GHD has been appointed by GWMWater to develop a modernisation
plan for the Wimmera Irrigation Area in north-west Victoria.
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
3000ha around Horsham in north-west Victoria, extending north-east
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 say,
“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 Australian 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, says, “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."