The Albanese Labor Government is partnering with state governments, local councils, and community groups to deliver infrastructure projects across Australia that help safeguard water resources and protect our natural environment.
Under the new $211 million Water Infrastructure for Sustainable and Efficient Regions (WISER) initiative, $10 million will be invested in the Growing the Surf Coast Hinterland and Protecting the Karaaf project in Torquay, Victoria.
The $10 million project is supported by $5 million from the Albanese Labor Government, through the National Water Grid Fund, and $5 million from the Allan Labor Government.
The project involves the construction of stormwater reuse infrastructure and a recycled water pipeline, as well as upgrading a recycled water plant to increase capacity.
The major improvements will help redirect Torquay’s urban stormwater to make up to 400 megalitres of alternative water available for productive use in the Surf Coast Hinterland, protecting our precious drinking water.
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 project will divert runoff away from the saltmarsh, allowing the ecosystem to return to more natural cycles, which is a nature positive outcome.
The project is part of Barwon Water’s planned Alternative Water Grid, which would see the organisation manufacture and move large volumes of recycled water and treated stormwater across the Geelong region.
The WISER initiative is supporting 23 projects to deliver more efficient and sustainable water use in regional communities across Queensland, Western Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and South Australia.
Helping to drive the nation’s transition to a circular economy, many of the projects will be powered by renewable energy, use recycled materials, and refurbish existing structures to reduce the construction footprint.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Environment and Water the Hon Tanya Plibersek:
“The Albanese Government is delivering crucial projects to safeguard our water resources for the communities, industries and environments that rely on them.
“Victoria has secured $40.6 million under the WISER initiative for five projects that will leave a long-lasting legacy of water security and quality in the state’s regions.
“These infrastructure projects allow us to get on the front foot and efficiently deliver secure water to Australian communities, with big benefits for the environment and our transition to a circular economy.”
Quotes attributable to 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.”
Quotes attributable to 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."
Quotes attributable to 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.”
