Two new projects, jointly funded by the Albanese and Allan Governments, will strengthen Victorian water resilience, improve network performance, and deliver updated climate information for long-term water planning. The combined 12.3 million dollar commitment targets both immediate system upgrades and future-facing climate assessment needs across the sector.
The Westernport Water Distribution Network Resilience project is the centrepiece of the investment, with 11.3 million dollars allocated to new and upgraded storages, improved integration with the Victorian Desalination Pipeline, modern treatment infrastructure and smart telemetry across four critical sites. Delivered by Westernport Water, the works will enhance water quality, increase supply security, and reduce reliance on emergency carting during peak demand periods.
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How Westernport upgrades will strengthen Victorian water resilience
The Westernport service area is home to more than 23,000 residents and receives about 3 million visitors each year. The upgraded network will support growth across Phillip Island, San Remo and key mainland communities, while improving cultural access and long-term climate resilience.
Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said the investment responds to rising pressure on regional systems. “
With the dual challenges of climate change and population growth, we are seeing growing demand for water security and climate information to guide water infrastructure investment,” Watt said.
He said the Westernport project will deliver immediate benefits for local communities.
“The crucial project set to commence early next year in Westernport will support the more than 23,000 people living in the region, as well as the 3 million people who visit each year,” he said.
Victorian Minister for Water Gayle Tierney said the upgrades will ensure the network can meet emerging needs.
“The Westernport Water Distribution Network Resilience Project will increase network resilience, water security and water quality to meet significant growth, supporting 27 regional townships in the Westernport network,” Tierney said.
New climate information to support Victorian water resilience planning
A further 1 million dollars will fund the Climate Information and Guidance for Water Infrastructure Planning project. This science initiative will update hydroclimate projection models used in water security planning across Victoria and develop new guidance materials to help water corporations apply climate information consistently.
The project will support clearer, evidence-based decisions as conditions become more variable. Watt said updated climate data is essential for future investment.
“The new science project will provide updated climate information needed to help the water sector better understand climate change impacts on water resources. This evidence will underpin future water infrastructure investment decisions made across the state,” he said.
Tackling climate variability is a growing priority for the sector, with Victoria experiencing both extreme rainfall events and prolonged drought.
Tierney said the tools developed through the project will help water corporations strengthen long-term planning.
“Giving the water sector the right tools to assess the impacts of our changing climate will help them to ensure Victoria’s water supply remains reliable, affordable and high quality,” she said.
The combined investments signal continued support for Victorian water resilience, ensuring regional communities and utilities are better equipped to manage future demand and climate uncertainty.