AFTER 100 years of little upgrade work, the idea of a makeover is a welcome relief.
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That's the idea behind a huge project being undertaken by Murrumbidgee Irrigation (MI) to refurbish and upgrade various channel systems throughout Leeton shire.
Work has been happening for some time and residents have noticed just how busy crews have been, with the project currently happening seven days a week.
The main aim is to make these channels more efficient, as well as helping to save money for the next 100 years of operation in the MIA.
MI asset delivery manager Jody Rudd said the work was important for several reasons.
“Over the last 100 years the channels we are working on have become much deeper than what they should be,” he said.
“This has happened as a result of various factors, including things like erosion, slush and that kind of thing.
“The idea now is to clean them all out and bring in some good-quality clay to make them the a smaller size. Some of them are having their size halved.
“Most of these channels don’t serve a lot of customers, so once the work is complete we’ll have system that’s more efficient, there’s less evaporation happening. It’s a good outcome.”
The project is being funded by round three of the Private Irrigation Infrastructure Operators Program.
MI has been working with customers who use these channels to ensure only minimal disruptions to their supply.
Work on the Stony Point line has been completed, with other areas nearing completion.
“I believe the work on Brobenah Road to Leeton’s north is nearing completion, while the operation near Yanco is really starting to ramp up now,” Mr Rudd said.
“There’ll be another lot of work starting up at Wamoon.
“Hopefully at the end of it will mean we can keep these channels operating efficiently for another 100 years.”
Mr Rudd said the project hadn't been without its challenges, but was pleased to see it moving forward.
MI will also soon start work on another big project in Yanco, which will tidy up and improve water delivery in channels there.
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