Work on the irrigation pipeline from Jervois to the Langhorne and Currency creek regions has been completed in time to deliver water to irrigators for this 2009-10 irrigation season.
To mark the completion of the pipeline, Federal Climate Change and Water Minister Senator Penny Wong, River Murray and Water Security Miniister Karlene Maywald, and Agriculture Minister Paul Caica visited Angas Vineyards, Langhorne Creek, where they ‘turned on the tap’ to witness the delivery of pipeline water to drip-irrigate the vineyard’s vines.
The Lower Lakes Pipelines project is a key component of the State Government’s Murray Futures program.
The Federal Government has committed $610 million
towards this program under its Water for the Future initiative, including $120m towards an integrated set of pipelines to assist communities around the Lower Lakes.
“The pipelines project is now delivering secure potable and irrigation water supplies to local communities that previously needed to draw water directly from the Lower
Lakes,” Ms Maywald said.
Construction works on the pipeline began in May this year under the direction of SA Water, and included the construction of three pumping stations and the laying of more than 100 kilometres of pipe. The pipeline draws water from the River Murray near Jervois.
Participating irrigators contributed $10m to the cost of the pipeline, which is owned and operated by the Creeks Pipeline Company.
* Details: www.environment.gov.au/water
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