Irrigation Drainage
Surface and sub-surface drainage are essential elements of sustainable irrigation in Victoria. They are used to manage water in excess of plant needs and its impact on soil health, the productive capacity of land, and the natural environment.
Surface and sub-surface water management activities have been undertaken by the Victorian Government since the early 1900s with works accelerating during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s to address the growing salinity threat.
Since 1990, government has invested more than $175 million in surface and sub-surface drainage activities, and associated planning and monitoring work. Landholder co-investment in irrigation drainage is at least equivalent to this amount.
Planning for and delivery of regional irrigation drainage programs is integrated with farm and other programs under irrigation Land and Water Management Plans. The provision of drainage will be integrated with irrigation infrastructure modernisation and reconfiguration.
New irrigation developments and major redevelopments must comply with irrigation development guidelines and make provision for drainage and drain water management.