Winter Works delivers customer and channel network benefits
TL;DR
Goulburn-Murray Water finished its 2026 winter maintenance program, upgrading channels across the Mallee to improve water delivery reliability.
Location
Mallee
Friday 21 August, 2026
Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) customers are receiving more efficient and reliable water delivery thanks to the water corporation's 2026 Winter Works program.
The program takes place every year during the irrigation off-season from May 16 to August 14 when GMW does not have its usual water delivery obligations.
During this time, GMW undertakes important maintenance and upgrades on its water delivery network including its channels. This ensures the water corporation can continue to supply water in an efficient and timely manner.
GMW General Manager Infrastructure Delivery Services Alan Shea said this year's works had delivered a number of improvements to the water delivery network.
"A key focus of this year's program was repairing and remodelling channel banks, which has improved water delivery and flow," he said.
"That includes desilting, remodelling and rock armouring 1.7km of the MV6 channel near Waaia and 1.07km of the RO 27 channel near Lockington.
"These works help alleviate pressures on our system while also helping increase the lifespan of the channels."
This year's Winter Works focused heavily on improving GMW's existing assets to maintain reliability and future service.
Ageing culverts were replaced or repaired in areas near Macorna, Durham Ox, Strathmerton, Nathalia, Kaarimba and Katamatite.
"We also replaced a bridge on the TO 3 channel near Cohuna and delivered bridge refurbishments near Mitiamo and Tatura," Mr Shea said.
This year's Winter Works program also included about 80 kilometres of channel desilting works and the treatment of weeds across a further 300 kilometres of channel.
Mr Shea said all of the works delivered during the program provided significant benefits.
"Not only do these works help maintain our water delivery network and increase asset life, they also improve water flow," he said.
"That means providing more efficient and reliable water delivery to our customers."
GMW delivered its aquatic weed treatment program by using Flumioxazin (Payload), a herbicide it has used since 2021 due to its effectiveness on target weeds and overall low environmental impact.
Weeds affect water flow, promote silting and cause problems with GMW's automated gates, which can reduce the ability to deliver water to the water corporation's customers.