Hansard debates

Mrs McARTHUR (Western Victoria) (12:51): My question is for the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change and concerns the planned west Grampians rural pipeline. The pipeline would prove transformational for existing agricultural enterprises, allowing them to consolidate and to expand, as well as serving the towns of Harrow and Edenhope. Without access to underground water they currently rely for supply on run-off into catchment dams and rivers and streams. Both are uncertain and can fail. West Wimmera councillors tell me that carting in water wrecks businesses and stops new ones opening. It destroys jobs and property values and eventually shrinks populations and weakens towns. Every job created is hard won for them. But this pipeline will be truly transformational infrastructure, making businesses and communities viable, attracting jobs and enhancing property and land values. It is five years since feasibility funding was given to the project, so, Minister, when will you support the communities which so badly need this enabling infrastructure?