About the project

Barwon Water is upgrading the existing Melbourne-Geelong pipeline (MGP) to help safeguard year-round water supply to customers under dry conditions. The upgrade will ensure Barwon Water can continue to provide high quality, affordable and secure services to our customers.

The pipeline

The MGP is an underground pipe connecting Geelong’s storage basins (at Lovely Banks) with Melbourne’s water supply network (at Cowies Hill, west of Werribee).

The MGP is one of several important back-up water sources that can supplement the existing water supply system in response to dry conditions. Accessing these back-up sources is part of a balanced approach to managing water resources and providing greater water security as our region's population grows.

Where are works taking place?

All construction activities will take place within the road reserve, some private properties (these property owners are aware of the works) and in some locations, the road itself. Temporary fencing and/or traffic management will be in place to ensure public and worker safety during construction.

Construction sites include:

• Lovely Banks pump station in Lovely Banks
• Pettavel Basins in Waurn Ponds
• Montpellier basins in Highton
• Ballan Road low lift pump station in Wyndham Vale
• Multiple sites where thrust blocks and pipe replacement works will take place.

Construction began in late-2024 and will be completed by spring 2025. Construction activities will occur Monday to Friday, between 7am and 6pm. If Saturday work is required, it will take place between 7am and 1pm.

During construction, there will be some local impacts. We apologise for this inconvenience, and we will aim to minimise impacts to the local community.

Below is some helpful information to be aware of.