Rubber Duckie—You`re The One! Works

Volume 8, Issue 63, January 2015
AquaPac Unit Refurbishment
Be Mozzie-Wise This Summer
Central Pumps - ready For The Next 60
Years
4 Like Us On Facebook
1 SMP Project Outcomes Will Include…
Mildura West Primary School Students
3 to Join Dripster's Super Water Saving 4 Sunraysia Modernisation Project (SMP) To Date
Program
2
6 National Water Week 2015
2
Claim Your Rebate
4 Pipeline Construction Commences
Helping Your Pets Cope With The Summer
Heat
3 Rubber Duckie - You're The One!
3 The SMP Will….
Trigger Nozzle Giveaway & Showerhead Ex2
change
Works Continue To Meet Future Wastewater
1
Demands
Rubber Duckie—You’re The One!
 Contractors have started laying
pipes in the biggest upgrade of
irrigation infrastructure in the
Sunraysia region’s history
 The twelve local winning entries
from last year’s Poster
Competition have been made into
a calendar
 Works are currently continuing
along Karadoc Avenue, Irymple
 Puddles and water collecting in
containers will be great locations
for mosquitoes to breed
 The channel has been in
existence since 1909
 You can save up to 20,000lts of
water per year with a new water
efficient showerhead and/or up to
$80 in power savings per annum
in associated water heating costs
 If your pets are outside, ensure
they have more than one shady
spot to relax
 Mildura Central Pump Station on
Kings Billabong built 55 years ago
has had a massive make-over
 We have two modules available
for each year group, in addition to
Dripster’s Super Water Saver
Game
The rubber duck race held on Saturday 17th January to commemorate the
impending closure of the Merbein Channel was a “quacking” success. The
channel has been in existence since 1909 and will be replaced under the
Sunraysia Modernisation Project. A joint venture between the Merbein
Historical Society and Lower Murray Water the rubber duck race saw 1,500
individually numbered ducks tipped into the channel with the assistance of
Leed Engineering. The ducks, previously stablised through the addition of
a metal washer being glued to their bases, travelled along approximately
200 metres of channel before being scooped out and sorted into numbered
groups for collection by their owners. The event was well supported by
sponsors and some great prizes were on offer for the fastest eight duckies,
along with other prizes on the day. Fastest ducks were:
 1st
- 1004 Wilma Follett—$1,000 Fishers Stores voucher
 2nd - 839 Sebastian Longeri—$250 Fishers Stores voucher
 3rd
- 455 Cos Dichiera—$150 Irrigation Centre voucher
 4th
- 238 Peter Jones—$150 Irrigation Centre voucher
 5th
- 449 Lina Dichiera—$100 Fishers Stores voucher
 6th
- 851 Terry Hillier—$100 Fishers Stores voucher
 7th
- 956 Lucas Rankine—$100 McGinty’s Merbein Butchery
voucher
 8th
- 214 David Rohrlach—$100 Keens Chem-Mart Pharmacy
voucher
Works Continue To Meet Future Wastewater Demands
A strategy report completed for the Koorlong Wastewater Transfer System
identified the requirement for a larger diameter rising main from the
Karadoc Avenue Sewage Pump Station in Irymple to the Koorlong Rising
Main to meet the future growth and subsequent wastewater demands of
the Irymple township. When completed the project will provide for
increased capacity (flow), provide the ability to divert flows to the
emergency storage facility during times of Koorlong Rising Main outage,
and would minimise the risks associated with having a sewage rising main
failure on a major highway road reserve. Works are currently continuing
along Karadoc Avenue, Irymple.
Like Us On Facebook
@lowmurwater
/lowermurraywater
2
3
1
Volume 8, Issue 63, January 2015
Pipeline Construction Commences
Contractors have started laying pipes in the biggest upgrade of irrigation infrastructure in the
Sunraysia region’s history. The $120 million Sunraysia Modernisation Project got underway last
year, with upgrading of water meters as well as the Mildura Central and Red Cliffs Pumping Stations.
But the SMP’s major works component is the construction of nearly 18 kilometres of new irrigation
pipeline, with work now underway at Merbein and Red Cliffs. The Project Control Group Chairman
Dane Huxley hosted an inspection of the works by the Federal Minister for the Environment, Greg
Hunt, on Tuesday 20th January. The Commonwealth Government is funding $103 million of the
$120m project. “The start to pipelining is the portion of the SMP everyone has been wanting to see,”
Mr Huxley said. “It’s the big-ticket item in a collection of works that can potentially transform what our
irrigation district can produce and sustain our region economically now and into the future,” he said.
