Media Releases

More than $16 million is being committed to deliver a range of flood recovery works and repair waterways damaged by floods in the past year.

Water Minister Peter Walsh said it was important Victoria’s catchment management authorities (CMAs) were given financial assistance for flood recovery which best met the needs of the local area.

“Not only were homes, businesses and farms damaged by floodwaters but our rivers and natural environments also took a battering,” Mr Walsh said.

“This money will be used for a range of works including river bed and bank stabilisation, repairs to more than 500km of fencing along riverbanks, revegetation, restoration of CMA assets damaged by floods and removal of debris that pose risks to public infrastructure.

“As caretakers of our waterways, CMAs have been undertaking flood repair works for many months and this extra investment will help speed up many recovery projects across the state.”

The funding has been made available through the Australian Government’s Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) to states and territories to assist with flood recovery costs.

The Victorian Coalition Government has jointly invested in the overall funding being delivered to five catchment authorities.

Waterway damage recovery funding has been allocated to Mallee CMA - $468,200, Goulburn Broken CMA - $407,000, North East CMA - $5,363,484, North Central CMA - $9,046,331, and Wimmera CMA - $1,069,336.

Mr Walsh said the works would improve water quality, restore the physical stability of rivers and help prepare the catchments for any future flood events.

“It is important we reinstate riverside fencing to keep out stock and revegetate the fenced out areas so water quality may be improved,” Mr Walsh said.

“And to help strengthen our waterways against future flood events, it is vital that erosion of river banks and beds are stabilised to best industry standards.”
“Our rivers are moving towards increased resilience to floods but they require continued maintenance and this funding will help the CMAs care for local waterways.”

North Central CMA - $9,046,331
* Affected by significant flooding in September and November 2010 as well an intense    rainfall event on 11 January 2011 causing major flooding
*January flood peaks in Campaspe, Loddon and Avoca rivers catchments were the highest on record at many stream flow gauges 

* The funding will be used for clearing debris and repositioning large logs to provide in stream habitat, repairing up to 234 km of fencing, riverbank stabilisation, repairing the Pental Island levee and Bullock Creek Drainage infrastructure and restoring other damaged CMA assets

North East CMA - $5,363,484
* Affected by significant flooding in September and December 2010
* The September flooding in the Upper Murray River peaked at the highest level in 100 years of record

* The funding will be used to protect CMA and public assets from increased river erosion and for repairing damaged fencing, timber groynes and rock chutes

Wimmera CMA - $1,069, 336
* Affected by major flooding in January 2011 after also experiencing flooding in September 2010
* The severity of the flood is still being determined but is indicated to be in excess of a one in a 100 year event

* Funding will be used for clearing debris, working with more than 100 landholder in repairing up to 130 km of fencing, replacing vegetation, repairing culverts and replacing erosion-control works

Mallee CMA - $468,200
* Affected by three significant flood events in 2010 and two significant events in 2011
* Mildura recorded over 197 mm of rainfall over 4 and 5 February, when the average annual rainfall is 220 mm for the town 

* Funding will be used to repair up to 115 km of damaged CMA fencing along Tyrell Creek and Lalbert Creek and for repairs to damaged CMA assets

Goulburn Broken CMA - $407,000
* Affected by flooding in September and December 2010 and again in January
* Major floods occurred in the catchments of upper Broken River and the Delatite River, which was the largest on record for this river
* The funding will be used to repair fencing, timber groynes and other CMA assets

The Victorian Coalition Government yesterday announced a $240,000 flood investigation at Myrtleford to increase the community’s resilience against future floods.

Visiting Myrtleford with Member for Benalla Bill Sykes, Water Minister Peter Walsh said the state government was providing $58,320 towards the project.

“Myrtleford was affected by the worst flooding the town has experienced in 17 years last September,” Mr Walsh said.

“The funding we have announced will provide the detailed designs, specifications and cost estimates for the construction of the floodways and levees to protect the town in the future.

“The project will cost and design the excavation and reshaping of natural depressions within the town and culvert upgrades to create a network of floodways.

