South East Water will oversee a new $113.2 million scheme bringing four billion litres of Class A recycled water to Victorian farmers per year.

Construction on the Western Port recycled water scheme has commenced, with 49km of new pipeline to connect the Pakenham water recycling plant with farms in Pakenham South, Cora Lynn, Vervale, Catani, Iona, Garfield, Tynong and Bayles.

Using recycled water for irrigation reduces reliance on groundwater and local waterways and helps farmers adapt to a changing climate in one of Victoria’s key food-growing regions.

This is set to further support local food production and unlock jobs by boosting water availability for agriculture. An estimated $104 million increase in gross regional output is expected from the recycled water scheme, with more than 90 jobs created across the construction phase.

The project will be delivered by a joint venture between Beca, Fulton Hogan and Interflow (BFHI), with the consortium commencing Stage 1a construction this week at Pakenham South.

“BFHI is delighted to be working in partnership with South East Water to deliver a recycled water scheme which has a significant sustainable benefit for agricultural producers in the Western Port area,” BFHI joint venture program director – utilities Martin Sutherland said.

South East Water managing director Carla Purcell echoed Sutherland’s sentiment.

“Recycled water is a safe, sustainable choice that helps our customers save precious drinking water while strengthening the resilience of our whole community,” she said.

“We’re proud to be supporting our local farmers with a reliable source of water that will help increase the amount of fresh food and produce they can grow.”

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