Replacing open channels with pipelines will underpin the delivery of the SMP’s overriding aim to
provide 365-day water supply to as many irrigation customers as possible. The construction will use
pipes up to two metres in diameter, with design and building work to be overseen by a joint venture
partnership GOLD JV (Guidera O’Conner and Leed Engineering). The SMP Project Director Mike
Walsh said pipes, along with plant and equipment, were now being stored at strategic locations at
Merbein and Red Cliffs, where construction has commenced. “Pipes are going in the ground and
when the work has finished by the middle of next year, every irrigator in the Merbein irrigation district
will have access to water 365 days a year. Across Sunraysia, 65 percent of the district will have 365day supply. That creates much more flexibility for irrigators in terms of their water requirements and
allowing them to diversify their operations – particularly creating the potential for winter crops.” Mr
Walsh said.
Andrew Broad MP, Member for Mallee
(left) pictured with Hon Greg Hunt MP,
Minister for the Environment
Sunraysia Modernisation Project (SMP) To Date
Jan-Feb 2014
June 2014
July 2014
August 2014
August 2014
Sept 2014
Sept 2014
Sept 2014
Oct 2014
Dec 2014
Jan 2015
Project Director (Mike Walsh) appointed, Project Delivery Team assembled
Metering and telemetry contract awarded to Comdain Constructions
Work begins on metering installations and upgrades
Pumps and Pipelines Contract awarded to GOLD JV
LMW announces enhancements to Merbein Pipeline
Upgrading work completed on Red Cliffs and Mildura Pumping Stations
Scoping work commences by GOLD JV on pipeline alignments
LMW announces enhancements to Mildura District (KT Pipeline)
Request for tender issued for Channel Automation
Channel Automation Contract awarded to Comdain
Laying of pipes begins
The SMP Will…..
 Upgrade the key irrigation pump stations in Sunraysia
 Replace approximately 17km of main open channel with pipeline, including approximately 5km through urban areas
 Upgrade over 2000 irrigation meters and install approximately 2400 domestic and stock outlets
 Install channel automation in the remaining open channel
SMP Project Outcomes Will Include…….
 Improving access to irrigation during winter, increasing the opportunity for new crop plantings and yield potential for existing crops
 Increasing water quality and reducing water filtration costs on-farm
 Allowing 365 days per year watering for more properties
 Increasing accuracy of meter readings
 Reducing the incidence of system shut down and potential loss of production and crops
 Reducing operational and maintenance costs
 7GL of water savings
 Improved environmental watering of the Woorlong Wetlands and Cardross Lakes
Volume 8, Issue 63, January 2015
National Water Week 2015
In 2015 National Water Week will be held from Sunday 18th October to Saturday 24th October. The
theme of this year’s National Water Week is still to be announced. The twelve local winning entries from
last year’s Poster Competition have been made into a calendar and this will be distributed to schools in
our service region soon. The National Water Week Poster Competition will again be run this year—
more details to follow soon when we know the theme and competition guidelines.
Be Mozzie-Wise This Summer
With 57mm of rain recorded in Mildura in the first 27 days of January, puddles and water collecting in
containers will be great locations for mosquitoes to breed. Mosquitoes like to breed in still (ie: not
flowing) water and the following are some examples of potential breeding sites that may be around
your home:
 Tyres (drill holes in tyres used for swings, playgrounds and garden surrounds to allow water to
drain away)
 Bird baths and pets’ drinking water bowls (empty and clean these at least once a week)
 Water accumulating in the base of pot plants (empty these regularly, or add sand to the bases)
 Your guttering is a perfect home for mosquitoes if leaves gather (keep roof guttering in good
repair and regularly remove leaves/debris so that water cannot get trapped in the gutters)
 If you have a garden pond that does not have water re-circulating, consider adding some fish to
keep the mosquito larvae (‘wrigglers’) under control
 Take a walk around your garden and locate any tins, bowls or other containers that may hold
water after rain or from sprinklers —remove these or empty them regularly
Trigger Nozzle Giveaway And Showerhead Exchange
Twist style water nozzles do not comply with the current Permanent Water Saving Rules and Lower
Murray Water is assisting customers by offering a new trigger nozzle on presentation of their recent
water bill. Customers can also exchange their showerhead for a new water efficient one at the same
time. You can save up to 20,000lts of water per year with a new water efficient showerhead and/or up to
$80 in power savings per annum in associated water heating costs. There is a limit of one trigger nozzle
and one showerhead per customer and the offer remains open while stocks last. Over 200 trigger
nozzles have been given away since this round commenced on 23rd January, so get in soon!
