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Macalister Irrigation District water demand surges, prompting delivery efforts and compliance monitoring

Water demand in the Macalister Irrigation District has nearly doubled. Gippsland Water urges customers to order efficiently, monitor usage, and comply with regulations to ensure fair water distribution and prevent unauthorised use.

By news@gippsland - 30th January 2025 - Back to News

Demand for water across the Macalister Irrigation District has almost doubled this season, when compared to the five-year average. We're working hard to get water delivered on time, with 83,000 megalitres of water delivered since August. This is an increase on the same time last year, where we delivered 56,377 megalitres and higher than the five-year average of 48,222 megalitres.

Thomson, Macalister River, and Rainbow Creek diverters must order via Waterline and take water as scheduled. Increased inspections ensure compliance

Managing water responsibly

While we've implemented a range of improvements across the network and operational protocols to enable us to maximise the full capacity of water flowing through our channels. We recognise that high demand can make it challenging for some customers, and we encourage you to speak with our planners if you have not been able to find a suitable time for a water delivery. We strongly encourage you to continue to order water following our recommended steps to maximise efficiency when ordering water.

We want to remind all customers that you are responsible for managing your water use and encourage you to regularly read your water meter to monitor use against your entitlement. We have a zero-tolerance approach to unauthorised water take, also known as water theft, and serious penalties apply for non-compliance.

Fair water use

Our automated system alerts us when water goes into a channel that does not have a confirmed order time associated with it. If you take water without a confirmed order and time, you are illegally taking someone else's water in the channel system. Our Compliance Officers will investigate these instances and any reports received from the public, irrigators and our field team.

Thomson and Macalister River and Rainbow Creek diverters should also order water either online through Waterline or via our automated Waterline phone service, and take water in line with their confirmed order time. We will be monitoring rivers and doing more inspections to detect water usage, including checking customers whose usage exceeded their entitlement in the previous irrigation season.

Water is a precious, finite resource and we are committed to ensuring it's shared fairly among all users. We're here to help, so if you need support managing your water or need to report something suspicious get in touch with us.

Pictures from Southern Rural Water website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Nationals leader David Littleproud warns Australia's food security is at risk, with two in five growers considering leaving amid rising compliance costs, financial strain, and Labor policies undermining farming viability.
• East Gippsland Council reminds pet owners to register pets, ensure safety, cleanliness, and enjoyable public spaces for everyone
  East Gippsland Council urges pet owners to register animals, ensuring compliance, quick safe returns, and supporting responsible ownership for cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable community spaces.
• Agriculture advisory committee supports East Gippsland farmers through collaboration and regional advocacy initiatives
  The Agriculture Sector Advisory Committee advises on policies, programs, and partnerships to support East Gippsland farmers, addressing biosecurity, water security, pest management, and regional agricultural priorities for a resilient sector.
• Omeo gains new modular worker accommodation, supporting healthcare staff and strengthening regional community
  Omeo District Health's new modular worker accommodation is underway, providing housing for healthcare staff, supporting regional jobs, and helping the town attract and retain doctors, nurses, and essential workers.
• 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 tears down Albanese government's 'lazy' plan to cut regional speed limits, urges investment in safer roads
  Darren Chester has criticised the Albanese government's plan to lower regional speed limits, labelling it "lazy" and urging greater investment in repairing and upgrading unsafe roads to reduce fatalities.
• World Wetlands Day celebrates West Gippsland’s culturally significant wetlands and enduring traditional owner knowledge
  World Wetlands Day highlights West Gippsland’s globally significant wetlands on Bunurong and Gunaikurnai Country, celebrating traditional knowledge, heritage and efforts protecting waterways, biodiversity and Country into the future.
• East Gippsland residents urged to foster dogs as Animal Aid Bairnsdale faces unprecedented influx and resource strain
  Animal Aid Bairnsdale urges East Gippsland residents to foster dogs as rising numbers strain shelter capacity. Support, resources, and costs are provided, ensuring dogs receive safety, love, and a chance at adoption.
• East Gippsland Council adopts 2024-25 Annual Report, highlighting achievements, advocacy, investment, and community-focused service delivery
  East Gippsland Shire Council has adopted its 2024-25 Annual Report, highlighting achievements in service delivery, infrastructure, advocacy, bushfire recovery, and community resilience while addressing cost-of-living and housing challenges.
• Tim Bull encourages Gippsland East communities to apply for Victorian government’s Tiny Towns Fund Grants until 4 February 2026
  Tim Bull urges Gippsland East communities to apply for the Tiny Towns Fund, offering $5,000-$50,000 grants to support tourism, liveability, and local projects for towns under 5,000 residents.
• Sarsfield Fire Brigade launches fundraiser to support Yarck bushfire recovery efforts on 10 February to 10 March 2026
  The Sarsfield Rural Fire Brigade has launched a fundraiser supporting Yarck bushfire recovery, collecting fencing materials, tools, and donations to help residents rebuild and protect livestock after January’s fires.
• Danny O’Brien warns Gippslanders to stay alert as fake government email and text scams increase
  Danny O’Brien urges residents to stay vigilant against sophisticated government-themed email and text scams, verify messages using Scam Safe Check, and report suspicious activity to protect the community.