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Mammoth Program To Secure Mitchell Drinking Water Supplies Moves Forward Apace East Gippsland Water is all set to commence a construction program worth some $26 million, comprising a major new reservoir and water treatment plant at Woodglen near Bairnsdale. By East Gippsland Water - 29th September 2008 - Back to News The two projects are part of a mammoth $45 million package of works being implemented to ensure the long term security and quality of drinking water supplies for 17,000 customers reliant on the Mitchell River Water Supply System.
The new reservoir, estimated to cost around $10 million, will supplement Woodglen’s existing 850 megalitre reservoir. Located next to the present facility, it will be capable of holding up to 650 megalitres of water (approximately 650 Olympic size swimming pools).
Preliminary work is due to start on-site before the end of September, with the building of the reservoir itself expected to commence early in 2009. The main contract for the construction work has been awarded to a local company, Riley Earthmoving and the project is expected to be completed by early 2010.
In addition, the Corporation has awarded a contract to Victorian-based water treatment specialists, CCB Envico, for the design and construction of a new water treatment plant at Woodglen, which will benefit customers from Bairnsdale through to Lakes Entrance. Estimated to cost around $16 million, this facility will operate in conjunction with existing infrastructure to treat drinking water to a consistently high standard.
Design work on the treatment plant will commence shortly, with construction due to start before the end of the year and completion expected early in 2010.
Construction of interconnecting pipe work for the two projects, valued at $725,000, will be carried out by East Gippsland-based D&P Young and Son and is scheduled to get underway in October.
The projects are being managed on behalf of East Gippsland Water by engineering specialists Maunsell AECOM, out of its local Bairnsdale office.
These initiatives are being driven by the need to address the potential impacts of increasingly extreme weather events like severe drought, floods and devastating bushfires on precious water resources.
The Mitchell River Water Supply System extends eastwards from Glenaladale to Nowa Nowa and includes the major townships of Bairnsdale, Paynesville, Metung and Lakes Entrance. It’s vulnerability to extreme weather events was highlighted nearly two years ago when the river catchment was so badly damaged by bushfires that any significant rain still threatens to bring large amounts of soil and debris washing down the Mitchell – a situation expected to last for a number of years to come.
These bushfires necessitated the rapid installation of millions-of-dollars of specialist infrastructure to treat the water and highlighted the need for longer term measures to further secure drinking water supplies against the impact of a damaged catchment.
Said East Gippsland Water’s Managing Director, Les Mathieson: "Our top priority is to make sure we have secure, high quality drinking water supplies that meet the needs of all our customers well into the future.
"The projects form part of the largest program of works ever undertaken by East Gippsland Water. Other notable works currently underway within the Mitchell River Water Supply System include relining and covering the open water storages at Wy Yung and Sunlakes near Lakes Entrance to improve water quality and protect against evaporation. Also, we are replacing the open storage at Eagle Point with large, covered tanks.
"In addition we have embarked on a number of far-reaching projects designed to benefit smaller communities elsewhere in East Gippsland."
