Please refer to GWMWater's Undetected Leaks and Unexplained High Usage Policy for more information.
Further information…
- Section 273A of the Water Act 1989 > https://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/in-force/acts/water-act-1989/142
Please refer to GWMWater's Undetected Leaks and Unexplained High Usage Policy for more information.
Further information…
GWMWater has been approached by the Pyrenees Shire Council to investigate an extension of the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline to provide water to the farm gate in parts of the Pyrenees, Northern Grampians and Central Goldfields Shire’s where surface catchment dams have become unreliable.
A feasibility study completed in July 2023 looked at options to provide a dependable rural water supply, utilising existing water infrastructure and storages where possible and considering how to accommodate future growth. The introduction of a piped water supply could also provide significant environmental, social and economic benefits to the region.
Now that the project has been proven feasible, the project has proceeded to Business Case to confirm the economic case for the project and to identify funding partners and funding options for the project.
Subject to a favourable business case and government investment being obtained, a pipeline extension will reach into agricultural areas in the Southern Wimmera and Northeast Pyrenees area north, and north west of Avoca, where productivity and growth could be enhanced through a more secure water supply.
The feasibility study is for a raw (non-potable) supply only and does not include potable (drinking) water upgrades.
Fact Sheet - Southern Wimmera and Northeast Pyrenees Water Supply Feasibility Study
Newsletter #1 - Southern Wimmera and Northeast Pyrenees Water Supply - 21 September 2023
Newsletter #2 - Southern Wimmera and Northeast Pyrenees Water Supply - 4 December 2023
Newsletter #3 - Southern Wimmera and Northeast Pyrenees Water Supply - 1 May 2024
Newsletter #4 - Southern Wimmera and Northeast Pyrenees Water Supply - 6 August 2024
Expressions of Interest will be used to determine the project feasibility and progression to a full business case, costing and infrastructure planning.
Sewer fogging is a technique designed to identify leaks or unauthorised connections which may be allowing stormwater to pass into our sewer network. This increases the risk of spills from our sewer manholes, sewer pump stations and wastewater treatment plants during heavy wet weather events.
The fog will move through pipes and come up from the ground if there is a leak. The fog looks like smoke, but does not smell and is harmless to people, pets, food and materials
Please see Fact Sheet here which contains answers to frequently asked questions regarding sewer fogging.
If you require any further information about the works, please contact our friendly Customer Service Team on 1300 659 961 during business hours.
To meet the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003 and Food Act 1984, we provide signage where urban water supplies are untreated. We seek commercial businesses’ and Councils’ assistance to ensure public water taps are clearly signed to warn the public that the water is not intended for human consumption.
Please complete the below form to order untreated water supply merchandise. We will provide these to you, free of charge, as soon as possible.
Commercial Businesses
We remind commercial businesses to inform their guests that the mains water supply is a non-drinking water supply. We encourage you to place ‘do not drink the water’ notification at public taps in and around your establishment.
Councils
We provide signage where urban water supplies are untreated. The signage assists Council with the implementation of its Public Health and Wellbeing Plan.
It would be appreciated if Council could ensure signage is visible at all publicly accessible taps located in areas where an untreated water supply is provided such as aerodromes, sporting grounds, parks, public facilities and meeting places such as community halls, public toilet blocks, amenities at lakes and weir pools. Please also consider any local committees of management that operate on crown reserves in your municipality. We ask that you make untreated water signs, stickers and publications, as listed below, available to these groups from your council offices/depots.
GWMWater acknowledges and pays respect to past and present Traditional Custodians and Elders connected to the GWMWater service area and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
We acknowledge:
GWMWater is proud of our relationships with Traditional Owners and we are working hard to be more inclusive and provide more opportunities for involvement in the water industry. We are building on past activities to prepare an Aboriginal Inclusion Plan to document our commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
GWMWater develops Cultural Heritage Management Plans (CHMPs) for capital projects to ensure that cultural heritage is protected and contingencies are formally adopted. GWMWater will continue to strongly engage with traditional owners, particularly Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs), during CHMP development.
GWMWater acknowledges the long-term custodianship of land and water by traditional owners in our service area. GWMWater will engage traditional owners in discussions relating to water management, particularly the management of land with cultural values and the development of major new infrastructure projects.
GWMWater’s social purchasing policy outlines the positive outcomes that can be achieved by considering multiple aspects of procurement. GWMWater is committed to sourcing goods and services from Aboriginal businesses particularly for activities in the vicinity of Aboriginal Places.
GWMWater directly employs about 180 people in a broad range of roles. GWMWater encouages all Aboriginal persons to consider traineeships and ongoing roles in all aspects of GWMWater’s business.
GWMWater works closely with Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs) in the development of Cultural Heritage Management Plans (CHMPs) for many of our capital projects. Where there is no appointed RAP, we work with First Peoples State Relations to protect our heritage during works. Cultural heritage is also considered in relation to our routine and operational activities. In fact, GWMWater and Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation were presented with a Premier's Sustainability award in 2019 for work on CHMPs for the South West Loddon Pipeline.
GWMWater is a public land manager with a large estate spread across our service area. We assess crown land against a variety of criteria including our obligations under the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010 and Native Title Act 1993. GWMWater has embraced its duty under Land Use Activity Agreements to provide recognition and community benefit to native title holders.
There are several RAPs representing the interest of Traditional Owners associated with the GWMWater Service Area:
A number of standalone Traditional Owner groups are engaged in our service area:
GWMWater is an equal opportunity employer. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are encouraged to consider a career at GWMWater. Those seeking information or advice about roles in the water industry can call us on 1300 659 961.
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