The Andrews Labor Government today announced $175,000 for five extra standpipes as part of a range of new support measures for rural communities in Victoria’s most drought-affected areas.
The extra standpipes are being installed at strategic sites in western Victoria to reduce the time and cost associated with having to cart water for stock and domestic use in drought-affected rural communities.
Premier Daniel Andrews, Miniser for Environment, Climate Change and Water Lisa Neville, and Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford made the announcement today in St Arnaud where one of the new standpipes has already been installed.
The Labor Government understands the emotional and financial burden placed on farming families forced to travel many kilometres to cart water for their stock and domestic use.
Two other standpipes have already been installed in Westmere and Pomonal while the locations for the remaining two will be determined by Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water in consultation with local government, the CFA and affected communities.
The announcement brings the total committed expenditure on standpipes to $693,000 after the Labor Government announced it would provide $518,000 for 14 standpipes in western Victoria last November.
Of those 14 announced in November, 11 have so far been commissioned in Moyston, Ararat, Willaura, Lake Bolac, Wickliffe, Streatham, Elmhurst, Stawell, Great Western, Kaniva and Apsley.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“New standpipes are an important part of the Labor Government’s work to reduce the impact of drought on affected rural communities.”
“More standpipes will reduce the amount of time that farmers and rural property owners spend carting water for domestic use and just to keep livestock alive.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water Lisa Neville
“The new standpipes help reduce the water carting burden, with more than 100 swipe cards issued and over 6.2 megalitres of water being delivered for water carting.”
“The Andrews Labor Government will continue to invest in new water infreastructure in consultation with local communities to increase water security and help rural communities deal with an ongoing lack of rain.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford
"We know water carting is a hard slog. More standpipes won't eliminate this challenge for farmers, but it will make things easier and that's what we are getting on with doing."
Reviewed 19 August 2020