Angry Victorian farmers were to rally in Melbourne on Tuesday to protest against the state government's plan to take water from the Goulburn Murray irrigation system.
The government plans to send 75 billion litres (75 gigalitres) of water a year from the northern food bowl district through a new pipeline to Melbourne's supplies, in an effort to drought-proof the city.
Hundreds of farmers were expected to gather on the steps of parliament house from about 12.30pm (AEST).
Protester Andrew Leahy, of Kerang, told AAP farmers were angry that the government did not seem to be listening to their concerns.
"Country people don't want water taken out of our areas," he said.
"We don't think taking water from the area where food is produced is the right thing to do, when there are other options for Melbourne, such as dams and storm water (harvesting) and desalination."
The north-south pipeline project is part of the government's $5 billion water strategy which includes a desalination plant on the south-east coast.
Premier John Brumby argues that the water from the food bowl district will be "new water" created from savings made by fixing leaky irrigation infrastructure.
The remainder of the expected water savings, initially 225 gigalitres a year, are to be shared by farmers and the environment.
The federal government has also committed to funding a share of the project.
But critics doubt the state government's projections, saying there is not enough water lost in the system, particularly during drought conditions, to make those savings.
A report last year revealed water would be drawn from existing projects and the Lake Eildon water quality reserve if the promised 75 gigalitres for Melbourne are not created by 2010/11.
Mr Brumby is spending the day in the western regional city of Ballarat.
Water Minister Tim Holding will be at parliament house, giving evidence to the public accounts and estimates committee.
