Murray Irrigation flood protection works

Murray Irrigation is embarking on a two-year flood protection works program during this year's Winter Works. 

The Company is investing more than $5 million into this major initiative, which will target six sites between Wakool and Moulamein. 

The work will mitigate potential risks arising from impending changes to the NSW Floodplain Management Plans and is being undertaken in response to findings from Murray Irrigation's 2022 Flood Review, which the Company conducted following unprecedented rainfalls which flooded the river systems and inundated the footprint during October and November 2022. 

Murray Irrigation has been actively implementing recommendations from this review since the key findings were handed down in June 2023. 

Senior Manager Water Delivery Jarryd Pearce said the upgrades to be completed during this latest round of flood protection works will enable floodwater to pass through channels and follow natural flood pathways.   

"We can effectively reduce the impact of the irrigation network on floods through the simplification of assets and removal of structures that have reached their end of life," Mr Pearce said.

“Further to this, the asset upgrades will mitigate a number of risks associated with floods, including water quality contamination, system water losses, and infrastructure damage.”

Perhaps most critically, the works will improve Murray Irrigation's operational access to infrastructure during times of flooding which, in turn, addresses a genuine workplace safety risk and also ensures the Company can continue delivering water to customers in times of extreme rain events. 

Murray Irrigation has been working closely with customers who will be directly impacted by these flood protection works. 

This project, along with other works planned to take place in response to the 2022 Flood Review, align with Murray Irrigation's new Asset Management System, which strives for continuous improvement and is underpinned by the Company’s Investment Fund. 

If you have any questions about this project, please contact the Customer Experience team on 1300 138 265 or customersupport@murrayirrigation.com.au