Goulburn-Murray Water has awarded two contracts for works to enable the Murray Valley No.1 channel through Cobram township to be closed.
Contracts have been awarded for the construction of a 65-megalitre-per-day pump station on the River Murray and an 800mm-diameter one-kilometre pipeline, and for the associated electrical works such as the supply and installation of pumps, motors and control works.
G-MW's Manager of the Murray Valley Area, Kevin Preece, said the works, with a total value of close to $2 million, will enable the existing open channel and dilapidated pipeline through the Cobram township to be closed.
""This is an exciting day for the people of Cobram, who, after close to 20 years of negotiating to remove the channel, will finally get the result they have been looking for,"" Mr Preece said.
""We have let the contracts to two companies with proven track records in delivery of these types of works and have appointed a project manager to ensure effective management and delivery of the project.
""Contract Control Builders have been awarded the civil works contract and Haulton Construction Services have been awarded the electrical works contract. Both contractors will rely heavily on local sub‑contractors to undertake large components of the works.""
""Goulburn-Murray Water customers on the No.1 channel downstream of Cobram can be assured that their service levels will be maintained throughout the construction period and that the new works will continue to enable supply into the future.""
Mayor of the Moira Shire, Cr Ed Cox, said, ""As a major funding partner, we are very pleased that the contracts have been let, and we're particularly happy that the contract price is within estimates.
""The Cobram community can feel confident that the channel will be removed, greatly improving safety, amenity and access.""
The construction will start as soon as possible and is planned to be completed prior to the 2006/07 irrigation season.
The channel will not be filled in until the pump station and supply works are commissioned successfully and the channel has dried out, most likely in late 2006.
The project is jointly funded by Goulburn-Murray Water, Moira Shire Council and Cobram Hospital , with assistance from the Australian Government Regional Partnerships Program and the State Government's Small Towns Development Fund and Community Support Fund.