Murray Irrigation Limited CEO Ron McCalman said the project showcases how local expertise, strong partnerships and existing water delivery infrastructure can work together to achieve better environmental outcomes without further water recovery.
A major expansion of the Restoring Murray Waterways Project, it will be delivered through a partnership between MIL and the NSW Government, and supported by the Federal Government's Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism (SDLAM) program.
This next phase of the project will build on the success of an earlier pilot program to enhance environmental water delivery and connectivity across one of the Basin's most important river systems.
Mr McCalman said the project highlights the unique role irrigation infrastructure can play in achieving meaningful environmental outcomes.
“Murray Irrigation is in the privileged position to be able to draw on our infrastructure and water delivery expertise to assist the NSW and Australian Governments deliver genuine environmental outcomes using already recovered water more efficiently,” he said.
“Restoring Murray Waterways is an outstanding outcome of collaboration between governments, First Nations and local landholders - and a powerful example of what we can achieve when we all work together.
“Murray Irrigation is proud to be contributing to solutions in this space. We look forward to seeing the outcomes of the latest stage of the project and exploring future potential opportunities.”
The project will utilise and upgrade Murray Irrigation's gravity-fed irrigation network to allow environmental water to be delivered more effectively across 320km of creeks and more than 6,400 hectares of wetlands.
By improving the movement of water through the system, environmental flows can reach areas that would otherwise only receive water during major Murray River events.
Importantly, the initiative aims to maximise environmental outcomes without requiring additional water recovery measures, ensuring existing environmental water is used more efficiently while maintaining water availability for communities and industry.
The infrastructure program includes upgrades to existing channels and escape structures throughout the MIL network, improvements to creek crossings and fencing on private land, construction of new escape structures to expand watering opportunities for wetlands, and the installation of fish-friendly crossings to support aquatic ecosystems.
Beyond environmental benefits, the project is also expected to deliver practical outcomes for local landholders by improving access across waterways during environmental watering events, helping support agricultural productivity alongside ecological restoration.
Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said the investment reflected the government's commitment to delivering the Murray-Darling Basin Plan while balancing the needs of communities, industries and the environment.
“In a climate where every drop counts, Australians deserve to have confidence their systems can reliably and efficiently deliver water,” he said.
“Our investment in SDLAM projects delivers the best of both worlds - similar or improved ecological outcomes while leaving more water in the consumptive pool.”
NSW Water Minister Rose Jackson described the project as a practical example of how existing infrastructure can be leveraged to improve environmental outcomes and reduce reliance on water buybacks, while ensuring local communities remain engaged in shaping solutions.
The expanded Restoring Murray Waterways Project is scheduled for completion by December 2026 and is expected to strengthen the resilience and health of rivers, wetlands and floodplains across the southern Murray-Darling Basin for years to come.
