Urban Channel Pipeline Project

Murrumbidgee Irrigation (MI) will be kicking off the Urban Channel Pipeline (UCP) Project this Winter, which will provide a range of benefits to the communities of Griffith and Leeton. 

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 is designed to replace inefficient aging channels around Griffith and Leeton with 47.5 kilometres of new pipeline. As part of this over 2,675 megalitres of unproductive water will be recovered, a significant portion of which will be returned to the Commonwealth to contribute to delivering the 450 gigalitres of additional environmental water for the Murray-Darling Basin.

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 is the timeline?

The UCP project will commence over the Winter period, with 19 kilometres to be installed in 2025.

Which channels are affected?

The following maps indicate the impacted channels in Griffith & Leeton. Please click on the map icon to view a larger version.

Griffith

Leeton

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.

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.