This preliminary business case explored the options and demand for high-quality and affordable water in the Clare Valley.
The preliminary business case was completed in January 2023.
The detailed business case assessed the merits of the proposed modernisation of the Burdekin Haughton Water Supply Scheme to deliver new and upgraded water distribution and control infrastructure.
The business case included an options analysis that described the economic, financial, and commercial implications of the potential options and assessed potential social and environmental impacts.
The Burdekin Haughton Water Supply Scheme Modernisation Detailed Business Case Project was completed in December 2023.
The National Water Grid Connections Pathway enables the quick delivery of targeted water infrastructure projects. As a result, bringing immediate benefits to Australia’s regional communities.
Small-scale infrastructure projects make localised improvements to water outcomes. However, collectively they can make nationally significant contributions.
Under the pathway, up to $20 million in water infrastructure funding was made available for each state and territory. The Australian Government contributed up to $5 million per project.
Water infrastructure projects under the Victoria Connections Package include a new recycled water pipeline and upgrades to existing channels. These projects will deliver water savings and help support the agricultural industry during drought conditions.
Collectively, these benefits will contribute to delivering secure, affordable and reliable water for rural and regional Australia.
Victoria water infrastructure projects under the Connections pathway include:
The Australian Government is committed to responsible investment in water infrastructure, based on scientific evidence and business cases that stack up economically and environmentally.
The Australian Government is no longer proceeding with construction of the Southern Forests Irrigation Scheme in Western Australia.
The Australian Government invested $10 million for the detailed business case which was completed in May 2022. Funding was provided through the National Water Grid Fund.
Australian Government funding ($170 million) for construction of the Hughenden Irrigation Scheme has been deferred. The Australian Government is committed to responsible investment in water infrastructure, based on scientific evidence and business cases that stack up economically and environmentally.
The project delivered a new 600 megalitre water storage dam and connected the existing Quarry Road pump station to supply treated water in the McLaren Vale region.
The new facility supplies recycled wastewater to support increased grape production in McLaren Vale and is improving the industry’s sustainability.
It is enabling vineyard expansion, by around 500 hectares, and supporting an increase in the production of premium grapes and wine.
Construction was completed June 2020.
The Australian Government is committed to responsible investment in water infrastructure, based on scientific evidence and business cases that stack up economically and environmentally.
The Australian Government has provided $6.0 million towards pre-construction activities of Emu Swamp Dam and Pipeline, to de-risk and inform an investment decision.
The Australian Government is no longer proceeding with construction of the Emu Swamp Dam and Pipeline.
The project built on previous investment across the Macalister Irrigation District and includes:
The region will benefit from an increase in water availability and security through the generation of significant water savings. This will allow the Gippsland area to increase agricultural production and support advancement in the regional economy.
The project was completed in September 2024.
Farmers in the Werribee Irrigation District are facing an increasingly drier climate. This project has increased the reliability of irrigated water supply to these farmers. The existing irrigation network was old and consisted of open channels. Customer outlets needed to be turned on and off manually. This meant the network was inefficient and lost a lot of water to leakage and evaporation.
Stages 4 and 5 involved: