The Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority has secured funding from the Federal Government’s Disaster Ready Fund to deliver the Murray Valley Drainage Course Declaration.
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The project is aimed at reducing the risks associated with natural disasters and building resilience across northern Victoria.
The funding will enable the removal of obstructions along natural drainage lines, ensuring water can flow freely during extreme rainfall events.
GBCMA sustainable irrigation manager Carolyn Nigro welcomed the $2.5 million announcement, describing it as a strong vote of confidence for the region.
“This investment is not business as usual — it’s a strategic step to strengthen adaptive capacity and protect our region’s productive land, infrastructure and communities from natural hazards,” she said.
Ms Nigro said the project would deliver long-term benefits by safeguarding productive irrigation land and protecting vital infrastructure.
“It means we can move forward with practical solutions that protect farms, communities and infrastructure from the impacts of flooding.
“This initiative follows the devastating floods of October 2022, which caused widespread damage to farms, roads and communities in the Murray Valley region.
“Once completed, the works will provide flood relief for more than 13,500 hectares of highly productive land, improve disaster resilience and support the region’s agricultural economy.”
Former Cobram dairy farmer and chair of the Shepparton Irrigation Region Forum Heather du Vallon also praised the move.
Construction work on a depression in the Murray Valley.
“It’s a welcome step for farmers and communities who have endured the impacts of flooding,” she said.
“This funding means we can look forward to better drainage and reduced risk in the future.”
The DRF is the government’s flagship disaster risk reduction initiative.
This project is supported by the government’s Disaster Ready Fund in partnership with local stakeholders.
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