Details of a range of possible offset measures that will ensure that reliability of supply to Broken system irrigators is maintained after the decommissioning of Lake Mokoan were released by Goulburn-Murray Water Chief Executive Russell Cooper today.
"Following 18 months of investigations, Goulburn-Murray Water has reached the stage where further consultation with Broken system and other water users on a number of Offset Package options is now appropriate," Mr Cooper said.
Investigations have narrowed down the extensive range of individual options into four Offset Packages. The packages detail a range of potential infrastructure, efficiency improvement and water purchase options, including:
- Remote control and monitoring of supply structures and stream flow stations
- Dynamic real time monitoring of irrigation diversion flow meters
- Supply into Broken River downstream of the East Goulburn Main
- Pump station and pipelines to supply areas upstream of the East Goulburn Main
- Pipelining of part of the Major Creek system
- Re-regulation storages on Lake Mokoan Inlet Channel and adjacent to Broken Creek
- Water entitlement purchase
- Operational improvement options
"While we are seeking water user input to the development of a final offset package, we are already well advanced on the installation of the Tungamah pipelining scheme, which is an important component of the overall Mokoan project and will provide a significant reliability benefit for the Broken system," Mr Cooper said.
"The current irrigation supply system in the Broken Basin is highly inefficient and unsustainable in the long term.
"The infrastructure measures contained within the offset packages provide not only the means by which supply reliability will be maintained, but will also provide future water users with a modern and efficient delivery system with greatly reduced water losses."
Mr Cooper invited water users and associated groups to make submissions on the individual offset measures proposed in each of the four packages by 8 November 2006.
During the consultation process, Goulburn-Murray Water will provide written information to all irrigators, together with briefings for the VFF, irrigator representatives, Water Service Committees and the Benalla Rural City.
Mr Cooper said issues raised in the consultation process will be considered in the development of a draft final Offset Package, which will be submitted to the Minister for Water later this year.
Further information about the project and the supply reliability offset measures can be found at www.lakemokoan.com or by contacting the Mokoan Project Office on (03) 5761 1611.
Submissions should be sent to: Lake Mokoan Project Director, C/0 DSE, 89 Sydney Road, Benalla, Victoria, 3672.