More than 40 producers, landholders and industry representatives braved a crisp Flaxman Valley afternoon last Friday for the BIGG lined catchment project field walk.
Landholder Leon Deans generously offered attendees an up-close look at the newly completed one‑hectare catchment designed to dramatically improve run‑off efficiency into an existing dam. After years of declining runoff and dams running dry, and no access to bore water, mains supply or the Barossa Infrastructure Ltd irrigation scheme Leon has invested in the lined catchment to ensure long‑term water security for both his livestock and domestic use.
Formerly a vineyard, Leon detailed the construction process of the $160,000 project from start to finish that took place earlier this year. The catchment has already captured substantial runoff from recent rain events while other dams on the property remain dry and is expected to remain effective for up to 50 years.
Leon was joined by the following speakers adding to the conversation:
- Brian Hughes (PIRSA & SARDI) and Mike Brister (Polydam) shared statewide insights into lined catchment performance and installation.
- Libby Duncan of Northern and Yorke Landscape Board (NYLB) outlined Water Affecting Activities Permit requirements and highlighted biodiversity benefits associated with reliable water sources.
A short 5-minute video of the construction process can be viewed HERE.
Additional lined catchment resources will be released soon.
A huge thank‑you to Leon for hosting, our expert speakers for sharing their knowledge, all who attended and our project partners SA Drought Hub and NYLB.
This project is supported by the South Australian Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, and the Northern and Yorke Landscape Board via the Landscape Priorities Fund.
