Pipeline upgrade improves Geelong’s water security

December 15, 2025 BY Nathan Rivalland

Corangamite Catchment Management Authority CEO Amber Clarke; Barwon Water chair Peta Maddy; Minister for Water Gayle Tierney; Committee for Geelong CEO Michael Johnston; Barwon Water managing director Shaun Cumming; and DEECA's executive director water security and resilience Andrew Fennessy inspecting the new surge tanks. Photo: SUPPLIED

A MAJOR upgrade to the Melbourne to Geelong Pipeline is now complete, boosting water security for the Geelong region.

The $40 million works have expanded the pipeline’s water capacity from 16 billion litres to 22 billion litres every year.

The modifications made to the two basins in Lovely Banks will provide water for a further 28,000 families and businesses in the Geelong region.

The upgrades will also mean up to 60 per cent of Geelong’s peak demand can be met through the pipeline alone.

The Melbourne to Geelong Pipeline stretches for 59 kilometres underground, connecting Geelong’s storage at Lovely Banks with Melbourne’s water supply network at Cowies Hill.

The resource helped Geelong avoid water restrictions this year during one of the driest periods on record across central and western Victoria.

Barwon Water will continue to use the pipeline this summer to replenish local storages.