The project is jointly funded by the Australian Government ($1,110,000) and East Gippsland Water ($1,110,000). Australian Government funding is provided through the National Water Grid Fund.
The detailed business case will investigate the construction of an additional off-river storage basin, complementing this existing basin at Woodglen. Photo source: East Gippsland Water.
The Mitchell River Water Supply System in East Gippsland has faced ongoing water security issues. The region has experienced severe climate events in the past and needs a more resilient water supply.
The business case will investigate constructing a new storage basin to the north of 2 existing storages in East Gippsland. It is anticipated that a new storage basin would:
- provide an additional 840 megalitres of water storage to reduce the risk of future water shortages and water restrictions
- improve water security for more than 26,000 residents in 17 towns and their surrounding areas
- provide environmental benefits by capitalising on water harvesting during high flow periods and reducing extraction times during low flow periods over the summer periods
- leave more water in the river for when it needs it the most.
The detailed business case follows a comprehensive options identification and assessment process that established additional storage as the most prudent and efficient option to pursue as a priority.
Read more
- Learn about water in Australia.
- Read more about Gippsland projects such as the Macalister Irrigation District project.