Projects

Resilient Rivers Water Infrastructure Program

Urban Channel Pipeline Project

Under the Resilient Rivers Water Infrastructure Program, Murrumbidgee Irrigation has been allocated $62.2 million for the Urban Channel Pipeline (UCP) Project to replace inefficient aging channels around Griffith and Leeton with 47.5 kilometres of new pipeline.

We are looking forward to kicking off the UCP Project this year, which will provide a range of benefits to customers, and the communities of Griffith and Leeton. 

The project is being undertaken in stages over the next two years.

For customers in areas where works are planned, an engagement officer will be in contact to discuss the works and connection options.

Check out our UCP fact sheet for more information.

Feasibility studies

New feasibility studies, funded under the Australian Government’s Resilient Rivers Water Infrastructure Program and delivered in partnership with the NSW Government, include the Mid-Murrumbidgee River Optimisation study.

This study will evaluate both the benefits and the costs to design and implement off-river surge capacity at 4 sites on either side of the Murrumbidgee River. The sites are a mixture of new surge reservoirs and the augmentation/repurposing of existing infrastructure in Murrumbidgee Irrigation’s, Coleambally Irrigation’s, and WaterNSW’s, area of operations.

The study will explore the impact improving environmental water delivery efficiency by switching off irrigation demand for periods during times of peak demand on the river. This study will support NSW to deliver potential new supply measures, as part of the Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism (SDLAM) of the Murray-Darling Basin.

The SDLAM is a program designed to achieve similar or improved environmental outcomes for rivers, wetlands and wildlife using less water. SDLAM can be achieved through supply, including constraints, or efficiency measures. Supply measures, such as the one being proposed, involve improvements to the way rivers are managed to save water for the environment.

Other feasibility studies include:

• A comprehensive assessment of Murrumbidgee Irrigation’s network to understand where water is being lost and identify an effective mitigation approach such as new channel piping, lining, and/or covering to reduce evaporation and leaks. It will also explore alternate and more efficient ways to supply water to the Barren Box storage facility.

• Investigating water saving opportunities at Murrumbidgee Irrigation, Murray Irrigation and Coleambally Irrigation by better understanding different water needs in the future, assessing new technology and engineering solutions and how these could be incorporated into existing operations.

Murrumbidgee Irrigation’s goal has always been to complete as many infrastructure projects as possible to support our irrigators, industry, and communities. These feasibility studies are the next step in making sure that our area can make the most out of the available water and secure the future of this region for many decades to come.

The studies will be completed by July 2025, and if successful, will be a win for everyone, with flow on economic benefits throughout the community, while also delivering water savings for the environment. We need to be ready to support our irrigators though seasons of vastly changing water availability, and these projects will help to keep our region viable for the future.

Read Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water media release (PDF 496.8KB).

 (PDF 1.7MB)

Automation Works complete

Customers are experiencing the benefits of a fully automated system this season, with our automation program now complete. 

Roach’s Reservoir operational

The 5,000 ML Roach’s Reservoir is now operational, with the testing of the pumps at the inlet structure complete.

Strategically located surge reservoirs, like Roach’s, in conjunction with the move to full automation will enable us to further improve our water delivery flexibility for irrigators, who are requesting higher flow rates, the ability to start and close at short notice and 24-hour access to these services.

Residential Connections Program

Our Residential Connections supply product is for customers with water entitlements who require water to be used on an area up to 1 Ha.

We have a support package available to help existing customers who choose to transition to a Residential Connection. Our Customer Engagement Officers are in the process of contacting eligible customers.

Check out our fact sheet for more information.