Council Continues to Advocate for East Grampians Rural Pipeline

Ararat Rural City Council continues to prioritise its advocacy efforts for the extension of the East Grampians Rural Pipeline.

This crucial water security project will increase access to a high-quality, reliable water supply, which will ease pressure on the agricultural industry and safeguard the economic prosperity of the East Grampians region.

Earlier this month, the State Government announced $15 million in funding for the Mininera Extension of the East Grampians Rural Pipeline project, as part of its Drought Support Package. The project will also receive an additional $15.6 million investment from Grampians Wimmera Mallee (GWM) Water.

Council is currently undertaking efforts to secure additional funding from the Federal Government to deliver the Mininera Extension to its full scope.

The extension will provide an additional 750 connections to the pipeline, ensuring water security and drought protection for farmers in the region.

The State Government’s Drought Support Package has also allocated $35.8 million to help farmers manage the pressures they are facing due to prolonged drought through Primary Producer Support Payments.

More information on the full range of financial, technical and wellbeing support is available at www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or by phoning 136 186.

“Despite our region being a major agricultural producer, ongoing drought conditions have really taken a toll on our local primary producers, which also has a flow-on effect throughout the wider community and the economy,” says Ararat Rural City Council CEO, Dr Tim Harrison.

“Once completed to its full scope, this project will provide a reliable water source, allowing our farmers to significantly boost their productivity and secure a long-term future for our rural communities.”