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Macalister Resilience and Critical Infrastructure project gets $2.5M federal funding to improve pathway to Gippsland water security

The Macalister Resilience and Critical Infrastructure project will receive $2.5 million in federal government funding.

By news@gippsland - 12th August 2021 - Back to News

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the Government was pleased to support the Macalister Irrigation District (MID) project that would improve the resilience and reliability of water infrastructure, ensuring a stronger future for water security across the region.

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed a further $2.5 million in Federal Government funding for the Macalister Resilience and Critical Infrastructure project

Significant on-farm investment

Mr Chester said, "The MID project is all about supporting hundreds of local jobs, protecting the environment, and building on a world class agricultural region to make it sustainable for the future. We've already seen irrigators benefit from the modernisation project, which has allowed them to make significant on-farm investment and improve their irrigation practices"

"The project will provide money to upgrade the two main sluice pipes to be replaced by larger diameter pipes making it more efficient for irrigators. This will build on previous investment across the MID, which includes the replacement of open channel systems with new pipelines, and modernisation works including the upgrade and automation of outlets."

Project to increase water availability

Mr Chester said the project would increase water availability and security through the generation of around 10.3GL of water savings and would improve water delivery efficiency to support increased agricultural output.

"The Federal Government has already provided $31.3 million to the MID with the Victorian Government providing $10.4 million and other partners $20.9 million. Southern Rural Water will match the Federal Government funding for this project by providing an additional $2.5 million. The MID contributes an estimated $500 million to the Victorian economy." Mr Chester said.

Construction is expected to be completed in late 2024. By 2024 all phases of the modernisation project are due to be finished. The project is among 40 water infrastructure projects to share in $108 million in Federal funding under the National Water Grid Connections funding pathway. For further information, visit the National Water Grid.

