Upgrading Bendigo Regional Water Security
Media Release from:
Senator the Hon Murray Watt, Minister for the Environment and Water
Lisa Chesters MP, Member for Bendigo
A new $160 million water efficiency infrastructure project will deliver more water for the Murray–Darling Basin in Victoria by modernising water infrastructure around Bendigo and surrounding townships.
Coliban Water’s rural supply network dates back to the 1870s and delivers up to 7,000 megalitres of water each year to approximately 1,300 customers, including families, farms and small businesses. In its current form, the channels are estimated to lose 79 percent of their water due to leaks and seepage.
The Coliban Rural Water Efficiency Project marks a major step forward in delivering a more efficient and sustainable water future for the region for generations to come. It will reduce losses, increase the use of recycled water throughout the network, and increase reliability and productivity for customers and irrigators.
The Albanese Government will deliver $120 million from the Resilient Rivers Water Infrastructure Program, with up to $40 million provided by Coliban Water.
The Coliban Rural Water Efficiency Project will contribute almost 4.6 GL towards the Basin Plan’s 450 GL water recovery target, to improve river health and environmental outcomes for the Murray−Darling Basin Plan.
A total of 300 ML of water savings will also be returned to Traditional Owners for self-determined use, recognising their ongoing cultural and spiritual connection to water and Country. Any additional savings will be reserved for urban water supply.
The project was identified through the Planning Our Basin Future Together Prospectus - which was developed with Basin communities by the Allan Labor Government to plan for the region’s future with communities as a focus.
Funding under the Resilient Rivers Water Infrastructure Program is now fully allocated to 14 projects.
For more information on the Resilient Rivers Water Infrastructure Program, visit our website.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt:
“We’ve said from the start that we will use all the tools at our disposal to deliver the Basin Plan in a way that balances the needs of our communities and our environment.
“The passage of our Government’s Restoring our Rivers Act 2023 provided us more time, more tools and more funding, including for water infrastructure and efficiency.
“In a climate where every drop is precious, we can’t afford to have systems that don’t deliver water reliably and efficiently.
“Improving our infrastructure means delivering water savings now and many generations down the line.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters:
“Water is a finite resource, so we must make sure every single drop is well-used.
“This project will ensure water isn’t being lost through leaky pipes or other avoidable circumstances and will deliver more water for the environment and for our local Indigenous community.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Bendigo East, Jacinta Allan:
“We are delivering for Bendigo with this $160 million investment that will upgrade our water network, which will help our local communities grow and deliver more water to farmers.
“Currently enough water to supply over 20,000 homes is being lost through leaks and evaporation - we are going to end that with an upgraded system.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Bendigo West, Maree Edwards:
“We are investing in Bendigo’s future to bring more water to families and farmers while preventing water loss from the aging water system.
“These changes will increase capacity in Coliban’s storages to support a growing Bendigo and maintain reliable services.”
Quotes attributable to Coliban Water Board Chair, Bob Cameron:
“We would like to thank both the Federal and State Governments, as well as key stakeholders and partners for their support in making this historic project possible.”
Further information about Coliban Water's Rural Water Efficiency Project is available here.
Last updated on 15 Apr 2026