The Victorian Government is supporting Wodonga’s growing population and providing the region with reliable water and sewer services into the future while reducing carbon emissions through significant infrastructure upgrades.
Minister for Water Harriet Shing officially launched the construction on the expansion of the Wodonga Wastewater Treatment Plant to support the city’s fast-growing population and improve sustainable wastewater management.
“This project will ensure Wodonga has the water it needs as it grows,” Ms Shing said. “This is not just an upgrade – it’s a leap towards a sustainable and prosperous future for the region.”
This $73.9 million upgrade will ensure reliable and sustainable water and sewer services to support the community, expected to double from 45,000 to approximately 90,000 over the next 25 years.
“The Wodonga wastewater treatment upgrade is a prime example of how we can integrate sustainable practices into essential services, to not only meet the needs of a growing population but also reduce energy costs and carbon emissions and create renewable energy sources,” North East Water Managing Director Jo Murdoch said.
Works will double the plant’s wastewater treatment capacity and enable more effective reuse of waste to generate energy that can be used onsite or fed back into the electricity grid, reducing emissions by 6,500 tonnes of CO2 annually.
These upgraded facilities will reduce costs and carbon emissions, enabling the plant to operate self-sufficiently while creating more circular economy opportunities for local industries.
“I’m incredibly proud to support initiatives like these that drive innovation, sustainability and growth for our region. I look forward to seeing the upgrade once complete in early 2026,” Ms Shing said.
Around 16 full-time jobs will be created during the construction phase, and more than 50 local tradespeople and suppliers will be involved over the two-year project phase.
To support their growing populations, more than $100 million will be invested in major water and sewer infrastructure projects in Wodonga and Wangaratta.
A further $30 million investment will also deliver new sewage pump stations, gravity sewers, rising mains and detention tanks, supporting future development across Wangaratta and Wodonga.
“The Wangaratta groundwater project is a forward-thinking solution to the challenges posed by climate change,” North East Water Chair Stephen Brown said. “By enhancing our water infrastructure, we can better support our communities and ensure a more resilient water supply for the future.”
Construction at the Wodonga Wastewater Treatment Plant will be completed in early 2026.
“It’s great to see the long-term vision for the Wodonga Wastewater Treatment Plant as it transitions to a self-sustaining facility that will help drive our region’s economic and environmental prosperity,” Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said.
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