Securing Murrabit's recreational water supply

Published on 07 September 2020

Murrabit residents as well as visitors to the Murray River town’s popular venues will benefit from works to improve its water supply, supported by funding from the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Programme – Extension.

Council and the Murrabit Special Projects Committee have worked together on the project, which will enable sustainable watering of grassed areas throughout the town.

“Council is pleased to have worked with the Murrabit community, as well as communities throughout the Gannawarra, to roll out projects supported by the $2 million provided by this Federal Government program,” Mayor Lorraine Learmonth said.

“Communities are already benefiting from projects completed, developed using local tradespeople and businesses, which is supporting our economy at a vital time.”

Identified as part of the Murrabit and District Community Plan, the Murrabit Raw Water Project consists of the installation of two 135,000-litre storage tanks – one located in the township and the other at the Murrabit Recreation Reserve.

A 1,200-metre stock and domestic pipeline has been installed, along with 350 metres of piping to connect the pump to the three existing automatic watering systems in the township.

“This project has provided a much-needed economic boost to our small town at this critical time,” Murrabit Special Projects Committee president, Kylie Leahy said.

“It has also been great to see the project continue during the COVID-19 restrictions so that the new raw water supply can benefit the town this coming spring and summer.”

The raw water supply will be used to water the Murrabit Lions Park, Murrabit War Memorial and Murrabit Public Hall precincts, with the tank at the recreation reserve to capture water off the clubrooms for use in the venue’s toilets. As a result, stormwater overflow will be directed to the existing dam to supplement irrigation water for re-use at the Murrabit Recreation Reserve precinct, including the football ground, tennis courts and school.

“The drought has caused a significant impact to Murrabit and the achievement of this project assists our community to adapt to climate change,” Mrs Leahy said.

Details and updates on all projects supported by funding from the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Programme – Extension is available online at www.gsc.vic.gov.au/droughtfunding

 ABOVE: Murrabit Special Projects Committee representatives Stephen O'Donoghue (left) and Kylie Leahy in front of one of the town's new water tanks.