The proposed projects aim to deliver a combined 18.1 billion litres of water back to the environment by upgrading and modernising infrastructure for farming, town water supply and golf course irrigation, contributing to Murray-Darling Basin Plan targets.
Other projects proposed are the Griffith City Council Smart Metering Project and the Griffith Golf Club irrigation system refurbishment.
With the support of the NSW Government, proponents have applied for funding under the Australian Government’s Resilient Rivers Water Infrastructure Program.
Feedback on each of the projects is now being sought.
West Corurgan Private Irrigation District manages water delivery for about 300 farming properties across 212,000 hectares between the Murray River and Billabong Creek.
Its base is located just outside Berrigan.
Its $154.6 million project would modernise 565km of existing irrigation infrastructure, including optimising approximately 120km of open earthen channels, automation of the delivery network and replacement of non-compliant meters.
It would also construct a 500km piped and pressurised stock and domestic watering system, including pumps, pipelines, valves and water treatment facilities.
The project aims to significantly reduce water losses and improve supply reliability while returning an estimated 17.8 billion litres of water back to the environment, with 100 per cent of the savings going towards NSW's Basin Plan targets.
Griffith City Council’s smart metering proposal has been costed at $5.23 million, and would help staff monitor operations in real-time, reduce water waste and pinpoint leaks.
Griffith Golf Club’s irrigation upgrade is expected to cost $2.65 million, improving efficiency and saving 113 million litres of water. It is anticipated 103 million litres of that would go towards Basin Plan targets.
NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s executive director of infrastructure development Lisa Hingerty said the projects could bring huge benefits, that “we need to take a closer look at the proposals and consider all the pros and cons”.
“It's important we hear directly from the community to understand their views, which, alongside other key considerations, will help us determine whether the projects will progress to a formal funding application,” she said.
“We know modernising equipment and infrastructure can bring private and public assets into the 21st century while helping us be more efficient with the way we use water, which translates to big environmental savings. It’s a win-win.
“Make no mistake, New South Wales does not support water buybacks, and harnessing water through new water efficient infrastructure reduces the need for buybacks.
“I urge people to learn more about these project proposals and have their say by May 30.”
For more information and to lodge feedback, go to https://nswdpie.tfaforms.net/1446.
