The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is pleased to advise that stage one of the multimillion dollar Benwell Surface Water Management System (SWMS) project is currently on time and within budget. Stage one of project, which is managed by Goulburn–Murray Water, involves construction of 6 km of primary drain, a pump station and 700 metres of pipeline between the Murray River and Koondrook–Murrabit Road.

The Benwell SWMS aims to improve the surface water management in the Koondrook–Benjeroop sub-catchment and reduce the impacts of water logging, raised groundwater levels, water quality and salinity on productive agricultural land and the neighbouring Benwell and Guttram State Forests. Construction of Stage 1 commenced in March 2009.

“The construction of the Benwell SWMS will enable the North Central CMA and regional partners to improve regional surface water management and reach the targets set out in the Loddon Campaspe Irrigation Region Land and Water Management Plan,” explained Damian Wells, North Central CMA Chief Executive Officer. “Goulburn-Murray Water has done very good job on the construction of the project to date.”

“All existing infrastructure on local properties impacted by this project, such as re-use systems and on-farm drains, will be reinstated to the same level as previously existed. Stage two will see the construction of the remaining primary drain extending another 10 km up the Koondrook– Benjeroop Catchment. This is expected to commence in July 2010,” said Mr Wells.

“The project has received widespread community support. I have visited the site on a number of occasions with local community people, and they continue to show keen interest in the construction of the surface water management system, which will have a positive impact for the irrigation community once complete,” Mr Wells concluded.


For further information please contact: 

Communications Officer, North Central CMA
PO Box 18, Huntly VIC 3551
t: 03 5448 7124
e: info@nccma.vic.gov.au