To boost the region’s water security, a major upgrade of Barwon Water’s Melbourne to Geelong Pipeline (MGP) has commenced.
Works are expected to be completed in late 2025, and Barwon Water said the project will increase the capacity and expand the reach of the pipeline to help meet growing demand across Geelong, Bellarine and the Surf Coast.
Barwon Water Acting Managing Director, David Snadden, said the MGP is an important water source that supplements the region’s existing supply system.
“While storage levels are currently satisfactory, we continue to make important investments in securing our water future through upgrading the MGP and increasing recycled water for non-drinking water purposes, while focusing on water efficiency and conservation measures,” Mr Snadden said.
“The pipeline upgrade will ensure Barwon Water can continue to provide high-quality, affordable and secure services to our customers.”
The MGP connects Geelong’s water supply networks (at Lovely Banks) with Melbourne’s water supply network (at Cowies Hill, west of Werribee).
Barwon Water accessed 2500ML via the MGP in 2023–24. During this period, total demand across the service region increased by eleven per cent, driven by population growth and below average rainfall.
The upgrade will provide access to up to 22,000ML per year from Melbourne – an increase of 6000ML per year.
It will also allow Barwon Water to return 3.7 billion litres of Moorabool River water entitlement, to be shared between the Victorian Environmental Water Holder and the Wadawurrung.
Construction works are expected to be completed in late 2025, paving the way for its operation during the 2025–26 summer period.
Construction sites include:
- A new pump station on Ballan Road in Wyndham Vale
- Augmentation of the existing Lovely Banks pump station
- Pipework upgrade at Pettavel Basins in Waurn Ponds
- Control valves installation at Montpellier basins in Highton
- Pipeline improvements in Tarneit and Little River
For more information on the project, please visit www.yoursay.barwonwater.vic.gov.au/melbourne-geelong-pipeline