“The project will ensure the detailed work on the construction of a main levee along Happy Valley Creek to protect Myrtleford’s town centre against flooding that may statistically occur only once in 100 years is done.

“Cost estimates and design work will also be prepared for the rebuilding and strengthening of the existing levee on the south side of Happy Valley Creek,” Mr Walsh said.

Dr Sykes said completion of the work would enable Alpine Shire Council to seek the necessary approvals and permits for the proposed works to pursue further funding.

“The Victorian Coalition Government understands the strength of our regional communities and the importance of supporting their recovery and future resilience against flooding,” Dr Sykes said.

Funding for the projects is part of a $2.4 million Victorian Coalition Government investment to boost the state’s capacity for flood mitigation and increase flood-intelligence, with a contribution of $157,680 from the Commonwealth Government and $24,000 from the Alpine Shire Council.

Commonwealth Attorney-General Robert McClelland said it was important governments worked with communities to improve disaster protection and local strategies to deal with disasters.

“The Commonwealth has already spent $500 million to help Victorian communities rebuild after last summer’s devastating floods, with more to come,” Mr McClelland said.

“Governments also need to invest in helping communities become more resilient in the face of disasters.

“We’ll never be able to eradicate disasters but we can always ensure we are better prepared for when they strike.

“That’s why the Commonwealth Government is providing $4.7 million for agencies, community groups and local councils as part of the Natural Disaster Resilience Grants Scheme.”

The Victorian Government has provided $63,450 towards The Black Dog Catchment Flood Mitigation Measures project to provide increased flood mitigation for Chiltern.

Visiting Chiltern yesterday, Water Minister Peter Walsh said the project would deliver tangible outcomes to help protect the township of Chiltern.

“The rural community of Chiltern has a history of flooding so it is important that this project continues,” Mr Walsh said.

“Following a major flood event in 2005, Indigo Shire and North East CMA undertook a flood study for the Black Dog Creek Catchment.

“Based on the recommendations of that study, Indigo Shire has already begun works and this extra investment will help progress the project further.

“The construction of a detention basin upstream of the township, while not complete at the time, demonstrated to the community the benefit of temporarily holding back flood flows during recent flood events.”

The project will result in reduced property damage caused by flooding by increasing the capacity of culverts that currently impede flood flows, and through the construction of flood flow detention works.

Mr Walsh said the extensive community consultation has been undertaken to identify the location of flood related issues, their impacts and potential solutions.

Funding for the 2011/12 stage of the mitigation project has been made available through the Victorian Coalition Government’s Flood Warning Network – Repair and Improvement initiative with the Commonwealth Government contributing $171,550 and the Indigo Shire a further $235,000.

Mr Walsh said the Victorian Government’s program included 13 flood investigations and four flood mitigation projects to build the state’s resilience to flooding.

“The Victorian Government’s response to the floods has been driven by its understanding of the strength of our regional communities and the importance of supporting their recovery and future resilience,” Mr Walsh said.

Commonwealth Attorney-General Robert McClelland said it was important governments worked with communities to improve disaster protection and local strategies to deal with disasters.

“The Commonwealth has already spent $500 million to help Victorian communities rebuild after last summer’s devastating floods, with more to come,” Mr McClelland said.

“Governments also need to invest in helping communities become more resilient in the face of disasters.

“We’ll never be able to eradicate disasters but we can always ensure we are better prepared for when they strike.

“That’s why the Commonwealth Government is providing $4.7 million for agencies, community groups and local councils as part of the Natural Disaster Resilience Grants Scheme.”

