South East Water is building for the future in Pakenham East, with a major infrastructure project delivering new water, recycled water and sewer mains to support one of Melbourne’s fastest-growing communities.
The $2.1 billion capital investment forms part of the utility’s broader effort to meet Victoria’s housing and sustainability targets, ensuring essential services are in place for more than 7,000 new homes, schools and community facilities.
Delivered in partnership with Zinfra, Jaydo and WSP Joint Venture, the project involves the installation of 12 kilometres of pipeline, with trenching, tunnelling and pipe-laying now well underway.
South East Water General Manager Liveable Water Solutions Charlie Littlefair said the works are a critical investment in long-term water security and sustainable urban growth. “These major works are a great example of how we’re building for the future while meeting the needs of customers today,” Littlefair said.
“With rapid growth across residential and non-residential developments, we’re working closely with our partners to deliver water services, including much-needed recycled water infrastructure,” he said. “In a drying climate, expanding our recycled water network across Melbourne is important to securing long-term water supplies for homes, businesses and green spaces.”
Future-ready infrastructure for a growing community
Pakenham East covers 630 hectares in Melbourne’s southeast and sits within the Cardinia Shire Council’s Pakenham East Precinct Structure Plan (PSP). The suburb is part of the Victorian Housing Statement, which prioritises fast-tracked housing delivery supported by modern infrastructure.
The works, scheduled to continue until mid-2026, will ensure reliable services for thousands of residents while supporting future commercial and industrial development.
South East Water’s five-year investment strategy includes major infrastructure upgrades across its 14,700 kilometres of water pipes, 1,500 kilometres of recycled water pipelines and 11,600 kilometres of sewer mains. These investments are designed to enhance system resilience, facilitate climate adaptation, and improve customer service outcomes.
Littlefair said proactive planning and strong industry collaboration were key to South East Water’s success in delivering essential services. “Projects like Pakenham East highlight how early investment in water infrastructure helps unlock land for new housing while ensuring we can meet the needs of future communities sustainably,” he said.
For more information about the Pakenham East project, visit South East Water’s Pakenham East upgrades page.