South Gippsland will be connected to the state’s water grid for the first time, with water flowing today to Korumburra and soon to flow to a remaining three towns in Victoria’s south east, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Water Lisa Neville today visited the $43 million Lance Creek Water Connection Project, which includes a $30 million investment from the Labor Government, and turned on the pumps as water flowed for the first time to Korumburra at the Lance Creek Water Treatment Plant.
The project, which is ahead of schedule, will boost water security to communities in South Gippsland, connecting Korumburra, Nyora, Loch and Poowong to Victoria’s water grid and the Desalination Plant for the first time.
The Lance Creek Water Connection Project has injected 45 new construction jobs into the region and an additional seven new direct positions at South Gippsland Water to help manage the project.
The project will have flow-on benefits for local businesses and employers such as Burra Foods, who employ more than 180 local staff and purchase milk from more than 160 milk supply partners.
The project is ahead of schedule, with the new pipeline to Korumburra now complete and water now being delivered to Korumburra – water restrictions were in place earlier this year.
The pipeline is now complete with the project to connect the remaining towns of Loch, Nyora and Poowong, with water to flow to these towns by November. This will mean no water restrictions are expected this summer for these communities that have been doing it tough.
As a result, South Gippsland Water has been working to adjust water sources, supply and treatment processes for Korumburra, Poowong, Loch and Nyora customers.
As part of the project, communities on the Bass Coast including Inverloch, Wonthaggi and Cape Paterson – who have already been connected to the state’s water grid – have had their connection tested and commissioned.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Water Lisa Neville
“The Lance Creek Pipeline will connect South Gippsland to the state’s water grid, delivering the water security these towns need.”
“Providing access to Melbourne’s water system will give local businesses confidence in their water supply and the security they need to continue investing in the region – which is good for local jobs.”
Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing
“These communities have been doing it tough with water restrictions in the past – that’s why we’re investing in this project.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020