The East Grampians Rural Pipeline is a step closer, after the Pyrenees Shire agreed to a planning scheme amendment, to allow the project to go ahead.
Pyrenees Shire CEO Jim Nolan said that, when constructed, the pipeline would provide water security and improved productivity for agriculture in the area.
"The source for the pipeline is a very reliable watershed, and it will provide peace of mind for farmers who worry about periods of drought," Mr Nolan said.
"The pipeline has been on the drawing board for a long time and Council has supported this project right from the start, strongly advocating to secure the funding for it," he said.
The project involves about 1500 farming properties, covering 530,000 hectares, over three shires.
"In the Pyrenees Shire, the pipeline will service farms on the western edge of the municipality," Mr Nolan said,
Funding is being provided by the federal government ($32 million), state government ($32 million), Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water ($15.5 million) and landowner contributions ($5.7 million).
Mr Nolan said Ararat, Northern Grampians and Pyrenees council areas have allexperienced prolonged droughts in the past and the EGRP will provide future water security
It will also improve the productivity and diversity of agriculture in the region.
The Planning Minister has said an Environment Effects Statement was not required for the project.
Council's support for a Planning Scheme Amendment will enable an alternative rigorous planning process to be undertaken across the thee local government areas, overseen by the Department of Environment Land Water and Planning.
GWM Water is driving the East Grampians Rural Pipeline, and further information about the project is available on their website: