Bacchus Marsh agribusinesses will grow and strengthen the town’s economy after the replacement of an ageing water main on one of Victoria’s cultural and historic treasures.
Visiting the Avenue of Honour today, Minister for Water Lisa Neville marked the official commissioning of the new water main. The avenue is one of Victoria’s preeminent World War I memorials.
Western Water worked closely with the Bacchus Marsh RSL, Moorabool City Council’s arborist, Heritage Victoria and local businesses to ensure the avenue’s trees were protected and preserved during construction.
The Avenue of Honour is home to some of Bacchus Marsh’s best-known agricultural businesses, supplying fruit and vegetables to the region and beyond. It’s also the centre of the annual Strawberries and Cherries Festival, which attracts around 15,000 people to the region to pick fruit.
The new water main has a secure, higher capacity water supply that will benefit local the local economy.
Trenchless technology was used during the project and tree root zones were established to minimise impacts on the environment.
The majority of the 281 trees planted in 1918 in remembrance of those from the region who served in WWI still remain after almost a century.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Water and Police Lisa Neville
“Having a reliable, secure water supply will give businesses in the Avenue of Honour the confidence to grow, creating new employment opportunities for the region.”
“This project is a great example of a water corporation working in partnership with local communities to achieve great results.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Melton Don Nardella
“This is one of Victoria’s cultural and historic treasures and it’s great to see so much work is being done to preserve it.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020