The Andrews Labor Government is taking further steps to improve water security for dairy farmers with a new study to investigate options for drought-affected South Gippsland.
Visiting a property in Yanakie today, Minister for Water Lisa Neville today announced $50,000 for a feasibility study to look at the construction of a new pipeline for the area.
The study will examine long-term water supply options for farmers who are facing the combined impacts of dry conditions and lower-than-expected milk prices.
Among the options the study will consider:
- the best ways to increase on-farm storages, including rainfall run-off modelling and climate change scenarios to check reliability,
- a 23km pipeline from Foster extending Victoria’s water grid to include the Yanakie area just north of Wilson’s Promontory.
The local community will have an opportunity to review the options when the study is completed.
The funding comes as Victorian water corporations announce initiatives to help their customers deal with the effects of drought and reduced milk prices.
Goulburn Murray Water and Southern Rural Water are also implementing delayed payment plans that aim to reduce cash-flow risks to farmers.
The Labor Government stands behind our rural communities after announcing an $11.4 million joint Government-industry support package in May.
The Dairy Industry Taskforce is also looking at proactive measures to support the welfare of farmers and regional communities.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Water Lisa Neville
“This is about investigating how best we provide greater water security to an important area of Victoria's dairy industry.”
“The feasibility study will look at practical solutions and report back to the community with options. It also shows the value of the Victorian water grid to provide security to regional communities like Gippsland.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing
"South Gippsland farmers and communities have been doing it tough for some time. This study is another important step towards maximising water security and certainty of supply for the region now, and into the future."
Reviewed 19 August 2020