Construction is underway on a new 11-kilometre pipeline to help secure Colac’s water supply as the Andrews Labor Government works to bolster the water grid and put people first across Victoria.
Colac will be connected to the Geelong system by the middle of next year, giving local residents and irrigators a secure water supply into the future.
The project has been fast-tracked by two years after an updated water security assessment revealed a forecast growth in demand for water.
Colac’s water is currently sourced from the West Gellibrand and Olangolah reservoirs. The project will see the construction of a new off-take from the Wurdee Boluc channel, a new 50 million litre storage basin and pump station at the Gerangamete treatment plant.
The 11-kilometre pipeline will run from the treatment plant to the existing Colac supply pipeline.
The $19.3 million upgrade will allow the city to access water from the West Barwon Reservoir at Forrest and, if needed, the Barwon Downs borefield. The upgrade – due to be completed in mid-2017 – will effectively double the capacity of the city’s supply.
Local Colac district companies are involved in the project including R Slater & Sons, BDH Constructions and Armistead Earthmoving.
For the last two years, we have been building the water infrastructure our state needs to support Victorian communities.
Water for Victoria also sets out a plan to further expand the grid, protect jobs and agriculture, recognise Aboriginal water values and improve environmental health.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Water Lisa Neville
“This project not only benefits the local Colac economy, it’ll give the region the water security it needs into the future to protect its communities.”
“The need for water restrictions in Colac earlier this year highlighted the vulnerability of the current water supply system – and it’s great to see construction of the new pipeline underway.”
Quote attributable to Barwon Water Managing Director Joe Adamski
“The new pipeline will diversify Colac’s water supply network, ensuring we manage supplies to support the city’s liveability and economic growth.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020