Goulburn Valley Water has announced plans to build a water tank and pipeline from the Broadford WTP, VIC to ensure the town of Kilmore has adequate water supply for the next 50 years.
The project, estimated to cost around $15 million, is a key part of Goulburn Valley Water’s forward planning to cater for anticipated population growth in Kilmore.
After investigating four possible sites for the 16 megalitre capacity tank, the water corporation is likely to soon finalise the purchase of about two hectares (five acres) of elevated farmland north-east of Kilmore for the tank site, with sufficient space available for another tank in the very long term.
The water corporation’s project manager, Greg Sidebottom, and Luke Reddan – property consultant officer -outlined plans for the new water tank and pipeline when they addressed the monthly meeting of Kilmore and District Residents and Ratepayers’ Association.
The proposed pipeline will enable GVW to pump Goulburn River Water to Kilmore via the Broadford water treatment plant.
It is expected it will be at least 10 years before the corporation needs to construct the $5 million tank, and large numbers of screening trees to be planted on the tank site will have grown substantially by that stage.
The favoured site is the most cost effective, and is at an elevation of 422 metres, which is the same height as GVW’s existing water tank in Anderson Road, Kilmore.
The new tank will balance Kilmore’s peak daily demands and is part of the Broadford-Kilmore water supply master plan.
GVW has already held discussions with the owners of land where the proposed tank and access route will be constructed.
“This will provide a lot more (water) security for Kilmore,” Mr Sidebottom said.
President of KADRRA, Annie Goble, said it was pleasing that GVW was keen to inform the association of its future plans to guarantee Kilmore has a quality and reliable water supply long term.
A planning permit from Mitchell Shire Council will be necessary for the major utility installation on the selected site to go ahead.
Kilmore is currently provided with potable water from a treatment plant in the Mt Disappointment State Forest. It accesses raw water from Hollowback and Sunday Creek reservoirs.
