Home » Gannawarra Times » Local innovators win award

Local innovators win award

LOCAL business, AWMA Water Control Solutions, has been recognised at a national level for its work on a massive infrastructure upgrade project for Murray Irrigation.

The Cohuna enterprise was named Australian Process Industries Fabricator of the Year by the Australian Stainless Steel Development Association at a ceremony on the Gold Coast last week.

The company was nominated for the award following the successful delivery of 91 custom-made water control gates for Murray Irrigation’s PIIOP Round 3 project.

The PIIOP project – to upgrade larger infrastructure within the main canals of the Murray Irrigation network in New South Wales – involved AWMA undertaking more than 8000 hours of material preparation and fabrication work.

The company utilised more than 250 tonnes of stainless steel, including 1.43km of wire rope, 27,000 bolts and 260 hinges.

AWMA operations manager, Leigh Scoullar, said he was extremely proud of the way the team had come together to deliver the project.

“This Murray Irrigation project was the largest, in material, that AWMA has undertaken in 20 years of operation, requiring a massive contribution from staff, partners, suppliers and support networks,” Mr Scoullar said.

“To be recognised for this award is acknowledgement of the consistent drive our team has to tackle every opportunity with custom, innovative options.”

Mr Scoullar said AWMA had been at the cutting edge of efficient water control infrastructure design and manufacturing since the business was established in 2000, and continued to contribute to the sustainable management of Australia’s “precious water resources”.

The company is one of the largest and most experienced manufacturers of penstock, or water control gates, around the world.

Digital Editions


  • Draft budget unveiled

    Draft budget unveiled

    RESIDENTS will see a modest rise in rates, municipal charges and kerbside waste collection fees in a proposed 2026-27 budget which emphasises fiscal restraint in…

More News

  • HMAS Hobart veteran remembers Vietnam

    HMAS Hobart veteran remembers Vietnam

    WHEN 17-year-old Barry Townley enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy in October 1963, he did not expect he would spend seven months on the first Australian war ship to serve…

  • Blues make statement

    Blues make statement

    SATURDAY proved to be a day of upsets and statements across the Central Murray A grade netball competition, but there were none bigger than that of Murrabit, who thrashed league…

  • Fatal car accident

    Fatal car accident

    POLICE are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal crash south-east of Korong Vale on Thursday night. It is understood a car crashed into a tree on Wedderburn-Boort Road, near Corbys…

  • Kangas bounce back

    Kangas bounce back

    COHUNA have broken through for their first win of 2026 in emphatic fashion, defeating Kerang by 47 points in a dominant display that erased the sting of last week’s narrow…

  • VicGrid restarts land access attempts

    VicGrid restarts land access attempts

    VICGRID has resumed efforts to access 26 properties between Murrabit and Stawell for the completion of ecological surveys, which they said will support the Environmental Effects Statement for the VNI…

  • Best feet forward at champs

    Best feet forward at champs

    THE nation’s best barefoot waterskiers took to Gunbower Creek last week, with internationally ranked competitors vying for championship title and selection for the Australian team. It was the first time…

  • Farmers sound alarm as basin plan blasted at packed forum

    Farmers sound alarm as basin plan blasted at packed forum

    Pullout quote: “This reform is not just an industry issue, it’s a food security issue, a regional development issue and a national economic issue,” – Australian Consolidated Milk chief executive…

  • Communities encouraged to speak up

    Communities encouraged to speak up

    VICTORIAN Farmers Federation is calling on regional community members to make submissions to the Murray Darling Basin Plan Review. Consultation for the 2026 review opened on 5 February, inviting stakeholders…

  • Concerns farmers left out of interest-free loans

    Concerns farmers left out of interest-free loans

    MEMBER for Mallee Anne Webster has called for interest-free loans to support farmers affected by increased costs resulting from the fuel supply crisis. Ms Webster said farmers across the region…

  • A tough season, a strong team, and reasons to stay cheerful

    A tough season, a strong team, and reasons to stay cheerful

    I WOULD say the farm is a bit of a mess really. The big rain was really welcome but it has made for the perfect germination of all summer and…