Victoria government to fund infrastructure projects to secure water supplies

The government of Victoria in Australia has announced a funding of A$48m ($31.6m) for water infrastructure projects.

With this funding water infrastructure projects and environmental works across the state, the government not only aims to create new employment openings but also create new opportunities for the businesses in the state.

Victoria Minister for Water Lisa Neville said: “This A$48.4m will create jobs across Victoria with funding for projects in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.

“By investing in water infrastructure, we are investing in a bright and healthy future for all Victorians no matter where they live – with increased water security and a healthy environment.

“It’s been an unbelievably tough few months for fire-affected communities – this work to restore waterway health and assets is an important part of our bushfire recovery efforts.”

Neville further explained that the funding will be used for secure water supplies through recycling and stormwater use, which will help in bushfire recovery and benefit the environment.

The funding is said to be part of the governments new A$2.7bn Building Works package, which supports bushfire recovery efforts by investing A$10.3m in restoring waterway and catchment health and also upgrading key infrastructures such as water monitoring stations, emergency water supply points and flood warning gauges.

Additionally, the government has allocated A$10.7m for the integrated water management projects to secure water supplies by better-using storm and recycled water.

The package also includes A$10.4m funding for Phase 2 of the Macalister Irrigation District Modernisation project.

To support the native fish habitat and other fish species, the government has allocated A$17m for environmental waterway works in Northern Victoria.