Emu

GB CMA Chair Labels Food Bowl Plan “Visionary”

Tuesday 19 June, 2007
A Victorian Government decision to invest $1 billion in northern Victoria on upgrading irrigation infrastructure will provide a myriad of benefits for the region.

A Victorian Government decision to invest $1 billion in northern Victoria on upgrading irrigation infrastructure will provide a myriad of benefits for the region.

GB CMA chair Stephen Mills said the plan, once fully implemented, would make available about 450 gigalitres in water savings each year with 190 gigalitres of water returned to the environment.

The project will be implemented in two stages.

The first stage will make available 225 gigalitres of water split evenly between the environment for improved river health, irrigators and the third component for use in Melbourne.

The second phase of the project will provide a further 225 gigalitres of water savings split evenly between the environment and irrigators.

"The worst drought on record has highlighted the need for long-term solutions to sustainable irrigation," Mr Mills said.

"This $1 billion plan will upgrade inefficient irrigation systems that are up to 100 years old and bring the Goulburn Valley into the 21st century.

"The Victorian Government decision to back the Foodbowl Unlimited plan is visionary providing a tangible solution to an ongoing problem.

"Upgraded infrastructure will support the intense productivity of the Goulburn Valley in a sustainable fashion.

"The plan is fantastic for the river, for the regional economy and for irrigators.

We congratulate the Victorian Government on supporting this initiative." 

The eight-year modernisation project will require total investment of up to $2 billion. 

Release Ends

For more information contact Anna Turnbull at Impress Publicity 0412 484 881 or anna@impresspublicity.com.au

The Goulburn Broken CMA acknowledges and respects First Nations people and the deep connection they have with their land and waters.


We acknowledge the Yorta Yorta and Taungurung people and their ancestors/forbears as Traditional Owners of the land and waters in the Goulburn Broken Catchment (and beyond). We value our ongoing partnerships with Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation and Taungurung Land and Waters Council for the health of Country and its people.


We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and acknowledge and recognise the primacy of Traditional Owners obligations, rights and responsibilities to use and care for their traditional lands and waters.

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