News

Agriculture Environment and Water | October 31, 2017

Kealy – water security another step closer

The Nationals Member for Lowan Emma Kealy MP has congratulated the Ararat Rural City Council for its ongoing efforts to secure a piped water supply to service an area east of the Grampians ranges.

Water resources in the area have been severely depleted following years of below average rainfall, impacting on water security for firefighting, stock and domestic purposes, small businesses and local communities.

Ms Kealy has strongly advocated for a pipeline extension into the area on behalf of Council and local landowners, raising the matter in Parliament and through representation letters to Lisa Neville, Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water.

Ms Kealy has also met with the Council, CFA, GWMWater and local landowner representatives regarding these important concerns and to hear their ideas on how to address water shortage both in the short and long term.

“In many cases farmers are having to cart water long distances for stock, an arduous task, and in some cases needing to sell stock as a result of no water”, Ms Kealy said.

“Concerns were also raised regarding insufficient access to water for firefighting purposes and Council being unable to build and maintain local roads without access to a reliable water source.

“The Nationals have strong ownership over the construction of the $688 Wimmera Mallee Pipeline, with the benefits of the project already exceeding expectations.

“The extension of existing pipeline networks into new areas where the potential benefits have been thoroughly investigated and are clearly demonstrated would appear to be a logical progression”, she said.