Farmers west of Melbourne can now access a reliable, year-round recycled water supply. This is thanks to the completion of the first stage of the Western Irrigation Network (WIN) project.
The project will:
- improve water security
- increase agricultural productivity
- reduce reliance on rainfall-dependent water sources.
Delivered by Greater Western Water, the network will supply around 2.4 billion litres of recycled water to farms in its first year. This will help irrigate about 1,500 hectares of farmland near Bacchus Marsh.
Investing in long-term water security
The $116 million project provides farmers with access to a reliable alternative water source. This will help them manage dry conditions and plan for the future with greater confidence.
The first stage includes more than 28 kilometres of pipeline connecting the Melton Recycled Water Plant to farms in the agricultural region.
The project also involved the construction of:
- a pipeline beneath the Werribee River
- 3 transfer pumping stations
- a one-billion-litre winter storage dam.
The project demonstrates how recycled water can provide practical benefits for regional communities. The network will boost farm productivity by reducing reliance on rainfall. This will help agricultural businesses adjust to changing climate conditions.
With the taps now on, the first farms are reaping the rewards of a dependable water source. This is currently helping farmers grow crops for livestock recently affected by drought in Victoria.
Building for the future
The WIN project has been designed with future growth in mind. As more stages are delivered and more farms join the network, the scheme could supply up to 18 billion litres of recycled water each year.
The project is jointly funded by the Australian Government, through the National Water Grid Fund, the Victorian Government and private agribusinesses.
