The Victorian Government has opened the consultation process on its planned new irrigation upgrade projects in the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District.
Water Minister Lisa Neville said the consultation would ensure the projects didn't have any negative socio-economic impacts and would deliver positive outcomes for regional communities, through upgraded water delivery systems and regional investment.
The $177.5 million Project is funded by the commonwealth through the Murray Darling Basin Plan and will support nearly 1000 GMID irrigators with upgraded and more efficient infrastructure.
"I fought hard to ensure the community would have a say on these projects and encourage feedback on these proposals to help achieve the best outcome for the GMID," Ms Neville said.
"The Victorian Government is showing once again that we can meet our obligations under the Basin Plan and benefit the environment without buybacks, without taking water from farmers."
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The large-scale infrastructure projects are designed to save 16 gigalitres of water through reducing system losses - and fulfil Victoria's obligation for water recovery without any buybacks, transfer of entitlements to the Commonwealth or removal of water from consumptive use.
Under the Basin Plan, the States are required to put forward 62 gigalitres of water saving projects in order to receive credit for the 650 gigalitres of environmental offset projects in the Plan.
The projects ensure there will be no water taken from Victorian irrigators - Ms Neville said without the projects there was a risk of further buybacks in the GMID.
The 16 gigalitres savings will be achieved through infrastructure modernisation - including in backbone irrigation channels and the Shepparton East irrigation system - saving water otherwise lost to system leaks and evaporation.
Goulburn-Murray Water has already been working with its customers to develop the new proposals - known as the GMW Water Efficiency Project.
The projects are separate to, and in addition to, the $2 billion Connections Project scheduled to finish works in October 2020 - and is on track to meet its water savings target of 425 gigalitres.
Victorians can now have their say on the project including expected socio-economic outcomes - with consultation open until September 11 at: engage.vic.gov.au/gmw-water-efficiency-project.
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