Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) water council chairman Richard Anderson has called for a clearer idea as to how the remainder of the Connections irrigation project will be rolled out.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Water Minister Lisa Neville last month announced the project would be put on hold for three months, while a project control group examined how to get it back on track.
“I think, as a start, they have to determine how much money is left and what can be done with the amount of money that’s available,” Mr Anderson said.
Ms Neville said the most recent review of the project identified it still had significant funds left to spend.
“The $2.1 billion Connections project is clearly in trouble and struggling to connect irrigators and deliver water savings by the June 30, 2018 deadline,” Mr Anderson said.
“We need to know what commitments are out there, from the previous plan – there is stuff that is already committed, that will need to be followed through.”
Mr Anderson said it had not been determined whether or not there was $800 million still remaining to be spent on the project.
The director of the Goulburn-Murray Water Connections Project will address a Swan Hill community forum on Wednesday.
Project Director Frank Fisseler has been invited to update participants on the project and answer questions.
“Our forum is the second the VFF has organised in relation to the Connections Project and it’s open to all farmers, so we’re urging everyone who is affected by water issues to attend,” Mr Anderson said.
“The new project director will be on hand to tell you what steps are being taken to reset the project and we hope to answer any other questions you might have as well.”
Mr Anderson said the VFF has argued it was time to:
- Cut the delays in delivering Connections deals with landholders.
- Ensure farmers dealt with one entity, not a confusion of players, and were fully informed when it comes to Connections agreements.
- Clearly define the criteria to select which Strategic Connections Projects would progress, and communicate that to the community.
“The $2.1 billion Connections project is clearly in trouble and struggling to connect irrigators and deliver water savings by the June 30, 2018 deadline,” Mr Anderson said.
“We want all farmers to come along and tell us about their water issues, and we also want to hear ideas and encourage debate around how to solve the problems.”
In addition, the Victorian government’s Water for Victoria discussion paper will be addressed, with people invited to get information on how the plan could affect them.
