July 15, 2014
Local irrigators have sought support from Federal Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce for a major infrastructure upgrade that will boost water supply, increase productivity and create more jobs in and around the Macalister Irrigation District (MID).
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester arranged for local irrigators and Southern Rural Water representatives to meet with Minister Joyce in Maffra last Thursday.
The main topic of discussion was the MID 2030 Plan. Stage 1B, which includes construction of the Southern Tinamba Pipeline and Balancing Storage, will pipe about 85km of open channels and generate 13,500 mega litres of water savings. It will cost $80 million.
Mr Chester said the Macalister Irrigation District was one of Victoria’s most important agricultural areas, of which 90 per cent is dairy. Southern Rural Water estimates the district is worth $500 million to the economy annually.
Mr Chester said it was important for the Minister to gain a first-hand understanding of the challenges local irrigators face and how the government can assist the industry to grow.
The MID 2030 meeting was followed by an informal morning tea with farmers and local business representatives at the Maffra Recreation Reserve.
During his visit to Gippsland, Minister Joyce also met with representatives from Gippsland’s fishing, vegetable and timber industries.
“There was a very positive mood at every meeting with a focus on key issues like water security and improving transport infrastructure, and increasing access to world markets for exporters,” Mr Chester said.
“As the government delivers its Agriculture White Paper, I’m confident Barnaby is well-briefed on the issues that matter to Gippsland’s primary industries.
“I’m determined to keep working with the local agricultural industry on issues like irrigation infrastructure upgrades as part of the MID 2030 plan and further development of the Lindenow flats.
“At the same time I will aim to secure additional funding for the Princes Highway duplication, which benefits the whole Gippsland community.
” CAPTION 1: Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester, Macalister Customer Consultative Committee (MCCC) Deputy Chair Iain Stewart, Eastern Victoria Region MP Danny O’Brien, Federal Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce, Southern Rural Water Chair Terry Burgi, Macalister Customer Consultative Committee (MCCC) Chair Graeme Anderson OAM, and Southern Rural Water Managing Director Clinton Rodda.
CAPTION 2: Eastern Victoria Region MP Danny O’Brien, Peter Covino, Chief Operations Officer Covino Farms, Federal Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce, Chief Financial Officer Steven Covino, Covino Farms, and Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester met at a ministerial briefing for horticulture producers in Bairnsdale.
