Water services company Murrumbidgee Irrigation (MI) is assessing opportunities for expansion after being granted $38 million by the Federal Government.
The expansion will allow existing Federal Government-funded control structures to be utilised to their full extent across the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area (MIA) – effectively doubling the canal’s capacity, MI CEO Brett Jones said.
“Expanding the capacity of the Northern Branch Canal will allow us to deliver more water and higher flow rates to better meet the needs of customers’ farming operations,” Jones said.
“Our region is thriving, and in line with this the needs of our customers are changing.”
The funding makes up part of a total investment of over $347 million by the government aimed at tackling critical water saving projects in the MIA.
The $38 million is a welcome funding injection, with modernisation projects planned for the Sturt Canal, Benerembah Channel, Wah Wah, Warburn and Tabbita systems.
Jones said the extra funds will allow MI to continue improving the efficiency of its water delivery system.
“Our customers want value, and this funding will enable us to deliver this to them through a more efficient and responsive irrigation network,” he said.