NORTHERN Grampians Shire Council has encouraged property owners in the north-east corner of the shire to investigate if they are eligible to receive a water supply from the South West Loddon Pipeline Project.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
GWMWater is seeking expressions of interest from landholders in the region looking to tap into the pipeline’s water supply opportunities. It will connect the Wimmera-Glenelg system in the west with the larger Goulburn system in north central Victoria.
Stage one construction for the 1300 kilometres of stock and domestic pipeline in the south-west of the Loddon Shire started on July 5.
The $80.6 million scheme will provide a secure water supply to more than 630 rural properties that currently rely on rainfall and catchment dams for their farms.
Northern Grampians Shire councillor Tony Driscoll said residents close to the pipeline should lodge an expression of interest form with GWMWater.
“The trunk of the pipeline will be out of St Arnaud, allowing properties adjoining to connect, but there are no current plans for any properties either side to be serviced by it,” he said.
“GWMWater’s expression of interest process is a fantastic opportunity for our rural property owners in this area to express their interest in reducing their current reliance on water carting.
“If there is sufficient interest from landholders, GWMWater will explore options to extend pipelines off the current Wimmera-Mallee or proposed South West Loddon pipelines to provide a more reliable water supply for these landholders. ”
Cr Driscoll said property owners could download an expression of interest form from the GWM Water website, at www.gwmwater.org.au/services/rural/southwestloddonpipeline
The Victorian Farmers Federation welcomed the announcement of a $45.6 million federal government investment in state water infrastructure projects, including the South West Loddon Pipeline, in June.
The announcement included $20 million for the project and $5.6 million for 10 water infrastructure feasibility studies.