NEW PIPELINE FOR LAKE MOKOAN DIVERTERS

Monday, 10 November 2008
Diverters around Lake Mokoan will soon enjoy year-round, reliable access to water following the commencement of the $14.5 million Lake Mokoan Diverters Pipeline Project.
Water Minister Tim Holding said the project was part of the Brumby Government’s overall project to decommission Lake Mokoan and return it to a natural wetland.

“The Brumby Government is decommissioning Lake Mokoan as it is the most inefficient water storage in Victoria – losing 75 per cent of water that is run through the system,” Mr Holding said.

“It is important we provide a sustainable solution for diverters who access water directly from Lake Mokoan for irrigation and stock and domestic supplies.

“Construction of the pipeline project has started this week and will provide a more efficient supply system for current lake diverters. The pipeline is expected to be completed early next year.”

The Lake Mokoan project is part of the Brumby Government’s Our Water Our Future reform package and will save around 48 billion litres of water each year for the Murray and Snowy rivers.

The Lake Mokoan Diverters Pipeline involves building a pumping station downstream on the Lake Mokoan outlet channel, a 27.5 kilometre pipe network and an operational pond with 75–million-litre capacity. Metered tapping points will replace current diversion pumping points.

In preparation for building the pumping station, works to deepen the Mokoan outlet channel commenced in August. The early start to these works will minimise irrigation season impacts. 

Mr Holding said following extensive consultation with Mokoan diverters, this was felt to be the best way forward. 

“The pipeline is on schedule to provide essential services to diverters at a time when critically low storage levels are affecting access to water,” he said.

“It will also allow the Thoona and District Water Supply syndicate to replace its current inefficient open channel and creek system with a new piped supply, saving water and improving services.

“We are continuing our negotiations with the Victorian Farmers Federation and irrigators downstream from Lake Mokoan on an offsets package to secure their water supplies and reliability once the decommissioning is complete.”

Bill Sammon, Chairman of Thoona and District Water Supply said a more secure water supply was now just around the corner.

“This is great news for our stock and domestic users who will soon have more reliable access to water. We are extremely pleased the Government has backed the future of our farms by investing in a better delivery system,” Mr Sammon said.

Goulburn-Murray Water Managing Director David Stewart welcomed the commencement of the project following the finalisation of the design and tender processes.

“This is a major project and we want to ensure that the needs of our customers are met in the best possible way,” Mr Stewart said.

“The project will be fully implemented and commissioned prior to the lake’s decommissioning. Other works to maintain reliability of supply to Broken System irrigators are currently being negotiated.”

Expressions of interest to join the Winton Wetlands Committee of Management to manage the $20 million restoration of Lake Mokoan to natural wetlands close next week.

For further information about the project visit www.ourwater.vic.gov.au