June 8, 2016
The Coalition is getting on with the job of delivering our water infrastructure needs, today announcing $675,000 for a feasibility study into the second phase of the Macalister Irrigation District Development and $677,160 for a feasibility study into the Southern Victorian Irrigation Development Project.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Barnaby Joyce today announced the funding, as part of the National Water Infrastructure Development Fund.
“The government is expediting the planning work required to get water infrastructure projects shovel-ready because we are serious about ensuring water infrastructure gets built as quickly as possible, to help support strong regional economies and communities,” Minister Joyce said.
“This work is a key part of the process, detailing the feasibility, economic returns and sustainability of these projects, as we identify the best sites to deliver new water infrastructure.”
Mr Chester said the Macalister Irrigation Phase 2 study would look at the best options for improving water infrastructure efficiency to recover more water for productive on-farm
“Local water entitlements are currently fully allocated, and demand for new water within the district is high—so the results of this study will be of great interest to the local farming community,” Mr Chester said.
“More modern and efficient water infrastructure would increase available water entitlements for agricultural purposes, and support regional growth and expansion of agriculture in the Macalister region, without compromising the long-term security and sustainability of the region’s water resources.
“The Southern Victorian Irrigation Development Project will identify areas across Gippsland with the greatest potential for development with the right water infrastructure, including assessing potential irrigation water sources and land capability.
“The study will also assess potential irrigation demand, environmental risks and develop a proposal for a future irrigation scheme.
Mr Chester said the commitment was another boost to the MID, which recently received $20 million from the Coalition Government for the Southern Tinamba Pipeline upgrade.
“Water security is a critical issue for the MID producers, particular our local dairy producers who are facing significant challenges at present,” Mr Chester said.
“This commitment is another sign of the confidence the National Party has in the future of the Gippsland dairy industry and our long-term commitment to see more jobs created in our region.”
Minister Joyce said the Coalition was delivering on its $2.5 billion commitment to building the water infrastructure of the future.
“It’s the right time for our significant investment in water infrastructure. A transitioning economy and growing global demand for agrifood products mean this is a time of unprecedented opportunity for our agriculture sector,” he said.
“As the economy transitions and diversifies, agricultural exports are playing a more important role than ever in our nation’s economy and prosperity. Rural exports have already overtaken coal to become our second-largest export after iron ore.
“The Coalition is taking action by carrying out the most significant investment in infrastructure in Australian history, including through the roll-out of our $15 billion water reform agenda, so we can make the most of these opportunities.
“From water infrastructure, to transport infrastructure and digital infrastructure, the Coalition is laying the foundations to support a productive and profitable agriculture sector, and a strong national economy.”
