The Andrews Labor Government is delivering greater water security to farmers as part of irrigation modernisation works in the Macalister Irrigation District in Gippsland.
The $32 million Phase 1A project was completed in June this year and has provided water savings by modernising infrastructure and reducing water losses.
Because of the modernisation works, approximately 6GL of water savings is now being made available to irrigators, with remaining water savings to be sold to farmers via an auction process.
The extra water will provide a huge boost of confidence for the irrigation district, particularly for dairy farmers who have had a tough two years – delivering greater water security and more viable farms in the long term.
The water savings have been generated by replacing outlets, modernising channels and construction of a new water storage dam at Denison to help regulate water.
This milestone marks the delivery of an important commitment to irrigators in the district, who have contributed to the modernisation project costs.
Irrigators were consulted throughout the development of Southern Rural Water’s Macalister Irrigation District 2030 strategy and expressed their desire for the water savings to be distributed to irrigators in the district.
Eligible irrigators will receive a letter of offer from Southern Rural Water for their proportion of the water savings, with further information about this process to be made available on the website, .
Quotes attributable to Minister for Water Lisa Neville
“The modernisation work in the Macalister Irrigation District has been completed on time and on budget and has delivered modern assets, water savings and great value for the regional economy.”
“We’re pleased water savings are being returned to irrigators, to allow farmers to reinvest and grow.”
Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing
“This is a real boost for the Macalister farming district, which will increase production and development, and further strengthen Gippsland communities.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020