Melbourne-Geelong Pipeline
As our second largest city, Geelong is not only home to many Victorians – it is also a critical part of the State’s economy.
With the population of Greater Geelong expected to grow from around 246,000 today to 314,000 over the next 20 years, it is important that we make sure the region has enough water to continue growing.
The Government’s 2006 Central Region Sustainable Water Strategy committed to providing a major boost to Geelong’s water supply by 2015.
This next stage of the Government’s Our Water Our Future plan delivers on this commitment by adding the Melbourne-Geelong Pipeline to the Victorian Water Grid.
The Pipeline
A $137.9 million pipeline will be built to connect Geelong to Melbourne’s water system by 2011. The pipeline will deliver 16 billion litres of water each year to Geelong, which is close to a 50 per cent boost for this important regional centre. The pipeline will be 55 kilometres in length and the Victorian Government will provide $20 million towards the project.
The connection to Melbourne will allow Geelong to share in the water created from the 150 billion litre desalination plant in the Wonthaggi region.
Geelong will also benefit from the Northern Victoria Irrigation Renewal Project that will deliver an extra 75 billion litres to Melbourne each year.
Funding
The State Government will be contributing $20 million to the project. Water bills for Barwon Water customers will also increase to cover the cost of the pipeline. Contact Barwon Water for further details.
Timing
2009 – Completion of business case
2010 – Construction expected to commence
2011 – Expected completion