The Victorian Budget 2022/23 has included $24.8 million towards the Dingley Recycled Water Scheme to bring recycled water to Kingston, Monash, and Bayside communities.
The new 42km pipeline will deliver recycled water to 46 sites, including local parks, world-class golf courses, sports ovals, laundromats, market gardens and nurseries, while preserving the drinking water supply.
The project will unlock 1,800 mega litres of recycled water each year.
The construction stage will generate around 38 full-time jobs. Once complete the project will support international golf tourism which generates 240 jobs and provide a climate resilient source of water for connected local businesses in the event of a drought.
The project is set to generate $92 million for the local economy.
This funding is part of $56.6 million investment announced in the Victorian Budget 2022/23 to support the delivery of the Central and Gippsland Region Sustainable Water Strategy. The strategy sets out the Victorian long-term plan to improve water security, liveability, and waterway health for the next 50 years.
The Dingley Recycled Water Scheme will cost a total of $72 million, part funded by South East Water. Recycled water is expected to become available by 2025.
Investing in recycled water infrastructure supports Victoria’s response to climate change impacts. It allows parkland and golf courses to remain green during dry spells, open up new horticulture business opportunities and tourism, and provide the community with high quality public open space all year round.
This new pipeline will help diversify Victoria’s water sources and meet the future water demands of our growing population without impacting on our drinking water supply.
Victorian Minister for Water, Lisa Neville, said, “Using more recycled water responds to the needs of our growing population sustainably by delivering green public spaces all year round without impacting our drinking water supply.
“Those who remember the Millenium drought in the 2000s will know the impact on businesses, parks and sporting fields and communities – this initiative will provide a rainfall independent water supply.”
