Each year, Barossa grape growers will now have access to 265 megalitres of treated wastewater for vineyard irrigation under a landmark partnership launched in August by Federal Minister for Climate Change and Water, Penny Wong.
“As we tackle the effects of drought and climate change, we need to look at new ways of using available water resources more efficiently,” Senator Wong said during a visit to the
Barossa.
“The Barossa Water Reuse Project is an excellent example of industry working with various levels of government to identify innovative solutions to local water needs.
“The project will reduce Barossa grape growers’ reliance on the River Murray and will provide an environmentally sound use for the treated water from Council’s Community Wastewater Management Scheme.”
Located 70 kilometres northeast of Adelaide, the Barossa is one of Australia’s prime tourism destinations, renown for its premium food, wine and natural environment.
With water the most important element in assuring a consistent supply and quality of wine grapes, this innovative $2.44 million joint project between Barossa Council and Barossa Infrastructure Limited (BIL) is part of Council’s commitment to support the local viticulture industry.
BIL was formed by the Barossa wine grape growers to provide a reliable and quality supplementary irrigation water system to the River Murray.
This will improve financial returns and expand the productivity capacity of the Barossa region in line with market demands.
The partnership project involves construction of
12 kilometres of connecting pipeline and a pumping station to initially take 265 megalitres per year of recycled water from a new treatment and storage lagoon at the Nuriootpa wastewater treatment plant to vignerons and irrigators.
This will eventually be increased to 600 megalitres per year.
BIL Chairman David Klingberg said the B class treated wastewater was previously channelled into the North Para River.
“Reclaiming and recycling this water for land based irrigation will reduce the draw on the depleted River Murray system, protect the fragile North Para River environment and contribute to BIL’s goal to support sustainable viticulture in the Barossa,” he said.
Barossa Mayor Brian Hurn praised the innovative partnership between BIL and Barossa Council, which he said represents best practice.
“In a difficult economic climate, this is a major step forward in droughtproofing viticultural activities in the Barossa, which represent more than seven per cent of the national wine grape area and produce some of the best wines in the country,” he said.
The Water Reuse Project has been supported with $599,000 of Australian Government funding from the Water Smart Australia program.
The scheme is due for completion by the end of this month.
For more information on the Water Reuse Project visit
www.environment.gov.au/water
