$7.5 million Kyneton water upgrades complete

(Office of Mary-Anne Thomas MP)

Zoe Moffatt

Upgrades to the 14-kilometre pipeline connecting recycled water to Kyneton landowners is now complete.

A joint state and federal government statement said the $7.5 million upgrades to the network will deliver up to 300 megalitres of recycled water.

Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek said the project is a great example of how wastewater can be recycled.

“Australians know how precious our water resources are,” Ms Plibersek said.

“The more we can recycle and reuse our water, the better for our environment and for industry and agriculture.”

The project, known as Kyneton Recycled Water Irrigation, will be in service until 2040.

Initially helping to irrigate 60 hectares of previously dry farmland, the pipeline will aim to boost Kyneton agricultural productivity.

The first property to use the recycled water is Crofton Park, who will use the water to grow feed for livestock.

The statement said the 60-hectare farm was chosen following a land capability assessment and commitment from the owner to partner with Coliban Water long term.

“As well as reusing our water resources, this project is boosting the region’s agricultural potential by irrigating clover to be used as livestock feed,” Ms Plibersek said.

This is the first project of the $46.3 million Victoria Connections Package to be completed, which has been funded by the state and federa; governments.