90 Reasons to Smile

8 July 2002

The Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area will celebrate its 90th birthday on July 13.

One of Australia's richest agricultural regions, producing more than 60 per cent of New South Wales citrus and 20 per cent of Australia's wine, the MIA will remember 90 years of irrigation on July 13.

Rice is the major crop produced in the region, and much of Australia's one million tonne harvest is sourced from the MIA.

Murrumbidgee Irrigation Environmental Services Manager Lilian Parker said a celebration focussing on the positive impacts of irrigation in the region and the contribution of water to the way of life in the region was an important part of the 90th anniversary festivities.

"Irrigation has delivered billions of dollars to this region and the State and is one of the very core reasons that MIA is recognised as a major foodbowl serving domestic and international markets," Ms Parker said.

"The effective management of water, our most precious resource, has helped create this agriculturally rich and diverse region.

"The ongoing management of the environment remains our major focus."

To commemorate nine decades of irrigation in the region, there will be a community celebration at Leeton's Visitor Information Centre on Saturday, July 13.

"We owe a lot to the pioneers who endured some enormous hardships in developing this region and to that end it is appropriate that the community come together to celebrate," Ms Parker said.

"It is our vision to lead the water industry in the successful integration of sustainable irrigated agriculture and natural resource management through MIA EnviroWise, which is our environmental awareness program designed to protect our most precious resource and ensure our region's future."

Residents have been invited to join the festivities, which will include a display of memorabilia dating back to the days of the pioneers, and a community morning tea.

"Anyone who has old photos, articles, press clippings or any other memorabilia associated with settlement in the region and the commencement of irrigation is invited to bring it in so that it can be added to a register and preserved as a piece of history," Ms Parker said.

Community groups are also urged to consider being part of this important occasion.

"This exhibition celebrates not just our past...it serves as a reminder to everyone of irrigation now and in the future," Ms Parker said.

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