The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has welcomed the announcement by the Victorian and Federal Governments of new funding for water infrastructure and environmental projects in northern Victoria.
The Commonwealth Government will provide $132 million for the Broken Reconfiguration Project, $1.38 million for three new feasibility studies, and a further $1.935 million for a detailed assessment of the Restoring Flows to the Mallee Floodplain initiative that aims at improving environmental outcomes by maximising the use of existing environmental water.
VFF Water Council Chair Andrew Leahy said the VFF has a long history of working with communities along the Broken system and is pleased this project, highlighted in the Victorian Government’s Planning Our Basin Future Together prospectus, can progress.
“VFF members have worked tirelessly for many years to improve water reliability on the Broken system, as well as to secure improved stock and domestic supply.”
“A special thanks must go to former VFF Water Council Chair and local irrigator Richard Anderson who worked for years to help get this across the line. This project is a direct result of years of grassroots advocacy and it’s fantastic to see that hard work finally being recognised and realised,” Mr Leahy said.
The VFF also welcomed the new feasibility studies, which will enable further assessment of water projects identified in last year’s Victorian water prospectus.
The VFF has long been critical of the Commonwealth’s focus on arbitrary water recovery targets, often at the expense of genuine environmental benefit. The VFF is therefore pleased to see the Mallee Floodplain project assessing environmental outcomes.
“There’s more to improving the environment than simply adding water. We need to look at the full picture, such as water quality, riverbank condition, ecosystem health, and native species recovery. Assessing overall environmental outcomes is an important first step.”
“It’s essential that farmers and local communities are consulted and actively involved in the planning and implementation of these projects. The VFF will continue to work to ensure that farmers have a strong voice at the table as these projects progress.”
“The VFF has written to the Commonwealth Water Minister, Murray Watt inviting him to the region and we look forward to the opportunity to discuss our local issues face to face”, Mr Leahy added.