Indeed, since 2007 new water treatment plants have opened for the small towns of Bemm River, Cann River, Buchan and Swifts Creek, providing consistent supplies of high quality drinking water to these communities. Nowa Nowa is also benefiting from much improved drinking water following construction of a 17 kilometre pipeline connecting the township to Mitchell River water supplies.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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Cycling Without Age Gippsland has resumed free trishaw rides at Lake Guthridge, Sale, welcoming Central Gippsland Health passengers and 16 floral art convention visitors, while inviting bookings and new volunteers. - Macalister Irrigation District schedules submerged weed treatments for November and December to improve channel capacity and water delivery
Macalister Irrigation District will treat submerged weeds in irrigation channels during November and December 2026, improving water delivery. Customers must avoid treated water for 72 hours after treatment. - Bass Coast and South Gippsland businesses invited to connect, collaborate and network at upcoming Meet the Makers event in Meeniyan on 13 October 2026
Local producers, makers and hospitality businesses across Bass Coast and South Gippsland are invited to Meet the Makers in Meeniyan on October 13, offering networking, collaboration and showcasing opportunities. - Major GRISS upgrade strengthens Gippsland’s premier indoor sports and events venue for future growth
The upgraded Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium was officially opened, delivering modern facilities, supporting local jobs, and strengthening its role as Gippsland's leading venue for community sport and major events. - Darren Chester joins Annabel Crabb for locally sourced Gippsland feast on ABC's Kitchen Cabinet series
Darren Chester will feature on ABC's Kitchen Cabinet with Annabel Crabb, showcasing Gippsland produce and locally sourced food when the episode airs August 25. - Latrobe Council urges Premier Carroll to fast-track investment, industry growth and secure future jobs in Valley
Latrobe City Council has urged newly appointed Premier Ben Carroll to meet urgently on economic diversification, investment and job creation as the region faces energy transition, manufacturing job losses and Yallourn 2028 closure. - International partners visit Gippsland to explore energy diversification and regional development opportunities firsthand together
One Gippsland hosted European partners for a five-day Gippsland visit, exploring energy diversification, regional development, workforce opportunities, infrastructure, agriculture and collaboration between Australian and European regions. - Cr John White recognised for 10 Years of dedicated service representing East Gippsland communities on council
East Gippsland Councillor John White has been recognised for 10 years of service, including two terms as Mayor, advocating for local priorities and representing communities across government levels. - Becon Constructions awarded $21M contract to build Baw Baw Culture and Connection Precinct library and learning centre
Becon Constructions has secured a $21 million contract to deliver Warragul new Library and Learning Centre, part of Baw Baw Shire $30 million Culture and Connection Precinct, expected to open in early 2028. - Melina Bath seeks Labor explanation on Gippsland children face specialist dental service cuts, longer waits and costly travel for treatment
Melina Bath says Gippsland children face longer waits after regional pediatric dental services were cut, forcing families to travel to Melbourne for specialist treatment. - Darren Chester congratulates Gippsland Agricultural Group on successful Gippsland Red Meat Conference in Sale
Darren Chester has praised the successful Gippsland Red Meat Conference in Sale, highlighting industry collaboration, innovation, productivity and the need to reduce red tape for farming families. - Latrobe Regional Gallery unveils spring exhibitions celebrating place, culture, community, history and the natural world
Latrobe Regional Gallery spring program features five exhibitions exploring Gippsland places, community, culture, history and nature, alongside Japanese traditions and contemporary artistic responses. - Martin Cameron and Melina Bath heard Gippsland builders’ concerns, pledge reforms to improve housing affordability and supply
Martin Cameron and Melina Bath met Gippsland builders to discuss housing affordability challenges, citing rising taxes, fees and planning delays. The Nationals and Liberals propose faster approvals, increased land supply and tax relief. - Discover Blue Rock Lake, Gippsland’s peaceful summer escape for swimming, picnics, family fun and outdoor adventures
Blue Rock Lake near Willow Grove offers a peaceful summer getaway with designated swimming areas, picnic facilities, playgrounds, walking trails, fishing, kayaking and nearby dining options. - Darren Chester and Matt Canavan to tour Gippsland industries, meeting local employers and workers across seven regional towns
Nationals Leader Matt Canavan will tour Gippsland for two days, visiting major energy, forestry, manufacturing and agricultural businesses to discuss regional jobs, investment and industry challenges. - Danny O’Brien urges premier to delay Gippsland offshore wind transmission tender until after November state election
