Pipelines are set to replace channels around Griffith. Photo: Supplied.
Water delivery company Murrumbidgee Irrigation (MI) has welcomed the announcement of $62.2 million in Federal Government funding to replace inefficient aging channels around Griffith and Leeton with 47.5 km of new pipeline.
As a result, the NSW Government says families and dog walkers could soon have access to new green spaces and walking paths where open irrigation channels once were.
MI says its pipeline project will increase water security for towns and industry, by enabling residents to connect to a raw water pipeline supply. The company also says the project will enhance water use efficiency and create jobs for local contractors.
“Our goal ever since the announcement of water buybacks has been to complete as many infrastructure projects as possible to offset the ramifications,” MI CEO Brett Jones said.
The program is being administered by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).
“Improving and modernising Murrumbidgee Irrigation’s water delivery system is a huge step forward when it comes to water efficiency, reducing water losses, boosting environmental returns and meeting our basin plan obligations,” DCCEEW executive director Lisa Hingerty said.
“The project is also a game-changer when it comes to regional employment, with up to $45 million going straight to local contractors, including for earthmoving, gravel supply, concrete, piping, framework, heavy machinery and automation hardware and software.
“It also helps Leeton, Griffith, and the agricultural communities that rely on Murrumbidgee Irrigation’s supply network to better prepare for a sustainable water future.
“And it’s a win for families, dog walkers and locals who could soon have access to new green spaces and walking paths where open irrigation channels once were.”
DCCEEW says the project will result in 2500 ML of water returning to the environment.
“The works will reduce water losses from evaporation and seepage while more efficiently delivering supplies to irrigators, stock and domestic customers and towns,” a media release stated.
According to the NSW Government, the project will:
• Replace 47.4 km of open supply channels and 1.4 km of leaking pipeline with a new 47.5 km pipeline.
• Remove 33 escapes.
• Reconfigure the network for greater water efficiency, reduce losses and enable precise water control and delivery.
• Save a total 2675 ML of water, with 2541 ML going back to the environment.
• Generate local construction and supply jobs, boosting regional economies. Up to $45 million will go directly to local contractors to deliver the project.
• Help increase water security by allowing residents to connect to a raw water pipeline, easing the burden on town water supply.
• Create opportunities for councils to install new public walking paths and green spaces by repurposing land currently containing open channels.
• Upgrade roadside drainage and decrease road maintenance.
• Help improve community health and safety by reducing mosquito-borne diseases through eliminating open water sources for breeding.
The expected water saved would allow NSW to make progress towards its Murray-Darling Basin Plan targets for the recovery of more water for the environment.
The NSW Government is currently in the process of confirming funding arrangements, with the project expected to commence in the coming months.
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