Federation signs MOU to support management of key Murray Region site

Murray Irrigation and Federation University Australia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see the University’s Future Regions Research Centre (FRRC) develop recommendations to ensure the effective end-of-life management of a key water management system in the Murray-Darling Basin. 

The joint venture will see FRRC researchers leverage their expertise in regional community development, water resources engineering and restoration ecology to conduct a feasibility study on the ongoing management of the Wakool Tullakool Sub Surface Drainage System (WTSSDS). 

Since its completion in 1988, the WTSSDS, which has been operated by Murray Irrigation, has protected more than 50,000 hectares of land in the Wakool area from high water tables and salinity and has since reached the end of its useful life. 

The study will provide recommendations on how the site can be managed with minimal financial and ecological impact, while also exploring the site’s potential for future employment, recreation and development opportunities. 

The collaboration with Murray Irrigation, a public company that operates Australia’s largest private water supply network, is another example of how Federation University is committed to supporting regional businesses with world-class research and best practice methodologies in a wide range of disciplines. 

Federation University Australia Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Chris Hutchison, said as Victoria’s premier regional university, Federation is committed to enhancing communities and transforming lives.

"This collaboration with Murray Irrigation is a prime example of how application of our world-class research can create transformational change in our regions," Professor Hutchison said.

"We look forward to working with Murray Irrigation to ensure the sustainable management of this important area of the Murray region.” 

Director, Future Regions Research Centre, Federation University Australia, Professor Keir Reeves, said the MoU with Murray Irrigation presents an exciting opportunity for the Future Regions Research Centre.

"The Wakool Tullakool site is an important site in the Murray region and the terms of the agreement will see our team of researchers undertake a holistic review of the site and provide recommendations on ensuring its environmental, ecological and financial sustainability,” he said 

Murray Irrigation CEO, Ron McCalman, said the company is looking forward to working with Federation University to capture the historical information related to the Wakool Tullakool sub surface drainage system and assist with a path forward to ensure this vital piece of infrastructure is used efficiently going forward.