Federal and state governments commit $10m to Surf Coast water project

The federal and state governments will each contribute $5m to a water project to grow the Surf Coast and protect wetlands.

Tanya Plibersek and Libby Coker said government investment in the alternative water grid project will support the region's water future.

Federal and state governments have each committed $5m fund an essential water project in Torquay.

The $10m boost comes after coverage by the Geelong Advertiser highlighted the need for greater investment in the region’s water future.

The funding will go towards the “Growing Surf Coast Hinterland and Protecting the Karaaf” initiative in Torquay – part of Barwon Water’s planned alternative water grid.

It will see the construction of stormwater-reuse infrastructure, a recycled water pipeline and the upgrade of a recycled water plant.

The alternative water grid is a large-scale project designed to bolster the region’s water supply by diverting recycled water and treated stormwater, which could then be used for non-drinking purposes.

The Torquay project will help redirect urban stormwater caused by growth in the area and make up to 400 megalitres of alternative water available for productive use, freeing up precious drinking water.

The stormwater had been flowing into the Karaaf wetlands, impacting the salinity of the thriving ecosystem.

The federal government previously provided $1.9m to help address excessive freshwater draining into the Karaaf Wetlands in Torquay.

The funding is being delivered as part of the federal government’s $211m Water Infrastructure for Sustainable and Efficient Regions initiative.

Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek said projects under the initiative would “leave a long-lasting legacy of water security and quality”.

“These infrastructure projects allow us to get on the front foot and efficiently deliver secure water to Australian communities, with big benefits for the environment and our transition to a circular economy,” Ms Plibersek said.

The state government’s Water Minister Gayle Tierney said the Victorian government was pleased to work with the federal government to build the “much-needed” infrastructure upgrades.

“As Torquay’s population continues to grow it’s vital we protect our precious drinking water supplies by using alternative water sources, such as recycled water where we can,” Ms Tierney said.

“This project will not only preserve our drinking water supply but also help to improve our precious saltmarsh ecosystem and allow it to return to a more natural state.”

Libby Coker and Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek in Ocean Grove in 2021. Picture: Alison Wynd

Local MP for Corangamite Libby Coker said she was excited to see the investment that would ensure cleaner water flows to the region’s “stunning natural environment”.

“This project will breathe new life into the Karaaf coast saltmarsh, and the ability to harness up to 400 megalitres of alternative water will unlock new opportunities for productive use,” she said.

The federal government previously invested $1.9m in protecting the Karaaf Wetlands, but this new boost marks a significant increase in funding for the project.

Barwon Water chair Jo Plummer said it was “more important than ever” Geelong had multiple and varied sources of water.

“Maximising the use of recycled water will support new housing, agricultural production, tourism-led ventures and our region’s prosperity,” Ms Plummer said.

“This will help unlock new jobs and economic opportunities, while saving precious drinking water.”

Barwon Water Board chair Jo Plummer speaking at the Future Geelong event. Picture: Alison Wynd

Earlier this week the G21 Geelong Region Alliance posted on social media calling for “a little help” from the region’s MPs to make the funding happen.

“The Alternative Water Grid would provide supply for decades, not to mention cleaner ocean water & drought relief,” the post read.

G21 also made requests for $7.5m for the design of a North West recycling facility and $500,000 to develop a business case for recycled water in northern Geelong.

Originally published as Federal and state governments commit $10m to Surf Coast water project