Gippsland › Latest news › Southern Rural Water
Proposed irrigation development project for Macalister and Avon by Southern Rural Water
Southern Rural Water has appointed a consortium of consultants, led by SMEC, to investigate the potential of developing irrigated agriculture in an area east of the Avon River.
This work has started, and the consultants are collating data and undertaking technical work to explore the feasibility of developing irrigation between Bushy Park and Llowalong through the construction of a pipeline and balancing storage and drawing on water savings created through modernisation of the Macalister Irrigation District. We have established a Customer and Stakeholder Reference Group (CSRG) composed of irrigators east of the Avon River and in the Macalister Irrigation District, peak bodies, agencies, local government, and traditional owners to support our work.
The Macalister/Avon Irrigation Development project is guided by a set of principles that aim to ensure decision making is sound, equitable and protects existing users
Undertaking phases
An introductory meeting was held for the CSRG online on Wednesday, 28 September and an in-person workshop on Wednesday, 9 November. We believe in genuine engagement and are confident our CSRG can provide the right specialist advice and local knowledge to ensure project outcomes are technically sound.
The Macalister/Avon Irrigation Development Project will be undertaken in several phases. We will engage the CSRG to report on progress and present findings at key milestones, and keep you in the loop, via these newsletters.
The first stage of work will involve undertaking a range of technical assessments that allow us to better understand how much water we could deliver through the current system and the capacity limits.
Completion by mid-2023
These works will also investigate functional design for a pipeline network and balancing storage, water savings and losses, channel operation and service impacts, environmental and cultural water considerations, as well as identifying project costs and completing economic analysis.
Following the completion of the technical work, and contingent on the findings, Southern Rural Water will seek to prepare a business case that will focus on Investment Logic Mapping, potential funding models, pricing and tariff structure.
We are aiming to complete the project by mid-2023. At this stage there is no commitment to undertake the proposed irrigation development. For further information about this project visit the Macalister/Avon Irrigation Development Project website.
Pictures from West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority Facebook page.
Source: http://gippsland.com/
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Community feedback wanted for the Wellington Shire Draft Budget 2024/25 by 29 May 2024
Appreciation to Bairnsdale volunteers for their support during Gippsland Rotary Centenary House fundraiser extended by Darren Chester
Baw Baw residents will get new purple-lidded glass bins collected separately every four weeks to better recycling process from October 2024
Exhibition by artist Matthew Bagley is captivating journey into ocean conservation at Berninneit Art Gallery
Outward Bound Australia praised by Darren Chester for their effort to revitalise Gippsland outdoor education
Penny Glover from Guthridge Primary School presented with John Printz OAM Award in front of a huge crowd at Sale Memorial Hall
Upgrades to Kalimna Hill trail in Lakes Entrance prioritises safety and accessibility for walker
Baw Baw Shire Council funds 28 community groups total of $105,303 from Community Grants Program
Free Masterclass sessions to promote safe and sustainable community events in Lakes Entrance and Bairnsdale over May 2024