Safety first as Murray Irrigation Winter Works ramp up

Murray Irrigation is calling on the community to take extra care on the region's roads as it begins ramping up its annual Winter Works program. 

The company is taking advantage of the colder months to carry out approximately $8 million in life extension works, infrastructure repairs, upgrades and asset inspections across its vast irrigation network.

The range of activity scheduled to take place across Murray Irrigation's service footprint throughout this period includes regulator and culvert remediation, erosion control works, channel desilting, upgrades to access bridges and roads, channel bank repairs and general maintenance activities that cannot be completed in-season. 

Under a joint initiative between Murray Irrigation, Berrigan Shire, Edward River, Federation, Murray River and Murrumbidgee councils, engineering consultants will also be conducting load assessments on a number of council-owned public bridges located within these five Local Government Areas. This project is funded through the NSW Government's Fixing Country Roads program – Round 6, and is being administered by Murray River Council. 

CEO Ron McCalman said Murray Irrigation's Winter Works program is critical to prolonging the operational life of the company's $1 billion worth of assets, and to ensuring its water delivery service is kept performing at its optimal best. 

The Winter Works will commence east of Barooga at the end of May. There will be an increase in heavy machinery activity and vehicle movements as the Murray Irrigation crews and contracting teams work their way west over the coming weeks and months.

Mr McCalman emphasised that safety remains a key focus for the business during this busy period. 

"Murray Irrigation is committed to the safety, health and wellbeing of our staff, contractors, customers and the broader community," Mr McCalman said.

"Performing our Winter Works safely is our highest aim." 

If you come across a Murray Irrigation work site, please make sure you:

• Slow down
• Keep a look out for traffic signage
• Adhere to changed road conditions 
• Please remember that just because you don't see our work crews, doesn't mean they are not there. 

If you wish to report a safety issue, please contact Murray Irrigation on 1300 138 265 or email: customersupport@murrayirrigation.com.au

Photo: Murray Irrigation management and supervisors inspecting side wall maintenance on the Mulwala Canal regulators with our SCADA Technician Team, during last year’s Winter Works.