The project is expected to generate 15.9 Gl in water savings annually once it is completed in 2023.
It has now generated more than half of this total, creating 8 Gl in savings annually.
The project follows on from the Connections project.
It involves various asset reconfigurations throughout the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District, including the treatment of 1021 outlets and more than 250km of channel, including the conversion of numerous sections of channel into pipelines.
Water Efficiency Project director Frank Fisseler said the project was progressing well.
“Water is an increasingly valuable resource and it is crucial we create savings where possible,” Mr Fisseler said.
“Eight gigalitres of savings is substantial, but we still have plenty of work to go. Once we complete the project, we anticipate it will have improved irrigation standards for more than 1000 G-MW customers across the GMID.”
The Federal Government is funding the $177.5 million Water Efficiency Project. It is expected to achieve an estimated regional Gross Domestic Product increase of $167.5 million when finished.
“It’s not just a great project for irrigators, it’s a great project for the region,” Mr Fisseler said.
“The construction alone will produce about 1000 regional jobs, and the project will ensure the region can continue to be an agricultural hub.”
The project team undertook a range of works during the irrigation off-season between May 15 and August 14, including ongoing works to install two fully automated pumped pipelines in Kerang and Waaia.
To learn more about the project, visit: https://www.waterefficiencyproject.com.au/
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