Work has finished on a massive new $22 million pipeline in Melbourne’s north-west which will provide vital and reliable water supplies to the growing region.

Melbourne Water has commissioned the new Holden Reservoir Inlet Pipeline which can hold 47 megalitres – or the equivalent of around 19 Olympic-sized swimming pools worth of water.

Construction of the 4.15km pipeline began in July 2019. The pipe is now in full use and will ensure a secure water supply for residents and businesses in suburbs across Brimbank, Melton and Hume.

The pipeline will also provide water supplies from the critical Greenvale-Sydenham transfer system to
support Melbourne’s rapidly expanding outer north-west, with that population set to double over the next two decades. Of the 1.5 million new homes tipped to be built across Melbourne by 2051, almost half are expected in the city’s northern and western suburbs.

Significant planning went into developing the pipeline’s location to ensure water supply demands are met while reducing environmental and community impacts. The pipeline is located in the centre median strip of the Melton Highway from Calder Park Drive to Sanctuary Road in the outer suburb of Hillside.

Melbourne Water has worked closely with a range of stakeholders to complete the project –including City West Water, Western Water, VicRoads, Melton City Council, Brimbank City Council and local businesses.

On 1 July, City West Water and Western Water will integrate to become Greater Western Water, that will support 1.2 million people from the inner CBD to the fast-growing outer west regions.

Quotes attributable to Member for Sydenham Natalie Hutchins MP

“It’s predicted that Melbourne’s outer north-west and western suburbs will be among some of the fastest growing regions in Australia. With tens of thousands of people set to call this area home over the next few decades, it’s vital that we provide them with access to a reliable water supply.”

“I congratulate Melbourne Water and the project partners for delivering this very important project for the benefit of the community today and into the future.”

Quotes attributable to Acting Water Minister Richard Wynne MP

“I am delighted that the first stage of this vital Holden Reservoir Pipeline project to support our city’s growing outer north-west population has been successfully completed.”

“The next stage involves construction of two 30 megalitre storage tanks on land at the western end of this pipeline. The first tank is planned to be built by 2028 and the second for 2040. This is good news for ensuring the
secure water supply of this growing area.”

Quotes attributable to Melbourne Water’s General Manager, Major Project Delivery, Eamonn Kelly

“We thank the Hillside and Plumpton communities for their patience and understanding during the construction and delivery of this important project. We are pleased to provide residents and businesses with this world-class
infrastructure that will ensure we meet the growing demand for water in the outer north-west.”