Pictures from Darren Chester MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• East Gippsland outdoor venues prepare for summer with school holiday activities, swimming programs and swim teacher opportunities
  East Gippsland outdoor facilities are preparing for summer, with Orbost Pool opening early, seasonal swimming programs returning, Aqua Run activities planned and Council recruiting and training new swim teachers.
• West Gippsland Arts Centre opens 2027 exhibition applications for artists and creatives across all visual disciplines and genres
  West Gippsland Arts Centre is inviting artists across visual disciplines to submit expressions of interest for its 2027 exhibition program, with submissions closing October 12, 2026.
• East Gippsland Councillors take council in community program to Twin Rivers district for local engagement on 29 September 2026
  East Gippsland Councillors will visit Bruthen, Johnsonville and Metung on September 29, meeting residents and businesses to discuss local priorities, challenges and opportunities through Council’s community engagement program.
• West Gippsland CMA celebrates rural women’s contributions to agriculture, healthy catchments and sustainable farming futures
  West Gippsland CMA celebrates rural women’s contributions through a podcast featuring dairy farmer Jess Knight, highlighting farm life, community connections, irrigation knowledge and sustainable agricultural practices shaping the region’s future.
• Gippsland small business triumphs with award-winning High Country Hooch Distilling Enterprise at Glenaladale near Bairnsdale
  High Country Hooch Distilling owners Paul and Leanne Poulter won Best New Business at the Gippsland Business Awards, growing their Glenaladale venture into a handcrafted spirits and tasting-room destination.
• East Gippsland Council seeks community feedback on general local law review before 2027 expiry, submit by 2 October 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its General Local Law review, covering public spaces, safety, amenity and local activities, with consultation open until Friday, October 2.
• East Gippsland Council begins targeted roadside slashing program to reduce fire risks ahead of approaching fire season
  East Gippsland Shire Council has begun targeted roadside slashing ahead of fire season, prioritising vegetation growth, local conditions and emerging fire risks, with progress updates available online.
• East Gippsland Council calls for ESVF levy reform ahead of November Victorian state election
  East Gippsland Shire Council is urging Victorian election candidates to reform the ESVF levy, citing disproportionate regional costs and seeking fairer, transparent emergency services funding.
• East Gippsland welcomes 27 new Australians from 13 countries at citizenship ceremony on Australian Citizenship Day
  East Gippsland welcomed 27 new Australians from 13 countries at a citizenship ceremony in Lucknow, celebrating Australian Citizenship Day and the diversity new citizens bring to the community.
• East Gippsland planning roadshow brings expert advice to Mallacoota residents, improving access to local services
  East Gippsland Shire Council's Planning Roadshow will visit Mallacoota on August 17, offering residents face-to-face planning advice, permit guidance and access to the new AI-powered myLot planning tool.
• South Gippsland residents invited to shape future heritage precincts across four townships through community consultation
  South Gippsland Shire Council is inviting residents across Loch, Fish Creek, Toora and Korumburra to help shape and protect their townships' unique heritage character.
• South Gippsland offers more than 40 free and low-cost activities during Victorian Seniors Festival month this October
  South Gippsland will celebrate Victorian Seniors Festival month in October with more than 40 free and low-cost activities, including movement, sport, socialising, learning, arts, culture and creative events for seniors.
• East Gippsland Seniors Festival returns this October, inviting community events across the shire
  East Gippsland’s Seniors Festival returns in October, inviting community groups to submit events celebrating older residents under this year’s ‘Connect, Create and Celebrate’ theme.
• Seven Gippsland farmers markets to explore for fresh produce, local treats and delicious weekend breakfasts
  Gippsland’s seven farmers markets offer fresh local produce, seafood, baked treats, artisan goods and coffee, making weekend mornings delicious opportunities to meet growers and discover regional flavours.
• East Gippsland and Wellington farmers' 'Looking Ahead Farmer Survey' extended until 9 October 2026
  Farmers across East Gippsland and Wellington have until October 9 to complete the Looking Ahead Farmer Survey 2026, helping shape agricultural priorities, advocacy and future government support across the region.
• Wellington Shire Council secures $2M for road safety improvements across five Gippsland towns before mid-2027
  Wellington Shire Council has secured $2 million for road safety upgrades across Maffra, Stratford, Sale, Wurruk and Heyfield, with works beginning before Christmas and completion expected by mid-2027.
• Morwell’s Gippsland Sports and Entertainment Park celebrates major $45M redevelopment and new regional sporting facilities
  Morwell’s Gippsland Sports and Entertainment Park celebrates a $45 million redevelopment, featuring five playing surfaces, 1,200 seats, upgraded facilities and new event spaces.
• West Gippsland Landcare celebrates 40 Years of environmental action and community connection
  More than 150 Landcare supporters celebrated 40 years of West Gippsland Landcare, reflecting on achievements, community connections and future opportunities for resilient landscapes and sustainable farming.
• Martin Cameron slams fresh Bank Street traffic light delays as environmental studies push project back again
  The Nationals have criticised the Victorian government after environmental studies and cultural heritage approvals were blamed for fresh delays to long-promised traffic lights at Traralgon Bank Street intersection, despite years of funding.
• Maryvale Recreation Reserve redevelopment delivers upgraded sporting facilities, accessibility and community infrastructure
  Maryvale Recreation Reserve has undergone a $1.39 million redevelopment, delivering accessible cricket facilities, upgraded amenities, improved drainage, resurfacing and safety improvements through state government and Latrobe City Council funding.
• Darren Chester releases 2026 Age Pension Guide to help older Gippslanders navigate retirement support and services
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has released his 2026 Age Pension Guide, providing older Gippslanders, pensioners, carers and families with information about pensions, concessions, aged care and government services.
• Darren Chester says Gippsland’s 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns and calls for tobacco excise reform
  Gippsland MP Darren Chester says 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns, advocating an 80 percent tobacco excise cut alongside stronger enforcement to combat the black market.
• Darren Chester says Gippsland’s 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns and calls for tobacco excise reform
  Gippsland MP Darren Chester says 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns, advocating an 80 percent tobacco excise cut alongside stronger enforcement to combat the black market.
• Darren Chester urges Gippsland men to prioritise prostate cancer checks and highlights specialist nursing support for regional patients
  Gippsland MP Darren Chester is urging men to prioritise regular health checks and discuss prostate cancer risks with doctors, highlighting specialist nurses’ vital support for patients, families and regional communities.
• Yarram Pool installs new accessibility pod to improve safety, comfort and inclusion for residents with mobility challenges
  Yarram Pool has installed a new accessibility pod following community feedback, providing safer, more comfortable water access for residents with mobility challenges ahead of the summer swimming season.
• Farmers across East Gippsland and Wellington are invited to shape regional agricultural priorities, advocacy, support and investment
  Farmers across East Gippsland and Wellington are being asked to complete a survey helping three agencies update agricultural priorities, identify emerging challenges and strengthen regional advocacy, support and investment.
• Cycling Without Age Gippsland returns with free trishaw rides around Sale’s Lake Guthridge for community passengers and visitors
  Cycling Without Age Gippsland has resumed free trishaw rides at Lake Guthridge, Sale, welcoming Central Gippsland Health passengers and 16 floral art convention visitors, while inviting bookings and new volunteers.
• Darren Chester praises Schoolworks’ Big Bairnsdale Book Bazaar celebrating Gippsland authors, illustrators and community love of reading
  Federal Member Darren Chester praised Schoolworks Supplies for hosting The Big Bairnsdale Book Bazaar, featuring over 25 Gippsland authors and illustrators, free workshops, and celebrating local creativity, literacy and independent businesses.
• Bass Coast and South Gippsland businesses invited to connect, collaborate and network at upcoming Meet the Makers event in Meeniyan on 13 October 2026
  Local producers, makers and hospitality businesses across Bass Coast and South Gippsland are invited to Meet the Makers in Meeniyan on October 13, offering networking, collaboration and showcasing opportunities.
• Wellington Shire Council backs West Sale Airport for proposed Gippsland Police Academy training campus
  Wellington Shire Council will advocate for a Gippsland Police Academy at West Sale Airport, citing existing infrastructure, the former TAFE campus, expansion capacity and potential regional jobs, investment and training opportunities.
• Councils begin planning for renewable energy growth across Wellington and South Gippsland communities
  Wellington and South Gippsland councils have begun a major renewable energy planning project, backed by $4.7 million, to prepare communities for future growth through housing, infrastructure, employment, services and economic development.
• Darren Chester warns Sydney fire ant detection highlights biosecurity risks and urges swift action, surveillance and guaranteed eradication funding beyond 2027
  Darren Chester has urged swift, coordinated action after red imported fire ants were detected in Sydney, warning of risks to agriculture and calling for stronger surveillance and guaranteed eradication funding beyond June 2027.
• Marlo named sole East Gippsland finalist in Victorian Top Tiny Tourism Town Awards, celebrating community spirit
  Marlo was East Gippsland’s sole finalist in the Victorian Top Tiny Tourism Town Awards, recognised for its authentic visitor experiences and strong community-driven tourism campaign.
• Reliable water access drives Busch Organics' sustainable farming success and secures its fourth-generation future in East Gippsland
  Busch Organics relies on Mitchell River and groundwater to sustain organic vegetable production, while soil moisture technology, sustainable practices and family farming strengthen productivity and future generations.
• The Nationals pledge weekly rubbish collection for Gippsland households to ease costs and improve waste services
  The Nationals have pledged weekly general rubbish collections across Gippsland, promising to review landfill levies and waste charges to reduce costs and ease pressure on families.