Fifth-generation Rhymney farmer Anthony Pola says the East Grampians Rural Pipeline (EGRP) has been critical to sustaining his Merino operation through one of the driest seasons in memory.
The pipeline continues to roll out across farming districts south of Ararat. To date, more than 400 kilometres of pipe has been laid and 262 properties connected to a meter.
A 2.66 megalitre control tank has been completed within the footprint of the Pola’s farm. Built at an elevation of 360 metres, it acts as a buffer against supply interruptions and network pressure fluctuations.
For Mr Pola, contractors working on and around his property is a welcome sight.
Despite early forecasts predicting a wetter spring, significant rainfall is yet to arrive, leaving many farmers facing tough decisions about whether to reduce stock numbers.
“Many of our dams are completely empty, and creek frontage we rely on for stock water has failed in some paddocks — something that rarely occurs.”
Before connecting to the pipeline, Mr Pola was carting in 83,000 litres of water over a three-week period to fill four tanks on the property.
Now, that same volume is delivered directly via the new supply piped from Lake Fyans.
“We are extremely grateful as a business that we have access to this pipeline, because without that water, the drought we a currently experiencing would be extremely dire to our Merino business,” Mr Pola said.
“As summer approaches, feed remains a challenge. But we can rely on a stable water supply thanks to the pipeline. We’re fortunate to have the connection keeping our troughs full.”
The EGRP has received funding support from the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments, including a $15 million state investment announced in July that will allow the pipeline to be extended south into the Mininera district.
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