A call for private enterprise to help with the troubled $2 billion Connections irrigation program has been welcomed by Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) water committee chair Richard Anderson.
The body charged with the reset of the northern Victorian project has asked for private sector help to “maximise project outcomes.”
The Connections Project Control Group, under Frank Fisseler, has issued an Expression for Innovation (EFI), seeking interest from suitably qualified and experienced private sector organisations for future infrastructure works. In March, Water Minister Lisa Neville took the project out of the hands of Goulburn-Murray Water (G-MW), establishing the new group to see it through to conclusion. Mr Fisseler, said the EFI would seek innovative delivery and technology solutions, drawing on experience and expertise from the private sector. “We are seeking viable alternatives in the areas of technology, project delivery (including design, procurement and construction) and operations and maintenance,” Mr Fisseller said.
Mr Anderson said it appeared to be a smart move. ”I would have thought it was a smart move, to make sure what you think you are doing is the right stuff, or is there something better that hasn’t been considered?” Mr Anderson said.
But Bamawm dairy farmer Ann Gardiner said G-MW had years to look at the issue. She said the first project, suggested for the 365 hectare farm, still remained to be completed. A spur channel, built in sandy soil, leaked continuously. “Our concern now is that we will be left with this spur, which leaks like a sieve – we are continually having to report it, it leaks across our paddocks and it’s costing a lot of money to fix,” Ms Gardiner said.
“I can’t see any marvellous technological advances to get water from backbone to our section of the farm,” Ms Gardiner said.
“Let’s stop looking and start doing - they should do a reasonable amount of time thinking about the best solutions and then get on with doing.”
