ABOUT
One of the largest private irrigation companies in Australia serving over 3,200 landholdings owned by over 2,500 customers within an area of 660,000 hectares.
Advanced Irrigation Approaches
You Can Trust
Rich River Irrigation Developments is based on a foundation of traditional best practice but we push the boundaries when it comes to creating the best irrigation design for your business.
As a multidisciplinary company, our services include irrigation survey and design, cadastral survey and engineering design, irrigation hardware sales and service, and environmental assessments. You can trust us to service your needs in these fields from concept to completion, no matter how big or small your project. Each project is equally important to us.
Our services are cost effective while being of the highest standard. This means you get good returns on your investment. We have the capability to engage four field parties at any one time, and we use advanced technology such as Trimble GPS systems and Trimble S6 Robotic Stations as well as the latest modeling software.
“We cover a greater regional area than any other irrigation provider.”
PROCESS
Information
Gathering
Surveying
Design
Implementation
Follow-up & Support
Information
Gathering
Surveying
Design
Implementation
Follow-up & Support
Our Team
Russell Healey
Director & Founder
Surface Irrigation Specialist
Russell really believes in getting the best possible outcome in whatever he does. This passion led him to start RRID in 1980 following many years surveying in Echuca and Deniliquin with R.W Veitch & Assoc Consulting Surveyors. With many years’ experience in the field, it’s not surprising that Russell’s enthusiasm for the water industry continues to this day. His customers will be the first to tell you that Russell’s competency is matched only by his strong motivation and generosity of knowledge. It’s a recipe for success and it’s infectious.
Peter McCartney
Director
Spray Irrigation Specialist
Peter has worked in the water industry for over 40 years and has been a director of RRID since 2004. He has extensive skills and experience in the areas of hydraulic computer modelling, pipeline design, water storage and data interpretation. But the trust and confidence that develops when you work with Peter is based on more than his expertise. Peter’s strong ethics and big-picture consultation really help customers make decisions for long-term success. And he’s there with you every step of the way.
Darren Kell
Sales Manager
Darren joined RRID in 2011 – 2015. He returned as our Sales/Project Manager in 2019. He has worked in the Irrigation industry for over 25 years and has a wealth of knowledge in all aspects of pressurised, commercial and broad acre irrigation. He has experience in all ranges of irrigation from orchards, vineyards, commercial turf irrigation (sports grounds), sub-surface drip, Irrigated Agriculture with Pivots, Laterals, Centreliners and Hard Hose Irrigators. Darren’s knowledge and experience in large scale Pump Systems is second to none. He can customise any Irrigation System to make it state of the art. He has and is consulting with Water Boards and large scale Farmers to give them the best Irrigation Systems possible. Darren goes above and beyond Clients requirements, he makes sure all projects small and large are completed above expectations.
James McLaurin LS
Cadastral Surveyor
James is a valuable member of the RRID team, with over 40 years’ experience in diverse land development projects both here and overseas. He has introduced laser grading technology to the cotton farms of Uzbekistan; designed and project managed a large-scale vegetable farm in Shanghai; completed the survey, design and construction set-out of the 70km Muckatah community drain; and worked on the construction set-out of the Echuca waste water treatment plant, including 24km of pipelines and a 3000mgl winter storage dam. James specialises in cadastral surveys and is licensed in three states.
Kathryn Stewart
Office Manager
Kathryn joined RRID in 2019. Kathryn has been an integral part of our team since 2019, she was employed as an administrative assistant and quickly worked her way up to Office Manager. With a keen eye for detail, she handles all accounts, bookkeeping & reception duties, as well as all our internal administration Kathryn is dedicated to fostering a productive, organised and friendly office environment.
Jewel McCartney
Service Technician/Surveyor
Jewel joined RRID in 2021. She services and maintains Bauer Irrigators as well as on farm surveying. Jewel excels as both a Service Technician and Surveyor. Jewel is know for her keen eye for detail during surveys, accurately mapping out irrigation layouts and identifying potential improvements. Her dual expertise is invaluable to the company.
Connor Sandford
Draftsperson/Surveyor
Connor joined RRID 2023. He holds a diploma in Design Drafting/Engineering and is committed to continuous learning in the field of irrigation technology and sustainable practices.
Committed to quality and attention to detail, Connor helps ensure that every project is built on a solid foundation from out in the field surveying right to the draft and design stage of the project.
Having worked on a wide range of projects, from small-scale to large-scale agricultural systems, Connor is dedicated to ensuring every design maximizes water use and minimizes waste. By utilizing the latest software and design tools, he designs precise, detailed plans that are both functional and innovative.
Ashima Moideen
Draftsperson
Ashima joined RRID in 2023. She holds a Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering & a Master of Technology in Structural and Construction Management. After achieving her degrees, Ashima delivered lectures, managed coursework, became an assistant Professor and taught undergraduate courses in Civil Engineering, mentored students and contributed to academic research. She has also worked as a Junior Construction Engineer where she assisted with planning of construction projects. Ashima is very competent with completing any farm planning design.
Demi Hawkett
Design Drafting/ Media/ OHS
Demi joined RRID in early 2025 as a trainee Design Draftsperson and is also experienced in the management of OHS and all aspects of Social Media. Demi's responsibilities include keeping the RRID website up to date, managing RRID social media presence along with her design drafting duties. She is a valuable addition to the RRID team.
Our Story
Like many businesses, Rich River Irrigation Developments began as a small operation driven by the incredible commitment and experience of one person. Since that day in 1980, we have grown into a multidisciplinary company that consults on some of Australia’s biggest irrigation and land development projects.
In 2004 we expanded to take on a Bauer dealership. This means we can provide you with high-quality products that support your irrigation needs.
Our team includes experienced professionals with expertise in all areas of irrigation survey and design, cadastral survey and engineering design, irrigation hardware sales and service, and environmental assessments.
While our reputation has extended our work to large-scale agricultural projects overseas, we have never lost sight of the small farmers and regional businesses – we love working with our local community around Albury and Moama. We’re a market leader in the irrigation industry – but we always make time to sit down and listen to your story.
RRID is a member of:
Our Values
Performance
Valuing our people
We treat people with respect and dignity, communicate with honesty, and provide a dynamic environment and opportunity for people to reach their potential.
Solutions focused
We are dedicated to being solution focused and strive to get the best result for our customers.
Quality, Health, Safety, Environment (QHSE)
We apply the QHSE function across our operation as an integral part of our overall strategy.
Continuous improvement
We continually monitor and improve our processes and performance.
Excellence
We strive to consistently meet or exceed expectations.
Transparency
Accountability
We aim to be open, honest and accountable in our relationships with everyone we work with, and with each other.
Integrity
We demonstrate integrity and honesty through high standards of personal conduct and strength of character at all times.
Commitment
We always deliver on our commitments.
Collaboration
Teamwork
We work cooperatively as a team and look to incorporate our clients into that team.
Value for money
We deliver value to our clients through experience, capability and innovation.
Risk management
We add value to our business by managing risk collaboratively with our clients to achieve mutual benefit.
Tenacity
Overcoming obstacles
We tackle challenges by being resourceful, innovative and by applying sound business acumen.
Resolute
We are committed to adopting and adhering to the best management practices.
