G-MW modernisation projects on track
G-MW's Shepparton Modernisation and Central Goulburn 1,2,3 &4 Modernisation projects on track to deliver improved on-farm service, more secure water supplies and underpin the long term viability of irrigated agriculture in the region.
According to G-MW Executive Manager Planning and Environment Alex Marshall the projects' importance extends well beyond their local customer base and will support future modernisation projects right across the Goulburn-Murray region.
"The projects are important large scale modernisation initiatives for northern Victoria. Modernising the large supply channels is a key component," said Mr Marshall.
The projects have been developed and will be implemented by G-MW staff and clearly demonstrate the region's ability to rapidly deliver quality outcomes. As part of the next stage in each project, G-MW is calling for expressions of interest from companies or consortia to create an alliance to plan, consult, design, construct and commission the further components of the two projects.
"We are looking to scale up our capacity to undertake the works and ensure they are delivered on time and on budget," said Mr Marshall.
The Shepparton Modernisation Project will realise 52 GL of water savings. The project may see automated regulator gates installed at 570 sites across the Shepparton Irrigation Area, 35km of open channel and around 600 outlets rationalised, and 135 km of gravity pipeline and 40km of pressurised pipeline installed.
"The Shepparton Project involves a comprehensive mix of improvements from automating the main channels to upgrading meter outlets," said Mr Marshall.
The Central Goulburn 1,2,3 & 4 Modernisaton Project will affect about 20 percent of G-MW's largest irrigation area - Central Goulburn. Through a combination of channel automation, remediation works and upgraded meter outlets the project is expected to realise approximately 17 GL of water savings.
The installation of new farm outlets (meters) will occur as part of the final phase of both projects and G-MW is currently seeking expressions of interest from companies to supply 2,500 irrigation meters with flow rates up to 30 ML/day.
"Many of our customers will consolidate their on-farm outlets but will need higher volume supply so new meters that can meet these capacity demands are essential - 30 ML a day is about 3 times the capacity of many of our existing dethridge wheels and highlights the demands of today's farms compared to when many of these wheels went in nearly 60 years ago," said Mr Marshall.
The new meters will also meet +/- 2.5% accuracy under laboratory conditions and +/- 5% in the field, thereby fulfilling the requirements proposed under the new National Meter Standards due to take effect from 2009.
The Projects are funded by the Victorian Government, the Living Murray and Water for Rivers Initiatives.
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