The Federal Government is spending $33.5 million on new irrigation infrastructure in the Deniliquin region.

Murray Irrigation Limited, which manages a network of irrigation channels in the area, will benefit from the funding, which is intended to improve the targeting and distribution of water to restore local creeks and wetlands, mirroring natural water flows.

The project includes the creation of additional irrigation escape structures, installation of fish-friendly access crossings, fence upgrades, and potential expansion considerations. 

These efforts are expected to facilitate the delivery of water to various locations, benefiting both public and private lands and contributing to local environmental sustainability.

This initiative ensures that water recovered for the environment is utilised effectively while further efforts are made to reclaim additional water for environmental purposes. 

The government says it remains committed to implementing the Murray-Darling Basin Plan in its entirety, including the allocation of 450GL of water for the environment.

“I welcome the Commonwealth investment in the Restoring Murray Waterways project. It is the culmination of a long and focused process of engagement with local landholders and multiple government agencies,” said Noel Baxter, Chairman of Murray Irrigation Limited.

“Murray Irrigation’s channel system offers unique capacity to deliver water to the right place at the right time to achieve optimal environmental outcomes.”