Construction is underway on the Mininera Rural Pipeline Project in western Victoria, with the first sod being turned.
This marks the start of work on the project, an extension of the East Grampians Rural Pipeline Project, bringing relief during challenging periods of drought.
The investment will deliver piped water to Mininera and surrounding areas, with more than 80km of mains pipelines to service 199 rural properties. According to the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, this will bolster long-term resilience by reducing reliance on rainfall, improving drought and bushfire preparedness, and supporting agricultural growth.
Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water is overseeing delivery of the project, with Mitchell Water constructing the East Grampians Rural Pipeline and installing the pipeline for the community and surrounding areas.
The Mininera pipeline extension will also enhance firefighting capability, with 10 hydrants and seven firefighting tanks to be installed, adding to the extensive network access already delivered through the East Grampians pipeline.
The pipeline is supported by $15 million from the Victorian Government’s Drought Support Package, alongside $15.6 million from Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water.
Earlier stages of the project are already delivering water to properties in areas severely affected by drought, and the Mininera Pipeline extension will further strengthen the region’s future.
The East Grampians Rural Pipeline Project has made significant progress, with over 500km of pipeline installed to date and 372 water meters installed at connected properties. An additional 18 Country Fire Authority (CFA) fire hydrants and 11 CFA fire tanks have also been installed for fire-fighting purposes.
