West Corurgan Private Irrigation District | 2024 - 25 | Project Management & Assurance, Strategy and Implementation, Water Policy Synthesis

Project Overview
Confluence was engaged by Blackwatch Consulting to support the West Corurgan Private Irrigation District (West Corurgan) conduct a feasibility study in notifying the Murray Valley Connected Wetlands Project as a SDLAM project. Murray Valley Connected Creeks and Wetlands Project (MVCCP), restore 91 km of creek connectivity and 400 ha of ephemeral wetlands through targeted environmental watering delivery infrastructure.

Method and Approach

Confluence supported West Corurgan by assessing MVCCP against SDLAM shortlisting criteria, demonstrating feasibility, operability, and alignment with SDLAM requirement. The approach included analysing infrastructure requirements, environmental outcomes, and water savings, landholder engagement and engaging with key stakeholders across NSW and Commonwealth agencies; and preparing the documentation required for shortlisting, notification, and funding. Confluence also incorporated considerations for Indigenous participation, landholder support, and operational integration with the existing West Corurgan delivery network to ensure the project’s practicality and long‑term viability.

Outcome

The work positioned MVCCP as a credible and technically feasible SDLAM measure that delivers equivalent or improved environmental outcomes with less water, supports threatened ecological communities, and maintains reliability for existing water users. Confluence’s analysis and documentation enabled West Corurgan to advance toward BOC shortlisting and prepare for subsequent stages, including detailed assessment, hydrological modelling, business case development, and funding negotiations—ultimately strengthening the project’s pathway to implementation.