Vol. No. Vol. 2818No. 2 27
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Wednesday, January 2016 Wednesday, July13, 9, 2025
CELEBRATION: Regina Hood with her great grandchildren Aurora Mullan and Katana Secombe at a NAIDOC Week event at Dudley Cornell Park, Horsham. The event was hosted by Barengi Gadjin Land Council and Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Cooperative to mark NAIDOC Week, from July 6 to 13. This year’s NAIDOC Week marks 50 years, and the theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy, celebrates achievements of the past and the future ahead. Story and pictures, page 15. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Pipe dream reality BY LAUREN HENRY
A
$15-million boost for the East Grampians Rural Pipeline forms part of the State Government’s latest drought funding, but not all councils are satisfied with the package.
Ararat Rural City Council welcomed the government funding, which will also see GWMWater contribute $15.6-million to the pipeline, with more money hoped to come from the Federal Government to complete the project. But Horsham Rural City Council is seeking answers after what it says was a ‘government decision to exclude Horsham from the latest tranche of drought-support initiatives’. The government package, investing an additional $75-million to help farmers through
the drought, includes primary producer support payments that will provide eligible farmers with a 40 per cent reduction on their property rates. But the $35.8-million allocated for the payments is for farmers in south-west Victoria – who have been feeling the effects of drought conditions during the past two years. The payments are for farmers in 12 local government areas including Ararat and southern parts of West Wimmera Shire. Ararat Rural City Council chief executive Tim Harrison said the pipeline expansion would increase access to a high-quality reliable water supply from Lake Fyans to 750 additional rural properties, 10 local towns, 34 fire hydrants, and 66 tanks for firefighting. “We welcome this increased drought support from the State
Government. This announcement comes at a critical time for our community, which has been facing significant economic and wellbeing challenges, compounded by prolonged drought conditions,” he said. “This pipeline project will be a game changer for our region. “It’s a crucial step towards ensuring water security and economic prosperity for our agricultural sector. “We’ll continue to advocate strongly for the resources needed to ensure this project is delivered to its full scope.” GWMWater managing director Mark Williams said the funding was good news for landowners and rural communities, as it would allow the water authority to continue to maximise the number of properties that could benefit from a secure, quality water supply.
“The Mininera extension will further extend the pipeline into the southern area of the original East Grampians project scope, and all planning approvals have been secured,” he said. “We will be in touch with landowners as soon as more information becomes available and we remain committed to supporting farmers and communities through the ongoing dry seasonal conditions. “Earlier stages of the project are already delivering water to properties in an area that has been severely affected by drought.” Mr Williams said recent rain had provided little run-off and the region was in desperate need of a secure and reliable water supply. “We know how critical the EGRP is for the communities in the area, so we are hop-
ing for early consideration and advice on the outcome of the National Water Grid Authority funding application,” he said. “The $61.2-million will allow us to complete the Mininera extension in its entirety.” But Horsham Mayor Ian Ross said he was ‘extraordinarily disappointed’ the southern area of the Horsham municipality had been blocked from accessing the rate relief. In May, the government announced it would extend the On-Farm Drought Infrastructure package to additional impacted areas, including all of West Wimmera Shire and Horsham Rural City Council. Cr Ross said the confusion and contradictions around eligibility were difficult to understand. “That’s why Regional Cities Victoria have backed us
in advocating for expansion to the south and west areas of Horsham Rural City Council also,” he said. “The southern grazing areas of our municipality have faced some of the driest conditions on record over the last two years. “The cost of buying in feed to maintain stock levels is staggering, but the impact of reducing stock in depressed market conditions also has long term financial implications for farming families. “While rain over the last few weeks has been welcome, it does not end the drought conditions on farms and ongoing support is needed until normal pasture growth can maintain stock.” Continued page 15.
IN THIS ISSUE • Ron Marks in court • By Five paediatric win • Gymnast wins national medals Phone: 03 5382 1351 Read it online: www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
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