Irrigators need more information

The Victorian Farmers Federation is calling on GoulburnMurray Water to better inform irrigators on the delivery and works schedule of its $2.2 billion Connections Project (formally Northern Victoria Irrigation Renewal Project).

‘‘The VFF understands that since NVIRP was merged with G-MW there has been substantial changes in the management and of the Connections Program,’’ federation president Peter Tuohey said.

‘‘But there’s been insufficient information go to irrigators on re-connection deals and timelines.

‘‘The connections program can have a polarising impact in irrigation communities and the VFF is concerned some farmers have been adversely affected by the rationalisation of their channel system.’’

He said the federation wanted to ensure irrigators were treated fairly and given all the assistance they needed under the connections program.

‘‘Delays by G-MW on getting back to irrigators on reconnection deals creates uncertainty and delays business decisions on the farm,’’ he said.

‘‘The VFF has written to G-MW stating the Connections Project is only acceptable if the intentions for strategic connections are made clear, irrigators are given access to information, and they are treated fairly.’’

The federation’s letter Goulburn-Murray Water it provide:

● Irrigators with clear timelines on when they will be to requests approached in regards deals;

● Delivers publically available information on strategic connections;

● Ensures all irrigators, who have previously been contacted in the past by NVIRP — verbally or in writing— must be recontacted and provided with advice on the progress of their re-connection negotiations; and

● Give landowners, within a strategic connection area, plenty of notice of meetings to discuss the project and reconnection plans.

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