Joint media release: Murrumbidgee irrigation upgrades to supercharge water savings
$110 million to upgrade critical irrigation infrastructure and recover billions of litres of water for the environment. Fully funded under the Australian Government’s Resilient Rivers Water Infrastructure Program, the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Channel Lining and Piping Project will be delivered by the NSW Government in partnership with Murrumbidgee Irrigation. The project will upgrade key parts of the irrigation network by lining ageing channels, replacing some sections with enclosed pipes, and improving delivery and release points to strengthen control over how water moves through the system.
Supported by automated systems, the upgrades will reduce seepage, evaporation and operational water losses, enable more accurate water management and allow water savings to be returned to rivers, wetlands and floodplains. Once complete, it is expected to save around 5 gigalitres (GL) of water, with 4.67 GL returned to the environment, supporting New South Wales’ commitments under the Murray–Darling Basin Plan.
The project represents the next phase of a long-term modernisation program across the Murrumbidgee Irrigation network, building on earlier upgrades such as automation, meter outlet improvements, pipelines, channel upgrades and system reconfiguration. Construction is expected to be completed by mid-2028. Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt: “The Albanese Government has always said we will leave no stone unturned in delivering the Basin Plan in a way that benefits our communities, our industries and our environment.
“Projects like the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Channel Lining and Piping Project are a win for us all – delivering more water savings now and also ensuring our systems can be relied on for generations to come. “We will continue to work closely with all Basin states to maximise our irrigation networks, minimise water losses and put our river systems onto a more sustainable path.” Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Water, Rose Jackson: “This project is about delivering real and lasting water savings through smarter infrastructure and strengthening the long term sustainability of the Riverina’s water system.
“Infrastructure projects like this help us cut water losses at the source and recover environmental water in a practical way. It’s another step towards NSW meeting its Murray–Darling Basin Plan commitments while reducing the reliance on water buybacks. “I want to thank the Australian Government, Murrumbidgee Irrigation, and local communities across the Riverina for their support as we deliver infrastructure that saves water for the environment and supports healthier river systems.” Quotes attributable to Murrumbidgee Irrigation CEO Philip Holliday: “Working collaboratively with the Federal and State Governments on this project allows us to support the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area community, our customers and the local economy.
“We thank the respective Ministers for the opportunity to deliver these important works. “The team at Murrumbidgee Irrigation are looking forward to getting underway on this project, which builds on the significant work already undertaken to reduce water losses and deliver environmental, operational and efficiency benefits.” We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.