ZeroIn: Irrigation was a practical, hands-on afternoon event designed to help producers make informed decisions about irrigation investments. Hosted by the Greater Whitsundays AgTech Hub on the 13th May, the session recognised that while irrigation can look straightforward, the decisions behind it rarely are. Energy costs, system fit, labour, servicing, and long-term performance all play critical roles, and getting any of these wrong can prove expensive.
Organised as a no-pressure opportunity to evaluate what truly needs to line up before committing capital, the event brought together local growers, industry partners, and experts (approximately 18 attendees). Participants visited two local sites to see automated pump systems operating in real conditions with EAS and Aglantis, walked through energy and cost management tools (including FEATOnline in partnership with SRA), heard from local cane grower Tony Bugeja on his whole-of-farm irrigation journey, and received guidance from Rabobank on building strong banking partnerships.
Kara-Glenn Worth, Program Lead with the Tropical North Queensland Drought Hub, contributed by showcasing AgValuate, the practical innovation readiness assessment tool developed by the Hub. This helped attendees determine where technology solutions, including irrigation systems, may (or may not) suit their individual operations.
“Events like ZeroIn: Irrigation are so valuable because they move beyond the hype and give producers the practical tools and real-world exposure they need to make confident, context-specific decisions. Seeing systems in action locally, combined with grower stories and assessment frameworks like AgValuate, helps ensure agtech investments actually deliver long-term value on-farm,” said Kara.
The afternoon equipped attendees with clearer decision-making frameworks and stronger connections: exactly the type of practical support the TNQ Drought Hub aims to deliver across the region.
