The State Government has extended the consultation period for its irrigation delivery share review.
Water Minister Lisa Neville said landholders in the Goulburn Murray and Sunraysia Irrigation Districts coulnd now put submissions in, until the end of the month.
Ms Neville announced the extension, after requesting full pricing information be provided to irrigators as part of the review.
“We’re working with irrigators and the broader community to support a strong, productive irrigation industry that is here for generations,” Ms Neville said.
“We said the delivery share final recommendations would be developed hand-in-hand with the community – and that’s what we’re doing.”
The review will now remain open until August 31, to allow for irrigators and landholders to review the additional material, before putting in a submission.
Read more: Views vary on delivery share review
Ms Neville said the extension would not affect the timeline for the final decision.
“With more time for feedback, more people can contribute with ways we can manage irrigation infrastructure in Victoria that gives people confidence to invest in our agricultural industries and resilient communities,” Ms Neville said.
The Discussion Paper, released last month sets out the issues, challenges and opportunities for delivery share arrangements.
It explores 21 options for change, with 16 shortlisted for recommendation or further investigation.
Since its release, the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning has received over 50 submissions – following community forums held in Sunraysia and Goulburn-Murray irrigation districts.
The review comes in response to significant changes in land and water use in Northern Victoria over the last 10 years.
It considers reduced water availability for irrigation, fluctuation in water prices and changes in demand for water.
Submissions can be made by:
• Filling in the electronic submission form available on engage.vic.gov.au/delivery-share-review.
• Mailing it to Delivery Share Review, Level 12, 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne, 3002.
• Emailing your submission to Rural.Water@delwp.vic.gov.au.