Victoria Minister for Water Peter Walsh

$1 Million Gets Wangaratta Water Project Flowing

Victor P Taffa

The Victorian Coalition Government will provide $1 Million to identify feasible water source options for Wangaratta and the surrounding communities, Minister for Water Peter Walsh announced today.

“The Water Security for Wangaratta Project will assess alternative water supply options and identify the most cost-effective solution to improve water security in the Wangaratta region.” Mr. Walsh said.

Representing Deputy Premier Peter Ryan at today’s announcement, Mr. Walsh said Wangaratta came close to running out of water during the 12 year drought, with the two main water storages in the region – Lake Buffalo and Lake William Hovell – relatively small and dependent on annual rainfall.

“The two main storages only hold around 12 months supply if water entitlements held by landowners and water corporations are fully utilised, meaning it is vitally important that we look at alternative water source options for Wangaratta.” Mr. Walsh said.

Member for Murray Valley Tim McCurdy said a recent separate study on both surface and ground water found there was a reliable supply of ground water in the region, from deep aquifers.

“The Water Security for Wangaratta Project will take this recent study into consideration as it looks at all possible opportunities for improving water supplies in the region.” Mr. McCurdy said.

Mr. Walsh also announced today the appointment of a steering committee for the Water Security for Wangaratta Project to be led by an independent Chairman, Ken Gaudion, and with representatives from local council, water users and the Victorian Farmers Federation.

“I will ask the committee to look not only at today’s urban water needs, but also what opportunities there may be to expand industry or agriculture in the future.” Mr. Walsh said.

“Technical support will be provided by catchment management authorities, water corporations and government departments.”

Mr. Ryan said the $1 Million in Coalition Government funding for the project had been provided through the $1 Billion Regional Growth Fund.

“Projects such as these, and many others, are all about improving regional communities and enhancing the quality of life for people living in them.” Mr. Ryan said.

“The Coalition Government is committed to investing in infrastructure and creating jobs, while planning and developing strong and sustainable local economies.”