Irrigation modernisation for Murrumbidgee nearing completion

Murrumbidgee Irrigation’s modernisation works are nearing completion, with new structures in the Sturt Canal, Benerembah, Wah Wah, Tabbita, and Warburn on track for commissioning from late August to early September 2018.

The extensive 2018 modernisation works are building on from the automation of the Main Canal in 2017, and takes the total investment by the Australian Government in the region – to support the implementation of the Basin Plan – to almost $348 million under the Private Irrigation Infrastructure Operators Program (PIIOP) in NSW.

Murrumbidgee Irrigation CEO, Brett Jones, said staff have been working closely with contractors to ensure they could meet irrigator demand for water deliveries.

“It has been a juggling act,” Mr Jones said. “Staff and contractors have been working over weekends, and on rotation, to ensure that works will be completed on, or ahead of schedule.”

“With some irrigators needing water as soon as possible, we have had to utilise structures before their final commissioning, and this has been a challenge without remote monitoring and control.”

Mr Jones thanked irrigators for their patience during the extended modernisation works.

“Our focus has always been on getting our works completed in the most timely and efficient manner,” Mr Jones said.

“Irrigators are the strength behind this region, and we will continue to work with them to create opportunities by delivering water more effectively and efficiently.”

Mr Jones said the current modernisation works have been critical in enabling the company to maximise the benefits of the projects already completed across the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reduce our operating costs, increase flow capacity, improve supply reliability and set up the region for the future,” Mr Jones said.

Murrumbidgee Irrigation is working with Australian Government support to deliver projects that will optimise economic, social and environmental outcomes in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area.

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