Major Water Infrastructure Boost For Otways Region

The Allan Labor Government is delivering improved water infrastructure to support regional communities, with high quality water now flowing to residences and businesses in the Otways town of Gellibrand.

Minister for Water Gayle Tierney announced the completion of the new $10 million facility, which will provide greater water security and support future growth in the area.

The upgrade has delivered a more reliable and efficient water treatment plant, featuring a bushfire-resilient Treatment Plant building, a Dissolved Air Filtration Unit as the primary treatment system, and a modernised electrical supply to support ongoing operations.

The commissioning of the new plant marks a major milestone for Gellibrand, with a new clear water storage tank expected to be completed in mid-2026 – supporting long-term reliability and resilience for the local community.

The new facility has been a priority for Barwon Water and was built adjacent to the former plant on Old Beech Forest Road, which remained in use during the construction phase and will now be dismantled.

The Gellibrand project follows the recent completion of other upgrades in the Otways region, including a new $8.75 million water treatment plant in Forrest.

A 19-kilometre underground pipeline, delivering water from Colac through to Birregurra, was also completed last year. This $10.1 million project replaced Birregurra’s ageing local plant, open supply channel and storage basins.

This demonstrates the Allan Labor Governments commitment to ensuring Victorians have high-quality, affordable, and secure water supplies.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Water and Member for Westen Victoria Gayle Tierney

“This new water treatment plant will see the delivery of high quality, reliable and secure water services for the Gellibrand community for many years to come.”

“We’re securing a future of dependable, high-quality water that strengthens our health, drives growth, and builds lasting resilience for generations to come.”

Quotes attributable to Barwon Water Managing Director Shaun Cumming

“The Gellibrand plant upgrade has been a priority project as it improves the resilience of the system and helps meet the evolving needs of the local community.”