Clarinda District will soon benefit from a new pipeline delivering recycled water to local businesses, golf courses, sports ovals and parks.

Today I joined Minister for Water Lisa Neville to announce $24.8 million in in Andrews Labor Government funding to construct the $72 million Dingley Recycled Water Scheme. The remaining funding comes from South East Water.

The water infrastructure project will unlock 1,800 ML of recycled water each year, enough recycled water to fill Albert Park Lake more than two and a half times. The project will generate $92 million for the local economy.

The new 42 km pipeline will deliver recycled water to 46 private and public sites, including 15 local parks, 12 golf courses, 3 market gardens and 13 nurseries.

Investing in recycled water infrastructure demonstrates our commitment to building sustainable cities by designing the pipe to supply future water demands of our growing population, saving our drinking water supply.

Building the new pipeline will help diversify our water sources, a key objective of the $56.6 million investment announced in the 2022/23 Victorian Budget to support the delivery of the Central and Gippsland Region Sustainable Water Strategy.

The draft Central and Gippsland Region Sustainable Water Strategy brings long-term planning to manage waterway health in the Central and Gippsland regions to create long-term water security, improve liveability for communities, and improve waterway health for the next 50 years.

Investing in recycled water infrastructure will also support Victoria’s response to climate change impacts, allow parkland and golf courses to remain green during dry spells, open up new horticulture business opportunities and tourism, and provide better recreational outcomes for local communities.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Water Lisa Neville

“Using more recycled water responds to the needs of our growing population sustainably by delivering green public spaces all year round without impacting our drinking water supply.”

“Those who remember the Millenium drought in the 2000s will know the impact on businesses, parks and sporting fields and communities – this initiative will provide a rainfall independent water supply”