Agribusiness and environment to benefit from Grid project

An innovative recycled water project will help to safeguard drinking water resources and protect our natural environment.

The Growing the Surf Coast Hinterland and Protecting the Karaaf project in Torquay is part of Barwon Water’s Alternative Water Grid.

The $10 million project is being supported by $5 million from the Federal Government, through the National Water Grid Fund, and $5 million from the Victorian Government.

The funding will construct stormwater reuse infrastructure and a recycled water pipeline and upgrade the Black Rock recycled water plant to increase its capacity.

This will help redirect Torquay’s urban stormwater, allowing up to 400 megalitres of alternative water to be put to productive use in the Surf Coast Hinterland.

Growth in Torquay has also increased the amount of urban stormwater flowing into the highly significant Karaaf coastal saltmarsh – which has impacted the salinity of the thriving ecosystem.

This initiative will divert runoff away from the saltmarsh, allowing the ecosystem to return to more natural cycles, which is a nature positive outcome.

For more information on the Alternative Water Grid, which would manufacture and move large volumes of recycled water and treated stormwater to areas of need across the Geelong region, visit www.barwonwater.vic.gov.au/water-and-waste/alternative-water-grid

The federal funding is being delivered as part of the $211m Water Infrastructure for Sustainable and Efficient Regions (WISER) initiative.

Victoria secured $40.6 million under the WISER initiative for five projects.

Victorian Minister for Water and Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney MP:

“As Torquay’s population continues to grow it’s vital we protect our precious drinking water supplies by using alternative water sources, such as recycled water where we can.

“This project will not only preserve our drinking water supply but also help to improve our precious saltmarsh ecosystem and allow it to return to a more natural state.

“We’re pleased to partner with the Albanese Government to deliver much-needed water infrastructure upgrades for growing communities in Torquay and the wider region.”

Federal Member for Corangamite, Libby Coker:

"We’re excited to see this investment in enhancing our state's water infrastructure, ensuring cleaner water flows back into our stunning natural environment.

"As Torquay’s population grows and the community thrives, it’s essential that we protect the very environment that makes this place so special to call home.

"This project will breathe new life into the Karaaf coast saltmarsh, and the ability to harness up to 400 megalitres of alternative water will unlock new opportunities for productive use."

Barwon Water Chair Jo Plummer:

"It’s more important than ever that we have multiple and varied sources of water.

“Maximising the use of recycled water will support new housing, agricultural production, tourism-led ventures and our region’s prosperity.

“This will help unlock new jobs and economic opportunities, while saving precious drinking water.”

Breamlea Flora and Fauna Reserve Karaaf Wetland.