Victorian communities will be able to rely on a safe and secure water supply, with new infrastructure and efficiency programs for farmers, households and businesses.
The Victorian Budget 2018/19 includes $65 million to provide water security for communities across the state, build irrigation and water supply infrastructure, provide more opportunities for people to enjoy our waterways, protect the environment and support farmers and jobs.
This investment includes $32 million for Victoria’s share of the $85.2 million East Grampians Water Supply Project.
The project will build 1,600 kilometres of stock and domestic pipeline for up to 530,000 hectares of land in the Grampians region, helping guard against the impacts of future droughts and giving local farmers more certainty.
A further $10.2 million will fund our state’s share of a $29 million project to build a secure water supply for the Mitiamo district, expanding the water grid and improving the efficiency of local irrigation.
The Budget will provide $4 million to support smarter use of water in our cities and towns across the state, including recycling and stormwater harvesting. A further $2 million will continue water efficiency measures in schools and local communities.
The Andrews Labor Government will also provide:
- $8 million for Victoria’s contribution to the Murray-Darling Basin Authority
- $3 million to encourage more Victorians to visit and use our rivers and waterways for fishing, boating, camping and walking
- $3 million to improve the safety of small dams and flood retarding basins
- $1.25 million to finalise work on the Yarra Strategic Plan and to protect the iconic river now and in the future
- $1 million to fund the next stage of the ‘Greening the Pipeline’ project, converting Truganina’s Main Outfall Sewer reserve into parkland
- $400,000 to assist with upgrading or replacing the Pakenham Sewerage Treatment Plant.
These initiatives continue the Labor Government’s record of investment in the water sector, delivering on the priorities outlined in Water for Victoria and securing our state’s water supply.
Unlike the previous Liberal Government, the Labor Government is on track to have acquitted all funds from the Environmental Contribution Levy back into the sustainable use of water.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Water Lisa Neville
“This investment will give farmers and our agriculture sector more certainty, while protecting our waterways and rivers for generations to come.”
“Many farmers will now have greater access to a reliable, sustainable water supply with further investment in regional communities.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020