The South West Loddon Pipeline project has recently been completed, providing reliable water supply to residents across central north-west Victoria.
For the first time, the pipeline provides secure reticulated water supply to more than 1,500 rural properties over 2,900 square kilometres surrounding Inglewood, Newbridge, St Arnaud and Wedderburn.
Victorian Minister for Water, Lisa Neville, and Premier, Daniel Andrews, visited the then drought-hit region in 2015 and met with communities to discuss what support was needed. The next year they returned to announce $40 million towards the landmark $88.9 million project.
The project is aimed at helping communities who have battled severe drought and the impacts of climate change in recent years, by significantly increasing the region’s water security.
A secure water supply for the south-west Loddon area will deliver economic benefits for the surrounding communities by supporting activity and employment in the local farming and intensive livestock sectors.
The project reduces the region’s reliance on water carting during dry times, supporting the agricultural sector that underpins the viability of the area.
“I’m proud to have delivered this significant project for the community, with the pipeline providing water security to the region for the first time ever,” Ms Neville said.
“The completion of the pipeline is a major milestone. I thank local Farmers Federal members and everyone in the community who advocated for the project and worked with us to deliver it – it will bring big benefits for the region.
“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 completion of the 1,300km South West Loddon Pipeline is another landmark in delivering the Victorian Government’s Water for Victoria plan.
The project also improves regional water resource management by interconnecting the Wimmera-Glenelg system with the Goulburn system, helping to boost the agricultural sector that underpins the area’s economic growth.
The $88.9 million project was jointly funded by the Victorian Government ($40 million), Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water and landowners ($28.9 million) and Australian Government ($20 million).
