The Program
NVIRP's Connections Program involves connecting irrigators to a modernised main system of irrigation channels or ‘backbone'. The program aims to consolidate supply point connections and ensure as many customers as possible are connected directly to the backbone to access improved water delivery services.
Properties are connected to the Goulburn-Murray Water channel supply system via supply point connections. Through the Connections Program, irrigators are being encouraged to upgrade their supply point connections or move supply points from secondary or spur channels to the backbone via a new connection, adopting the solution that best suits their farming operations.
To read the Goulburn-Murray Water and NVIRP shared vision, please click here
Strategic Connections Projects
As part of NVIRP's Connections Program, Strategic Connections Projects have been planned to connect landowners located downstream of the main backbone channel system to the backbone. These Strategic Connections Projects involve a well-planned approach to working closely with landowners throughout the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District to explore connections options as well as schedule and deliver connections works.
Letters and information packs were sent out to landowners in late October 2010 to provide timeframes for NVIRP's Strategic Connections Project consultation program to be rolled out across the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District. Due to the vast scope and scale of the Strategic Connections Project, they will be completed in June 2013.
To find out more about when NVIRP is visiting your region, please visit our maps page. Please click on the region you are interested in to see a detailed breakdown of project areas and dates that NVIRP plans to commence consultation in these areas.
NVIRP encourages landowners to consider the needs of their properties, if possible in consultation with neighbours. If required, landowners are able to contact the Department of Primary Industries for assistance in completing a Whole Farm Plan to decide on a future farm layout. On-farm efficiency incentives can also be considered and at times can be applied for through the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority.
The Process
Step One
Landowners receive a letter about works planned in their area and an invitation to attend a small group information session. This session is held at a local venue such as a town hall, approximately two weeks after letters are received. At the session, the connections process is explained in detail.
Step Two
An NVIRP Farm Designer visits each landowner at their property to discuss farm design and modernisation options. Up to four days are spent talking to each landowner and developing tailored solutions for their property. At the same time, options are identified for adjacent properties that are serviced by the same irrigation infrastructure.
Step Three
An NVIRP Modernisation Coordinator visits each landowner to discuss a proposed farm plan and financial incentives available if the plan is accepted. A one-off payment of $1 000 is offered for each landowner to seek independent advice and a decision is not required for at least 60 days after the offer is made.
Step Four
If 50 per cent or more landowners from one section of infrastructure accept offers made to them, payment is made and works commence. Otherwise offers are withdrawn and the area will be revisited after all other landowners are consulted with, in 2013.
Timeframes
The Connections Program commenced in December 2010 and will continue until June 2013.
Each irrigation area within the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District has been divided into staged connections projects to enable the efficient roll-out of the program.
To view future planned works in detail for each irrigation area, please click here to visit our maps page and then select the area you are interested in.
NVIRP’s Revised Connections Program
The revised delivery framework for the Strategic Connections Program has been established to allow irrigation water customers in the GMID that are not on the backbone an active role in generating ideas and making decision about their future water supply. Please see documents below.
More Information
For more detailed information please click on the attachments below.