Key water infrastructure projects in Victoria have received a $40.6 million boost thanks to a new funding program helping to safeguard water resources and protect our natural environment.
The Albanese Labor Government is delivering the new $211 million Water Infrastructure for Sustainable and Efficient Regions (WISER) initiative through its National Water Grid Fund, and partnering with state governments, local councils and community groups to deliver infrastructure projects across Australia.
Five projects in regional Victoria will receive a $40.6 million funding boost under the WISER program, with $19.3 million from the Albanese Labor Government and $21.3 million from the Allan Labor Government.
The projects include:
- $10 million Growing the Surf Coast Hinterland and Protecting the Karaaf project which will provide up to 400 megalitres of water available for productive use in the Surf Coast Hinterland and protect the Karaaf coastal saltmarsh from salinity impacts.
- $12 million Rutherglen Reuse Scheme, in north-east Victoria near Albury, will provide up to 365 megalitres per year of recycled water for use in agriculture, green open spaces and housing growth.
- $10 million investment in the Gellibrand River Restoration and Supply Resilience project will provide up to 10 megalitres of groundwater per day for community and industry use to reduce the impacts on the Gellibrand River and support the environmental health of the Gellibrand River Estuary.
- The King Road Recycled Water Wetlands Storage project will get a $4.8 million boost, delivering an additional 60 megalitres of storage, through the construction of a series of wetlands, providing capacity to produce recycled water for re-use.
- $3.8 million Water Security for Buchan project will deliver 700kL in water storage for community use, reconfiguring existing infrastructure and providing a more resilient and secure supply system.
The WISER program is supporting 23 projects in Queensland, Western Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and South Australia to deliver more efficient and sustainable water use in regional communities.
Helping to drive the nation's transition to a circular economy, many of the projects will be powered by renewable energy, use recycled materials, and refurbish existing structures to reduce the construction footprint.
As stated by the Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt
"Victoria has secured $40.6 million under the WISER initiative for five projects that will leave a long-lasting legacy of water security and quality in the regions."
"These infrastructure projects allow us to get on the front foot and efficiently deliver secure water to Australian communities, with big benefits for the environment and our transition to a circular economy.
"The Albanese Labor Government is very pleased to be partnering with State Governments, including here in Victoria, to deliver crucial projects to safeguard our water resources for the communities, industries and environments that rely on them."
As stated by Victorian Minister for Minister for Water Gayle Tierney
"Victoria is no stranger to the impacts of climate change, including devastating storms, floods and drought, so it is vital we look to projects that enable us to utilise alternative water sources and increase the availability of recycled water."
"Victoria continues to deliver critical water infrastructure projects that are good for our communities, industry and the environment."
"I'm pleased to be able to partner with the Albanese Government to deliver much-needed water infrastructure upgrades for communities across the state."
