MINISTER INSPECTS BARREN BOX CONSTRUCTION SITE

The Hon. Ian Macdonald, MLC, Minister for Natural Resources, Minister for Primary Industries and Minister for Mineral Resources is in Griffith today to inspect the development at Barren Box Swamp.

The proposed Barren Box storage and wetland development provides significant water savings that will benefit irrigators in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area as well as improved environmental conditions throughout the Murrumbidgee Valley as well as the Snowy River.

The proposal has been declared a State Significant Project with costs estimated at $29 million.

“I believe this project will clearly demonstrate that investment in water savings has significant advantages over purchasing water,” said Dick Thompson, Chairman of Murrumbidgee Irrigation. “By creating savings we can deliver water to the environment without reducing water available to irrigators. These multiple outcomes would not be possible if the water for the environment was simply purchased.”

The development will see Barren Box Swamp split into three cells. The Wah Wah main canal will be widened and an additional en-route storage facility developed. The project is expected to generate an average of 20,000ML in water savings each year, improve the quality and reliability of water for downstream users and return water to the environment.

Detailed investigations of the wetland component will commence shortly after the on-site works begin. Extensive consultation and engagement of all stakeholders will take place throughout the investigation process.

“The Barren Box project is an example of irrigation and natural resource management working together for mutual benefit,” concluded Mr Thompson.