South East Water will partner with BecaHunterH20, Fulton Hogan and Interflow (BFHI) to deliver the first stage of the Western Port Recycled Water Scheme, which aims to deliver a sustainable water supply to Cardinia Shire farms.
The $113.2 million integrated water management project, made possible through a $46.6 million investment from the Federal Government through the National Water Grid Fund, will unlock up to 4000ML of Class A recycled water per year.
Stage 1 construction will include a new pump station and approximately 49km of recycled water pipeline from South East Water’s Pakenham Water Recycling Plant to local farms in Cora Lynn, Vervale, Iona and north of Catani.
The project will also increase irrigable land by around 2900ha, adding $104 million to the gross regional output and create more than 80 direct jobs.
South East Water General Manager Liveable Water Solutions, Charlie Littlefair, said the scheme was an important sustainable water project that will bolster the region’s long-term water security.
“This sustainable water project will increase the growth of high value fresh vegetables and the availability and reliability of water supply for irrigated agriculture in Cardinia Shire, and we’re proud to announce our delivery partner will be BFHI,” Mr Littlefair said.
“A more reliable water source for local farms brings major environmental and economic benefits, without using our precious drinking water.”
BFHI Delivery Manager, Ahmad Jadran, said BHFI is excited to be a part of the project.
“BFHI is looking forward to working in partnership with South East Water to deliver a sustainable Class A water supply which enhances water security for the region, while providing farmers with a cost-effective, drought-proof water solution for agricultural irrigation” he said.
South East Water expects the Western Port Recycled Water Scheme to start delivering recycled water by 2028. The scheme is one of South East Water’s top ten priority projects as part of its five-year customer commitment (Price Submission 2023–28).
Designed in consultation with local landholders, Southern Rural Water and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, to start delivering in 2028.
For more information visit Western Port Recycled Water Scheme | South East Water.
