Australia - Victoria Government announces A$48m funding for water infrastructure projects
- May 28, 2020
- Posted by: Lyn Wilson
- Category: Investment and Finance, Australasia
Lisa Neville, Minister for Water in Victoria, Australia, has announced that the government will fund A$ 48.4 million in water projects throughout state.
The projects focus on modernizing irrigation, securing water supplies through recycling and stormwater use and helping with bushfire recovery to benefit the environment.
The funding is part of the government’s new A$ 2.7 billion Building Works package and includes A$10.4 million funding for Phase 2 of the Macalister Irrigation District (MID) Modernization project.
The modernization works increase productivity and efficiency for irrigators, save water by decreasing leakage and enhance the condition of the Gippsland Lakes by reducing nutrient run-off. Work on Phase 2 of this project is scheduled to commence this coming winter.
The government’s recent funding for the MID modernization project brings the total contribution to A$46 million with the balance being supplied through local irrigators and the Commonwealth.
An amount of A$10.7 million will also be invested in integrated water management projects to secure water supplies by better use of storm and recycled water – from Gunbower to Pakenham to Sunshine and Westernport.
An investment of A$10.3 million within the package also supports crucial bushfire recovery efforts in restoring waterway and catchment health and replacing essential infrastructure such as water monitoring stations, emergency water supply points and flood warning gauges.
Minister for Water Lisa Neville said:
“By investing in water infrastructure, we are investing in a bright and healthy future for all Victorians no matter where they live – with increased water security and a healthy environment.”
“It’s been an unbelievably tough few months for fire affected communities – this work to restore waterway health and assets is an important part of our bushfire recovery efforts.”
Up to A$500 million each year has already been contributed by the Macalister Irrigation District to the economy of the state of Victoria.