Accolades for pipeline project

Producers across northwest Victoria now have a reliable water supply after the completion of the four-year, South West Loddon Pipeline project.

Member for Mallee Anne Webster said the pipeline would provide a significant boost to the agricultural sector, which underpinned the area’s economic growth.

“Providing this critical secure water supply to our farmers will unlock opportunities for local agricultural businesses to expand and invest in higher-value enterprises,” she said.

“The project is expected to generate about $35-million a year in increased agricultural production for the Australian economy and create up to 134 jobs in the region.”

Deputy Prime Minister, Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development minister Michael Mccormack said the project’s completion was fantastic news for the region’s farmers, agricultural industries and economic prosperity.

“The project installed almost 1300 kilometres of pipeline to provide a better, more reliable water supply to the farm gates of more than 600 rural properties in the Inglewood, Newbridge, St Arnaud and Wedderburn regions,” he said.

“This will help build drought resilience by reducing reliance on water during dry periods.

“By funding water infrastructure such as the South West Loddon Pipeline, we are doing more than just investing in our most valuable resource; we are backing our regions, supporting our primary industries, strengthening our national economy and ultimately investing in our future.

“Continuing to deliver on critical projects is important now more than ever to help pave the path to economic recovery on the other side of the current COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for our regional communities.”

Gwmwater is overseeing the pipeline, which managing director Mark Williams said was already supplying farms, homeowners and businesses across Victoria.

“Until now, most farmers in South West Loddon have relied on catchment dams and water carting during drought,” he said.

“The South West Loddon Pipeline will sustain the agriculture sector that underpins the viability of the region by creating new opportunities for employment in the farming and intensive livestock sectors.”

The Federal Government has provided $20-million for the project, the State Government $40-million and Gwmwater and landowners the balance. carting