Irrigators in northern Victoria will now have a more reliable water supply thanks to the completion of the Mitiamo Pipeline Project.
“The completion of the Mitiamo and District Water Supply Project is a great example of the Liberal and Nationals Government delivering the water infrastructure that forms the National Water Grid as part of our $3.5 billion investment to secure Australia’s water future,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said.
The pipeline project will replace the old leaking channel with pipes, a pump station and an 85-megalitre storage facility to provide a year-round water supply, reducing public and private water losses by more than 1,000 megalitres per year.
The project, which is set to be completed within the week, will supply a new district covering over 58,000 hectares of land north of Bendigo and southwest of Echuca, providing year-round service to around 170 rural properties.
“This project is fantastic news for the local economy which is strongly backed by agriculture, with project construction also having supported 170 jobs here in regional Australia,” Minister Joyce said.
Historically, over 80 per cent of water supplied in the region has been lost before use. Only two-thirds of the project area is currently serviced, with farmers incurring high water cartage costs.
“A lack of reliable, quality water has constrained the expansion of agriculture in the Mitiamo region – this project will address this and help farming grow in northern Victoria,” Victorian Acting Water Minister Richard Wynne said.
“Through the Mitiamo pipeline and other major water projects, we’re replacing outdated water infrastructure and delivering for landowners and the community.”
The saved water will be used to improve the health of rivers and wetlands, in line with the state’s obligations under the Murray Darling Basin Plan with no socio-economic impacts.
Federal Member for Mallee Anne Webster said the completion of this project allows farmers to invest with certainty for the future as it will support agricultural benefits for farmers through improved stocking rate and livestock productivity.
The delivery of the Mitiamo Pipeline Project was a key election commitment to help ensure a secure and stable supply of water in the region. Federal Member for Nicholls Damian Drum stated the project would lead to significant productivity gains for farmers.
“I want to congratulate the passion and drive of the local community that has been central to the delivery of this important project,” State Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan said.
“The completion of the Mitiamo pipeline will add to the list of water infrastructure projects the Victorian and Australian governments have already delivered in northern Victoria.”
The Mitiamo and District Water Supply Project received $14.5 million from the Australian Government, $10.2 million from the Victorian Government and $4.3 million from Goulburn Murray Water.