Victorian Farmers Push for Funding on Major Water Project

The Victorian Farmers Federation is calling on both the Federal and Victorian Governments to commit $5 million to advance a major water infrastructure project across western Victoria.

The proposed Southern Wimmera and Northeast Pyrenees Water Supply Project would extend the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline, delivering reliable stock and domestic water to around 354,000 hectares and supporting approximately 3,000 farming businesses.

A feasibility study has already confirmed the project is technically viable and strongly supported by landholders, however additional funding is needed to complete the business case before construction funding can be secured.

VFF Water Council Chair Andrew Leahy says farmers should not have to continue carting water during dry periods, describing the project as essential drought resilience infrastructure that would strengthen agricultural productivity and regional communities.

The Federation says the project could generate more than $150 million in economic benefits while creating more than 250 construction jobs and improving bushfire response capability.