14 February 2008

MI RECEIVES FEDERAL FUNDS FOR FUTURE SUSTAINABILITY

Murrumbidgee Irrigation (MI) is extremely pleased to announce the company has been successful in a recent federal grant application, receiving $500,000 for planning to ensure the long-term viability of the company for its irrigators as well as the sustainability of the MIA for future farming generations to enjoy and benefit from. The federal Government this week announced $4.6 million in funding to 14 irrigation water providers across all states to develop modernisation plans for reducing water loss in the water infrastructure that they own and operate.

Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong advised that the Irrigation Modernisation Planning Assistance grants would allow water providers to obtain independent professional expertise and facilitate workshops to assist with modernisation planning.

“The water saved by modernising delivery infrastructure will be used to keep our rivers healthy,” added Senator Wong.

MI's Environment Manager Rob Kelly who developed MI's application for the federal assistance is ecstatic at the announcement of the full funding of the project.

“The grant will be used to develop a modernisation plan for the MIA which provides an opportunity for MI to set the direction for the business and the region in both the short term and longer term within an integrated business plan."

"It will address the needs of the company and our customers into the future to ensure the MIA remains a sustainable and profitable area and provide the blueprint for a state of the art and innovative irrigation system that will provide significant water savings, improved service to our shareholders and customers, and environmental benefits," concluded Mr Kelly.

Ends

For further info rmation regarding this media release, please contact Rob Kelly, Environment, Manager Murrumbidgee Irrigation on 02 6962 0200.