News

New automation works to improve channel efficiency

Wed, 17 Dec 2014 11:52:00

A contractor has been announced for another major stage of works in the Sunraysia Modernisation Project (SMP).

Comdain Infrastructure has been appointed to do works which will integrate the remaining channels in the Mildura, Red Cliffs and Merbein irrigation districts into one automated operating system and improve that system’s performance.
The $120 million SMP is the district’s biggest-ever water infrastructure upgrade, and will install new pipelines from early next year to reduce the length of irrigation channel in the district by nearly one-third.
Sunraysia Modernisation Project Director Mike Walsh said the Channel Automation Package of Works will mean water can be distributed more efficiently through the channels, providing better customer service and fewer interruptions to supply.
“Although the main purpose of modernisation project is to replace channels with pipelines, we will still have channels remaining in the Mildura and Red Cliffs Districts and outside the Merbein district beyond Sixth Street.”. 
“Currently the three districts have regulators and pump stations with different standards of equipment and control.  This package of works will integrate operations of the three districts,” he said.
Mr. Walsh said the Channel Automation Package of Works will also reduce reliance on staffing Lower Murray Water’s 14th Street Operations Room for 24 hour a day, seven days a week.
“Comdain will complete the detailed design of the automation network, but we expect upgrading or replacement will be needed for 26 regulators across the irrigation districts,” he said.
Comdain is already playing a key role in the SMP,  after winning the tender in July to replace 2400 outdated rural water meters across the district.  It is currently running about a month ahead of schedule on that project.