New regional focus for Sunraysia modernisation
Thursday, 01 September 2011
The Victorian Government is working to secure $103 million in Commonwealth funding for the Sunraysia modernisation project on the basis of regional development.
Confirming the new approach in Parliament last night, Mr Walsh said he had been assured by Federal Water Minister Tony Burke the money was still on the table for Sunraysia if Victoria could develop a business case to justify the investment.
The Victorian Government is redeveloping a previous business case.
To ensure the business case is developed hand-in-hand with the community, the Government has asked the Sunraysia Development Corporation to work with other stakeholders in the region to help us develop the new business case which will focus on regional development outcomes which deliver a better outcome for the region.
Horticultural growers need water on demand, which the existing distribution system struggles to deliver. This new approach will also help people who can no longer use their land for irrigation because they have sold the water off their properties.
