The Farm Water Program led by the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (CMA) will receive $43.7 million as part of the on-farm irrigation efficiency program announced this week by the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments. This was part of the agreement between these Governments to deliver the nation's largest irrigation infrastructure renewal project.The irrigation efficiency project will generate 20 GL of water savings by investing in on-farm irrigation infrastructure upgrades for surface and pressurised systems. 10 gigalitres (GL) of the water savings will be consolidated and transferred to the Commonwealth for the environment. The remaining 10 GL will be allocated to irrigators participating in the project who will also contribute $4.9 million.
The Farm Water Program led by the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (CMA) will receive $43.7 million as part of the on-farm irrigation efficiency program announced this week by the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments. This was part of the agreement between these Governments to deliver the nation's largest irrigation infrastructure renewal project.The irrigation efficiency project will generate 20 GL of water savings by investing in on-farm irrigation infrastructure upgrades for surface and pressurised systems. 10 gigalitres (GL) of the water savings will be consolidated and transferred to the Commonwealth for the environment. The remaining 10 GL will be allocated to irrigators participating in the project who will also contribute $4.9 million.
"This latest announcement is a win-win for the region, economically as well as environmentally. It brings the total amount invested over the past two years in on-farm irrigation efficiency through our Farm Water Program to over $105 million. This will result in approximately 360 irrigators being funded for over 50 GL of water saved through irrigation efficiency projects, with half of those water savings going back to the environment to improve the health of our local rivers" said Chris Norman, CEO of Goulburn Broken CMA.
Mr Norman said moving northern Victoria's irrigation sector to a fully modernised system would have economic benefits for regional, Victorian and Australian economies. It will take less time to deliver water, irrigators will get a consistently high level of service and productivity will improve.
"The Goulburn Broken CMA is committed to continually sourcing extra funding for the Farm Water Program through its strong governance structures and consortium partners," said Mr Norman.
"All farm works will be based on robust Whole Farm Plans which we have successfully delivered in the region for more than 20 years."
The Goulburn Broken CMA Board has reiterated its commitment to have as many regional farms as possible participate in the Farm Water Program, delivering both regional economic benefits and improved environmental outcomes for our rivers.
For information on the Farm Water Program please call Goulburn Broken CMA on (03) 5820 1100 or visit our website www.gbcma.vic.gov.au
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