Danny O’Brien urges the Premier to delay VicGrid’s Gippsland offshore wind transmission tender until after November’s election, allowing community input and addressing landholder and environmental concerns. - Danny O’Brien urges Premier to delay Gippsland offshore wind transmission tender until after November state election
Danny O’Brien is urging the Premier to delay awarding VicGrid’s Gippsland offshore wind transmission tender until after November’s state election, citing landholder concerns and unresolved environmental, financial and property impacts. - Bass Coast Shire Council traineeships open pathways to local careers and opportunities
Bass Coast Council’s 2026 traineeship program supports seven trainees with practical experience, qualifications and career pathways. Applications for 2027 are expected early next year, with opportunities showcased at Phillip Island September expo. - Gemma Rendell and Darren Chester urge Gippslanders to add vegetables daily through new healthy eating campaign
The "Get the Edge. Eat More Veg" campaign launched in Sale, urging Gippslanders to add one extra vegetable served daily while supporting local growers, jobs and health. - Darren Chester praises Schoolworks’ Big Bairnsdale Book Bazaar celebrating Gippsland authors, illustrators and community love of reading
Federal Member Darren Chester praised Schoolworks Supplies for hosting The Big Bairnsdale Book Bazaar, featuring over 25 Gippsland authors and illustrators, free workshops, and celebrating local creativity, literacy and independent businesses. - Wellington Shire no-fee green waste disposal returns to support community preparedness on 17 October to 15 November 2026
Wellington Shire free green waste disposal program returns October 17, helping residents reduce bushfire risks before summer, with extended access available at Loch Sport until November 30. - Danny O'Brien calls for urgent action on ongoing Gippsland power outages impacting residents, businesses and critical services
The Nationals' Danny O'Brien is calling on the Victorian government to demand answers from electricity providers over repeated Gippsland outages disrupting residents, businesses and critical medical equipment. - Martin Cameron backs Regional road funding to fix dangerous, neglected Latrobe Valley roads and bridges
A proposed $288 million Country Roads and Bridges program would give Latrobe City $1.5 million annually for four years to repair and upgrade local roads and bridges. - New Bairnsdale worker accommodation nears completion, boosting healthcare workforce capacity across East Gippsland communities
Bairnsdale new 28-apartment healthcare worker accommodation is nearing completion, providing affordable housing for up to 32 staff and strengthening regional health services while supporting local jobs and investment. - Latrobe City ratepayers to receive 2026/27 notices as council outlines $90.4M works program
Latrobe City ratepayers will receive 2026/27 rates notices from late August, helping fund $90.4 million in capital works, essential services and community assets across the municipality. - The Nationals pledge weekly rubbish collection for Gippsland households to ease costs and improve waste services
The Nationals have pledged weekly general rubbish collections across Gippsland, promising to review landfill levies and waste charges to reduce costs and ease pressure on families. - Six Latrobe Valley businesses receive funding to diversify, boost productivity and strengthen supply chains during economic transition
Six Latrobe Valley businesses will receive funding through the Gippsland Supply Chain Resilience Program to improve productivity, purchase equipment, expand markets and strengthen supply chains amid regional economic transition. - The Nationals call for urgent public housing repairs as 147 Gippsland South properties remain vacant amid growing housing crisis
The Nationals MP Danny O'Brien is calling for urgent repairs to 147 vacant public housing properties across Gippsland South, saying homes should be occupied amid the region's housing crisis. - Construction begins on Warragul’s $30M Library and Learning Centre, delivering new community, cultural and co-working spaces by 2028
Construction has begun on Warragul’s $30 million Library and Learning Centre, featuring library, cultural, meeting and co-working spaces, with opening planned for early 2028. - Darren Chester releases 2026 Age Pension Guide to help older Gippslanders navigate retirement support and services
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has released his 2026 Age Pension Guide, providing older Gippslanders, pensioners, carers and families with information about pensions, concessions, aged care and government services. - Flight Test Range Command Centre opens at Latrobe Airport, boosting Gippsland's drone and aerospace industries and economic diversification
A new Flight Test Range Command Centre at Latrobe Regional Airport will support drone and aerospace innovation, attract investment and create jobs across Gippsland's emerging Advanced Air Mobility sector. - Youth board opportunity to help shape the future of West Gippsland’s Catchments and natural environment
West Gippsland CMA is seeking an Associate Board Member aged 18–34 to contribute youth perspectives on natural resource management. Gain governance skills, training and mentorship. Apply with a resume and cover letter by 30 November 2026.
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