General News
29 June, 2023
More feedback sought on water pipeline project
The feasibility study into providing a secure water supply to rural properties in the Central Goldfields, Pyrenees and Northern Grampians shires is nearing completion, with big benefits expected for local communities should the project progress. The...
The feasibility study into providing a secure water supply to rural properties in the Central Goldfields, Pyrenees and Northern Grampians shires is nearing completion, with big benefits expected for local communities should the project progress.
The Southern Wimmera & Northeast Pyrenees Water Supply would see the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline expanded to provide water to regional communities in the district, with the feasibility study considering options to provide a reliable water supply utilising existing infrastructure and gauging interest levels.
According to Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water, a piped water supply could provide environmental, social and economic benefits to the region, improve access to water and expand the state’s water grid.
The focus of the project would be to supply non-potable, or non-drinking water, to increase agricultural and viticultural productivity and maintain green urban spaces.
Public information sessions held in February showed strong support for the project, which was kickstarted when the Pyrenees Shire Council secured $300,000 to fund the feasibility study last year.
A business case for the project is expected to be complete before the end of the year and Pyrenees Shire Council CEO Jim Nolan said if the project is funded, it would bring long-term benefits.
“This is a significant project that could deliver many economic and community benefits for the region,” he said.
“Delivering water to towns that do not currently have a sustainable supply, productivity improvements for the livestock, grains and wine sectors, better environmental flows in rivers and streams, and driving new investment and jobs in the region are just some of the potential outcomes.”
Central Goldfields Shire Council economic development officer Brian Gould said the project could have significant benefits across the community.
“What we have is the opportunity to look at the extension of non-potable water to our farming community and townships,” he said.
“There’s a double benefit here, for our farming community it gives confidence around the security of water supply and provides more flexibility around irrigated crops, allowing people to explore horticultural type activities we can’t currently do because of that lack of water supply.
“From that township point of view, it’s great around recreational reserves and the like where you can have the comfort of a nice green space no matter what the weather conditions might be.”
Mr Gould said there is still time for residents to express interest in the project if they haven’t yet done so.
“We are really keen to hear from others who may have been thinking about this but the timing was wrong for them to put in an expression of interest,” he said.
“It’s not too late, the feasibility study is nearly completed but the advice we have to date from the number of people who have contacted us or filled in expressions of interest is that there is significant demand and excitement about this.
“Now is as good a time as any to put your hand up to be involved in what could be a potential game changer for farmers, businesses and the community.”
Landholders with an interest in water connections are being encouraged to lodge expressions of interest, with details about this process and the project background available at gwmwater.org.au/ swnep-study