The Connections project modernised an outdated irrigation system, installing world-class infrastructure to allow water to be delivered to irrigators more efficiently and reliably.
Not only was the project the largest irrigation modernisation project in Australian history, but it also exceeded its water recovery target of 429 gigalitres by four gigalitres.
Now the water has been recovered, it is time for us to give back.
For more than a year, we have been working to ensure the water recovered from the Connections project could be passed back to customers, as either water shares or credit.
This process was called the Irrigators’ Share Distribution project.
The ISD has seen anyone who held eligible delivery shares in any of the six areas of the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District receive a share of the Connections project’s water recovery as either water shares or financial benefit.
In October 2021, about 6500 customers with delivery shares above 0.25 Ml/day received water shares.
In the past few weeks, nearly 6300 customers with delivery shares below 0.25 Ml/day received a credit on their fixed charge bills.
These customers received an average of about $1200 credit, amounting to a total financial benefit of about $7.7 million.
Our staff have devoted many hours to the ISD and its success, confirming and comparing the details of about 13,000 customers to ensure everyone received their fair share of the project.
An independent water trading strategy was developed by external experts to guide G-MW in how to sell the shares for the customers.
This strategy gave G-MW clear guidance in how to manage the sale of the shares while also making the process fully transparent.
The trading of the shares was also externally audited, further ensuring the integrity of the process.
The ISD project epitomises the great outcomes the Connections project has delivered, and the way these outcomes are being directly passed on to our customers.
The Connections project has not only improved irrigation service delivery but also created regional job opportunities, upskilled local contractors and reduced water loss.
Customers will continue to reap the rewards of the project well after they receive their benefits from the ISD.
For more information on the ISD, head to: https://www.g-mwater.com.au/policy-and-projects/irrigators-share-distribution-project
Charmaine Quick
G-MW managing director
