Southern Wimmera Northeast Pyrenees Water Pipeline - $158.6 million

The ask - $158.6 million 

$158.6 million over four years to construct the Southern Wimmera Northeast Pyrenees Water Pipeline to provide water security and protect against climate change.

The brief

Victoria’s north-west is a productive agricultural region that has become increasingly vulnerable because of climate change.

Between 2002 and 2010 the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline was constructed with the installation of 9000km of pipeline to enhance water security for the region that was previously serviced by a very inefficient 16,000km earthen channel network.

This pipeline has brought significant social, environ mental, and economic benefits to this large region and enjoys strong community support. A major gap remains in water supply within the Southern Wimmera Northeast Pyrenees region that struggles with unreliable rainfall and inadequate groundwater.

Without intervention, our region will continue to face poor water security, hampering its economic, environmental, and social growth.

A business case that was undertaken in 2024 found there will be significant economic benefits if this project is delivered

The benefits

✓ Reliable water supply for 3000 farming businesses across 354,000 hectares in the Shires of Central Goldfields, Northern Grampians, and Pyrenees

✓ This will increase production by reducing the impact of drought and climate change

✓ A stronger regional economy

✓ Improved safety, health, and wellbeing for rural, farming and First Nations communities

✓ A healthier environment