AS winter approaches, the irrigation season is coming to an end, and Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) is preparing for its annual Winter Works program. Starting on May 16 and continuing until August 14, the program involves maintenance and capital projects, including channel bank and gate repairs, bridge works, desilting and weed treatment, to improve the channel systems that supply the irrigation network. The total expenditure of the 2023 Winter Works Program is expected to be about $10M.
According to Warren Jose, infrastructure delivery services general manager, the Winter Works program is crucial for the business, as maintenance and repairs during this period have a significant impact on the next irrigation season. Over 100 staff will be involved in the program, which requires dewatering of channels throughout GMW’s delivery network.
Customers have been advised to plan ahead and ensure they have alternative arrangements to secure their water during the Winter Works period, as channels will be dewatered. There will also be an increase in traffic on backroads as heavy vehicles and equipment access channels and properties over the next three months, so people are urged to take extra care on the roads.
The Winter Works program will be complete by August 14, allowing channels to be recharged and ready for the start of the 2022/23 irrigation season on August 15. For more information on the program, including an interactive map of where works will take place, visit the GMW website.
