The project is jointly funded by the Australian Government ($300,000) and the Victorian Government through Central Highlands Water ($300,000). Australian Government funding is provided through the National Water Grid Fund.
Aerial view of the Forest Hill Water Treatment Plant, this plant treats ground water for the communities that will benefit from the project. Image credit: Central Highlands Water.
Project overview
The towns of Newlyn, Kingston, Springmount, Broomfield, Allendale and Smeaton source their water supply from groundwater. This supply is subject to restrictions during dry periods.
The local groundwater resource is heavily developed and in strong demand from:
- urban water users
- agricultural irrigators
- the environment.
The detailed business case will look at options to connect these towns to the Ballarat water supply. This could improve water security and return 350 megalitres (ML) of groundwater allocations.
The detailed business case involves:
- environmental and cultural heritage investigations and consultation
- stakeholder and industry engagement
- design engineering and modelling
- economic assessment and construction cost estimate
- identification of delivery model.
If built the project may deliver improved water security. It may also bring a range of other environmental and economic benefits. These benefits will be confirmed through business case development.