Cade Lucas
Farmers in Werribee South are well known for what they grow above ground, but it’s hoped that recent developments below the surface will make their produce even better.
For the first time in more than a century, farmers in the area are receiving irrigation water through underground pipes rather than open-air channels thanks to the latest stage of the Werribee Irrigation project being completed.
23 customers are now connected to the 8km pipeline that makes up Stage 4 of the project which began in late April and was finished in August.
Federal and state MP’s, executives from water provider Southern Rural Water and local farmers met in Werribee South to mark the development on Tuesday.
Among them was Adam Ballan, General Manager of Werribee South vegetable producer Fresh Select Farms.
He said the most obvious benefit of having water delivered underground was that it gave producers like him one less thing to worry about.
“Hopefully it’ll give us more water security,” Mr Ballan said.
“There’ll be no leakages that we’ve had in the past through the channels.”
Southern Rural Water’s General Manager of Asset Futures, Scott Cornish, agreed that underground piping would prevent evaporation and leakage but said there were other benefits too.
“It also improves reliability and provides for more efficient delivery of water to our customers” Mr Cornish said.
“It supports farmers by enabling them to increase production and to be more climate resilient”
Southern Rural Water jointly funded the $42 million modernisation project, with Stages 1-3 done in conjunction with the state government and Stage 4 and the soon to begin Stage 5 with the federal government.
“Our region is proud to be the home of nationally significant producers of fresh vegetables and water is vital for
their growing success,” said Lalor MP Joanne Ryan.
Victorian Water Minister Harriet Shing said the pipeline would allow Werribee South farmers to survive the challenges of the future.
“Modernisation of this vital food bowl is really important for food security, local jobs and more efficient water use as we face the challenges of climate change and population growth.”
Construction on the fifth and final stage of the project is yet to begin but is expected to be finished by this time next year.
