CICL Resilient Rivers Water Infrastructure Program – project funding.

13 August 2025

Dear Members and Customers,

As you may be aware, CICL has been working together with Murray Irrigation and Murrumbidgee Irrigation over the past six months, on a feasibility project funded by the Commonwealth Government under its Resilient Rivers Water Infrastructure Program. The core purpose was to identify and minimise any likely impacts of water buybacks on our customers and the local community, and to highlight potential water-saving opportunities within our footprint.

As expected, this recent work reflects that material efficiency gains have already been made through past government programs and other CICL commitments on behalf of you, our members. We are proud of our history of operational improvements and the capabilities of our delivery network.

Nonetheless, we are always looking for ways to improve further. Several minor projects within the CICL network have now been identified for progression through the various stages of NSW Government approvals and ultimately, assessment by the Commonwealth for funding. These projects are detailed here for public comment, specifically in relation to their socio-economic impact assessment. The collective water savings identified in the preliminary studies amounts to a total of approximately 1GL, relating exclusively to CICL’s conveyance entitlements.

Please note there is a further set of individual projects identified as a combination of on-farm/off-farm work (e.g. moving or consolidating outlets or rationalising channel sections). The government’s tight timeframes have not allowed these ideas to be scrutinised at a farm level, so they are not included in the current application. However, if any of the applications proceed, we would aim to incorporate these farm-level projects also. Naturally, we would consult with affected customers.

CICL member feedback has indicated a high level of interest in CICL pursuing water efficiency measures, however there are mixed responses in relation to contributing water savings towards Basin Plan targets. In accordance with CICL Rules, any transactions involving entitlements under CICL’s conveyance licence will need formal approval by members. If any project applications progress through both NSW and Commonwealth processes of assessment, and the CICL Board determines that the idea is viable, then member approval would be sought.

We’d like to thank those who have contributed in developing these projects through calls, emails and online survey responses. The information gathered and the management tools developed during this process will prove valuable in ensuring we continue managing our precious water resources carefully on your behalf.

Julian Speed

CEO