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Tunnel upgrade strengthens Macalister Irrigation District Water supply reliability and supports productive farming into future

Southern Rural Water is replacing Tunnel 5 to improve water reliability for the Macalister Irrigation District, as part of wider winter works to upgrade infrastructure, protect supply, and support local irrigators.

By news@gippsland - 3rd July 2025 - Back to News

Southern Rural Water has kicked off works to replace a key tunnel that will improve water reliability for the Macalister Irrigation District. After leaving Lake Glenmaggie, water is split between the Main Northern and Main Southern Channels to keep supply consistent across Victoria's most productive irrigation region.

Tunnel upgrade is part of winter works, including outlet automation, regulator replacements, weed control and erosion fixes before irrigation season

Upgrading vital tunnels

Along the Main Southern Channel, two key tunnels carry water through rocky terrain. Tunnel 5 transports 40% of the channel's total flow, while Tunnel 6, running parallel to it, carries the remaining 60%. Together, they play a vital role in maintaining the region's water delivery.

Constructed in the 1920s with 2.4-meter diameter cast in situ concrete pipes, Tunnel 5 was engineered to navigate the difficult rocky terrain. While it has reliably served the region for decades, it is now reaching its lifespan. This winter, we're replacing 140m of the downstream end of Tunnel 5 with modern materials and construction techniques to ensure long-term reliability. The 80m upstream end of tunnel 5 is scheduled for replacement next year.

This tunnel upgrade is just one part of our wider winter works program. We're also busy automating customer outlets, replacing old regulators, tackling weed control, fixing erosion, and doing general maintenance across the network to keep things running smoothly. By scheduling works during the winter shutdown, we ensure everything is ready to go once the irrigation season begins in August.

Pictures from Southern Rural Water website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Darren Chester urges Dicky Bill workers, families to attend Maffra Support and Services Expo on 10 December 2025
  Federal Member Darren Chester urges Dicky Bill workers, families to attend Maffra Support & Services Expo December 10 for employment, training, financial, and wellbeing assistance from 20 local exhibitors.
• Wellington Shire Council responds to AKD Yarram closure, pledges support for 73 affected workers and community
  Wellington Shire Council expressed heartbreak over AKD Yarram’s closure, impacting 73 employees, pledging support, advocating state assistance, and encouraging redeployment and economic opportunities to sustain the community.
• Latrobe City allocates $7.3M surplus to key community infrastructure and improvement projects
  Latrobe City Council's $7.3 million surplus will fund key community projects, infrastructure upgrades, and maintenance, with $3.4 million reserved to leverage future State and Federal funding partnerships.
• New drinking fountains installed in Sale and Briagolong Parks to promote health, sustainability and community wellbeing
  Gippsland Water and Wellington Shire Council have installed two new drinking fountains in Sale and Briagolong, promoting health, sustainability, and reusable bottles. Featuring artwork by Gunai artist Alice Pepper, they support community wellbeing.
• New drinking fountains installed in Sale and Briagolong Parks to promote health, sustainability and community wellbeing
  Gippsland Water and Wellington Shire Council have installed two new drinking fountains in Sale and Briagolong, promoting health, sustainability, and reusable bottles. Featuring artwork by Gunai artist Alice Pepper, they support community wellbeing.
• Bass Coast Council adopts 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to support responsible pet ownership and wildlife protection
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan, promoting responsible pet ownership, wildlife protection, and safer shared spaces shaped by extensive community consultation and environmental stewardship goals.
• Danny O’Brien congratulates Gippsland Volunteer Emergency Services on VESEP funding support
  Danny O’Brien praised Gippsland volunteer emergency services for VESEP funding, supporting vital equipment, facility upgrades, and ongoing advocacy for a new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel to ensure community safety.
• Second round of South Gippsland community grants now open, with drop-in support sessions in various dates and locations
  South Gippsland Shire Council’s second round of community grants is open until 31 March 2026, with seven drop-in sessions available to assist local clubs and groups with applications.
• Second round of South Gippsland community grants now open, with drop-in support sessions in various dates and locations
  South Gippsland Shire Council’s second round of community grants is open until 31 March 2026, with seven drop-in sessions available to assist local clubs and groups with applications.
• East Gippsland Council urges drivers to follow parking limits, protect access and support local businesses this festive season
  East Gippsland drivers are urged to follow festive-season parking limits, respecting time restrictions, loading zones, and disabled bays to ensure town accessibility and support local businesses.
• Danny O'Brien congratulates Sandy Point and Loch Sport Men's Sheds receiving state funding to enhance community facilities
  Sandy Point and Loch Sport Men's Sheds have received over $43,000 in state funding to upgrade facilities, recognising their vital role in supporting men's wellbeing and community connection.
• Darren Chester backs Stratford runner's 300 km charity challenge supporting free 3D hands in Sale
  Stratford ultra-runner Chris Dixon will run 300 km in Sale to raise $50,000 for Free 3D Hands, supported by Darren Chester and local runners backing the inspiring community event.