Council & Politics
20 September, 2026
Councils unite to fight for region’s water rights
THREE local councils have teamed up to call for a commitment for the proposed Southern Wimmera and Northeast Pyrenees Water Supply Project. Pyrenees Shire, Northern Grampians Shire and Central Goldfields Shire came together at Natte Yallock on Monday to call on the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments to commit $5 million for detailed design and planning of the pipeline project.
The proposed pipeline would significantly improve water security across the three municipalities allowing the growth of agriculture and tourism.
In the Pyrenees Shire, the project would deliver a reliable source of water for farms and households in Crowlands, Labdsborough, Barkly, Moonambel, Redbank, Tanwood, Warrenmang, Glenlofty, Glenpatrick, Percydale, Natte Yallock and Homebush.
In the Northern Grampians Shire, the project would deliver a reliable source of water for farms and households in Deep Lead Joel Joel, Talkara, Greens Creek, Wallaloo East, Beazleys Bridge, Stuart Mill and Glenorchy.
The proposed project – if fully funded - would provide fit-for-purpose water infrastructure across a 350,000-hectare region that continues to face significant water security challenges, particularly during drought conditions.
A 2026 preliminary business case found the project would deliver substantial economic, environmental and social benefits to up to nine towns and approximately 2,500 rural landholders and businesses on an opt-in basis.
Benefits identified include:
• Improved water security for farmers
• Reduced drought impacts
• Protection of agricultural jobs
• A healthier natural environment
• Cultural water outcomes for Traditional Owner sites
• Increased economic investment and regional growth
• Emergency water points for firefighting
• Social and mental health benefits through water access to recreation reserves, green spaces and farm gardens
Pyrenees Mayor Damian Ferrari said the project would deliver lasting benefits for communities across the region.
"Reliable water is fundamental to the future of our communities, farms and businesses. The Southern Wimmera and Northeast Pyrenees Water Supply Project is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen water security, support economic growth and help our region become more resilient to drought and climate challenges," Cr Ferrari said.
“The project would see reliable water supplies across approximately 354 thousand hectares. It’s a really big project.
“It would also provide some townships with a constant water supply. I find it quite unbelievable in this day and age that some towns haven’t got potable water and a constant water supply. This project would see them get the water they deserve,” Cr Ferrari said.
Northern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Karen Hyslop said progressing the project to a shovel-ready stage was the immediate priority.
"The business case has clearly demonstrated the value of this project. We are now seeking $5 million to complete the detailed design and planning work needed to ensure the project is ready for construction once funding becomes available," Cr Hyslop said.
Mark Summerfield from Moonambel’s Summerfield Winery and Restaurant said water was a big issue for his community.
“The significance of water for communities like Moonambel, like Natte and these other places, for mental health, for all the different things that it does for you, you can’t estimate it and you really can’t understand it unless you are involved,” he said.
“There is opportunity. Water will bring that opportunity back and it will bring hope back to farmers and those little businesses like the (closed) Moonambel Store that will hopefully get back up and running.
Natte Yallock farmer Matt Cain, who is also the Natte Yallock Landcare Group treasurer and Natte Yallock CFA second lieutenant, said the project has the potential to transform the region.
“Water is the foundation of agriculture, and agriculture is the backbone of our local economy. Investing in the Southern Wimmera and Northeast Pyrenees Water Supply Project is an investment in farmers, communities and the future prosperity of our region,” he said.
The future capital construction cost of the project is estimated at approximately $160 million.
The three councils hope to get a commitment from the major parties to fund the $5 million planning stage ahead of November’s state election.
Read More: Glenorchy, Joel Joel, Landsborough, Marnoo, Moonambel, Natte Yalock, Navarre, Redbank