$65m Murrumbidgee efficiency project underway

2 May 2011

NSW Minister for Primary Industries, Katrina Hodgkinson, today announced the commencement of major works to enhance water management in the Murrumbidgee Valley as part of the Water for Rivers Project.

“A total of $65 million in upgrades and improvements is being implemented by State Water Corporation with funding from the Water for Rivers Project to improve river management and water efficiency,” she said.

“This project will establish the area as a leader in river management and efficient water use techniques.

“The upgrades and improvements will increase the accuracy with which this vital agricultural region receives its water, as well as enhance flood management capabilities.

“It is pleasing to see the Murrumbidgee project proceed from the investigation and planning phase of the past year into the implementation phase.

“I would expect that the Murray Darling Basin Authority would count savings generated through this project towards targets in the Basin Plan.

“The government supports investment in sustainable irrigation farming in the Murrumbidgee Valley and the positive message this sends to other irrigation valleys and communities in NSW.”

Future elements of the Murrumbidgee water efficiency project – to be completed by June 2012 – include improved metering, and upgrades to key waterways and storages to minimise evaporation and other losses at Yanco Creek, Bundigerry Creek and Old Man Creek.

The Water for Rivers project is the creation of the NSW, Victorian and Commonwealth governments to restore flows to the Snowy and Murray Rivers and better manage water resources.

Further information on the Water for Rivers Project is available at www.waterforrivers.org.au

Media contact: Tracey Prescott 0404 474 657