Barwon Water sets up for major pipeline upgrade

A major upgrade of the Melbourne to Geelong Pipeline (MGP) has commenced and will be finished later this year, improving water security.

A significant enhancement of the Melbourne to Geelong Pipeline (MGP) is underway and set for completion later this year, boosting water security.

The project will increase capacity and expand the pipeline’s reach starting next summer, helping to meet growing demand across Geelong, Bellarine, and the Surf Coast.

Barwon Water‘s Acting Managing Director David Snadden said the MGP is an important water source that supplements the region’s existing supply system.

“While storage levels are currently satisfactory, we continue to make important investments in securing our water future through upgrading the Melbourne to Geelong Pipeline and increasing recycled water for non-drinking water purposes, while focusing on water efficiency and conservation measures,” Mr Snadden said.

“The pipeline upgrade will ensure Barwon Water can continue to provide high quality, affordable and secure services to our customers.”

The MGP connects Geelong’s water supply networks (at Lovely Banks) with Melbourne’s water supply network (at Cowies Hill, west of Werribee).

Barwon Water accessed 2,500 million litres via the MGP in 2023-24. During this period, total demand across the service region increased by 11 per cent, driven by population growth and below-average rainfall.

The upgrade will provide access to up to 22,000 million litres per year from Melbourne – an increase of 6,000 million litres annually.

It will also allow Barwon Water to return 3.7 billion litres of Moorabool River water entitlement, which will be shared between the Victorian Environmental Water Holder and the Wadawurrung.

Construction works are expected to be completed in late 2025, paving the way for its operation during the 2025/26 summer period.

Construction sites include:

  • A new pump station on Ballan Road in Wyndham Vale
  • Augmentation of the existing Lovely Banks pump station
  • Pipework upgrade at Pettavel Basins in Waurn Ponds Shane Fowles, Strategic Communications Advisor 0447 064 792
  • Control valves installation at Montpellier basins in Highton
  • Pipeline improvements in Tarneit and Little River

For more information on the project, please visit https://www.yoursay.barwonwater.vic.gov.au/melbourne-geelong-pipeline

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