Shepparton Modernisation Project
The Project
What is the Shepparton Modernisation Project?
The Shepparton Modernisation Project was developed in order to generate water savings for the environment by modernising the open channel delivery infrastructure. The project will also provide flow-on effects in relation to generating regional development opportunities and improving service levels.
The Shepparton Irrigation Area was first established in the early 1900s and consequently much of the infrastructure is old and outdated and no longer meets the needs of viable and sustainable irrigation. To provide an efficient and competitive water supply the current ageing infrastructure needs to be upgraded through channel automation, pipelining, channel remediation, asset rationalisation, and the upgrade of meter outlets.
What is the Reconfiguration Planning process and how does it relate to this project?
Reconfiguration planning is the integral first step in the modernisation program by ensuring appropriate planning occurs, redundant infrastructure is identified, and customers are involved in the process.
By doing this, the reconfigured and modernised system will be more affordable over the long-term and provide the level of service required by the irrigators serviced by the system.
Why can't we leave the current system alone?
Much of the system was built more than 80 years ago. Unfortunately, most of the Infrastructure is old, outdated, inefficient and expensive to operate, and is reaching the end of its use by date.
The works program for the Shepparton Modernisation Project will deliver real benefits to irrigators across the region and ensure that Victoria's Food Bowl remains internationally competitive. These combined works will improve the irrigation system's delivery efficiency and recover an estimated 52,000 ML of water annually which is now being lost through leakage & seepage, system inefficiencies and evaporation.
The project will create the modern and efficient water delivery system required to meet the needs of farming in the 21st Century.
Why now?
Drought, environmental requirements, water reform programs, and an ageing and inefficient system at the end of its use-by-date provides us with perhaps an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to undertake this project with external funding, and thus do so in an affordable manner for all users.
What is the cost of the project?
The capital cost of the project is $148 million.
What do we get for this?
- Approximately 30 km of channel and 600 meter outlets rationalised
- A pressurised pipeline system for the Shepparton East Horticulture Area (if agreed with customers)
- Automation of all regulators
- Upgrading of Dethridge Meter Outlets with modern and accurate meters
- Gravity pipelines where appropriate
- Channel remediation works including plastic & clay lining and remodelling.
How is the project funded?
The project is funded by the Victorian State Government and the Living Murray Initiative with a majority of water savings being returned as environmental flows to the River Murray.
How does this project link to the Foodbowl Modernisation Project?
The Foodbowl Modernisation Project is a $1 billion work program to modernise Victoria's Food Bowl region and upgrade ageing irrigation infrastructure by lining and automating channels, building pipelines and replacing meters. It is not dissimilar to the Shepparton Modernisation Project. However, at this point in time the two projects are considered separate with different funding sources.
When will the on-ground works begin and when will they be completed?
On ground works on the major East Goulburn Main Channel have already commenced. Planning for further stage 1 works is also well underway. Stage 1 of this project involves automating 36 regulators on the EGM, a further 450 regulators on main channels, and upgrading approximately 700 meters. These stage 1 works are due to be completed by the end of 2008. Significant planning of works for 2009 will also occur, including finalising design requirements for the Shepparton East Horticultural pipeline and extensive customer consultation.
Will there be any interruptions to my on-farm program?
Customers will be contacted prior to works occurring on their property and every effort made to keep interruptions to farm operations to a minimum.
Water Savings
How much water will be saved and what will happen to it?
It is estimated that 52,000 ML (a mix of high and low reliability water) will be saved by this project with savings earmarked for the Living Murray Initiative (30,000 ML), Water for Rivers (5,000 ML) and the balance of (17,000) ML will be retained by Victoria.
How have the water savings been quantified?
A detailed assessment of the potential water savings from this project has been completed. The volume of delivery losses have been broken down into various components and detailed assessments undertaken. Independent experts have verified this approach and agreed with estimates made.
How will the water savings be audited?
An independent audit process will be established to verify the savings at the end of the project. It is likely that a process similar to the one already undertaken by the Murray-Darling Basin Commission (MDBC) will be used.
How do we know the water savings really can be recovered?
