$24.8M for recycled water pipeline in Melbourne’s South East

The Victorian Government has announced $24.8 million in funding for the Dingley Recycled Water Scheme, which will include a new 42km pipeline to deliver recycled water to Melbourne’s South East.

The pipeline will deliver 1,800ML of recycled water to 46 sites, including parks, golf courses, sports ovals, laundromats, market gardens and nurseries in the Kingston, Monash and Bayside communities of Melbourne.

This funding is part of $56.6 million investment announced in the Victorian Budget 2022/23 to support the delivery of the Central and Gippsland Regional Sustainable Water Strategy. 

The strategy sets out the State Government’s long-term plan to improve water security, liveability, and waterway health for the next 50 years.

The Dingley Recycled Water Scheme will cost a total of $72 million, partly funded by South East Water. 

Map of where the recycled water will be delivered in Kingston, Monash and Bayside areas. Image courtesy of South East Water.

Victorian Minister for Water, Lisa Neville, said using more recycled water responds to the needs of the growing population sustainably by delivering green public spaces all year round without impacting the drinking water supply.

“Those who remember the Millenium drought in the 2000s will know the impact on businesses, parks and sporting fields and communities – this initiative will provide a rainfall independent water supply,” Ms Neville said.

The construction stage will generate around 38 full-time jobs. 

Once complete the project will support international golf tourism which generates 240 jobs, and provide a climate resilient source of water for connected local businesses in the event of drought. 

The project is set to generate $92 million for the local economy.

Member for Keysborough, Martin Pakula, said, “Victoria boasts some of the best golf courses in the world and this project will help keep our courses greener and attract more golfers to play in Melbourne’s South East.”

Investing in recycled water infrastructure supports Victoria’s response to climate change impacts. 

It allows parkland and golf courses to remain green during dry spells, open up new horticulture business opportunities and tourism, and provide the community with high-quality public open space all year round.

South East Water Acting Managing Director, Charlie Littlefair, said, “Recycled water projects help build resilience into our water systems, strengthening our entire water supply network and helping more of our customers and the community to harness the benefits of a rain independent source of high-quality water.”

The new pipeline will help diversify Victoria’s water sources and meet future water demands of the area’s growing population without impacting on the drinking water supply.

Recycled water is expected to become available by 2025.

Image: Victorian Minister for Water Lisa Neville, Director Dan’s Plants, Danny Selzer, and Acting Managing South East Water, Charlie Littlefair. Image courtesy of South East Water. 

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