General News
27 February, 2025
Pipeline planning approval secured: MP not convinced pipeline is on track
MP questioned rural pipeline progress amid lengthy delays
The East Grampians Rural Pipeline Project's completion has been a topic of conversation among farmers and landholders who are concerned about lengthy project delays.
But a spokesperson for GWM Water advised that it has received critical planning approval, which will allow work to commence in zone four of the project.
"Zone four will extend the rural water supply to landholders in Willaura and Moyston," they said.
"The pipeline is set to transform the region with its promise of a reliable, high-quality water supply."
Member for Wannon, Dan Tehan said he was not convinced the pipeline would be completed as claimed.
"I met with a group of farmers recently, and they're rightly concerned about the massive delays in this project," he said.
"The delays have created increased costs, and now, rather than the pipeline being completed in full, he said he believes only half of the original project will be completed."
"We have never needed water as much as we have now; conditions have been magnified by a dry spring into summer, and we have had two fires in 10 months in the Grampians; that water could have been used instead of farmer's dam water."
Addressing the delays, Mr Tehan said the $9 million Cultural Management Plans were only completed in February 2025 and had caused significant delays and delays means increased costs.
He said farmers in the area were seeking answers about why they were facing these massive delays.
The project, delivered by GWMWater in partnership with Mitchell Water Australia, aims to provide water security to up to 1000 rural farming properties over 200,000 hectares.
Construction is well under way, with the Lake Fyans Pump Station, a key component of the network, due to be completed in early April.
Lake Fyans will be the primary water source for the East Grampians Rural Pipeline, with smaller volumes of water sourced from Mt William headworks and the Mt Cole Reservoir.
The pipeline is being laid near Ararat, and to date, more than 100 kilometres of pipe have been installed in Zone 2.
Surveys have also started within Zone 3, and a contract has been awarded for work in Zone 4.
GWMWater Managing Director Mark Williams said Mitchell Water was working hard to quickly get the pipe in the ground so landholders could access water as soon as possible.
"We plan to provide interim supplies to those with signed agreements as shortly as the pipeline is commissioned in each zone. Landholders will be kept informed as this becomes available," he said.
Mr Williams said the project was about providing water and securing a sustainable future for the East Grampians.
"By enabling existing agricultural enterprises to consolidate and expand and by providing opportunities for new enterprises to develop, the project is poised to be a catalyst for regional growth," he said.
"The extension of the rural pipeline network into the southwest Loddon area was dubbed the best development for the region since electricity, and landholders said the pipeline had given their farm a future for their children.
"The economic, social and environmental benefits of rural pipelines are the reason we keep pursuing government support for these projects, despite the complex environment we are working in to deliver."
The East Grampians Rural Pipeline is funded by the Victorian State Government with $32 million and $32 million from the Australian Government through the National Water Grid Fund, plus contributions from GWMWater and local landowners.
"This financial backing underscores the project's importance and the confidence in its potential to drive economic, social, and environmental benefits for the region," he said.
The project is expected to create numerous job opportunities and stimulate local businesses by sourcing materials and labour locally.