We’re calling on the both the Federal and Victorian Governments to urgently commit $5 million to progress the Southern Wimmera and Northeast Pyrenees Water Supply Project, warning regional communities cannot afford further delays to critical drought resilience infrastructure.
The proposed project would extend the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline network to deliver secure stock and domestic water supplies across approximately 354,000 hectares spanning Pyrenees, Northern Grampians and Central Goldfields, supporting around 3,000 farm businesses.
A completed feasibility study confirmed the project is technically viable and strongly supported by landholders, however additional funding is now required to complete the detailed investigations and business case needed before construction funding can be secured.
VFF Water Council Chair Andrew Leahy said the lack of immediate funding support for regional drought resilience projects was deeply concerning.
“It’s not uncommon when it’s dry for farmers across western Victoria to cart water just to keep their businesses operating. That is not sustainable and it highlights exactly why this project cannot be allowed to stall.”
“This is a practical piece of infrastructure that would improve drought resilience, secure agricultural productivity and help future-proof regional communities,” Mr Leahy said.
The project is expected to deliver:
- More than $150 million in economic benefits through improved agricultural productivity;
- 254 jobs during construction;
- Stronger regional drought resilience;
- Improved bushfire response capability;
- Environmental and waterway benefits valued at $24.5 million;
- Social benefits estimated at $26.9 million.
Mr Leahy said the relatively modest $5 million investment required now would unlock the next stage of planning and ensure the project was ready for future construction funding opportunities.
“It will cost $5 million to get the wheels turning. Without that investment, this project risks never getting off the ground.”
“Governments talk a lot about securing farms for the future and strengthening regional Australia. Here is a project that does exactly that and it just makes sense,” Mr Leahy said.