A new agreement between two Victorian water corporations has provided security to irrigators in the Werribee South farming corridor.
The Bulk Recycled Water Agreement 2017 guarantees Melbourne Water will supply up to 11,000 megalitres of recycled water from its Western Treatment Plant to Southern Rural Water each financial year. Southern Rural Water then supplies the water to agricultural irrigators in Werribee South via its supply network.
By securing a reliable supply of recycled water from WTP Melbourne Water and Southern Rural Water are ensuring that the Werribee irrigation district remains a viable, thriving farming region for years to come.
Melbourne Water Managing Director Michael Wandmaker said the agreement would provide a guaranteed supply of recycled water for the future.
“We are extremely pleased to be able to provide certainty and security for the Werribee irrigation district with the signing of this important agreement,” Mr Wandmaker said.
“The agreement sets out water volumes, quality requirements and delivery timings, meaning irrigators can be certain they have reliable supply into the future.”
The Bulk Water Recycled Water Agreement 2017 was signed by Mr Wandmaker and Southern Rural Water Managing Director Clinton Rodda in March. The agreement stands until 30 June 2031.
Southern Rural Water Managing Director Clinton Rodda said the agreement was good for agricultural producers in the region.
“Werribee South is a major food bowl for Victoria and Australia,” Mr Rodda said.
“The area has around 150 vegetable farms which produce lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, fennel, artichoke and other produce.
“Recycled water from WTP is vital to the continued success of farming in this area, with the majority of farms in Werribee South using recycled water to support their irrigation.
“Farmers have told us they would not be able to continue to produce the same volumes of high quality produce as they do currently without the recycled water entitlement and would not be able to continue to employ the same numbers of staff.”
Melbourne Water and Southern Rural Water are proud to be able to continue to support the farmers of the region for years to come.
