Over $130 million in water projects for Barwon

In May of 2019 when the domestic supply of water was at risk in many of our communities, I wrote to the 13 Barwon Councils and the village committees in the unincorporated area. I asked them to outline their needs around water for domestic supply.

Councils and committees eagerly fed back the projects and issues with water management within their shires and towns.

I wrote to Water Minister, Melinda Pavey advising the minister of the needs the councils identified. Some water projects were taken up and funded since May of 2019.

The 2020-21 Budget has 50 such projects funded with a total value over $130m.

I am very pleased that this long overdue investment is coming to Barwon Communities. These projects will deliver jobs to communities in the short term, but more importantly won’t leave communities in the position we were in through the drought where a lack of water threatened to compromise all aspects of our economies and community.

Safe, reliable clean water is vital to keep and attract people in communities. It’s a key part of what makes a community a good place to live.

Congratulations to Barwon councils, now we have some work to do.