Welcome to the Hunter Wine
Country
Private Irrigation District
The Hunter Wine Country Private Irrigation District pipeline
is a community initiated, funded and constructed irrigation water distribution
system serving 384 vineyards, golf courses and tourism facilities in the
Pokolbin district. The project is expected to provide up to 600 jobs and
stimulate $140,000,00 of private investment
This underground pipeline, completed in February 2000, was
designed, constructed and operational in 26 weeks. It is 130km of modified PVC
pressure pipe ranging in size from 80mm to 450mm. There are a total of 11
pumping stations housing 38 pumps with a total pumping power of 1300kw. The
pumps and service meters are controlled by a remote SCADA/telemetry system.
Annual water delivery is 5,000 megalitres to an area of 500km2 with 150km2 being
irrigated.
The project was established under the Private Irrigation Districts Act 1973 and is the largest privately owned and operated scheme under this legislation. The pipeline effectively drought proofs the vineyards of the Pokolbin district and was established under the Private Irrigation Districts Act 1973, it is the largest privately owned and operated scheme of its type.
This project is testimony to the ability of the community
to work with 2 local councils, the State and Federal Governments to establish
community infrastructure on time on budget.
Opportunities for new membership are extremely
limited.
Non-members who have further questions should contact a board member