Melbourne Water has submitted its final 2013 Water Plan to the Victorian Essential Services Commission (ESC), outlining proposed investment, service provision and prices for the next five years following 1 July next year.

 

Managing Director, Shaun Cox, said where the current regulatory period (2009-13) focused on significant infrastructure investment to ensure Melbourne was well prepared against population growth and extreme events such as drought and bushfire, the 2013 plan concentrated on maintaining an expanded asset base and upgrading aging infrastructure.

 

“A high quality water supply, safe sewage transfer and treatment, better flood protection and healthy waterways with good amenity play a vital role in maintaining Melbourne’s status as one of the world’s most liveable cities,” said Mr Cox.

 

“The 2013 Water Plan outlines the ways in which we, as an essential service provider and natural resource manager, can contribute to the community’s quality of life, and positions us to support the implementation of the Victorian Government’s Living Melbourne, Living Victoria vision,” he added.

 

The shift from large-scale projects to asset maintenance and renewal is reflected in a $1.5 billion reduction in capital expenditure. Key capital projects proposed for the next five years include:

  • Renewal of several aging water supply pipelines (total $133m)
  • Growth-related works in Melbourne’s west, including stage two of the St Albans-Werribee pipeline ($96m)
  • Western Treatment Plant capacity upgrades ($225.9m).
  • Rehabilitation of the Hobsons Bay Main Sewer ($42m) and North Yarra Main Sewer replacement works ($44.6m)
  • Flood protection works ($105.7m)
  • River health improvements ($104.3m) including 8300km of riverside vegetation improvement and 125 stormwater projects (delivered through partnerships)

 

Mr Cox said costs associated with the Victorian Desalination Plant marked a fundamental shift in Melbourne Water’s cost profile in the 2013 Water Plan, more than doubling total operating costs and contributing almost 90% to the proposed increase to the wholesale water and sewerage price in 2013-14.

 

“We are acutely aware of the impact of increased water bills on the cost of living and we are committed to delivering our services as efficiently as possible and investing prudently in essential infrastructure,” he said.

 

Melbourne Water’s 2013 Water Plan and fact sheets summarising key elements of the plan can be seen here.