Farmers in the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District are reaping the benefits of on-ground works as part of the $2 billion Connections irrigation modernisation project.
Minister for Water Lisa Neville today announced details of the Winter Works program and progress on the broader Connections reset. This year’s $47 million Winter Works program includes:
- Installation of up to 200 new meters
- Up to 26km of new pipelines across 13 sites
- Channel remediation at 13 sites
- Automation at 45 sites
- Special projects including the Swan Hill Modernisation Project, Box Creek Weir and Fish Lock
The project solutions team has now resolved more than 100 cases.
Planning has also started for next year’s Winter Works package, worth more than $100 million. It’s set to be one of the most significant works programs to date and includes meter upgrades, new regulators, channel remediation and pipeline construction across Northern Victoria.
Work on the broader Connections reset is progressing well. The project team has submitted its proposed delivery plan to the State and Federal Governments, with a decision expected soon.
The plan builds on feedback from local irrigators who have shown strong support for ‘Option 4’, announced as part of the project reset in June.
This option is a tailored, fit-for-purpose approach and has been identified as the best way forward to complete the Connections Project.
The reset delivery plan also reflects the Andrews Labor Government’s on-going consultation with the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF), local councils and water services committees.
The Labor Government will continue to work with the Project Control Group, Goulburn-Murray Water, stakeholders and irrigators to push Connections forward for the benefit of the region and the environment.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Water Lisa Neville
“We have a full program of works underway to deliver what we promised: irrigation modernisation for the people of Northern Victoria who need it the most.”
“Consultation was critical to get the project back on track and it’s great to see tangible improvements for local irrigators on the ground.”
“We want to drive this project home, deliver water savings for the Murray Darling Basin and boost the economies of the region, Victoria and Australia.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020