Coliban Water is delivering one of the largest capital investment programs since the formation of the water authority, with close to $500 million in investment planned.
Coliban Water Managing Director, Damian Wells, said that as the business enters the second year of its five-year regulated pricing period, monitored by the Essential Services Commission, it is an opportunity to reflect on its progress.
“Fronting up to the key challenges of climate change, population growth and ageing assets shaped our pricing submission in 2023. We’re now delivering on these commitments we made for our region,” Mr Wells said.
“We know our decisions today deliver value for our customers while ensuring readiness to serve future generations. We want to demonstrate a sustained track record of performance, continue to pursue operational excellence and be a reliable, efficient water utility for our customers. As we step into year two of this journey, we have a solid foundation to build from, with 2023/24 proving to be a strong performance year.”
Coliban Water has delivered $73 million in its annual capital program to date. Annual investment has more than doubled in three years (from $31.3 million in 2020/21) and will continue to grow, with some important projects ahead.
This includes a significant upgrade of the Bendigo and Castlemaine Water Reclamation Plants. The first stage of upgrades, to be broken ground at the Bendigo site in Epsom near the end of 2025, is planned.
Drinking water networks and treatment processes have been improved from Echuca in the north to Trentham in the south, including the key growth areas of Epsom, Huntly and Marong.
“The investment we’re making now across the board will benefit almost 180,000 people who call our region home by delivering core water and wastewater services we provide and our environmental stewardship,” Mr Wells said.
“We’ve also doubled our Coliban Assist program. Including utility relief grants, we have provided more than $1 million in financial support to reach thousands of customers who needed extra support.”
Several flood recovery works have been completed, including the reinstatement of the Lake Eppalock Pump Station, which suffered major damage in 2022. It is one of the region’s most crucial pieces of water infrastructure, and work included upgrades to internal switchboards, pumps, and motors to improve the asset’s long-term sustainability. It is now easier to operate and safer for those working onsite.
“For our staff, we’ve reduced the gender wage gap from nine per cent to three per cent, with the most senior levels of our business achieving gender equity. We’ve improved staff engagement and satisfaction for the third year in a row,” Mr Wells said.
“We’re also on track to be a 100 per cent renewable energy consumer by 2025 and deliver net zero carbon emissions by 2030.
“There is so much more to come as we continue to grow and deliver the water and sewerage services we rely on. We know that resilient assets will address long-term water security in our region,” Mr Wells said.
Image: Alistair/stock.adobe.com
