Yarra Valley Water is committing over $2.6 billion in its five-year strategy to deliver vital water and sewage services for Melbourne’s expanding population.
Victoria is the fastest-growing state in Australia, with the Victorian Government’s Victoria in Future 2023 report forecasting a population of 10.3 million by 2051.
Bridie Fennessy, General Manager of Growth and Distribution at Yarra Valley Water, emphasized the importance of developing infrastructure to support this expanding community for future generations.
“Over 30 percent of Victorians depend on our services every day. We cater to some of Melbourne’s fastest-growing suburbs, particularly in the Northern Growth Area.”
One of Yarra Valley Water’s initiatives to secure future water supply is the Buttress Crescent water pump station and pipeline project.
This $6 million endeavor included constructing a new water pump station and a 1.8 km pipeline in South Morang to accommodate rising demand and ensure a dependable water supply network to the Mernda reservoir.
“As a key growth area in Melbourne, it will require significant water resources for the influx of new residents,” Ms. Fennessy noted.
The pump, located at the intersection of Buttress Crescent and McArthurs Road, channels water into the new pipeline leading to the Mernda Reservoir.
This project also offers a chance to preserve some of Melbourne’s earliest engineered water supply systems. A portion of the new pipeline intersects with the historic Yan Yean Water Supply system, a state-listed heritage site established in 1853.
The original pipeline was supported by an old bluestone base from the Morang aqueduct, which was a crucial element of Melbourne’s water supply infrastructure at that time.
“By preserving Melbourne’s heritage and restoring this pipeline, we ensure it continues to enhance the livability of our beautiful city for future generations,” Ms. Fennessy stated.
Yarra Valley Water’s dedication to infrastructure investment is outlined in its 2023-28 pricing submission, which has been approved by the Essential Services Commission.
The new pipeline is designed to accommodate increasing water demands and enhance supply reliability in the northern suburbs while allowing for greater water transfer capacity to the western suburbs.
“Renewing and replacing aging infrastructure is essential to our commitment to providing a reliable water supply, both now and in the future,” Ms. Fennessy added.
Source :Yarra Valley Water
