Construction is set to begin soon on North East Water’s new Mount Beauty raw water offtake, which will ensure a secure and sustainable drinking water supply for the local community and surrounding areas.
The existing infrastructure, built in the 1970s, has reached the end of its service life. After a detailed planning process and independent review, the final design has now been confirmed.
North East Water General Manager Planning and Infrastructure, Guy Wilson-Browne, said community engagement had played a central role in shaping the outcome.
“We’ve adopted an alternative pump station design that was supported by our Community Reference Group and the majority of survey participants in 2024,” Wilson-Browne said. “The revised design moves the pump building further away from the river to the pondage side of Embankment Drive, and importantly, it does not include a weir across the river.”
Community feedback shapes design and location decisions
Residents are now being invited to help refine the project’s visual and architectural design. Two proposed external design concepts are open for feedback, one inspired by Mount Bogong and the other by the Kiewa River.
Wilson-Browne said the community’s views would continue to influence the project as it moves toward delivery.
“Once we’ve received this feedback, our project design team will finalise the plans and share the updated designs with the community,” he said.
The revised design reflects a strong focus on environmental protection and visual integration with the natural landscape. It also supports operational resilience, reducing potential impacts on the Kiewa River system while improving long-term efficiency.
Next steps for delivery and long-term benefits
Engineering works for the Mount Beauty raw water offtake will go to tender in the coming months, with construction scheduled to begin in April 2026. The new facility is expected to be operational by summer 2027–28.
Wilson-Browne said the initiative underscores North East Water’s commitment to sustainable water infrastructure across regional Victoria.
“We thank the Mount Beauty community for its continued interest and input into this important project, which will help secure a safe and sustainable water supply for generations to come,” he said.
Community members can share their feedback on the pump station design until 28 November 2025 via the North East Water website.