The Federal and Victorian Governments have announced a new voluntary strategic purchase program for eligible irrigators under the Goulburn-Murray Water Connections Project.

The scheme will see the Commonwealth fund the purchase of 25-50 gigalitres during negotiations for the Murray Darling Basin Plan.

“This will be a voluntary strategic purchase program for eligible spur channel irrigators from the Goulburn-Murray Irrigation District areas of Central Goulburn, Murray Valley, Loddon Valley, Rochester-Campaspe, Shepparton and Torrumbarry,” State Water Minister Peter Walsh said.

The program opened earlier this week and will offer frequent opportunities for sales in the coming months.

Mr Walsh said water purchased under the Strategic Purchase Program would contribute to meeting Victoria’s environmental water requirements under the Murray Darling Basin Plan.

Federal Minister for Water Tony Burke said the Connections Project was the largest Commonwealth Government investment in irrigation infrastructure, with more than $2 billion of State and Federal funding committed to date.

Federal Minister for Water Tony Burke said the Connections Project was the largest Commonwealth Government investment in irrigation infrastructure, with more than $2 billion of State and Federal funding committed to date.

“Last year we locked down the Murray-Darling Basin Plan. That locks in the health of the basin and ensures the reform is law,” Mr Burke said.

“These projects are how the plan translates from a document to resilience for the rivers.”

The Connections Project offers a number of choices, including connecting to an upgraded backbone, developing shared supply infrastructure, relocating closer to the backbone, or transitioning to a non-irrigated farm.

The whole Connections Project is due to deliver 204 gigalitres in water savings which will count towards Victoria’s in-valley target of 650 GL.

The Strategic Water Purchases program could see an additional 25-50 GL of savings being delivered towards this target.