**2. Irrigation Modernisation and Automation**

The terms irrigation modernisation and automation have become common in irrigation literature in the recent decades, and in some cases have been used interchangeably. In the context of this paper, modernisation is the process of replacing ageing irrigation infrastructure and methods, often with new or "modern" equipment and technologies that have been developed in the recent past. The aims of irrigation modernisation include water saving and improved water delivery, and reduced operating and labour costs, which leads to sustainable agricultural production and enhanced livelihoods of farmers [6]. On the other hand, automation of irrigation systems is the use of equipment that allows the irrigation process to proceed with minimum human involvement, except for periodic inspections and routine maintenance. In Australia, modernisation and automation have been undertaken in the water distribution networks at the farm level as well. The nexus between automation and modernisation, and WUE will be explored in this paper.
