The critical pipes and pumps that move water and sewage in North-Central Victoria are set to be renewed, with Coliban Water kicking off the first phase of its Water and Sewer Network program.
The major ten-year plus program of works is set to add to the historic legacy of infrastructure projects that have supported local communities for more than 100 years.
Coliban Water Managing Director, Damian Wells, said the first phase of the Water and Sewer Network Program, valued at an estimated $100 million, will be delivered over four years.
“We are delighted to be working with delivery partners Jaydo Construction and Leed Engineering, who will bring extensive expertise to a huge range of projects within the region during this period.
“Both Jaydo and Leed have committed to working with us to use local resources and materials as we look to maximise the social and economic benefits from this major investment,” Mr Wells said.
“High priority work is earmarked for every corner of the region, including pipeline construction and sewer main upgrades that will add capacity and reliability for the Bendigo CBD, Marong, Maiden Gully, Goornong, Kyneton, Castlemaine, Junortoun and Malmsbury.”
Mr Wells described the program as adding to a legacy that was first created by leaders in the communities during the goldrush.
“When these visionaries built our early water and sewerage infrastructure, they did so to protect the health and wellbeing of locals, and to create the thriving cities and towns we live in today.
“Fast-forward to 2025, and our purpose remains the same,” he said.
‘With more people in new suburbs, a growing number of infill residential developments in existing areas, and the need to support economic development, industry, production and jobs, it’s critical we continue to invest to replace ageing infrastructure and build new infrastructure to suit today’s changing climate and future needs.”
Jaydo Construction CEO, Stuart Pentland, said his team is excited to be collaborating with Coliban Water on the Water and Sewer Network Program.
“This is an important program of work and we’re looking forward to building an enduring partnership that will benefit the region today and into the future,” Mr Pentland said.
Leed Engineering Managing Director, Craig Laslett, said there is a sizeable amount of work to be completed over a large geographic area.
“We’re looking forward to getting started and to partnering with Coliban Water into the future,” he said.
Mr Wells said that while the current scope includes an initial four-year program of work to cover the remainder of Coliban Water’s 2023–2028 pricing period, further investment and a longer-term arrangement will almost certainly be needed.
“Providing water and sewerage infrastructure to meet our community’s needs is a task that requires constant focus and ongoing, regular investment.
“And just as we are investing in our water and sewer pipes and pumps with this program, we are also investing in the region’s water treatment and reclamation plants as we work toward future proofing our whole network,” he said.
“As a customer-funded business, we will continue to invest wisely the money our customers pay us through their bills and will always derive the best value and outcomes for them.”
Further information about this project is available at https://connect.coliban.com.au/water-sewer-upgrades
