East Grampians Pipeline

Published on 21 January 2021

Council has reconfirmed its support for the East Grampians Rural Pipeline (EGRP) project and agreed to a Planning Scheme Amendment to facilitate the project.

Pyrenees Shire CEO Jim Nolan said that when constructed, the pipeline would provide water security and improved productivity for agriculture in the area.

“The source for the pipeline is a very reliable watershed, and it will provide peace of mind for farmers who worry about periods of drought,” Mr Nolan said.

“The pipeline has been on the drawing board for a long time and Council has supported this project right from the start, strongly advocating to secure the funding for it,” he said.

“This is a major project for the region, it involves around 1500 farming properties and covers around 530,000 hectares, spanning over three shires. In the Pyrenees Shire, the pipeline will service farms on the western edge of the municipality.”

Funding is being provided by the Federal Government ($32 million), State Government ($32 million), GWM Water (15.5 million) and landowner contributions ($5.7 million).

Ararat, Northern Grampians and Pyrenees council areas have all experienced prolonged droughts in the past and the EGRP will provide future water security; and improve the productivity and diversity of agriculture in the region.

Previously the Minister for Planning determined that an Environment Effects Statement was not required for the project. Council’s support for a Planning Scheme Amendment will enable an alternative rigorous planning process to be undertaken across the three Local government areas and overseen by the Department of Environment Land Water and Planning.

GWM Water is driving the East Grampians Rural Pipeline, and further information about the project is available on their website: https://www.gwmwater.org.au/our-water-supply/current-projects/east-grampians-rural-pipeline-project