Tuesday, 2 December 2025

 Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Water) (12:41): The Melbourne-to-Geelong pipeline upgrade is complete and in time for summer. This pipeline helped Geelong avoid water restrictions this year during one of the driest periods on record across western Victoria. This $40 million upgrade brings in up to 6 billion litres of water a year, which can flow all the way to Colac. Now up to 60 per cent of Geelong’s peak demand can be met through the pipeline alone, with the water reaching a further 28,000 families and businesses in Geelong. This pipeline is vital in replenishing local water storages, which finished winter at the lowest points since the millennium drought. Supplies were bolstered by 50 gigalitres from the desal plant this year, which has delivered around half a trillion litres of precious drinking water in the past decade – and that is enough to fill the MCG approximately 320 times.

We are also investing in smarter water use, trialling Victoria’s first advanced greywater recycling system in Geelong to help make the most of every drop of water. The Hydraloop can reduce water use by up to 40 per cent, taking greywater from showers and taps and treating it to use in toilets, washing machines and gardens without it ever leaving the building. Water corporations are closely monitoring water reserves heading into the summer. We can all make a difference with simple changes inside and outside our homes, such as by taking shorter showers, fixing leaks, washing with full loads and not watering the garden in the heat of the day. As always, follow the permanent water-saving rules and make every drop count this summer.