Coliban Water celebrates a year of progress for people, communities and the environment
Coliban Water has made significant strides in 2025 to strengthen water and wastewater services across the region, tackling ageing infrastructure, supporting population growth and preparing for the challenges of a changing climate.
It has also been a year of achievements, marked by strong partnerships, community engagement, and initiatives that deliver better outcomes for customers and the environment.
Managing Director Damian Wells said the organisation’s focus remains firmly on building a stronger future for the region.
“The work we’ve delivered this year goes beyond infrastructure - it’s about creating lasting benefits for our communities,” Mr Wells said.
“By upgrading our aging infrastructure and water systems, we’re making sure our services are more reliable, we’re ready for more people and changing weather, and we use environmentally friendly practices.”
Key achievements in 2025
- Kalimna Basin Renewal completion – concrete, structural and roof works were completed on this critical Castlemaine water storage, securing its role in supplying safe drinking water for the next 20 years.
- Rural Network Upgrades – more than 10 kilometres of channels were desilted and excavated, 130 metres of Axe Creek Channel relined, and 60 metres of storm-damaged sections of the Coliban Main Channel replaced. Eleven new kangaroo crossings were also installed to protect wildlife and infrastructure.
- Switching to 100% renewable electricity – as of 1 July 2025, the delivery of drinking water and sewage treatment for 180,000 customers is being done using 100% renewable electricity.
- Biggest year yet for community and school engagement – 3,228 people reached at 72 events across the region and 3,600 students reached with water education sessions through 167 school and kindergarten incursions.
- Progress at Spring Gully Recycled Water Tank – concrete walls constructed for a brand-new recycled water tank that will hold 2 million litres of Class A recycled water from the Epsom Recycled Water Factory.
- Laanecoorie Water Tanks and Pump Station award – the project took home top honours at the Civil Contractors Federation Victoria Earth Awards in the category for projects valued between $2 million to $5 million.
- Malmsbury Reservoir Bridge Refurbishment award – the project was also nominated as a finalist in the category for projects valued up to $2 million.
- Supporting vulnerable customers – Coliban Assist program continued to provide a range of assistance for customers experiencing hardship, including those impacted by family violence or financial abuse.
- Installation of water fountain at Wanyarra Dum (frog ponds) – a brand-new water fountain wrapped in a stunning artwork by Sharlee Dunolly-Lee, a proud Dja Dja Wurrung descendant living and working on Dja Dja Wurrung Country.
- Supporting our next generation of STEAM experts - boosted investment in STEAM education (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) including new partnerships with Discovery Science and Technology Centre Bendigo and La Trobe University. Helping to nurture and develop the next generation of water and sewerage treatment experts.
- Community open day at Castlemaine Water Reclamation Plant - our open day at the Castlemaine Water Reclamation Plant was a huge success, celebrating the strong support from the community for our planned upgrades was on full display.
- Water Treatment and Storage Upgrade Program – as part of our Big Water Build, plans have been developed for a range of upgrades across our water treatment plants and lagoon systems. These include upcoming works in Cohuna, Axedale, Echuca, Malmsbury, and Goornong.
Major projects advancing
Two of Coliban Water’s largest infrastructure projects reached key milestones in 2025:
- Bendigo Solids Handling Upgrade – contract awarded in May, with electrical works underway ahead of construction of a new solids handling facility at Bendigo Water Reclamation Plant beginning in mid-2026.
- Castlemaine Water Reclamation Plant Upgrade – Victorian Government approval secured for the business case, planning permit granted from Mount Alexander Shire Council and Expressions of Interest have now closed. After receiving significant interest from industry, we look forward to moving into a competitive and interactive tender process to draw out the industry’s best and most innovative solutions.
“These projects represent long-term investments that will benefit their communities for the next 25 years. They also provide opportunity for contractors to establish local bases, utilise local suppliers and subcontractors, and employ locally”, Mr Wells said.
A key advantage of the model is the local benefits it delivers. The long-term nature of the partnership provides opportunity for contractors to establish local bases, utilise local suppliers and subcontractors, and employ locally.
Supporting growth in Bendigo’s fastest-growing suburbs
Construction of the Maiden Gully to Marong Water Pipeline is now 63% complete and on track for completion mid-2026. This 11-kilometre pipeline will boost water pressure and reliability in Bendigo’s growing west.
The Marong Sewer Upgrades also continued in 2025, with more works planned for 2026. We completed construction of a new sewer pump station in Allies Road, Marong, securing a more reliable sewer service for the Marong community. Featuring advanced odour control, this upgrade improves wastewater transfer from the rapidly growing Marong and Maiden Gully area to the Bendigo Water Reclamation Plant in Epsom.
“Maiden Gully and Marong are two of Bendigo’s fastest-growing suburbs. These projects will increase capacity for future development, reduce the risk of sewer spills during extreme weather, and ensure we can meet the needs of our growing communities,” Mr Wells said.
To learn more about Coliban Water’s projects, visit connect.coliban.com.au