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Jaydon McLeod from Melbourne balances country and city life while working on Newry Pipeline Project as project engineer

Melbourne project engineer Jaydon McLeod enjoys country and city life while working on the Newry Pipeline Project, contributing to water infrastructure and supporting the local community's future resilience.

By news@gippsland - 21st June 2023 - Back to News

Melbourne based project engineer Jaydon McLeod gets the best of both worlds working on our Newry Pipeline Project. He lives in Gippsland during the week because he loves country life and heads to the Big Smoke on the weekends for the city buzz. The 23-kilometre Newry pipeline will replace 100-year-old channels with new pipelines and automated outlets. It's being delivered as part of Phase 2 of the $159.7 million Macalister Irrigation District modernisation program.

Jaydon McLeod chose to live in the region during the week to fully engage with the project and connect with the supportive locals

Locals support rewarding project

Jaydon works for Southern Rural Water's delivery partner Jaydo and was working on a water mains installation project in a rural community in New Zealand before jumping the ditch to join the team. He proactively requested to live in the region during the week because he wanted to immerse himself in the project and understand the community firsthand.

"I've got to know a lot of locals and it's rewarding to know they support our project and the positive impacts it will deliver for the farming community," he said. Jaydon said being able to go for a long walk or bike ride in a beautiful part of Victoria after a big day on the tools is a real perk of the job. "I live in Coongulla during the week. The house backs onto Lake Glenmaggie on one side and the state forest on the other. So, on nice evenings it's great to be able to go for a swim or explore the bush."

"The city is great fun for seeing live music and socialising, but it can wear you down if you stay too long. This job gives me a really good work and lifestyle balance," he said.

Supply pipe as vital project

The Tinamba General Store and Hotel are regular haunts for Jaydon who said he's been pleasantly surprised by the standard of food and coffee and the warm hospitality. "I like to grab lunch locally because it's an easy way to strike up conversations with locals. Around 90 percent of people working on the project live locally and this is important to the economic and social fabric of the community," he said.

Jaydon's focus is working on getting the large supply pipe in the ground for the mainline that will open all the other project works. "My role involves planning and ensuring we meet the required technical, quality, safety, and environmental standards," he said.

Jaydon said the project is critical for shoring up the region's water infrastructure and providing local jobs for people who want to positively contribute to their local community's future. "We're looking at a drier future and the Newry Pipeline Project will help farmers, the environment, and the community be more resilient to the impacts of climate change," he said.

Pictures from Southern Rural Water website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  More than 150 golfers joined the Tee Up for Mental Health Golf Day in Traralgon, raising a record $30,000 for Lifeline Gippsland and Rotary's local mental health initiatives.
• Gippsland’s Great Southern Rail Trail passes charming villages, rolling hills, murals, waterfalls, and welcoming country hospitality
  The Great Southern Rail Trail stretches 146 km through Gippsland, linking rolling hills, charming villages, art-filled streets, cider tastings, waterfalls, scenic lookouts, and unforgettable cycling and walking experiences.
• South Gippsland Shire Council introduces green lidded bins and other council project updates
  From 1 July 2026, residents can place food scraps in green-lidded bins for composting at Morwell. Weekly green bin, fortnightly red and yellow bins. Kitchen caddies and liners provided May–June and other council updates.
• South Gippsland animal registration renewals due on 10 April and other council projects update
  Autumn 2026 update: renew pet registrations by April 10, book flu and MMR vaccinations, bid on impounded vehicles, attend council events, workshops, grants, and local community programs across South Gippsland.
• Wombat damage causes Main Northern Channel leak near Brewers Hill Road, repairs underway with wildlife considerations
  Wombat burrows damaged the Main Northern Channel near Brewers Hill Road, Maffra. Repairs are underway, water supply reduced temporarily, with customer orders prioritised and wildlife protections considered.
• Darren Chester demands answers from council over delayed $5M Krauatungalung Walk boardwalk project delays
  Federal MP Darren Chester demands East Gippsland Shire Council explain delays to the $5 million Krauatungalung Walk, seeking clarity on timelines, budget and design for the community-backed all-abilities boardwalk project.
• East Gippsland Council opens impact grants applications to support local community and environmental projects
  East Gippsland Council’s Impact Grants program offers $3,001 - $20,000 to community groups for projects strengthening communities or supporting environmental sustainability, with applications closing 31 October 2025.
• Baw Baw Shire Council awarded $140,000 in community grants to support sustainable, healthy, and thriving community projects
  Council has awarded over $140,000 in Community Grants to 36 groups, supporting events, projects, and minor capital works that strengthen community sustainability, health, and wellbeing through not-for-profit initiatives.
• Community feedback supports retaining Moe Gardens Caravan Park as affordable short-stay accommodation in Latrobe City
  Latrobe City Council received 223 community submissions supporting Moe Gardens Caravan Park’s retention as low-cost accommodation, with a report on its future to return to Council February 2026.
• East Gippsland children share ideas, hopes, and concerns to shape community and celebrate local voices through MFEG project
  Nearly 800 East Gippsland children shared ideas and concerns through the MFEG project, highlighting community connection, recreation, environment, and social care, with postcards now displayed across local towns.
• Tim Bull criticises sudden last-minute VLine reductions from six to three carriages, causing tension due to limited rolling stock
  Victorian country train passengers are forced to stand up to four hours after last-minute carriage cuts, with MP Tim Bull urging PSOs and additional services to protect booked seating.