Tuesday, 8 September 2026

 Tim McCURDY (Ovens Valley) presented a petition bearing 87 signatures:

Issue:

This petition of residents in Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Assembly that the long-proposed Big Buffalo Dam near Myrtleford has never been comprehensively reassessed despite growing demands for water security, environmental water storage, renewable energy generation, and regional economic development. The land for the project was acquired in the 1960s to preserve the opportunity for future construction. Given Victoria’s increasing water challenges and the need for additional renewable energy storage, there is a strong public interest in undertaking a modern, independent feasibility study to assess the project’s potential benefits and impacts. The study should assess the project’s technical, economic and environmental feasibility, including its potential to improve long-term water security, provide environmental water storage, support downstream water users, enable hydroelectric and/or pumped hydro energy generation and storage, and deliver broader regional economic and community benefits.

Action:

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Assembly calls on the Government to work with the Federal Government to commission a comprehensive, independent feasibility study into the construction of the Big Buffalo Dam near Myrtleford through the National Water Grid Authority, or a similar Commonwealth-funded body.

Ordered that petition be considered tomorrow.