The Australian Industry Network

Irrigation is an essential component of farm agriculture viability in many countries, and water loss from evaporation and deep soil flow in unsealed channels can significantly reduce water use efficiency. Irrigation & Water Technologies is an Australian company that manufactures and markets the world's current best-practice irrigation systems for commercial, agricultural and domestic applications. The IWT KISSS technology is winning plaudits world-wide as it is deployed to save water, irrigate more effectively, and to deliver a range of benefits that go way beyond conventional irrigation systems.

A number of countries around the world have agreed to explore the use of methane gas or liquid methane as a renewable fuel (see attachment). Applications are well advanced in Sweden, and the Australian Rural Industries Research and Development Centre has supported an experimental program. A number of Australian firms are now involved in biogas collection and utilisation initiatives, and see potential benefits from Joining in the RAAK project.

The Australian Cooperative Research Centre for Casting Technologies has been exploring some ways of reducing the environmental impact of both sand casting and die casting practices, and is prepared to trial ideas emerging from RAAK project initiatives in the Netherlands.

Some researchers at Deakin University are exploring a new personal transport vehicle concept that is a blend of traditional motor cycle and automobile concepts. The project is in an early developmental stage and involves a collaboration between the patent-holder, the university and an Indian manufacturing firm.

A number of Victorian Water Utilities have pooled their resources in conjunction with the State Government to provide grants to innovative community projects (www.smartwater.com.au). Deakin University won a grant in round 3 (2005) in conjunction with NanoVic to look at alternative indusustrial cleaning practices to reduce sewage. Deakin also won a grant in round 4 (2006) to look at removing salt from recycled water using an adsorption deslinator. This project is not yet completed.