Six towns in the Hepburn Shire could be connected to the Ballarat water supply network under a $600,000 joint Federal–State Government funding commitment.
The Forest Hill Water Supply Connection project will investigate the feasibility of linking Allendale, Broomfield, Kingston, Newlyn, Smeaton and Springmount to the Ballarat system.
The towns currently rely on groundwater, which can be restricted during dry periods and is in high demand from both urban users and agricultural irrigators. Central Highlands Water says a connection to Ballarat could provide a more secure and climate-resilient drinking water supply for around 1,200 residents and free up groundwater for agricultural, environmental and Traditional Owner uses.
Central Highlands Water will use the funding to develop a business case over the next 12 months. The study will assess the social, economic, environmental and cultural implications of the proposal.
Federal Member for Ballarat Catherine King said the business case was “the first step in ensuring that water supply is more reliable and resilient for both the people living in these communities and the farms and industry operating in the area,” adding that it was important to safeguard water resources for future generations.
State Member for Ripon Martha Haylett said the partnership aimed to “improve water quality in our regions” and “prepare us for population growth and the challenges of living with a drying climate.”
Central Highlands Water General Manager of Infrastructure Planning and Operations, Paul Donohue, said the project had the potential to create long-term capacity and unlock other local opportunities. “We are excited to explore this opportunity and look forward to engaging with our communities and key stakeholders,” he said.
The Federal and State Governments are each contributing $300,000 to the project.
This article is based on a media release from the office of Member for Ballarat, Catherine King.
