Southern Rural Water’s Newry pipeline project is delivering big benefits for the local economy and community in Gippsland’s Macalister Irrigation District.
There are 25 people directly employed on the Newry Pipeline project and 90 per cent of those people live locally.
The pipeline is being built by Southern Rural Water’s construction partner Jaydo as part of Phase 2 of the $159.7 million Macalister Irrigation District modernisation program.
Managing Director Cameron FitzGerald said Southern Rural Water’s once in a generation investment in modernising infrastructure would boost the local economy.
“We are delighted to be employing local people and using local suppliers on our project,” he said.
“There are also 35 subcontractors employed by the project and 90 per cent of them are local businesses,” he said.
Maffra local Julie Foat is also benefitting from the Newry Pipeline and is proud to work for a project that will help local farmers be more resilient to the impacts of climate change.
“My family is directly involved in agriculture as beef producers and this pipeline is essential to future proof farms like ours,” she said.
“I have a professional background in health, safety and compliance and love applying these skills on a job that’s going to leave such a positive legacy in my community.”
Jaydo’s Kayla Aucote, a barista turned labourer, said the project helped her switch industries and begin her Certificate 3 in Civil Construction.
“I’ve always wanted to work in construction. Jaydo has taken me on as an apprentice for this project and is supporting my education with formal training and on-the-job learning,” she said.
“There’s so much infrastructure investment happening in Victoria. I feel this project is setting me up to make the most of the career opportunities in the region and across the state.”
Melbourne-based project engineer, Jaydon McLeod, proactively asked to live and work in the region during the week because he’s passionate about supporting the local community.
“I’ve got to know a lot of locals and it’s rewarding to know they support the work I’m doing,” he said.
“This project is so important to the economic and social fabric of the community. I know most of the team value doing rewarding work that’s on their doorstep.”
Southern Rural Water’s Cameron FitzGerald said irrigation water is critical for food production and entire regions are supported by this infrastructure.
“This once in a generation investment in modernising infrastructure will support the region’s agricultural businesses to become more efficient, productive and resilient,” Cameron said.
“We are proud to be investing in local skills and people who are directly employed on this project that will leave the community with a positive lasting legacy,” he said.
The modernisation of the Macalister Irrigation District is jointly funded by the Victorian Government, Australian Government through the National Water Grid Fund and is delivered in partnership with Southern Rural Water.