A major Melbourne to Geelong Pipeline (MGP) upgrade is underway to supplement regional water supplies during dry conditions.
The project will increase the capacity and expand the reach of the pipeline, helping to meet growing demand across Geelong, Bellarine, and the Surf Coast starting this summer.
Barwon Water Managing Director Shaun Cumming said the MGP is a vital water source which supplements the region’s existing supply system.
“The pipeline upgrade will ensure Barwon Water can continue to provide high quality, affordable, and secure services to our customers,” Cumming said. “This is part of a balanced approach to managing resources and providing greater water security, as our region’s population grows.”
The MGP connects Geelong’s water supply networks (at Lovely Banks) with Melbourne’s water supply network (at Cowies Hill, west of Werribee).
Minister for Water Gayle Tierney joined Mr Cumming last week to view progress on the augmentation of the Lovely Banks pump station and announce a 50 GL order from the Victorian Desalination Plant, to counter the impact of drier conditions.
The Victorian Desalination Plant can provide up to one-third of Melbourne’s annual water demand, underpinning supply not just for Melbourne but also for Geelong and parts of Gippsland.
“We know that in a severe drought storage levels can drop by 20 per cent in as little as a year, which is why we’re acting now to avoid water restrictions and put us in a strong position for the long term,” Tierney said.
Upgrades to the MGP will support Geelong’s access to this water security, increasing its annual capacity from 16,000 million litres to 22,000 million litres per year.
The upgrade 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 on the MGP upgrade are expected to be completed in late 2025, paving the way for its operation during the 2025/26 summer period.
For more information on the project, please visit https://www.yoursay.barwonwater.vic.gov.au/melbourne-geelong-pipeline.
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