Melbourne Water has completed the construction of a $22 million water pipeline in Melbourne’s north-west – ensuring a secure water supply for suburbs across Brimbank, Melton and Hume.
The construction of the 4.15km-long Holden Reservoir Inlet Pipeline began in July 2019, and can hold 47ML – or the equivalent of around 19 Olympic-sized swimming pools worth of water.
The pipeline is located within the centre median strip of the Melton Highway from Calder Park Drive to Sanctuary Road in the outer suburb of Hillside.
The pipeline will provide water supplies from the critical Greenvale-Sydenham transfer system to support Melbourne’s rapidly expanding outer north-west, with that population set to double over the next two decades.
Of the 1.5 million new homes tipped to be built across Melbourne by 2051, almost half are expected in the city’s northern and western suburbs.
Significant planning went into developing the pipeline’s location to ensure water supply demands are met while reducing environmental and community impacts.
Melbourne Water has worked closely with a range of stakeholders to complete the project – including City West Water, Western Water, VicRoads, Melton City Council, Brimbank City Council and local businesses.
Melbourne Water’s General Manager, Major Project Delivery, Eamonn Kelly, said the next stage of the project involves construction of two 30ML storage tanks on land at the western end of the pipeline.
“We’re pleased to provide residents and businesses with this world-class infrastructure that will ensure we meet the growing demand for water in the outer north-west,” Mr Kelly said.
“With tens of thousands of people set to call this area home over the next few decades, it’s vital that we provide them with access to a reliable water supply.
“We thank the Hillside and Plumpton communities for their patience and understanding during the construction and delivery of this important project.”
The first tank is planned to be built by 2028 and the second for 2040.
