Rural & Agriculture
6 February, 2026
More water for local farmers
CONTSRUCTION has commenced on the Mininera Rural Pipeline Project, delivering a secure water supply to 199 district farms. Ripon MP Martha Haylett joined Ararat Rural City Council CEO Dr Tim Harrison, GWMWater and Mitchell Water officials last Friday to kick off work laying 80 kilometres of pipeline.
The pipeline is a godsend for many district properties bolstering long-term resilience by reducing reliance on rainfall, improving drought and bushfire preparedness, and supporting agricultural growth.
Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water is overseeing delivery of the project, with Mitchell Water constructing the East Grampians Rural Pipeline and installing the pipeline for the community and surrounding areas.
The pipeline was included in the original blueprint for the East Grampians Pipeline, but was later scrapped due to a shortage of funds.
A $15 million contribution from the Government’s Drought Support Package, alongside $15.6 million from Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water allowed the Mininera extension to be re-added to the vast water project.
A further contribution of over $30 million is being sought from the Commonwealth to deliver the full scope of the original project.
GWMWater Chair Caroline Welsh said the pipeline will make an important difference for local farmers.
“Reliable water is so key for our farming communities, for our agricultural productivity and growth.
“It’s great to have a positive story that is really going to make a difference to this region.
“We have responded to landholders needs and wishes particularly with the East Grampians and now Mininera pipelines and it’s very much their enthusiasm and drive that has driven us to respond to the need,” she said.
The Member for Ripon Martha Haylett said the project will allow existing agricultural enterprises to expand, knowing they have access to a reliable, high-quality water supply from Lake Fyans year-round.
“Tim Harrison and I have discussed this pipelines many, many times and I’m just so pleased we were able to work with council and GWMWater to get this extension.
“It’s $15 million from the state matched with $15 million from GWMWater and we really hope the Commonwealth Government will cough up the rest.
“This is a gamechanger for almost 200 local properties,” Ms Haylett said.
The Mininera pipeline extension will also enhance firefighting capability, with 10 hydrants and seven firefighting tanks to be installed, adding to the extensive network access already delivered through the East Grampians pipeline.
Earlier stages of the project are already delivering water to properties in areas severely affected by drought, and Ms Haylett said the Mininera Pipeline Extension will further strengthen the region’s future.
Landholder Tim Fraser said he was delighted with progress on the delivery of the pipeline to his district.
“I honestly thought it couldn’t be done. GWMWater and Mitchell Water have been just incredible to deal with and I take my hat off to you,” he said.
Council CEO Dr Tim Harrison said the commencement of work was a great day for local agriculture.
“It’s fantastic to see the state and GWMWater funding the first half of this project and it’s good to see the pipe going in. And a shout out to Mitchell Water, you do a great job, great communicators with our land owners and you do a great job,” he said.
The East Grampians Rural Pipeline Project has made significant progress in recent months, with over 500 km of pipeline installed to date and 372 water meters installed at connected properties.
An additional 18 Country Fire Authority (CFA) fire hydrants and 11 CFA fire tanks have also been installed for fire-fighting purposes.
Water Minister Gayle Tierney said the droject will help drough proof local farms.
“This investment will transform water security for Mininera and the surrounding communities. We’re strengthening drought resilience and creating real opportunities for agricultural growth for generations to come.”
Read More: Ararat