Western Water has used trenchless technology to replace an ageing water main in Bacchus Marsh in central Victoria, supporting the region’s agribusinesses and strengthening the town’s economy.
The water main is located under Bacchus Marsh’s Avenue of Honour, an important Victorian World War I memorial.
Western Water worked closely with the Bacchus Marsh RSL, Moorabool City Council’s arborist, Heritage Victoria and local businesses to ensure the avenue’s trees were protected and preserved during construction.
Victorian Minister for Water Lisa Neville marked the official commissioning of the new water main.
“This project is a great example of a water corporation working in partnership with local communities to achieve great results,” Ms Neville said.
The Avenue of Honour is home to some of Bacchus Marsh’s best-known agricultural businesses, supplying fruit and vegetables to the region and beyond.
Member for Melton Don Nardella said, “This is one of Victoria’s cultural and historic treasures and it’s great to see so much work is being done to preserve it.”
It is also the centre of the annual Strawberries and Cherries Festival, which attracts around 15,000 people to the region in November to pick fruit.
The new water main has a secure, higher capacity water supply that will benefit the local economy.
“Having a reliable, secure water supply will give businesses in the Avenue of Honour the confidence to grow, creating new employment opportunities for the region,” Ms Neville said.
Tree root zones were also established to minimise impacts on the environment.
The majority of the 281 trees on the avenue were planted in 1918 in remembrance of those from the region who served in World War I.
