Works have started on an important section of the South West Loddon water supply project at Korong Vale which will bolster the state’s water grid.
Minister for Water Lisa Neville today visited Korong Vale Reservoir to mark the start of construction.
The section of work at Korong Vale Reservoir will include a pump station and storage tank associated with the pipeline.
The Labor Government is putting $40 million towards the $80.6 million project which will secure supply to communities, households and farmers in the South West Loddon region.
More than 600 rural properties will be connected across 160,000 hectares.
The region has previously experienced an extended period of extremely dry conditions.
Construction of 40 kilometres of the northern trunk main has now commenced, with the completed project to include 1,300 kilometres of new pipeline.
In another development today, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed between traditional owners and Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water.
The MoU is an example of government working alongside traditional owners to better understand and respect Aboriginal water values – a key component of the Victorian Water Plan, to be released later this month.
The MoU signed between the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation (DDWDAC) and GWMWater recognises the importance of indigenous communities in the project area.
It addresses the impact of construction on cultural heritage and promotes open communication and cooperation to help expand the state’s water grid.
Construction and commissioning of the pipeline is expected to be completed in 2019.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Water Lisa Neville
“By further developing the Victorian Water Grid we’re providing the investment and infrastructure needed to protect communities against the harsh effects of climate change.”
“We’re also ensuring Aboriginal communities in the South West Loddon region are actively involved in this project to help expand the state’s water grid.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020