Works and planning on key water infrastructure projects in regional Victoria are now underway thanks to $23.8 million in funding from the Albanese Labor Government and Allan Labor Government to safeguard town water supplies and boost regional water security.
Three projects in regional Victoria have received a combined $10.1 million through the Australian Government's National Water Grid Fund and $13.7 million from the Victorian Government via Gippsland Water, Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water and Central Highlands Water, who are delivering the projects.
- Gippsland Water's $9.57 million Traralgon-Tyers Interconnect project involves constructing a pipeline from the Tyers water supply system to Traralgon - a larger, more reliable and resilient system. The project will significantly increase water security and quality for the towns of Glengarry, Toongabbie, Cowwarr, Willung and Rosedale, while making the region more resilient to climate change. The secure supply will also ensure the region has capacity to accommodate a growing population.
Central Highlands Water's Forest Hill Water Supply Connection project will benefit from $600,000 to investigate an opportunity to connect six towns, including Allendale, Broomfield, Kingston, Newlyn, Smeaton and Springmount to the Ballarat water supply network. While currently serviced by groundwater, connecting to the Ballarat system instead would provide a more secure and climate resilient drinking water supply to 1,200 residents and enable the existing groundwater resource to be considered for agriculture, environment and Traditional Owner self-determined uses.
- Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water's groundbreaking $13.6 million Clean Water for North-West Rural Communities project will construct dedicated treatment facilities at raw-water offtakes in the towns of Nyah and Piangil and at the Waranga Western Channel pump station.
These treatment facilities will improve reliability and provide safer water supply to rural and urban areas which are vulnerable to blue-green algae blooms and blackwater events.
As stated by the Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt
"No matter where you live across Australia you deserve access to clean drinking water, these projects will ensure new high-quality drinking water supplies for our regional Victorian communities.
"The Albanese Labor Government is pleased to partner with the Allan Labor Government to deliver these crucial projects to safeguard our water resources for the communities, industries and environments that rely on them."
As stated by Victorian Minister for Water Gayle Tierney
"The Allan Labor Government knows how vital it is we continue to fund projects that enable us to build on the water security in our regional communities as well as supporting our farmers.
"I'm pleased to be able to partner with the Albanese Labor Government to deliver these projects that not only improve water quality in our regions but prepare us for population growth and the challenges of living with a drying climate."
ENDS
