During the works there will be an increase in vehicles and heavy machinery activity on local roads and around channels and bridges.
As the end of the 2024-25 irrigation season fast approaches, Murray Irrigation is once again gearing up for its annual Winter Works Program.
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From May 15, the company will start draining sections of its water delivery network for crucial maintenance and upgrades designed to protect valuable irrigation assets and maintain customer service levels.
The long list of activities scheduled to take place across the Murray Irrigation footprint in the coming months include infrastructure life extension works, batter protection, channel reconstructions, a large-scale desilting program, regulator servicing, slip meter cleaning and gear box replacements, and other general maintenance.
Up to 18 bridges will also be replaced this year as part of the final stage of the company’s non-compliant bridge replacement program.
Other one-off projects slated for this period include a high-density polyethylene plastic lining replacement project at the Dahwilly Main Channel, and railway crossing decommissioning works near Wakool.
The Mulwala Canal is also being drained to carry out engineering inspections and maintenance works on the 17 regulators that control the flow of water in this major irrigation channel, as well as complete channel refurbishment and protection works at the Sandhills Crossing section of the waterway.
Chief executive officer Ron McCalman said Murray Irrigation’s Winter Works Program was critical to ensuring its water delivery service operates smoothly and efficiently throughout the season.
“As we move into the winter works period, and with the current dry weather, we understand that demand for water during winter is likely to be high,” Mr McCalman said.
“Our team is focused on bringing the system back online as quickly as we can within cost, safety and planning constraints, and we will be keeping customers updated as things progress.”
Last year's Murray Irrigation Winter Works Program under way. This year's will start in late May.
Access to water, including stock and domestic water, after these dates is subject to the available water in channels. Murray Irrigation will continue to keep customers updated on water availability as the works progress.
The 2025 Winter Works Program will start east of Finley at the end of May.
From there, staff and contracting crews will work their way west across the footprint and, weather permitting, finish near Moulamein around mid-August.
During this period, the community will see an increase in vehicles and heavy machinery activity on local roads and around channels and bridges.
Mr McCalman emphasised that safety remains a key focus for the business during this particularly busy time.
“Murray Irrigation is committed to the safety, health and wellbeing of our staff, contractors, customers and the broader community,” he said.
“Performing our Winter Works safely is our highest aim.”
He said if you come across a Murray Irrigation work site, please make sure you slow down, keep a look out for traffic signage, adhere to changed road conditions, and remember that even if you can’t see the work crews, it doesn’t mean they are not there.
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