What is it?
Construction of a reticulated network of pipes, delivering water to rural, urban, recreational and environmental customers throughout the South Wimmera and North East Pyrenees (SWNP) region.
The project would provide a dependable rural water supply to the region. The area of interest comprises some 354,219ha.
Why is it needed?
Victoria's western region is notorious for its hot, dry climate and frequent droughts. The SWNP struggles with unreliable rainfall and inadequate groundwater. Without intervention, the region will continue to face poor water security, hampering its economic, environmental and social growth.
The inability to supply pressurised water to urban and rural customers within the SWNP region has resulted in:
- Variability in the quality and availability of fit-for-purpose water has a dramatic impact on the profitability and viability of many farms and vineyards.
- An absence of convenient, affordable water that is clean and drinkable exposes many households and businesses to significant financial and emotional stress.
- The absence of water in the landscape threatens environmental, cultural and recreational value.
- Delays in sourcing adequate volumes of water close to requirement diminishes the ability to prepare for and control the spread of fires.
The economic benefits of these improvements are estimated at $150 million.
The ask
$5 million to undertake essential pre-construction works including:
- Detailed design.
- Geotechnical investigation/ground condition assessment.
- Environmental Impact Assessments.
- Customer/stakeholder consultation.
- Update of project costing and business case based on assessments and detailed design.
Specifications
- Location: Investigation area includes Glenorchy, Deep Leed, Greens Creek, Wallaloo East, Navarre, Tottington and Stuart Mill.
- State seat: Lowan & Ripon
- Federal seat: Mallee
- Advocacy type: Partner
- Council plan goal: Business buzz: Agriculture, economy and tourism
- What has been done so far:
- Feasibility study and business case
- Aboriginal Waterways Assessment (underway)
- $150 million in economic benefits, primarily increased agricultural productivity.
- Improved waterway health and environmental outcomes.
- Community health and wellbeing benefits.
- Improved regional drought resilience.
- Stronger support bushfire response.
- 250+ jobs during construction.
- Pyrenees Shire Council
- Central Goldfields Shire Council
- GWM Water
- Central Highlands Water
- Victorian Farmers Federation
- Council Plan and Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2025–29
- Pyrenees Shire Council Plan 2025-29
- Central Goldfields Shire Council Plan 2025-29
- Western Regional Sustainable Water Strategy
- National Water Initiative 2024
- Central Highlands Water Urban Water Strategy 2022
- Grampians Regional Climate Adaption Strategy 2021-25
- Wimmera Southern Mallee Drought Resilience Plan