Have your say on new Murrumbidgee water efficiency projects

Two major water efficiency projects that could deliver considerable environmental water savings for the Riverina region are now on public display, and the NSW Government is inviting residents and stakeholders to have their say until Tuesday 15 July.

The proposed projects aim to save a combined 12 billion litres of water, of which 9.75 billion litres would go back to the environment by upgrading and modernising farming and irrigation infrastructure across the Murrumbidgee, contributing to NSW’s Murray-Darling Basin Plan targets.

They include:

• Murrumbidgee Irrigation Channel Lining and Piping Project – 5.95 billion litres saved with 4.98 billion litres going back to the environment, $132.3 million proposal
• Murrumbidgee Irrigation Barren Box Efficiency Improvement Project – 6 billion litres saved with 4.77 billion litres going back the environment, $126.9 million proposal

With the support of the NSW Government, the proponent has applied for funding under the Australian Government’s Resilient Rivers Water Infrastructure Program.

Murrumbidgee Irrigation has proposed two new modernisation projects to significantly reduce water loss and improve supply reliability, while saving an estimated 11.95 billion litres of water combined.

The projects build on a program of completed works including supply automation, meter outlet upgrades, stock and domestic pipelines, channel upgrades and system reconfiguration.

The Channel Lining and Piping Project would upgrade channels to minimise water loss, while upgrading regulators, outlets and escapes to enable automated system control and accurate water measurement. The overhaul aims to deliver almost 5 billion litres of environmental water.

At the same time, the Barren Box Efficiency Improvement Project would boost efficiency across the Wah Wah Irrigation District, minimising losses at Barren Box Storage and Mirrool Creek and integrating solar generation to extend the system’s operational hours.

Proposed works include upgrading the pump station, regulator, and channel capacities, constructing a new 3.5GL surge reservoir and upgrading the existing ones, and installing new solar facilities at pump stations.

The modernisation aims to return 4.77 billion litres back to the environment to help meet NSW's Basin Plan targets.

The NSW Government will carefully consider all community feedback, which will help us determine whether the projects will progress to a formal funding application to the Australian Government.

Submissions close on 15 July. To lodge feedback, visit: Resilient Rivers Water Infrastructure Program

NSW DCCEEW Executive Director of Infrastructure Development Lisa Hingerty said:

“This program is all about providing efficient and effective water delivery to farmers and water users through smart infrastructure upgrades, helping to ensure the health and sustainability of our rivers and waterways.

“We’re committed to meeting our Murray-Darling Basin Plan obligations in full, and these proposals could help us get there while supporting Riverina communities and businesses and minimising the need for water buybacks, which we do not support.

"We need to take an in-depth look at the proposals and weigh up all the benefits and drawbacks, and community feedback will play an important role in helping us determine which projects will progress to a formal funding application.

“I invite locals to learn more about these project proposals and have their say by 15 July.”