Southern Rural Water has built three new emergency bores to help communities in Nillumbik Shire access water during crisis.
Bore pumps and infrastructure have been built at three sites in St Andrews, Christmas Hills and Strathewen and they are now operational. The bores at Christmas Hills and Strathewen have been installed with solar operated systems to reduce fuel use and improve environmental outcomes.
Known as emergency water supply points (EWSPs), these new bores have been added to Victoria’s existing network of EWSPs. The new bores will supply communities with water for domestic and stock needs in severe drought and CFA firefighters during bushfires.
These new bores in Nillumbik join two others recently built at Bradvale and Derrinallum in Corangamite Shire. Southern Rural Water has also started drilling new bores that will extend the EWSP network further in Bayles and Seaton in Cardinia and Wellington shires respectively.
Southern Rural Water Managing Director Cameron FitzGerald said the project will help safeguard lives and livelihoods.
“It’s important that we strengthen our emergency water infrastructure to better prepare for future dry periods,” Mr FitzGerald said.
“These bores will add to a growing EWSP network and give residents and emergency services increased access to water during tough times,” Mr FitzGerald said.
Nillumbik Shire Council Mayor John Dumaresq said securing a reliable water supply is essential for an effective response to fires and other emergencies.
“With very limited access to reticulated water in the Christmas Hills area, the new bore means we now have an easily accessible and reliable source of water for communities in times of crisis,” Cr Dumaresq said.
“It will also enable local Country Fire Authorities to respond quickly and effectively to fires in our local area.”
The new bores have been built on Crown and council owned land and will supply unmetered water the community and emergency services can use in extreme drought and extreme fire danger periods.
The bore locations have been selected based on groundwater information, suitability for construction and community need that’s informed by extensive engagement with the communities they will serve.
The Emergency Water Supply Points Project is being delivered by Southern Rural Water and funding has been made available through the Australian Government’s National Water Grid Fund (Victoria Connections Package) and the Victorian Government’s $2.7 billion Building Works package.