Western Port Recycled Water Scheme
We're working with Southern Rural Water and the Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action (DEECA) to establish a new recycled water scheme in the south of Cardinia Shire.
We’re investing in more sustainable water sources like recycled water to make sure farms can stay green while saving our precious drinking water supply.
The Western Port Recycled Water Scheme will supply Class A recycled water to parts of Pakenham South, Cora Lynn, Vervale, Catani, Iona, Garfield, Tynong and Bayles for agricultural purposes.
The scheme will help increase the growth of high value fresh vegetables and the availability and reliability of an alternative water supply in the areas.
We'll complete the scheme, formerly referred to as the Westernport Irrigation Scheme or Pakenham Regional Recyled Water Scheme, in multiple stages.
Stage 1a will supply local irrigators in Cora Lynn and the south of Tynong with recycled water from our Pakenham Water Recycling Plant.
Stage 1b will extend the network into the Vervale, Catani, Iona, Garfield and Bayles.
Stage 2 will include upgrade works at our plant to further increase production capacity for water distribution and utilisation along the Stage 1 network. We’re also investigating the feasibility to extend the network to the Dalmore region. We expect to start planning for Stage 2 in approximately 2030.
There are many benefits to the scheme
Increasing agricultural production
Provides farmers with a high-quality and reliable alternative water supply to increase productivity and efficiency.
Reducing the reliance on surface water and groundwater for irrigation
These types of water are fully allocated, subject to restrictions and vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
Supporting local food production and creating local jobs
By making more water available for the agricultural industry.
Reducing the amount of recycled water going out to sea
Excess treated wastewater is discharged to the ocean.
Scheme area - stage 1
Project alignment is subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions
South East Water is working with Southern Rural Water and DEECA to develop and implement the project providing Class A recycled water to several agricultural areas located in Cardinia Shire. Areas include Pakenham South, Cora Lynn, Vervale, Catani, Iona, Garfield, Tynong and Bayles. The aim of the scheme is to increase the volume of fit-for-purpose water sources for agriculture and adapt to a changing climate.
We’ve carried out both desktop studies and field investigations to understand what will be involved in the construction of the scheme. This has been supported by engagement with potential customers to further understand the demand for recycled water in the area.
We expect the scheme to start delivering recycled water to connected customers from 2028.
Stage 1a will supply local irrigators with Class A recycled water from our Pakenham Water Recycling Plant to Cora Lynn. Stage 1b will extend the initial network into the Vervale, Catani, Bayles and Iona region/s. Later stages of the project then expand our supply network potentially to the Dalmore region to bring more customers into the scheme.
See map above for the Stage 1 area.
Landholders, farmers, and businesses who are in the Pakenham South, Cora Lynn, Vervale, Catani, Iona, Garfield, Tynong and Bayles region/s within, or in close to, the scheme, who meet some or all of the criteria listed below.
- Use large volumes of water for irrigation or agricultural purposes.
- Grow multiple crops and irrigate for long periods across the year.
- Has existing capacity in onsite storage to hold recycled water and/or would be willing to construct additional storage.
We’ll preference users who will take water throughout the year and provide a regular demand.
We’ll also consider opportunities for new enterprises looking to start in the area and will require large volumes of water.
We know we’ve approached some businesses in the past about using recycled water in the Cora Lynn area. These previous projects were found to be too expensive to proceed, which we acknowledge was frustrating for those who were willing to connect.
We’ve now secured funding for Stage 1a and 1b of the Scheme to officially start the project. This scheme will be from our Pakenham Water Recycling Plant which reduces the up-front capital cost. The scheme will also be expanded as supply of recycled water increases. We encourage anyone located in, or near the scheme area who is interested in being supplied with recycled water to get in contact with our team.
We’re currently finalising our pricing model for this project. Before signing customers up to the scheme, we’ll communicate how much the recycled water will cost.
To ensure the viability of the scheme, we’re targeting customers who’ll use large volumes of water throughout the year, have large storage capacity and/or are willing to construct large storages.
We’ll consider all applications to connect to the scheme but will prioritise customers who either have, or plan to have sufficient storage and can sustainably use large volumes of recycled water each year.