The Australian and Victorian governments have reached a new agreement to deliver the nation's largest irrigation infrastructure renewal project.
The agreement will help restore the Murray River to health and deliver a world-class irrigation system for northern Victoria's food producers.
Federal Water and Environment Minister Tony Burke and Victorian Water, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh today signed a new contract for Stage 2 of the $1.2 billion Northern Victoria Irrigation Renewal Project (NVIRP2).
The project is the largest Australian Government investment in irrigation infrastructure and will produce 214 gigalitres in water savings. These water savings will make an important contribution from Victoria towards reaching the sustainable diversion limits under the Murray Darling Basin Plan.
As previously agreed, the Australian Government will contribute $953 million and Victoria $106 million to Stage 2 of the NVIRP, generating 204 gigalitres of water savings to be split between the Commonwealth and Victoria.
Under the new agreement, the amount of water to be returned to the environment has more than doubled from what was originally planned under the NVIRP2.
The key parts of the new agreement are:
* Agreement for the NVIRP Stage 2 to proceed, with Victoria fully responsible for project delivery. 
* Changed water sharing arrangements for the NVIRP2 under which 102 gigalitres of the water savings will be sold to the Commonwealth for environmental use. 
* The Victorian irrigators' contribution to the NVIRP will come from the proceeds of selling the second 102 gigalitres of water savings generated from the project. 
* A new $48.5 million on-farm water infrastructure project undertaken by Victoria, with the Commonwealth contributing $43.7 million and Victoria $4.9 million, to be provided by participating Victorian irrigators. The water savings of 20 gigalitres will be shared between irrigators and the Commonwealth with 10 gigalitres of water to the Commonwealth for environmental use. 
* Agreement by the Victorian Government to give trade approval for around 88 gigalitres of water trades from previous Commonwealth tender rounds blocked by Victoria's four per cent limit on water traded out of a district.

The second stage of the NVIRP will be rolled out across seven years and involve upgrading irrigation delivery systems to benefit properties across the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District.
Mr Burke said the 214 gigalitres to be transferred to the Commonwealth for environmental water use over the next six years would make a significant contribution to 'bridging the gap' to sustainable diversion limits under the Murray Darling Basin Plan.
"I am determined that Murray Darling Basin reform delivers healthy rivers, strong communities and sustainable food production," Mr Burke said.
"We can achieve this by investing in infrastructure upgrades and improving the efficiency and productivity of our irrigation industry while we also recover water for the rivers.
"The water purchased will be used to improve the health of Murray Darling Basin rivers, wetlands and floodplains and will complement the Gillard Government's major investments in more efficient irrigation water delivery and use.
"All of the water saved through this package will be achieved through improved water infrastructure efficiency. It means irrigators can increase productivity through improved technology and there is more water to return to our precious environment."
Mr Walsh said the revised agreement would help keep water delivery prices down, by offsetting the contribution which Victorian irrigators were previously expected to make to the project.
"The main focus of the Victorian Coalition Government in negotiating this agreement was the need to reduce the cost to irrigators and maintain the future prosperity of the Goulburn-Murray irrigation district," Mr Walsh said.
"As a result of this deal, irrigators will no longer face increases in the price of water as a result of the contribution they were expected to make to the project.
"The agreement gives certainty to one of our most important food producing regions and represents a strategic recovery of water for the Commonwealth.
"The $43.7 million for on-farm efficiency projects will also allow irrigators to derive the maximum benefit from an upgraded irrigation system" Mr Walsh said.
These water transfer arrangements in the new package replace all previous understandings between the Commonwealth and Victoria with regards to water savings from the NVIRP2.
Mr Burke said the water purchase element of the package will be funded from the Australian government's water buyback program.
"All Basin States have the option of making offers to sell water entitlements to the Commonwealth to help 'bridge the gap'," Mr Burke said.
The infrastructure elements in the NVIRP2 and the on-farm program bring to life the $1 billion Commonwealth commitment made under the 2008 Intergovernmental Agreement on Murray Darling Basin Reform. In that Agreement, Basin governments committed to a new culture and practice of basin wide management, through new structures and partnerships, including the preparation of the Basin Plan.

