Some of the largest irrigation companies in Southern NSW are gearing up for the future, with nearly $10 million locked in to investigate levelling up their water networks to make every drop count and support a healthier Murray−Darling Basin.
New feasibility studies funded under the Australian Government’s $494 million Resilient Rivers Water Infrastructure Program are being delivered in partnership with the NSW Government, exploring ways to boost efficiency across these vast systems.
The new funding includes $3.8 million towards a comprehensive assessment of Murrumbidgee Irrigation’s network to understand where water is being lost and identify an effective mitigation approach, such as new channel piping, lining and/or covering to reduce evaporation and leaks. It will also explore alternate and more efficient ways to supply water to the Barren Box storage facility, with these works potentially saving up to 10 GL.
“We’ve already been working closely with Murrumbidgee Irrigation on a number of innovative infrastructure projects but we’re kicking things up a gear with this next package of works exploring covering and lining their channels to prevent leakage and evaporation which will help save even more water,” NSW DCCEEW Executive Director of Infrastructure Development, Lisa Hingerty, said. “Now we’re bringing two more irrigation companies onboard and seeing what upgrades we can make to their systems over the long run to prepare for a future with less reliable water.”
“These feasibility projects are the next step in making sure that our area can make the most out of the available water and secure the future of this region for many decades to come,” Murrumbidgee Irrigation (MI) CEO, Brett Jones, said. “If the projects are successful, it will be a win for everyone, with flow on economic benefits throughout the community, while also delivering water savings for the environment.”
A further $6 million has been allocated to investigate water-saving opportunities at Murrumbidgee Irrigation, Murray Irrigation, and Coleambally Irrigation. These opportunities include better understanding future water needs, assessing new technology and engineering solutions, and determining how these could be incorporated into existing operations, potentially saving between 50 GL and 100 GL of water.
“This collaboration and access to funding is a positive step to ensure Murray Irrigation has explored and analysed potential solutions to provide shareholders and the community with long-term resilience and business viability in an environment of water recovery,” Murray Irrigation Ltd CEO Ron McCalman said.
“It’s important that Coleambally Irrigation, on behalf of our members and customers, is afforded every opportunity to explore ways to improve our business resilience and delivery efficiency,” Coleambally Irrigation CEO Julian Speed said.
These projects aim to help NSW meet its Basin Plan commitments by contributing towards the Commonwealth’s 450 GL of additional environmental water recovery target and reduce the need for voluntary water purchase.
The feasibility studies are expected to be completed by June this year. They will inform the next steps for possible further infrastructure upgrades.
To find out more, please visit: water.nsw.gov.au/resilient-rivers
