Coliban Water is investing $40 million across 10 years to revitalise water and wastewater infrastructure for central and north Victoria.
This will see a new pump station, pipeworks and water treatment technologies built in Cohuna, with works kicking off in early 2026. Projects will follow in Axedale, Echuca, Malmsbury, and Goornong, building on recent water and sewer network upgrades in Bendigo.
Coliban Water has implemented a long-term partnership approach for the Big Water Build, working with delivery partners over several years rather than hiring different contractors for each job.
This has seen contracts awarded to five new delivery partners. Civil and Earth Australia and Leed Engineering and Construction will carry out civil and earthworks projects, with Guidera O’Connor Construction, Laurie Curran Water, and Filtec International working on mechanical and electrical systems.
“A key advantage of the model is the local benefits it delivers,” Coliban Water said. “The long-term nature of the partnership provides opportunity for contractors to establish local bases, utilise local suppliers and subcontractors, and employ locally.”
Coliban Water managing director Damian Wells said a long-term partnership approach enables the utility to spend “money more efficiently” and build “strong relationships with contractors who care about using local materials and supporting our communities”.
The Big Water Build serves two purposes: providing drinking water for the region while managing wastewater from households.
“These essential upgrades will make sure we can continue to provide clean drinking water to our towns and suburbs,” Wells said. “We supply more than 22,256 megalitres of drinking water to over 180,000 customers a year.”
“By upgrading our aging infrastructure and water systems, we’re making sure our services are more reliable, we’re ready for more people and changing weather, and we use environmentally friendly practices.”
Coliban Water will spend around $30 million across the first five years to focus on the most important upgrades first, with improvements to lagoon systems at water reclamation plants accompanying new pump stations and treatment plant upgrades.
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