Water

G-MW hosts water summit

By Contributed

Jun 22, 2026

One of the major water storages managed by G-MW, Lake Eildon, which supplies about 60 per cent of the water used in the Goulburn-Murray Irrigation District.

Water security, irrigation and the future of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan were front and centre at G-MW's annual Customer Committee Summit last week.

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Held at the Woolshed at Emerald Bank in Kialla on June 9, the summit brought together more than 60 members from G-MW’s seven Customer Committees alongside board members and staff.

Water security was flagged as a pressing concern amid drier conditions and reduced flows, while there was also broad support for G-MW to continue its advocacy ahead of the Commonwealth’s Water Act review.

Members stressed the importance of reliable water access for agriculture, food production and the larger health of regional communities.

They also called for closer coordination with local government on land use planning to ensure water and infrastructure investment is directed where it matters most.

G-MW chair Justin Hanney said the event gave the board insights into the pressures facing communities across the region.

“This kind of direct input is essential — it shapes our priorities and how we deliver services,” Mr Hanney said.

Incoming managing director Steve Capewell also attended ahead of his official start with G-MW in July.

Speakers from DEECA, Agriculture Victoria and G-MW addressed seasonal outlooks, water availability, policy reform and future water market demand.