Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) manages the water supply systems in northern Victoria, Australia, including the Tresco irrigation and Stock & domestic systems. These systems are critical for supporting agriculture, ensuring reliable water supply, and maintaining the livelihoods of countless farmers in the region.

Currently, GMW is proposing significant capital and infrastructure upgrades to these systems. While improvements are essential for long-term sustainability, the current economic environment has placed considerable financial strain on the local community. Many farmers are still recovering from recent challenges, including prolonged drought conditions and the economic repercussions of the global pandemic.

Delaying these upgrades for 5 years will allow local farmers and residents the necessary time to stabilize their finances without the added burden of potential increases in water charges or disruption to water access that may accompany these upgrades. In the intervening time, GMW could focus on researching and planning more cost-effective, sustainable, and minimally disruptive methods for upgrading these essential systems.

We urge GMW to consider the immediate needs of the community, which include financial recovery and stability, before embarking on large-scale projects. By withholding these upgrades temporarily, GMW can demonstrate support for the community, ensuring that all stakeholders can benefit from a more measured and responsible approach to infrastructure development.

Please sign this petition to request that GMW delay the Tresco irrigation and Stock & domestic systems upgrades for five years, giving our community a chance to recover and thrive.