MARIBYRNONG RIVER.
IRRIGATION PROPOSAL.
MINISTER SYMPATHETIC.
A large and influential deputation, representing residents of districts near the basin and tributaries of the Maribyrnong River, waited upon the Minister for Water Supply (Mr. Hutchinson) yesterday with a request for a thorough investigation of the possibilities of an efficient water supply for irrigation and stock and domestic purposes. Mr. Robertson, M.L.A., who introduced the deputation, said that irrigation was as necessary in the southern part of Victoria as in the north. At a meeting in the Melbourne Town Hall of delegates representing public bodies in the watershed of the Maribyrnong River a motion had been agreed to urging the Government to take steps to conserve the water which was now going to waste for the purpose of developing the dry volcanic plains.
Councillor Buckley, of the Shire of Bulla, said that there was very rich soil in the district, but no water. What should be suburbs of Melbourne were at the present time half occupied country districts. The land was held in large areas because small areas would not pay without water. They were in favour of any scheme that could be devised to water the district, but a suggestion of their own was that a dam might be built at Konagadener which would throw the water back seven miles up the Maribyrnong River, and almost the same distance up the Konagadener Creek. This dam would have a depth of 100ft., and the cost of construction would be about £25,250. The level of the bottom of the dam would be sufficiently high to supply water to Bulla, Greenvale Sanatorium, and Oaklands, and from there it would be sent on to the plains down to Williamstown, Sunshine, and Footscray, supplying the whole of the towns in that area. With channelling and reticulation, it was estimated that £100,000 would cover the total cost. There were about 36,000 acres capable of being irrigated, but 10,000 acres watered at £1 an acre would give an ample margin of security after providing interest and sinking fund.
Mr. E. Bradshaw, representing Sydenham, said that in his district a stock and domestic supply was needed. The bulk of the land had been resumed by the Closer Settlement Board, and it had been shown that the areas were too small to grow hay. It had, however, been shown that the soil could be watered, and that vegetables could be grown profitably. They had been told by a departmental officer that the irrigation of their land was not feasible, but they desired a thorough investigation.
Councillor Gilchrist, representing Sunbury, said that they believed that they would be able to supply the fodder requirements of the State if they had sufficient water. It seemed criminal that so much valuable water should be allowed to tun to waste into the sea.
Mr. J. H. Stevens, representing St. Albans, mentioned the proximity of the districts to the Melbourne markets as an argument in favour of the scheme. It had been said that their land was worth twice and three times as much as that on the other side of Melbourne, and yet population was moving towards the poor land. The explanation was the absence of water.
Mr. F. Roberts, representing Deer Park, gave instances of quarries having been closed on account of the lack of water.
Mr. Angliss, M.L.C., Mr. McCutcheon, M.L.A., and Mr. Fenton, M.H.R., supported the request.
In reply, Mr. Hutchinson said that the request had been reasonably and fairly put, and he agreed that it was a modest one. He had admired the strong note of patriotism and the confidence of the speakers in being able to increase greatly the productivity of the soil with the application of stored water. He was satisfied that they were on the right lines, and his answer would be definite. With the Water Commission, he would go into the matter at once. Before discussing the matter with the commission, however, he would have the investigation that had been asked for made by an engineer. There would be no unavoidable delay, but they must realise that during the past few months there had been no harder worked men than the members of the Water Commission and their staff. When the rain came those officials would be relieved somewhat. While no men would be withdrawn from work of more pressing moment during the period of drought, the earliest opportunity would be taken to deal with the deputation’s proposal.
Source: The Argus (VIC); Thu 1 April 1915 (Page 14)
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1507157
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