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10 September 2008
International professional services company GHD has been
appointed by GWMWater to develop a modernisation plan for the
Wimmera Irrigation Area.
The plan will consider the options available to increase the
efficiency of the Wimmera’s irrigation system, taking into account
issues such as climate change and the availability of water in the
future.
GHD will investigate the potential impacts of climate change on the
water supply within the Wimmera Irrigation Area, which has received
zero water allocation for the past five seasons. The Wimmera
Irrigation Area covers about 3000 Ha around Horsham in northwest
Victoria, extending northeast to Coromby and west to Quantong.
Water is supplied to about 230 irrigation customers, supporting
horticulture, pasture and livestock production.
GHD will also investigate the condition of the area’s irrigation
infrastructure and prepare an estimation of current water
losses.
A report considering options for reconfiguring the distribution
system, including lining of channels, channel covering and
automation of supply systems, will be released for public comment,
with GWMWater and GHD to hold information sessions for the Wimmera
irrigation community.
GHD has a solid history of helping communities to manage their
water resources in a sustainable manner, including managing the
implementation of the Australian Water Industry Roadmap. GHD
Bendigo office manager Chris Corr said: “This is an important
project to be involved in with GWMWater. It allows the irrigators
in the Wimmera Irrigation Area to play a part in shaping the future
of
their irrigation area”.
The GWMWater Modernisation Plan is being funded as part of the
Federal Government’s Water for the Future program, which
is assisting rural communities to improve the efficiency and
productivity of their water use and management.
Paul Atherton, Research and Regional Development Manager for
GWMWater, said: "This project will consider water security for
GWMWater irrigation customers, many of whom are facing social and
economic difficulties due to the increasing impacts of water
shortages, and allow them to assess their options for the
future".
For further information, contact:
Mandi Zonneveldt