Minister for Water Peter Walsh has launched the new Central Goulburn No 1 Pipeline and Pump Station that will provide a more reliable water supply to 30 farmers near Murchison.
The project – which was undertaken by Goulburn-Murray Water as part of its CG1-4 water savings project – commenced in May and was completed during the winter maintenance period so there was no disruption to the water supply.
Speaking at the official launch of the pipeline and the pump station, Mr Walsh said that the completion of the $1.8 million project marked a significant milestone in the modernisation of the wider Central Goulburn irrigation area.
“As part of this upgrade, a 6.4 kilometre pipeline has been constructed to deliver irrigation and stock and domestic water to customers either directly or via 2.2 kilometres of channel,” Mr Walsh said.
“The old lift pump station has also been replaced by a modern pressurised pipe system, which will increase flow rates. The project is also expected to save about 490 megalitres of water, which will contribute to the overall savings of the Goulburn Murray Water Connections Project.”
Nationals Candidate for Euroa Steph Ryan said the upgrade would provide local farmers with a more efficient water supply, as the previous open channel system was inefficient due to evaporation and leakage.
“The Victorian Coalition Government is committed to providing farmers with modernised water supply systems to help them become more productive and more profitable, as we work towards doubling food and fibre production by 2030,” Ms Ryan said.
Liberal Candidate for Euroa Tony Schneider said the project had been driven by the community.
“Local irrigators advocated strongly for local water delivery infrastructure to be upgraded and were involved throughout the project, which has led to the great outcome we have today,” Mr Scheider said.
Murchison cattle producer Alan Harrison described the project as a win for everyone.
“There will be savings in ongoing maintenance for Goulburn-Murray Water and we have the irrigation system we wanted and needed,” Mr Harrison said.
