The region could be off water restrictions by the end of next year after investigations approved plans to pump seven billion litres a year from an Anglesea borefield.
State Water Minister Tim Holding said the project would provide enough supply for 35,000 homes.
Mr Holding announced testing had confirmed the project was “sustainable, environmentally sound and economically viable”.
“With Geelong’s water storages around 30 per cent full, a growing population and climate change meaning there will be less rain in the future, it is vital we have a long-term plan to ensure Geelong has enough water for a prosperous future,” he said.
The project will comprise eight bores, a pre-treatment plant and pipes transporting the water to Wurdee Boluc Reservoir.
Mr Holding said the project was on track to supply “high quality water” by the start of summer 2009.
Earlier this year Barwon Water executive director Michael Malouf said the borefield supply could allow his authority to remove watering restrictions.
The project could also allow State Government to “defer” plans for a $120 million pipeline carrying desalinated water from Melbourne to Geelong.
The state opposition has warned the pipeline water would cost more than existing supplies, with consumers locked into paying regardless of storage levels.
State Government would pay $20 million for the project, with “Barwon Water and its customers” paying the rest, Mr Holding said.
Torquay too strong at Ocean Grove
Visiting side Torquay took all 16 points when they defeated Ocean Grove 2 by 62 shots to 50 on Tuesday February 4. Independent photographer...
