Funding to deliver new western irrigation network in Victoria

The Federal Liberal and Nationals Government has committed up to $48 million to co-fund the construction of the Western Irrigation Network in Victoria.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the project would deliver a new irrigation scheme in the Parwan and Balliang regions.

“As a proud regional Australian from an irrigation area, I know just how important water is for our regional communities,” Mr McCormack said.

“The Western Irrigation Network will initially provide 4,200 megalitres of recycled water each year to support irrigated agriculture and help build resilience to drought in the Melton, Bacchus Marsh, Balliang and Parwan areas.

“Our $48 million commitment to this project is yet another demonstration of how we are getting on with the job of delivering the next generation of water infrastructure to give our farming communities the confidence they need to keep growing the world’s best food and fibre and the water security they need to thrive.

“This important project forms part of the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government’s $1.5 billion National Water Infrastructure Development Fund, which is investing in critical water infrastructure projects across the country to underpin regional prosperity and support the growth of our agriculture sector.”

Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson said the project was good news for local growers and irrigators, who would benefit from greater water access and security.

“This investment builds on the more than $120.8 million already committed by the Australian Government towards six other water infrastructure projects across Victoria,” Senator Henderson said.

“The Federal Government is committed to planning and investing in the water infrastructure needed to increase Victoria and our nation's water security, build resilience to drought, support our primary industries and promote regional prosperity.”

For more information on the Australian Government’s investment in planning and funding the water infrastructure of the 21st century, visit www.nationalwatergrid.gov.au.

Other water infrastructure projects the Federal Government is funding across Victoria include:

o    $20 million to build the $80.6 million South West Loddon Rural Water Supply Project

o    $20 million to build the $60 million Macalister Irrigation District Phase 1B Modernisation Project

o    $3.025 million to build the $7.8 million Sunraysia Modernisation Project 2

o    $31.3 million for Macalister Irrigation District Modernisation Phase 2

o    $32 million for East Grampians Water Supply Project

o    $14.5 million for Mitiamo and District Reticulated Water Supply Project