Liberals pledge study into recycled water pipeline

RECYCLED water would be redirected from the ocean and sent inland to Anglesea, the Surf Coast hinterland and beyond under a project proposed by the Victorian Liberals.

If the party wins November’s state election, the Liberals will spend $250,000 on a feasibility study for the Victorian Lakes Pipeline Project.

Officially announced by Polwarth Liberal MP Richard Riordan today (Friday, October 7), the feasibility study will include a community engagement process and will assess the expected environmental, economic, and social benefits benefits against the construction and operational costs of the pipeline to understand the net benefit.

The pipeline would see the 50 megalitres of high-quality recycled water presently discharged into Bass Strait each day from the Black Rock Water Reclamation Plant instead pumped inland, with additional water to come from increased stormwater runoff from urban development in Torquay, which is threatening the natural character of the Karaaf Wetlands.

The recycled and fresh water from Black Rock and Torquay would be piped to Anglesea to improve the quality of the Anglesea River by directing water to the river and the former coal mine void, which would support the recovery of the natural ecosystem of the Anglesea River and restore the river as a highly valued economic and community asset.

Friends of Anglesea River spokesperson Keith Shipton said starting the remediation of the river was the group’s initial objective, and a permanent end to pumping from the Upper Easter View Aquifer – which Alcoa is investigating as a way to fill the mine void – was “the first essential step”.

“If the idea of using recycled water to fill the mine pit is acceptable to Alcoa, then this is an alternative to pumping groundwater.”

He said using recycled water to supplement flows to the Anglesea River “could be a valuable resource”, but there were regulatory requirements to be met and the town’s residents would also have to be comfortable with the idea.

“Given these issues are addressed, a pipeline extension to Anglesea does provide an opportunity for the aquifer to begin to recover, and possibly a source of non-acidic water for the Anglesea River.

“We don’t see the Anglesea River as a party political issue, and we would love to see both sides working together to help mediate the river.”

Water from the Victorian Lakes Pipeline Project would also go to Lake Modewarre, now permanently below its historical levels because of restrictions to its catchment from the Wurdee Boluc reservoir and works to reduce flooding risk for the Princes Highway, which is affecting its recreational use such as fishing, boating, and water sports.

The pipeline would end at Lake Colac, with water used to ensure healthy water levels, particularly in dry seasons, to protect the lake’s natural environment and the substantial economic and community benefits it provides the Colac region.

Water provided by the pipeline could also support the development of new agricultural and horticultural industries in the Modewarre and Colac areas, including fruit and vegetable production, providing new sources of growth and employment.

Speaking last week about the Victorian Lakes Pipeline Project, Mr Riordan said a restored Lake Modewarre and Lake Colac could be the heart of a new “Victoria Lakes District”.

“Lake Colac and Lake Modewarre have a train line on them – literally 100 metres from two new train stations, and you’re on a permanent body of water – fishing, recreation.

“There’s an opportunity for us to create two new townships that are both also 500 metres from the freeway. So, freeway access and train lines, two pieces of infrastructure any community in Australia would die to have, available next to two big open bodies of water.

“Those two communities would be aimed specifically at those who want to do the lifestyle change, the people who are currently flocking to Lorne and Apollo Bay and other places that are now priced out of the market.”