Western Irrigation Futures Customer Workshops

2 What is the Western Irrigation Futures? Long-term strategic direction for the Werribee and Bacchus Marsh Irrigation Districts Explore issues such as: – Water Quality and security – Channel system condition and options – Environmental requirements – Customer and SRW financial viability Develop Atlas to set understanding of districts Draft Options Paper to government by end of year

3 Purpose of workshop Immediate Water Supply outlook – River Water outlook – Recycled Water Supply including scheme extension – Emergency Water Supplies Western Irrigation Futures –Outline project and process –Opportunity to to make suggestions on possible water supply options

4 Project outline… Develop a Long-term strategic direction for the Werribee and Bacchus Marsh Irrigation Districts –Develop Atlas to form a common understanding of key characteristics of districts for discussion about the future –Technical workshops. Topics include: On-farm Bulk water Environmental Water supply –Seek suggestions on possible water supply options for consideration –Develop draft Options Paper for presentation to Government later this year Began Nov 07 May 09 April/May 09 By December 09 Launched April 09 Timeline

5 Challenges we all face… Finding secure fit-for-purpose water supply Adjusting to impacts of climate change Working collaboratively to find new and innovative solutions Constantly seeking to adapt to changed conditions Reflecting on the past is helpful but moving together in new directions to overcome challenges is more productive long term

6 Where to next? Narrowing of options to remove those deemed unfeasible (July/August) Further period to allow for validation, refinement and technical analysis of possible options by end of October Final draft Options Paper for consideration by Government

7 Why a strategy?

8 What is a successful future?