The Australian and Victorian governments are jointly funding two business cases worth $1.6 million that will deliver detailed planning work to identify the right projects for future investment to expand the National Water Grid.
The Gisborne to Sunbury Interconnector Stage 2 and Riddells Creek to Sunbury Interconnector detailed business cases could unlock opportunities to further capitalise on investment through the National Water Grid Connections pathway in Stage 1 of the Gisborne to Sunbury Recycled Water Interconnector.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the Australian Government's investment acknowledges the value efficient capture and storage of water can have in the regions.
"The interrelated business cases are a vital early step towards a secure future for our farmers and regional communities by supporting increased access to recycled water," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
"This investment demonstrates our determination to deliver for the people of regional Victoria, to ensure the water infrastructure they need and deserve is available."
Victorian Minister for Water Lisa Neville said the partnership between the Australian and Victorian governments will investigate opportunities to expand on existing projects, such as the $116 million Western Irrigation Network, which is also being jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian governments and is currently being built.
"The Stage 2 business case will develop detailed designs for a 4.5-kilometre pipeline and storage option to connect the Gisborne and Sunbury Recycled Water Schemes, which could provide benefits to agriculture in Parwan-Balliang and offtakes to agricultural enterprises in Toolern Vale," Minister Neville said.
"The Riddells Creek to Sunbury Interconnector detailed business case will develop designs for a 13.9-kilometre pipeline to connect the Riddells Creek Recycled Water Plant to the Sunbury Recycled Water Scheme. The project will also investigate upgrading the Riddells Creek Recycled Water Plant to produce Class B water."
Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie said the business cases are a positive step toward unlocking more water for regional communities.
"Better water supply is what farmers and agricultural producers need to grow their business and get ahead," Senator McKenzie.
"Our Government is committed to delivering water to where it is needed, to enable our regions and the industries they support to prosper well into the future."
This investment forms part of the Australian Government's commitment under the $3.5 billion National Water Grid Fund, to develop the National Water Grid.
The Australian and Victorian Government are jointly funding both business cases on a 50:50 basis, contributing a total of $1.6 million.
