The Albanese and Allan Labor governments are helping to almost double the amount of recycled water being produced on the Bellarine Peninsula to support local wineries and horticulturists grow more produce while reducing their use of drinking water to irrigate crops.

Construction at the Portarlington Water Reclamation Plant is now underway. The plant is being upgraded with ultra-filtration and reverse osmosis infrastructure, to enable it to produce higher quality, fit-for-purpose recycled water.

The $25 million project will help deliver 450 million litres of recycled water each year, supporting high value agriculture and horticulture in the region.

The project is being funded in partnership between the Australian Government, who have provided $5.5 million through the National Water Grid Fund, the Victorian Government through funding of $2 million, and Barwon Water with funding of $17.5 million.

By nearly doubling the amount of recycled water used on the Bellarine, new jobs and economic opportunities will be unlocked for local businesses including wineries, cellar doors and farm gate tourism.

The significant increase of recycled water is in line with the Central and Gippsland Region Sustainable Water Strategy, which has identified that a greater reliance on manufactured water is needed for the region to meet demand over the next 50 years.

The project will also allow Barwon Water to direct recycled water produced at the plant for the community to use. This will help the organisation achieve its Strategy 2030 aim of recycling all the wastewater treated at its water reclamation plants.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek:

“Water is one of our most precious and limited resources.

“The more we can recycle and reuse our water, the better for our environment, for industry and local communities.

“Construction of the Portarlington Water Reclamation Plant is a win for our environment and a win for communities on the Bellarine Peninsula.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Corangamite, Libby Coker:

“At the heart of this project is a real commitment to think outside the box so that we can deliver sustainable water supplies to farmers, cellar doors and the wider Bellarine community, whilst reducing our overall water consumption.

“I’d like to congratulate Barwon Water who will deliver this project – this organisation is one of the most innovative, forward-thinking, and hard-working across the region, and I’m proud to support them as part of this project.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Water, Harriet Shing:

“This joint project will enable more customers to access higher quality recycled water in a way that will also deliver a range of economic and social benefits while reducing demand on our precious drinking water.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Bellarine, Alison Marchant:

“A large uptake in recycled water will allow Bellarine businesses and agriculture to thrive and grow, making the region an even more attractive place to live, work and visit.”