Senator Murray Watt, the Minister for the Environment and Water, and NSW Minister for Water, Rose Jackson, recently celebrated a significant achievement in water management.
One of Australia’s largest irrigation companies has completed a major overhaul of its network. This upgrade enhances water delivery across over 190,000 hectares of farmland, contributing to agriculture and bolstering regional economies.
The $124 million project, known as the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Automation Finalisation Project (MIAF), received support from the NSW Government and was funded through the now-replaced Off-farm Efficiency Program. It has notably improved the delivery efficiency of water in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area in Southern NSW.
The project successfully upgraded 1,724 meters and outlets, automated 335 regulators, refurbished more than 20 kilometers of channels, and constructed over 5.5 kilometers of new pipelines. Additionally, a new 5,000 ML surge reservoir now helps manage water flow in the region. This modernization returned 6.29 gigaliters (GL) of water to the environment, aiding commitments under NSW’s Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
Following the completion of MIAF, the $62 million Urban Channel Pipelines Project is underway, expected to return another 2.5 GL of water to the environment. This project will replace aging infrastructure with efficient pipelines, reducing water losses from evaporation and improving delivery to farmers and communities.
The benefits of these initiatives are clear. According to a report from the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences, improved irrigation infrastructure can increase farm productivity by up to 30%. This demonstrates the dual benefits of such upgrades: enhancing agricultural output while supporting environmental goals.
Federal Minister for Water Murray Watt emphasized the importance of balancing agricultural needs with environmental sustainability. He stated, “These projects exemplify what can be achieved through collaboration between the agriculture sector and the environment.” Minister Rose Jackson echoed this, noting that modernizing water delivery is crucial for farmers and communities that rely on water security.
Brett Jones, CEO of Murrumbidgee Irrigation, highlighted that these improvements will provide long-term benefits. He mentioned that modernizing the supply system positions communities to better handle future water challenges, promoting enhanced water security in regions like Griffith and Leeton.
Research from the Australian National University shows that sustainable water management is vital as climate change intensifies water scarcity. Efficient irrigation systems like those being developed in Murrumbidgee not only optimize water use but also help communities adapt to changing environmental conditions.
For more details on these initiatives, visit the Resilient Rivers Water Infrastructure Program.
