Werribee System Reconfiguration

Southern Rural Water is a partner agency for the Werribee System Reconfiguration Project, an initiative examining how potable, river and recycled water might in future be used in the Werribee River system.  

The system extends along the length of the Werribee River, from Pykes Creek in the north to Werribee in the south and includes Pykes Creek, Merrimu and Melton reservoirs and the Werribee and Bacchus Marsh irrigation districts.  

The Werribee System Reconfiguration Project was identified as a key project outcome of the Central and Gippsland Region Sustainable Water Strategy. The project is focused on the development of a business case on the viability of reconfiguring water resources in the Werribee catchment, which could deliver the following benefits: 

• A reliable, high quality and recycled irrigation water supply in the Werribee River system that potentially secures the future of farming in the Werribee and Bacchus Marsh irrigation districts.
• Secure long-term potable water supplies to meet the needs of population growth, particularly in the Melton, Bacchus Marsh and Werribee growth corridors.
• Protect the stressed Werribee River system by returning water to the environment.
• Protect water supplies from the impacts of climate change.
• Return water to Traditional Owners.  

A preliminary business case was finalised in consultation with irrigators in 2024. The business case will be used to seek funding from the Commonwealth Government.

Engagement with customers 

Southern Rural Water led the consultation with its irrigation customers, while stakeholder engagement on other project components will be undertaken by partner agencies. These include the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), Melbourne Water, Greater Western Water and the Traditional Owner Partnership Group for the Central Gippsland Region Sustainable Water Strategy. 

A Reference Group of Werribee irrigation customers was appointed to support the project team to understand customer needs and requirements. This followed an Expression of Interest process undertaken late in 2023. 

The group consisted of Werribee Regulated System entitlement holders and/or primary producers operating in the Werribee Irrigation District. 

A key focus of customer consultation was on irrigation supply requirements, including the potential of providing a high quality, recycled irrigation water supply. Over multiple meetings throughout 2024, the group met to discuss the requirements of a future irrigation supply system and what it might look like

Feedback from the group informed a business case for the Werribee System Reconfiguration Project, which will consider irrigation opportunities alongside potable water, river health, environment and traditional owner benefits. Incorporating a whole-of catchment approach potentially improves the viability of the business case, securing funding and realising the full benefits. 

A preliminary business case finalised in 2024 and the final business case will be finalised in 2026, subject to Australian Government funding. There will be no changes to water entitlements without the agreement of customers.  

Customer reference group

The customer reference group consisted of the following customers:

• Michael Agosta
• Paul Baggio
• Sam Depasquale
• Tom Elevato
• Andrew Fragapane
• Mary Kerruish
• Amo Mason
• Danny Goegan
• John Said
• Harry Velisha