The Victorian Farmers (VFF) is calling for swift action to fund and complete key water infrastructure projects needed to secure the future of critical water supplies needed for rural communities and agricultural industries in times of drought.
Central to the ask includes the completion and green-lighting of key water infrastructure, including the Balliang Western Irrigation Network, Southern Wimmera and Northeast Pyrenees Water Supply Project, East Grampians Rural Pipeline, Coleraine to Casterton Pipeline and the Heytesbury District Pipeline Water Plan.
VFF President Brett Hosking said the opportunities for farmers, rural communities and the environment from reliable, piped water supplies has been highlighted during this current drought and the challenge for government is to see those benefits expanded across all water supply region to ensure communities are better prepared for future droughts.
“A reliable water supply is absolutely critical for farmers and when the tap runs dry, it’s diabolical. We’ve seen that in recent times and it brings farmers and the industry to its knees.”
“Reliable pipeline infrastructure is essential for drought preparedness, providing consistent and efficient access to water when natural supplies run low.”
“This is a smart investment that government can commit to today. It’s about using one of our most precious resources, water, in a way that ensures food security alongside greater community and environmental outcomes as we face an increasingly uncertain climate future.”
“We don’t know when this drought will break, but we do know there will be more to come and securing our water future through a network of key water projects is critical for drought preparedness,” Mr Hosking said.
Mr Hosking added the proven success of the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline should be seen as a blueprint for the future.
“The Wimmera Mallee Pipeline shows what is possible when governments invest in modern water infrastructure.”
“It’s resulted in enormous benefits, including increased crop yields, improved water security, better fire-fighting capacity, and safe in knowledge their livestock and farms have year-round access to safe water,” Mr Hosking said.
The VFF is calling on the Victorian State Government and Commonwealth to:
- Complete the Balliang Western Irrigation Network to provide secure, efficient irrigation water for farmers in the region.
- Green-light the Pyrenees Pipeline project to improve water reliability for agricultural and community use.
- For the Commonwealth to fund the Eastern Grampians Pipeline project to safeguard water access for drought-prone communities.
- Implement the Coleraine to Casterton Pipeline to strengthen water supply networks in western Victoria.
- Continued discussion to implement a Heytesbury District Pipeline Strategy to support agriculture and community resilience in the region.
“These projects are planned and ready to go. In some instances, we have construction crews at the ready just waiting for final funding.”
“Without reliable water supply, Victoria’s farmers and communities remain vulnerable to running dry. Investing in these pipelines is helping to future-proof our industry for the future,” Mr Hosking concluded.