Have your say on Riverina water efficiency projects
Three major water efficiency projects that could spell significant environmental water savings for the Riverina region are now on public display, and the NSW Government is inviting residents and stakeholders in Griffith, Berrigan and surrounds to have their say.
The proposed projects aim to deliver a combined 18.1 billion litres of water back to the environment by upgrading and modernising infrastructure for farming, town water supply and golf course irrigation, contributing to Murray-Darling Basin Plan targets.
The proposals include:
- Modernisation of the West Corurgan Private Irrigation District
- Griffith City Council Smart Metering Project
- Griffith Golf Club Irrigation System Refurbishment
With the support of the NSW Government, proponents have applied for funding under the Australian Government’s Resilient Rivers Water Infrastructure Program.
West Corurgan Private Irrigation District manages water delivery for about 300 farming properties across 212,000ha between the Murray River and Billabong Creek. Its $154.6 million project would modernise 565km of existing irrigation infrastructure, including optimising approximately 120km of open earthen channels, automation of the delivery network and replacement of non-compliant meters.
It would also construct a 500km piped and pressurised stock and domestic watering system, including pumps, pipelines, valves and water treatment facilities.
It aims to significantly reduce water losses and improve supply reliability while returning an estimated 17.8 billion litres of water back to the environment, with 100 per cent of the savings going towards NSW's Basin Plan targets.
Meanwhile, Griffith City Council has put forward a $5.23 million proposal to upgrade Griffith’s water supply network with a smart metering system, which would help staff monitor operations in real-time, reduce water waste and pinpoint leaks.
The new automated system would replace ageing meters, streamline the network and better prepare the city for future demand. The project would save an estimated 414 million litres per year, slashing long-term losses by 57 per cent. Half of those savings - 207 million litres - would be returned to the environment.
Griffith Golf Club has also proposed a $2.65 million project to upgrade its ageing irrigation system, saving 113 million litres of water with 103 million litres going towards Basin Plan targets.
The golf course’s current system was installed over 35 years ago and is subject to frequent breakdowns and inefficient water delivery, leaving parts of the course over-watered and other sections too dry.
The funding would construct 5km of main pipeline and 21km of adjacent piping spanning over 54ha, alongside more than 940 efficient sprinklers, a new irrigation pumphouse, 2 storage tanks and an automated control system.
The overhaul would aim to modernise the facility, which could draw more visitors to Griffith and enhance community recreation opportunities.
We will carefully consider all community feedback on these proposals, which will help us determine whether the projects will progress to a formal funding application to the Australian Government.
Submissions close on 30 May. For more information and to lodge feedback, visit the Resilient Rivers Water Infrastructure Program.
NSW DCCEEW Executive Director of Infrastructure Development Lisa Hingerty said:
“These projects could bring huge benefits to Griffith and Riverina residents, farmers, and the environment, but we need to take a closer look at the proposals and consider all the pros and cons.
“It's important we hear directly from the community to understand their views, which, alongside other key considerations, will help us determine whether the projects will progress to a formal funding application.
“We know modernising equipment and infrastructure can bring private and public assets into the 21st century while helping us be more efficient with the way we use water, which translates to big environmental savings. It’s a win-win.
“Make no mistake, NSW does not support water buybacks, and harnessing water through new water efficient infrastructure reduces the need for buybacks.
“I urge people to learn more about these project proposals and have their say by 30 May.”
