The first phase of Gippsland’s Macalister Irrigation District modernisation project has been completed and work has begun on stage two.
Water Minister Lisa Neville marked the completion of the $32 million first phase of the project and launched the second phase of the upgrade.
The next stage of the project would replace ageing and inefficient channel systems with around 38 kilometres of pipeline and automate a further 33 kilometres of channels.
“We’re investing $60 million in the Macalister Irrigation Modernisation Project to support local farmers, boost production and create jobs,” Ms Neville said.
The second phase would deliver an extra $45-50 million to Victoria’s economy each year and was jointly funded by irrigators, the Victorian and Commonwealth governments.
Ms Neville said she had now signed an agreement, pending Federal approval, which would release the Commonwealth’s $20 million contribution to the project.
Projects are modernising the supply of water across the Macalister Irrigation District included:
Upgrading 279 kilometres of channels built in the 1920s and 1950s through channel automation and pipeline
Technology that regulates water supply to reduce water losses and improve service to customers
State-of-the-art design of the Southern Tinamba Pipeline
The construction of a balancing water storage near the Thomson River to save water and improve supply
Modernising outlets that distribute water to farmers
The Macalister district was now operating at a record 80 per cent efficiency, and the next phase of the project would further increase efficiency and water savings.