Murrumbidgee Irrigation

Murrumbidgee Irrigation (MI) last week commenced demolition of some of the old workshops, storage and ancillary buildings at the CSIRO Hanwood site in preparation for consolidating its operations into a central and cost-efficient location. A Master Plan has been submitted for development approval and MI is currently working through the planning issues with Council and local residents.

Brett Tucker, Managing Director of Murrumbidgee Irrigation said that “the move for MI is all about improved productivity and efficiencies. Currently our work centres are located across three separate sites and centralising them makes common business sense, especially in these austere economic times. Funding for the development of the site has been set aside from the sale of existing properties including sites at both the top and bottom ends of Banna Avenue .”

“Not only are we achieving cost-savings and improved productivity for our shareholders by the relocation, but our move also secures an important research presence in the MIA by maintaining the CSIRO facility in Griffith . The partnership between MI and CSIRO is a win win for ensuring future sustainability of the MIA region,” said Mr Tucker.

The Griffith administration office, water distribution office and plant and works depot, as well as the majority of executive and administration functions from Leeton will all eventually be relocated to the Hanwood site. MI will be making use of around a third of the existing CSIRO buildings in order to keep the costs of construction down. Additionally, both businesses will share common facilities such as conference and meeting rooms. The previously underutilised Hanwood site will once again become a haven of business activity.

In recognising the ongoing drought conditions, the project has been split into two stages. Stage one includes the demolition of some old buildings which were not up to current workplace safety standards. Subject to development approval, construction of new MI offices will commence in April and will incorporate high standards of energy and water efficiency. Initial designs include a small wetland to handle storm water from the site which may eventually be incorporated into the MIA EnviroWise educational programs.

Mr Tucker further advised that MI has also been investigating traffic management options in consultation with Griffith Council and local residents. “Whilst total employee numbers on site are unlikely to exceed historic levels in the medium term, we are aware that there will be a need for modifications to Research Station Rd in order to provide safe access for heavy vehicles,” he said.

Occupancy by the MI administration team is expected by early 2008. Stage two is the relocation of the Griffith plant and works depot with a commencement date yet to be set.