Pressure on pipeline plan

By Kath Gannaway
PRESSURE is mounting against the State Government’s proposed pipeline from the Goulburn River to Sugarloaf Reservoir.
Steels Creek farmers and environmentalists were among an estimated 40 people who attended a Melbourne Water information session in Yarra Glen earlier this month.
Two possible routes along the Melba Highway were put forward for the 70 kilometre Sugarloaf Interconnector – one deviating down Hunts Lane and along Steels Creek Road and the other deviating at Symonds Street almost in the heart of Yarra Glen township.
The government claims the $750 million pipeline would deliver 75 billion litres of water to Melbourne – a third of the estimated water savings it says will be made by upgrading the current irrigation system.
But Lindsay Brownell, vice-president of Kinglake Landcare and member of the Upper Goulburn Landcare Network, says the environmental impact alone is reason enough not to go ahead with the project.
The effect on the Murray-Darling system and the huge cost to the environment from the energy needed to drive the pipeline were just two concerns, he said.
Nola and Ken Bethell are not happy about the prospect of a pipeline easement running through their Steels Creek cattle property.
“Naturally we don’t want the easement which would mean them (Melbourne Water) having to have complete access and putting in gates from our property through to other properties,” Mrs Bethell said.
A stand of 150 year old gum trees is also under threat, she said.
McEwen MP Fran Bailey told the Mail that talks with federal environment minister Malcolm Turnbull indicated the impact on the flow of the Goulburn River and ultimately on the Murray-Darling could provide the means to stop the project.
“Eventually the State Government is going to have to put in a report under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act,” Ms Bailey said.
“I am hoping there is some aspect of this whole proposal which does enable us to override it.” Ms Bailey said.
Yarra Glen Township Group chairman Malcolm Calder also voiced concerns and called for more discussion.
He said the pipeline would be discussed at the YGTG meeting this Thursday at 6pm at the office of accountant Steven Shortis.
“It is likely a request will be made to the shire to arrange a meeting with Melbourne Water to inform the people of Yarra Glen and district about the project,” he said.
The YGTG meeting is open to the public.