May heralds the start of our winter works program across our irrigation districts. In this window, we carry out the upgrades and maintenance work that keeps water flowing smoothly through and during the irrigation season.
This year, we’re continuing to modernise the network with key upgrades to improve water delivery efficiency, increase automation, and ensure long-term reliability. All works will be done during the winter offseason to minimise impacts to customers in the district.
One of the most significant projects in the Macalister Irrigation District this winter involves automating around 15 customer outlets, replacing manual Dethridge wheels with modern slip meters.
Automating outlets means our customers can order water at any time and, assuming that there is availability within the system, the outlet will open and close automatically, 24/7.
Automation enables water allocations and compliance decisions to be made in real time, saving time and resources, which helps free up our team to deliver more service and value to you and the network. Most of the upgrades include modifying the existing concrete structure so that new the slip meter can be installed. At some sites, where the condition of the existing structure is poor, the whole structure will be replaced. These sites will be prioritised to ensure minimal impacts to these customers.
The upgrade is the final project funded under Phase 2 of the Macalister Irrigation District modernisation project, which began in 2020. In total, $62.6 million has been invested under Phase 2. These works complement 80 customer outlet upgrades we completed in winter 2024.
We’re also upgrading and replacing eight regulators at four important Regulator sites along the Main Northern Channel and Valencia Creek Channel Offtake. Regulators help control the flow of water in our channel and pipe network. These upgrades will help maintain constant pool levels and consistent flows along the Main Northern Channel, so we can reliably deliver water to you during the season. These upgrades will be delivered in three stages, over three years and are part of a multi-million-dollar investment to renew/upgrade critical regulator sites within the Macalister Irrigation District.
We may need to access properties to replace some regulators at locations that can’t be reached via existing access tracks. We'll work with contractors and landowners to minimise any disruption and accommodate your needs during these works. Please be aware that regulator upgrades might impact some local roads and traffic management will be in place to safely manage traffic near work sites.
We will begin upgrading Tunnel 5 on the Main Southern Channel. The upgrade will be carried out in two stages, with downstream works scheduled for completion between June and July 2025, and upstream works planned to finish around the same time in 2026. Construction is taking place over winter to enable filling of the channels in early August.
This winter we will spray 40km of channels to eliminate submerged weeds. We will also improve access tracks, repair concrete pipes and headwalls, check and fix flow gates, complete erosion control works and undertake walkway upgrades on key assets.
In the Werribee Irrigation District, we are installing two flow meters, one on the Main pipeline and another one on the Spur 4/1 pipeline to more accurately measure and manage water deliveries to customers.
Installing new modern flow meters is part of a longer program of works that complements our completed modernisation works and will enable total channel control in the district and a fully automated irrigation system.
In Bacchus Marsh, we will repair a leak on Lerderderg Gorge Road and replace pipes and connections at Fisken Street that will improve the efficiency and reliability of water supply. We are also planning to replace a valve near a protected red gum on the Avenue of Honor and will work with an arborist to explore ways of working that will protect the tree. Replacing the valve would allow us to safely isolate the downstream section of Spur 5 for any future maintenance.