices and maximise arable land.
- Precision laser grading design, optimising paddock slope and layout to facilitate uniform water application and minimise runoff.
- Modernisation of irrigation layouts, including future-ready designs to accommodate drip systems or pivots as needed.
A Phased Approach to Large-Scale Irrigation Redevelopment
Given the scale of the site, the project is being delivered in annual phases. By taking only a limited portion of the farm out of production each year, we help ensure operational continuity while gradually replacing outdated systems with modern, high-efficiency irrigation infrastructure.
Our designs not only focus on improving water use efficiency but also align with sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and the broader goals of the farm’s management team.
A Model for Future Agricultural Irrigation Projects
With a blend of over 25 years of experience, cutting-edge technology, and a deep understanding of farming operations, RRID is setting the benchmark for irrigation design and redevelopment in Victoria.
Whether it’s laser-levelled paddocks, recycled water usage, or designing for sustainable large-scale irrigation, this project reflects our commitment to helping clients build future-ready farming systems.