The Victorian Coalition Government has today released a new water restrictions regime for public comment.
Drafted by Melbourne’s metropolitan water businesses, the proposed regime comes after extensive consultation with community and water users.
Water Minister Peter Walsh said the changes were designed to lock in water saving behaviour adopted during the drought and establish consistency across the state.
“Before the election the Victorian Coalition Government promised to introduce a permanent water savings regime to ensure water is not wasted,” Mr Walsh said.
“Victorians did a great job of saving water throughout the drought, but water restrictions need to be simplified. At present there is no consistency to permanent water savings rules across the state and changes between stages are complicated and difficult to communicate.”
Mr Walsh asked the water retailers in March this year to put forward a set of clear and consistent guidelines around drought response and permanent water savings plans.
“The changes would require government to consider not just dam levels, but also weather and catchment conditions, trends in demand and the performance of the water supply system when considering water restriction levels,” Mr Walsh said.
“Permanent savings rules would be simplified so that gardens and lawns can only be watered between 6pm and 10am.
“Stage 1 would put the city on alert and use of automatic and manual watering systems would be limited to between 6am and 10am and 6pm and 10pm every second day.
“Under Stage 2 customers would be asked to save water, with use of watering systems restricted to between the times of 6am and 8am and 6pm and 8pm every second day and watering of laws banned.
“At Stage 3, when there is just enough water in the storages, watering systems and use of hoses, buckets and watering cans would be restricted to 6am and 8am every second day, while under Stage 4, or critical conditions, all outdoor watering would be banned.”
To view the proposed drought response and permanent water savings plans or make a submission go to www.letstalkwatermelbourne.com.au or contact your local water retailer.
Comments can be lodged until Monday November 14.

Gates will be opened on Jindabyne Dam today to start the release of the biggest environmental flows ever into the iconic Snowy River.
Victorian Water Minister Peter Walsh said today marked the first time in almost 40 years water had flowed over the spillway at Jindabyne.
“The release of 84,000 megalitres started last week and will peak this week with the opening of the radial gates on Jindabyne Dam to increase flows to 12,000 megalitres a day,” Mr Walsh said.
“The water is designed to flush the upper reaches of the Snowy where for the past 10 years flows have remained extremely low.
“Thanks to unregulated tributaries on Victoria’s side of the border, more than 50 per cent of the Snowy’s flows still run out to sea, however we still expect to see some ecological benefit from this release.
“The release imitates the natural flows which would usually occur in the river at this time of the year as the snow melts on the mountains.
“The flush of water will occur over 19 days with the peak flows expected to last for three days.
“After years of drought, good rainfall this year has enabled us to deliver water against the Snowy’s entitlement,” Mr Walsh said.
Mr Walsh said the release was the culmination of an agreement by the Victorian, New South Wales and Australian governments to return flows to the Snowy River.
“In 2002 the Victorian, New South Wales and Australian Governments committed to returning 21 per cent of average natural flows by 2012,” Mr Walsh said.
“The Victorian Coalition Government is committed to honouring that agreement. We will continue to work with the New South Wales and Australian Governments to protect the health of the Snowy River for future generations.”

Water Minister Peter Walsh today announced the appointment of two new directors to the board of Wannon Water.
"I am pleased to announce today that locals Russel Worland and Frank Zeigler have been appointed to the Wannon Water board," Mr Walsh said.
"A resident and former town clerk of Warrnambool, Russell Worland brings extensive water industry knowledge to the board, having led Wannon Water’s predecessor – South West Water – as chief executive officer for 10 years.
“Mr Worland currently runs his own consultancy business and will contribute his business knowledge to the board’s broad skill base.
“Likewise, Mr Frank Ziegler has valuable business and management skills as the owner of his own professional diving business.
“Mr Ziegler is also active in the local community as a former mayor of Glenelg Shire and current Country Fire Authority Lieutenant.
“As local residents, these new directors are well placed to understand the issues that customers are facing and to make a difference to the water services that are delivered in the Wannon area.
“The skills and experience of these two new board members will complement the recently appointed and existing board members of Wannon Water,” Mr Walsh said.
Mr Walsh said the two appointments were part of 70 made across Victoria in September, including three other board appointments to Wannon Water.
The new appointments begin immediately and are due to expire on 30 September 2013.