Customers are welcome to come into any Lower Murray Water office to collect their trigger nozzle and
exchange their showerhead. For more detail, contact your local Lower Murray Water office or visit the
website.
Helping Your Pets Cope With The Summer Heat
To cope with our summer heat the most important thing is for dogs and cats to have shade and supplies
of cool water to drink. If your pets are outside, ensure they have more than one shady spot to relax. As
the shade will move with the sun, what was a shady spot in the morning might be in full sun and
unbearably hot in the afternoon. Dogs and cats don’t sweat effectively as we do (they do sweat through
their paws) and they need other ways of staying cool on hot days. More than one water source should
also be available and it is worth remembering dogs can easily knock over their water bowls. Also, a
metal water bowl will also absorb the heat more readily than plastic. There are a range of chew toys
available for dogs than can be filled with water and then frozen. The toy will keep the dog cool as they
lick the ice and it will also keep them entertained. Blocks of ice in water bowls can also help keep the
water cool. Consider filling some plastic water bowls and freezing these so the ice can melt during the
day, but don’t forget to give them additional water so they have access to it immediately. Caged animals
such as rabbits and birds need additional attention on hot days. Shade is a must, preferably with good
air flow to catch any breezes. Access to cool water is essential. Where possible, a fine mist of water will
assist in keeping them cool, but ensure they are able to move out of the mist if they prefer.
Volume 8, Issue 63, January 2015
Claim Your Rebate
AquaPac Unit Refurbishment in progress
Rebates on a range of products are available through
the “Living Victoria” water rebate program. Households
and Small Businesses can apply. Contact Lower Murray
Water for more information.
AquaPac units at Water Treatment Plants in our Southern region are
being refurbished. The AquaPac units are where flocculation,
sedimentation and filtration parts of the water treatment process occur.
The AquaPac units are 18 years old and while still very serviceable
required refurbishment; which is more cost effective than the purchase
of new units. The refurbishment includes repainting of the internal
surfaces, replacement of filter media and the internal bracing. We have
three AquaPacs in operation, with one in reserve. Having this reserve
unit has allowed us to move it to various sites while that Treatment
Plant’s AquaPac is being refurbished, ensuring supply is maintained
with minimal interruption to customers. The work continues under the
supervision of Dale Rogers and Adam Burke.
Mildura West Primary School Students to Join Dripster’s Super Water Saving Program
As part of the recent refurbishment of our popular education program for primary schools—“Dripster’s Super Water Saving Program” modules of the full program are now being offered. We have two modules available for each year group, in addition to Dripster’s Super Water
Saver Game. All modules come with Teachers’ Notes and a printed worksheet for each student (where appropriate). Class recording sheets and
additional resources are included where applicable, with some minor resources needing to be supplied by the school. The Teachers’ Notes
include a suggested time allowance for completing all parts of the modules, with various activities taking from 5 minutes to 1 hour. Dripster’s
Super Water Saving Game kit includes a game mat (125cm x 75cm), four playing pieces, dice, age appropriate “Water Wally” and “Water Wise”
question cards and instructions for play. Students receive a Dripster Activity Booklet and a shower timer at the conclusion of the game. Dripster’s
Super Water Saver Game can be used as an addition to one or more modules, or independently. All Mildura West Primary School students will
be undertaking the two modules in their year level groups and all will be enjoying learning about our precious water resource through playing
Dripster’s Super Water Saver Game. “We see the modules and the game as a great way of giving our students an understanding of our river
system, the water cycle and how important water is as a resource” a school representative said. Schools interested in the program can register
their interest via our website http://www.lmw.vic.gov.au/Community/Education-Materials.aspx or contact our Customer Service Team.
Volume 8, Issue 63, January 2015
5
Central Pumps - Ready For The Next 60 Years
Mildura Central Pump Station on Kings Billabong built 55 years ago has had a massive make-over thanks to the Sunraysia Modernisation
Project. The pumps were open for public inspection on Thursday 18th December, 2014 including a display of pictures showing the old and
new along with the upgrade process. The pump house and most of the machinery has been repainted and the old asbestos cement-sheet
roof has been replaced with zincalume.
A trip down memory lane for some: L-R
Ray Smith, Owen Lloyd, Peter Ebner (LMW) and Harry Toole
Sponsorship/Donations:
Community Events sponsored by LMW in January 2015:
- Swan Hill Rural City Council—Home Care Packages
- Walk for the Hills Cancer Support
- Nyah Two Bays Swimming Club
- Coomealla Triathlon Club
- Mallee Sports Assembly
- Irymple Secondary College