As part of delivering the Connections Project – Victoria’s largest water modernisation project – $100 million dollars of works are now being undertaken in the Goulburn-Murray Irrigation District (GMID) this winter.
Water Minister Lisa Neville said under the winter works program the Connections Project will:
Remediate 33km channel across 17 sites
Install automation at 271 sites
Install 35km pipeline across seven sites and undertake works on more than 500 meter outlets.
“It’s important to get as much work done in the winter so we can ensure the productivity of farmers during the irrigation season and achieve our water savings targets,” Ms Neville said.
The government worked closely with local irrigators, the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) and the local community to get the project back on track.
Ms Neville also announced Connections Project Control Group (PCG) chair Mike Walsh was stepping down from the role, to be replaced by Peter McManamon.
“Mr McManamon is a veteran of the water sector with over 35 years’ experience in guiding large water infrastructure projects across regional Australia including delivering the Wimmera-Mallee Pipeline Project.”
GMW deputy chair and former National Party leader and Deputy Premier of Victoria, Pat McNamara, would also join the Project Control Group, replacing fellow board member, Margot Henty.
GMW has also reminded irrigation customers they have options, as the end of the 2016-17 water season nears. Trade applications must be lodged with GMW by June 27, or June 30 if the application is made through the online trading portal.
