Project timelines
Construction started in January 2023 and is expected to be completed by August 2023, in time for the 2023 irrigation season. Southern Rural Water (SRW) will maintain delivery through the existing irrigation channel network to the end of the 22/23 irrigation season.
SRW will complete some on-farm works and work with customers to ensure no disruption to supply. These works will not change the method used to deliver irrigation water during the 22/23 season.
Project funding
The Australian Government is investing significantly on a 10-year rolling program of water infrastructure projects in partnership with states and territories, and SRW customers are contributing through annual fees and the sale of water savings.
Traditional owner engagement
SRW worked closely with the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) on the Cultural Heritage Management Plan for the program of works. So far, preliminary investigations have found a significant number of artefacts around Newry and Nuntin. We are working with the WGCMA and GLaWAC to acknowledge the significance of the find.
Deed of Variation process
Pipeline modernisation works require access to private land. As part of pipeline design, SRW has consulted with customers about variations to alignment, location of above-ground assets and decommissioning redundant assets. This process informs the Modernisation Works Agreement (MWA). Any additional changes to the MWA is outlined in a Deed of Variation.
SRW received significant interest from customers to participate in co-funded works, whereby a customer chooses to complete on-farm reconnection works including decommissioning, as documented in the Deed of Variation.
A co-funding payment is calculated, based on current market rates, that represents a proportion of SRW’s avoided cost because the customer is taking responsibility to complete these works. The co-funding payment is intended to support further enhancement of on-farm modernisation works.
SRW staff will explain the Deed of Variation document and co-funding payment process in commercial-in-confidence conversations with each of the individual customers that have expressed an interest in completing on-farm works.
All co-funding payments will be calculated using the same methodology and follow an internal approval process, to ensure consistency and fairness to all customers.
Newry Farm Planning
The Newry Farm Planning Project is a collaboration between the Victorian Government’s Sustainable Irrigation Program, implemented in Gippsland by the West Gippsland CMA and Agriculture Victoria, and SRW’s MID2030 modernisation program.
The Newry Farm Planning Project aims to provide irrigators connecting to the Newry Creek pipeline with the information and support they need to make informed decisions about potential changes to their farm. Professional irrigation design experts were contracted to work, free of charge, with Newry customers.
Information about the process of engagement for farmers is on the West Gippsland CMA site.
Completed farm plans should enable Newry irrigators to achieve the best outcomes for their business, both during and after pipeline construction; and maximise the flow-on benefits of MID2030 investment for the environment and the regional community.
Additional FAQs