Improving irrigation delivery efficiency and services has been a major focus of investigation and investment across Australia in the past decade. Victoria has led the development and implementation of cost effective options to deliver 21st Century delivery systems. Works undertaken to date in the Goulburn-Murray Irrigation District, the Macalister Irrigation District and the Coleambally Irrigation District (in New South Wales) have
confirmed that the efficiency of irrigation systems can be improved to 85% through a program of irrigation modernisation. We must continue to strive to deliver irrigation water at 85% efficiency levels to ensure we can remain world-leaders and internationally competitive.
Will this effect customer allocations?
This project will not affect annual allocations and irrigators' existing security. Water savings will be generated from the current inefficiencies and losses in the system.
Will I be eligible for a share of the water savings as proposed by the Foodbowl Modernisation Program?
The Foodbowl Modernisation Program has an objective of returning one-third of the generated water savings back to customers as additional entitlements in the form of water shares. The system to determine the sharing will be equitable across all irrigators in the Goulburn-Murray Irrigation District.
Importantly this includes the Shepparton Irrigation Area.
The guidelines and timeframes for this to occur will be developed as part of the Foodbowl Modernisation Program.
Service Improvements
What changes in my current level of service will occur?
Our goal must be to improve service levels where-ever possible. Nevertheless, some customers do receive a better service level than others, dependent on their location on the system. Automation of regulators and upgrading of meter outlets must deliver a more consistent, as well as enhanced service to all customers.
The modernisation program will be designed to meet the needs of a modern irrigated agricultural industry in the 21st Century. It will provide improved service delivery through shorter ordering times and more consistent flows for irrigators. There will also be the opportunity to receive larger flow rates if required by customers and if able to be designed in the new outlet.
The project will deliver a system that is efficient, responsive to modern on-farm needs and makes the most of available water in all seasons. Modernisation will provide a competitive advantage for the region, and its communities and industries, underpinning the long-term viability of irrigated agriculture across northern Victoria.
Will supply levels be changed as part of this project?
When channels are designed and constructed the supply level of the channel is determined by the height of the commandable land to be serviced by the channel. Over time many channel running levels (not supply levels) have been raised to provide greater supply over land, and to even provide supply to what was deemed uncommandable land. In essence, they are operating above the original design level.
Running channels over the original design level will increase seepage and leakage losses.
It is important that as part of this project channel supply levels are checked. Nevertheless Goulburn-Murray Water is keen to maximise the service levels provided to customers and will consult on any changed channel running levels as part of the consultation phase of this project.
Meter Selection
Why are Dethridge Meter Outlets being replaced?
Irrespective of the modernisation projects, Victoria will be required to meet proposed new National Metering Standards that take effect in 2009. The current dethridge wheels used to provide water supply to farms will not meet these new standards. The Shepparton Irrigation Area has about 2,500 outlets of which approximately 2,100 are Dethridge meters.
Dethridge wheels will be replaced with new technology that is more reliable and can be operated remotely and automatically to improve service to irrigators. This would not have been possible without funding provided as part of the project and would have had to be funded by customers to ensure compliance with the new metering standards.
Nevertheless, to maximise modernisation funds, the rationalisation of a number of dethridge meter outlets will be investigated. It does not make sense to modernise infrastructure which is currently under-utilised, particularly if it can be serviced by an adjacent outlet or different channel.
What will the dethridge wheel be replaced with?
It is envisaged that dethridge outlets will be replaced with either an accurate meter that will achieve the requirements of the proposed new National Metering Standard. A number of meters have been trialled for some time within Goulburn-Murray Water. There is currently an Expression-of-Interest being sought from meter suppliers to provide up to 2,500 meters that will comply with National Metering Standards. This will ensure the most cost-efficient and appropriate meter is used in this project.
Ideally, G-MW would like to provide customers with a choice of meters. If this can be achieved assistance with this decision will be offered.
What if I am considering pumping my supply in the future?
