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Modern Supply System Gives Water Security For Harcourt

20 October 2016

Residents of Harcourt near Bendigo now have a modernised water supply system as the Andrews Labor Government continues to bolster water security for regional communities.

Visiting Geoffrey Thompson Orchards in Harcourt, Minister for Water Lisa Neville officially announced completion of the $40 million project – giving more than 160 Harcourt rural water customers a reliable supply system that meets local needs.

The Harcourt region is well known for its orchards and fruit growing – especially apple production.

Developed by Coliban Water, the system gives customers access to a year-round pressurised supply and replaces the more than a century old concrete and earthern gravity channels.

The new system has 65-kilometres of pipeline, two pump stations and a two billion litre balancing storage tank.

It aims to save three billion litres of water per year for the region.

The 19-kilometre backbone pipeline is an important piece of infrastructure for longer-term water security, enabling a future connection between Bendigo, Castlemaine and Kyneton.

Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation engaged as cultural heritage consultants during planning of the project.

The Andrews Labor Government this week launched Water for Victoria – the state’s water plan – which includes $537 million in projects to bolster the water grid, improve water accessibility for regional and rural communities, and involve Aboriginal Victorians in the management and planning of water resources.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Water Lisa Neville

“This project highlights the importance of working closely with communities to develop water supply solutions to meet local needs.”

“As well as providing water security for the region’s strong agricultural and viticulture industry – this project is producing water savings for the region.”

“It’s also enabling a potential future connection from Bendigo to Castlemaine and Kyneton to expand Victoria’s water grid.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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