Key to that progression will be the important feedback we receive from customers and community members.
This includes feedback about our next water pricing submission to the Essential Services Commission, due in 2027, with one of our key priorities for 2026 being customer, community and stakeholder engagement about this.
Our new customer committees will also support us in developing the pricing submission.
Another project set to see significant progression in 2026 is our future services strategy for the pumped irrigation districts of Nyah, Tresco and Woorinen.
Land and water use has changed significantly in these districts over the years and there are also challenges associated with ageing infrastructure.
At a number of community sessions last year customers and community members provided important information to us about their needs within these districts. Their input has been key in helping us develop the strategy.
Another one of these community sessions will take place on February 26 in Swan Hill, where draft future service options will be discussed with attendees.
I look forward to hearing what feedback we receive from this session and how it will inform our final decisions for the strategy.
2026 will also see the old version of our water ordering system, WaterLINE, come to an end, with the new version currently in place.
G-MW teams spent a lot of time developing the new version of WaterLINE, including having it tested by a pilot group of customers for several months.
The old version is still in use until the end of the current irrigation season on May 15, 2026.
I would strongly encourage customers to give the new version a go if they haven’t already.
Customers can ask any questions they want about the new WaterLINE with our Customer Relationship Coordinators (CRCs).
You can book an appointment with one of G-MW’s CRCs anytime by contacting G-MW on 1800 013 357 or via our website. It’s not just progression of WaterLINE and other G-MW projects that I’ll be paying close attention to in 2026 though.
I’m also closely following significant water industry developments including the 2026 Basin Plan review. The review is considering the changes needed to ensure a sustainable and healthy Murray-Darling Basin for the future.
A discussion paper to support public consultation on the review has now been released by the MDBA and I’ll have more to say about this in the near future.
Lastly, for those who are not yet aware, my time at G-MW will come to an end in July this year as I step down from the role of managing director.
I’m working closely with the G-MW board and executive to ensure the transition to a new MD will be smooth. In the meantime, I’m looking forward to these next six months at G-MW and providing further updates for our customers and community members.
– Charmaine Quick
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