The Victorian Government has released a Request for Tender (RFT) for channel modernisation works as part of its Connections project in the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District (GMID).
The RFT marks an important step in the $2 billion project which aims to create a world leading water delivery system in the GMID.
A package of works is due in 2017 including meter upgrades, new regulators, channel remediation and pipeline construction. Over the course of the entire project, an estimated 4150km of channel will be modernised.
Victorian Minister for Water, Lisa Neville, said, “The Connections tender process is an exciting step – it means we are on the road to harnessing some of Victoria’s best and most innovative irrigation expertise to push ahead with this critical project.
“We will make early use of advice and knowledge from contractors for the best possible outcomes for irrigators.”
The Victorian Government and the Connections project team have made significant changes to ensure irrigators in the Goulburn-Murray Irrigation District are supported during the reset, including:
- Improved landowner engagement ensuring clarity around what to expect from Connections
- Completing the project on time and on budget in line with the reset plan
- Ensuring the project can finish all previously committed modernisation works
- Maximising opportunities for experienced local contractors to participate in works and construction
- Implement on-farm works rather than requiring landowners to carry out their own works
- Ensuring contractors are responsible for construction – with statutory tools available when they need to reconfigure Goulburn Murray Water owned irrigation assets
Connections Project Director, Frank Fisseler, said, “Engagement with landowners and the broader community is a huge part of the reset – ensuring we keep them informed every step of the way.”
Submissions for Request to Tender close 5 December 2016 and works are expected to be completed by 2020.
