mmg.com.au

Goulburn-Murray Water has promised to work with concerned Echuca Village irrigators, concerned about losing their irrigation water as part of modernisation projects.

G-MW Connections Project director George Warne said he welcomed the chance to work with the Echuca Village irrigators.

The response comes after more than 140 irrigators met at Echuca Village hall on Wednesday night to declare they would fight to protect their water.

A steering committee of irrigators was formed to help negotiate with G-MW.

‘‘We welcome the chance to work with committee that has just formed, because we know local leadership and enthusiasm will help the many local landowners get the best outcomes from the connections project,’’ he said.

‘‘We look forward to the opportunity to attend and present to landowners at future meetings.’’

Mr Warne said G-MW’s overhaul of the region’s irrigation network involved plenty of discussion with irrigator groups.

‘‘Most people will be aware G-MW connections is working through the connections process with more than 6000 landowners across the whole of the Goulburn-Murray Irrigation District,’’ he said.

‘‘To date, we have voluntary agreements with more than 2000 landowners and we continue to hear positive feedback from customers who are enjoying the benefits of their improved irrigation services.’’

Mr Warne said G-MW would begin negotiations with Echuca Village irrigators in April or May.

‘‘Last November, we mailed letters to all landowners confirming the agreed schedule for the delivery of the Connections Project and we anticipate we will start conversations with landowners in the Echuca Village area in the Central Goulburn Irrigation District in April and May this year,’’ he said.

‘‘The schedule is also available from our website along with further information about the connections project.’’