The redesign, refurbishment and automation of irrigation systems and their management is being driven by the need to: *improve the water use efficiency of irrigation supply systems by reducing losses, so making more water available for additional irrigation or other uses, including the environment; *improve the operational efficiency of irrigation supply systems through the rationalisation and automation of distribution, drainage and storage infrastructure; and *optimise the standard of service to irrigators, which will enable them to improve water use efficiency on their properties and gear up to produce high-value crops.