Water Minister Peter Walsh has announced the appointment of a new director to the board of Gippsland Water.
"I am pleased to announce today that Malcolm Eccles has been appointed to the Gippsland Water board," Mr Walsh said.
"Mr Eccles is the chief executive officer of Basslink Pty Ltd and has experience in the delivery of essential services and academic qualifications in science and engineering.
“His technical expertise will be an asset to the board and will complement the broad ranging skill set of the other board members.”
Mr Eccles has been appointed following the withdrawal of recently appointed board member, Jane Oakley.
Ms Oakley withdrew her application after accepting a state government position that may have presented a conflict of interest with her role as a board member.
"I am confident the Gippsland Water board has the right mix of experience and skills to effectively manage the delivery of water services and respond to the issues of local customers,” Mr Walsh said.
Mr Walsh said Mr Eccles’ appointment followed the appointment of 70 directors across Victoria earlier this month, including four appointments to Gippsland Water.
Mr Eccles will commence in the role immediately, with his appointment due to expire on 30 September 2013.

The sporting grounds of Wyndham’s fastest growing suburb, Point Cook, now have access to recycled water from the Western Treatment Plant.
Water Minister Peter Walsh was in Point Cook with Member for Western Metropolitan Region Andrew Elsbury to open the new recycled water main today.
“From today, recycled water can be rolled out to schools, sports ovals and reserves in Point Cook,” Mr Walsh said.
“The $2.5 million project will provide a secure source of water for the community’s sporting grounds and open spaces, delivering 172 megalitres of recycled water a year from the Western Treatment Plant.
“It will also help reduce Point Cook’s demand on potable water supplies,” Mr Walsh said. Mr Elsbury said many local sporting clubs had been frustrated by tough water restrictions which prevented them from watering their ovals.
“This project is important for Point Cook – a rapidly growing community which thrives on sport,” Mr Elsbury said.
“Recycled water will ensure important public spaces and social infrastructure in our region can be well maintained, even through drought.”
Connections to other areas throughout Wyndham will come online over the next two years. Once the project is fully rolled out, it will supply Class A recycled water to sports ovals at six local schools and six City of Wyndham sites.
Mr Walsh said the Victorian Coalition Government planned to dramatically increase the use of stormwater and recycled water for non-drinking purposes.
“Across Melbourne about 300 gigalitres of recycled water is pumped out to sea each year. We are currently developing a plan to utilise more of that water to reduce demand on the city’s storages and provide a buffer against drought,” Mr Walsh said.
The Point Cook recycled water main was a joint project between Vision for Werribee Plains, Wyndham City Council and City West Water.

Melbourne’s largest water storage, the Thomson Dam, is half full for the first time in more than seven years.
Water Minister Peter Walsh said the milestone marked a strong recovery for the dam which was last at 50 per cent in March 2005.
“The recovery of the Thomson has push Melbourne’s water storages to 63.1 per cent – the highest level since February 1999,” Mr Walsh said.
“Above average rainfall and the efforts of Melbournians to reduce their water consumption – which averaged 139 litres per person a day during September – has had a major impact in enabling the storage to recover.
“Water efficiency has become part of Melbourne’s lifestyle, with the city’s homes, businesses and industry using less water under Stage 2 than they did under Stage 3.”
Mr Walsh said the above average rainfall received this year and the recovery of the Thomson underlined the fact that Melbourne had abundant water supplies.
“More than 500 gigalitres of water runs off Melbourne’s streets into Port Philip and Westernport bays each year.
“Despite years of Labor’s spin telling us otherwise, the city does have enough water to meet the challenges of climate change and population growth, but it hasn’t been utilised.”
Mr Walsh said the Victorian Coalition Government was developing a plan under its Living Melbourne, Living Victoria policy to create a resilient water system that would provide the next major water augmentation for Melbourne and buffer against unexpected shortfalls in supply.
“Labor foolishly rejected our calls for stormwater harvesting and recycling when it was in government, labelling the idea a ‘half-baked proposal’,” Mr Walsh said.
“Instead the Brumby Government signed Victorians up to a 150 gigalitre desalination plant that would not have been needed if they had undertaken the proper planning.
“We have established a Ministerial Advisory Council which will soon report on how we can deliver the next major water augmentation for Melbourne. The Victorian Coalition Government is planning now to ensure that Victorians are not lumbered with more expensive and unnecessary infrastructure in the future,” Mr Walsh said