The following projects have been identified for possible funding through NVIRP Stage 2.
Gunbower Creek Customer Service Enhancements
NVIRP recently worked with The Living Murray (TLM) and the North Central Catchment Management Authority (NC CMA) to assess available capacity within the Gunbower Creek and National Channel and whether infrastructure changes could be used to prevent shortfalls in environmental and consumptive deliveries.
NVIRP's principal objectives are to improve flow delivery consistency, accurate measurement and provide faster travel times along the Gunbower Creek system to improve customer service. To achieve these objectives, NVIRP has selected possible infrastructure projects that are economically viable or increase service levels for irrigators and the environment within the Torrumbarry Irrigation Area (TIA).
Kerang Lakes Bypass Project
The Kerang Lakes form part of a major lake system that is an integral part of the Torrumbarry Irrigation Area water supply distribution system. These lakes are a Ramsar listed wetland and have significant environmental values. The Kerang Lakes Bypass Project was instigated through the Torrumbarry Reconfiguration and Asset Modernisation Strategy (TRAMS).
G-MW engaged professional advisers Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) in 2009 to develop potential options. The report finding was that the project would deliver significant environmental benefits if the lakes are removed from the TIA supply system and provided with a preferred water regime linked to the historical unregulated flows in the Loddon River. The project would be subject to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999).
Murray Valley Environmental Enhancement
The Murray Valley Modernisation Consultation Committee (MV MCC) was instrumental in identifying the need for an investigation to ensure that the full benefits of modernisation are realised for the Murray Valley Irrigation Area (MVIA), the Broken Creek system has adequate capacity to enable effective management of the environment and NVIRP is able to ensure a level of service to the MVIA customers that is comparable with other irrigation areas.
In June 2009 NVIRP engaged a consultant, Aurecon, to complete the investigation. A project reference group was also convened and included representatives from the MV MCC, G-MW, Regional Development Victoria (RDV), GB CMA and NVIRP.
Swan Hill Modernisation Project
The Swan Hill Modernisation Project was instigated through the Torrumbarry Reconfiguration and Asset Modernisation Strategy (TRAMS). Consultants URS Australia were engaged to investigate and recommend an appropriate modernisation strategy for the future of the Swan Hill region. NVIRP also convened a project reference group with representatives from TRAMS, G‑MW, Swan Hill Rural City Council, NC CMA, DPI and DSE.
The recommendation made by URS Australia consisted of combined options including removing the Swan Hill number 9 channel from the township and decommissioning the Little Murray Weir. Farm Irrigation Assessments for all irrigation customers supplied by the lower No. 9 and 10 channels are due to begin in August 2010, to enable the irrigation community to determine the most sustainable solution for irrigation in the region.