We’re excited to announce the completion of Stage 1 of the Urban Channel Pipeline (UCP) Project - a major milestone which has delivered 19.3kms of channel and pipeline works across Leeton, Griffith, and Yenda.
This stage included the upgrade of over 400 structures and outlets, improving water delivery and infrastructure reliability.
A big thank you to our customers for your cooperation throughout this stage.
Stage 2 of the Urban Channel Pipeline (UCP) Project kicks off early 2026. This phase includes 12km of channel and pipeline works across Griffith and Leeton.
If you’re in a project area, no action is needed - an MI Engagement Officer will contact you before works begin.
What is the UCP?
The Urban Channel Pipeline (UCP) Project is supported through $62.2 million in Commonwealth funding and is being delivered in partnership with the NSW Government under the Australian Government’s Resilient Rivers Water Infrastructure Program.
The project will replace aging, inefficient channels around Griffith and Leeton. As part of this over 2,675 megalitres of water will be recovered, a significant portion of which will be returned to the Australian Government to contribute to delivering the 450 gigalitres of additional environmental water for the Murray-Darling Basin.
One of the purposes of MI's Procurement Policy is to consider procurement from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses (through Supply Nation data access) in alignment with our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)
What are the benefits of the UCP?
The Urban Channel Pipeline Project will provide a number of benefits to Griffith and Leeton, including:
- Water savings
- Improved water quality
- Reduced safety risks of channel incidents
- Improved maintenance
What areas are impacted?
The Stage 2 UCP works will be taking place in the following areas in Griffith
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And the following areas in Leeton
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There are a number of works that are required in order to complete this project. Murrumbidgee Irrigation is working with customers and stakeholders to limit the interruptions to customers and the community.
FAQ's
Who will be affected by the project?
Customers who will be impacted by this project, will be contacted by an engagement officer to discuss their options.
Will my driveway be impacted?
If you are a customer that has been notified of impacts to your driveway, the engagement officer will work with you to finalise an agreed plan of action.
Some impacts may include:
- Temporary access alternatives
- Agreed hours of work
- Agree driveway management, including replacement
Will my fence be impacted?
If you are a customer who has been notified of impacts to your fence line or property border, the engagement officer will work with you to finalise an agreed plan of action.
Some impacts may include:
- Relocation of fences as agreed upon with the customer
- Re-installation of fences, depending on the agreement and impact
Will my vegetation be impacted?
The pipeline construction will prioritise avoiding disturbance to gardens or vegetation wherever possible and safe to do so. If you are a customer who has been notified of impacts to your fence line or property border, the engagement officer will work with you to finalise an agreed plan of action.
Some impacts may include:
- Agreement for the customer to relocate the garden prior to construction
- Existing trees within any construction areas may be removed if it obstructs
What state will the area near my property be left in?
Murrumbidgee Irrigation will take reasonable steps to leave the land in an orderly condition following the completion of works. Upon completion, all pipelines will be finished with a layer of topsoil. The maintenance of these areas will be discussed with an engagement officer and agreed upon.
Can I elect for the works not to go ahead?
No, these works are a requirement for Murrumbidgee Irrigation to deliver under the Australian Government's Resilient Rivers Water Infrastructure Program.
I need to access water from the channel, how will I do that if it is piped?
If you have an existing connection to the channel, an engagement officer will be in touch to discuss your connection options. If you are not an MI customer already, you may be able to apply for a new connection. Please visit our website, or give us a call to discuss 02 6962 0200.
MWREF
Griffith
Leeton
Contact us
If you have questions or concerns, please contact us on (02) 6962 0200 or fill out the form below and an engagement officer will be in touch to discuss your options.