GWMWATER leaders believe the official opening of the Wimmera- Mallee Pipeline will be a significant day in the region's history.
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The opening will be at Sawyer Park in Horsham from 10.15am tomorrow with special guests including the Victorian Premier John Brumby.
GWMWater communications manager Helen Friend said Mr Brumby would be joined by state Water Minister Tim Holding.
"Thursday marks the start of a new water supply era and we are excited about the opening and encourage everyone to come along, especially families," Mrs Friend said.
"The pipeline is one of the most significant events that has ever happened in this region.
"GWMWater chairman Barry Clugston has said it's as big as when electricity came to the Wimmera.
"I think that's a good parallel to draw because of the opportunities and security the pipeline will bring to the region.
"In years to come this will be considered an historic day."
Mrs Friend said the opening would provide for everyone's tastes.
It would include games for children, a display of old equipment used to construct the channel system and the equipment used to construct the Wimmera-Mallee Pipeline as well as some clydesdales to show how far the technology had advanced.
"We want to acknowledge and celebrate everyone who has made this happen, everyone who fought to get the project up and running, those who have actually been involved in construction and the community," Mrs Friend said.
"We will also celebrate the benefits it will bring that are already starting to be realised, such as environmental water returned to rivers and recreation lakes and easing of water restrictions."
Mrs Friend said a major part of the official opening would be the changing of flags from the Piping It flag to the Piped It flag.
Horsham East Rotary Club and Horsham Lions Club will provide a sausage sizzle lunch after the official opening.
FOR more on the official opening of the Wimmera-Mallee Pipeline, see today's Mail-Times.
Also see the special Wimmera-Mallee Pipeline 52-page souvenir lift-out in today's Mail-Times.