Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water Lisa Neville is visiting Sunraysia on Thursday and Friday this week to visit irrigators, inspect environmental projects and discuss ways to boost the region’s economy.
Ms Neville said she was eager to meet key stakeholders in the region about water security, investment in irrigation infrastructure and the health of the region’s waterways.
The Sunraysia visit will provide valuable input from the community that will assist in the development of the Andrews Labor Government’s comprehensive water plan for Victoria.
The Labor Government recognises that Victoria faces a number of challenges to the sustainable management of its water resources, including population growth, variable rainfall and climate change.
The Water Plan will set the strategic direction for Victoria’s water management for decades to come, meeting the needs of the agricultural sector and the environment while securing supplies for domestic users.
The Sunraysia region is a major contributor to Victoria’s economic activity and is also home to some of the state’s most unique environmental assets.
During the visit, Ms Neville will visit irrigation properties and inspect environmental watering in the Hattah Lakes, salinity management at Psyche Bend lagoon and Sunraysia Modernisation Project work at Red Cliffs.
Ms Neville will also meet key stakeholders from Lower Murray Water, Mildura Rural City Council, the Mallee Catchment Management Authority and Lower Murray Water Strategic Advisory Committee members.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water Lisa Neville
“Sunraysia is one of the nation’s most important irrigation regions and I am eager to meet growers and other key stakeholders as we develop the Andrews Labor Government’s Water Plan.”
“The Government recognises the benefits of investing in irrigation infrastructure to boost the productivity of our agricultural sector while saving water for the benefit of the environment and our communities as whole.”
“We understand the critical role played by the irrigation sector in Sunraysia’s economic wellbeing and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to hear directly from growers in the region.”
“The Mallee is also home to some of the state’s most valuable environmental assets – including the iconic Murray River and Hattah Lakes, and it’s important we look at ways to keep these areas healthy, particularly as we deal with the challenges of climate change.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020