If you are considering converting your farm irrigation system to a pressurised supply in the future (pipes and risers, drip etc.) a direct suction line to the channel may be a better alternative. Goulburn-Murray Water will provide the meter and may contribute to the cost of a direct suction pump in lieu of replacing meter outlets if combined with a rationalisation opportunity.
Rationalisation
What is rationalisation?
Rationalisation involves the removal of under-utilised infrastructure. As properties have become larger, a smaller number of customers are paying for the current infrastructure. This is not sustainable over the long-term.
Why is it important?
Costs to operate the system (replacement, operating, upgrading, maintenance) can be decreased if the amount of infrastructure can be reduced. It is possible that up to 25% of all infrastructure can be removed and we could still supply all current serviced properties. This would have positive implications on future prices if it can be achieved.
In addition, modernisation funds can go further if we have less infrastructure to upgrade. Does it make sense to modernise a service point that is hardly used and can be supplied by another service point on a property?
Is compensation involved?
Goulburn-Murray water will offer compensation for infrastructure to be decommissioned. The key objective is to offer sufficient funds to undertake required on-farm works due to the change in service points, whilst ensuing all other customers are no worse off due to the change.
What if the farm costs are higher than the compensation on offer?
Goulburn-Murray Water would not expect you to accept a rationalisation offer if the on-farm costs involved in the change is higher than the compensation on offer. It is important that you fully understand the implications for your property before accepting any offer made by G-MW.
Can I get independent advice on any proposal?
Goulburn-Murray Water encourages all customers to obtain independent advice prior to accepting a rationalisation offer (farm design and/or financial advice). G-MW will also provide some funding for this to occur - with no strings attached.
In addition, Department of Primary Industries staff are available to provide advice to assist you in your decision making.
How much time will I have to make a decision?
This can be negotiated on a case-by-case basis. However, G-MW will ensure you have sufficient time to consider all aspects of the offer prior to a decision being made.
What happens if I reject a proposal?
The offer will be non-compulsory. However, Goulburn-Murray Water reserves the right to reconsider infrastructure upgrades on your property if an offer is rejected without sufficient justification. This is based on the premise of ensuring all other customers are no worse off due to the proposed works.
How do I contact G-MW if I believe I have a proposal for my property?
Contact the Shepparton Reconfiguration Coordinator (Owen Macreadie) on 58335446
General
What are the benefits to farmers of this project?
A significant and much needed capital injection into the upgrade of infrastructure servicing the Shepparton Irrigation Area, a more efficient world-class and competitive system, enhanced service levels, and a new era in irrigation delivery in this region.
What is the role of the Shepparton Water Services Committee and the Shepparton Reconfiguration & Asset Modernisation Working Group?
The Water Services Committee have had and will continue to have a major role in this project. They are committed to modernising the system for the benefit of all customers to ensure a long-term and affordable future. The Reconfiguration & Asset Modernisation Working Group is a sub-committee of the WSC, and their role is to assist with the roll out of the project, but more importantly, to ensure all customers are consulted and informed on every aspect of the project.
Consultation Program
How will irrigators be informed about the changes?
The Shepparton Modernisation Project will have a strong communication and consultation focus to provide irrigators with up-to-date information on works and opportunities for improved on-farm operations.
This will be done through specific ‘pod' meetings (a pod is a discreet channel system servicing a small number of customers) and through individual consultation. Regular newsletters will also be provided at key stages of the project.
How much influence can I have on the project as it relates to my property?
The project is all about improving the system for the benefit of all customers. You will be fully consulted and informed on any aspect of the project as it relates to your property. You are encouraged to get involved and provide comment on the project activities. Your input will be sought and considered.
What do I do if I disagree with the decision made by G-MW?
You should refer any disagreement to G-MW, the Water Services Committee, or the Reconfiguration & Asset Modernisation Working Group.
Has the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) a role in this project?
DPI has put in place resources that can provide advice to customers on any aspect of the project as it relates to on-farm issues. The contact number for DPI is 58335222.
Will I be informed when works are to occur on my property?
You will be contacted prior to any works occurring on your property.
Who do I contact for more information?
The Reconfiguration Field Coordinator Owen Macreadie on 5820 8500.
