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Newry Pipeline upgrade by Southern Rural Water boosts Gippsland farming by enhancing efficiency and resilience

Southern Rural Water completes Newry Pipeline upgrade, enhancing Gippsland farming prospects. Part of a broader modernization effort, it fosters efficiency, productivity, and climate resilience. Jointly funded, it promises lasting benefits.

By news@gippsland - 9th February 2024 - Back to News

Southern Rural Water has completed the Newry Pipeline upgrade as part of a region building infrastructure program that primes Gippsland farmers for future success. The $39.8 million Newry pipeline upgrade is part of the $62.6 million Macalister Irrigation District Modernisation Phase 2 Project and replaces 100-year-old open channels with just over 17 kilometres of new pipeline and 50 automated outlets.

The $39.8 million Newry pipeline upgrade, part of the $62.6 million Macalister Irrigation District Modernisation Phase 2 Project, enhances farming capabilities

Pipeline upgrade achievement

Water has been delivered to farmers through the new pipeline since August. However, with the decommissioning of legacy infrastructure now complete, Southern Rural Water Managing Director Cameron FitzGerald said this was a great modernisation milestone. "This project has been a significant investment in Newry and the Gippsland farming community. It's been a once in a generation opportunity to modernise infrastructure and provide tangible benefits to our customers well into the future."

The new pipeline provides opportunities to generate water savings, implement best-practice water use, invest in on-farm efficiencies, improve farm productivity, and enable businesses to be more climate resilient.

Mr FitzGerald said the Macalister Irrigation District Phase 2 modernisation works will not only deliver water savings but also encourage farmers to implement best practice irrigation and increase their productivity. Work on the Newry pipeline started in November 2022 and its completion marks a major milestone of a decade-long infrastructure program in the Macalister Irrigation District.

Gippsland's future vision

Mr FitzGerald said Gippsland is one of Victoria's most important food bowls and there is now a chance to imagine what else could be achieved to secure the region's long-term future. "Work has already started to consider new opportunities through Southern Rural Water's recently announced Macalister Fresh Strategy," he said.

Mr FitzGerald said Southern Rural Water was committed to working with partners, customers, and the community to unlock further economic, cultural and environmental benefits in Gippsland. The Macalister Irrigation District Modernisation Phase 2 Project is jointly funded by Southern Rural Water, the Australian government through the National Water Grid Fund and the Victorian government.

Pictures from Southern Rural Water website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com