Victoria Minister for Water Peter Walsh

New Regional Focus For Sunraysia Modernisation

Victor P Taffa

The Victorian Coalition Government is working to secure $103 Million in Commonwealth funding for the Sunraysia modernisation project on the basis of regional development.

Confirming the new approach in Parliament last night, Mr. Walsh said he had been assured by Federal Water Minister Tony Burke the money was still on the table for Sunraysia if Victoria could develop a business case to justify the investment.

“Instead of the Brumby Government’s mad race for water savings, we are developing this proposal to deliver a strong economic outcome for the region.” Mr. Walsh said.

“The water savings that Labor promised the Commonwealth Government were never going to be achieved.”

Mr. Walsh said the Victorian Coalition Government had been forced to go back and redraw the business case because the one put together by the Brumby Government had failed due diligence.

“To ensure the business case is developed hand-in-hand with the community, I have asked the Sunraysia Development Corporation to work with other stakeholders in the region to help us develop the new business case.” Mr. Walsh said.

“In 2008, John Brumby and Penny Wong made an empty political promise saying they had agreed on funding of $103 Million for 10 gigalitres for the Sunraysia Modernisation Project.

“When we were elected last year we were shocked to discover the Brumby Labor Government had made the commitment without determining whether the savings were feasible. As a result, the Commonwealth rejected Labor’s business case on the grounds it failed due diligence.” Mr. Walsh said.

The Nationals Member for Mildura Peter Crisp said a greater focus on regional development outcomes would deliver a better outcome for the region.

“Our horticultural growers need water on demand, which the existing distribution system struggles to deliver. This new approach will also help people who can no longer use their land for irrigation because they have sold the water off their properties.” Mr. Crisp said.