Barwon Water delivered its largest capital works program in 13 years, as it upgraded and expanded its asset base to cater to the region’s growing population.
The $158.1 million investment in infrastructure was the biggest since 2011/12, our 2024/25 Annual Report shows.
Amid significant economic challenges, this investment and operating costs were balanced with a $29.4 million net surplus.
In a joint message, then-Chair Jo Plummer and Managing Director Shaun Cumming said the year was marked by rainfall well below average, with some areas experiencing their driest conditions in 86 years.
“The resulting decline in inflows to our storages posed a challenge, particularly for the closed system in Apollo Bay, which required water restrictions to safeguard supply,” they said.
“However, long-term investments in our interconnected water network – including the Melbourne to Geelong Pipeline and the Geelong to Colac Pipeline – enabled us to shift water to where it was needed, helping us avoid restrictions in our two largest cities.”
Low storage levels led to the Melbourne to Geelong Pipeline (MGP) operating at maximum capacity throughout most of 2024/25.
To help meet future demand, infrastructure works to increase the capacity of the MGP from 16,000 to 22,000 million litres per year commenced and will be completed in 2025/26.
