Construction has commenced on the second stage of the $80.6 million South West Loddon Pipeline Project that will provide a secure water supply to farmers, household and communities in Victoria’s north west region.
Minister for Water Lisa Neville has announced the beginning of works after the final environmental and cultural heritage approvals were granted to the project.
Stage 2 of the project will install approximately 1,300 kilometres of pipeline that will service 260 rural farming enterprises as well as 370 lifestyle properties across an area of 2,900 square kilometres with a reticulated water supply.
Im preparation for construction, sections of pipe have already been delivered to a site north of Inglewood.
The second stage of the South West Loddon Pipeline Project will be providing water the rural communities of Skinners Flat, Fiery Creek, Arnold, Bridgewater, East Gowar, Wedderburn South and Kurting.
The new pipeline will extend the existing Wimmera-Mallee stock and domestic pipeline in order cover a wider area to provide a more secure rural water supply that can support a viable regional economy.
Over the past 20 years, the region has endured dry conditions that put great stress on local farming operations.
The South West Loddon Pipeline Project will help reduce the reliance on water carting and it will also sustain the agricultural sector that sustain the growth of the region.
The Victorian Government has invested approximately $40 million towards this project. This development is supported by the State and Australian Governments as well as the Loddon Shire Council, Coliban Water and Goulburn-Murray Water.
“This project will provide water security for farmers and the agriculture sector - which is good for the wellbeing of agriculture communities, for jobs, and for livability.
“The project will deliver better overall management of water resources by connecting the Wimmera-Glenelg system to the west with the larger Goulburn system in north central Victoria,” the Minister said.
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Source: Premier of Victoria, GWM Water, Bendigo Advertiser