Harcourt - Bushfire Bill Relief
- Harcourt
The following support is now available for customers in Harcourt following the bushfires that impacted the community on 9 January 2026.
Bushfire Bill Relief Program
| For urban customers in Harcourt who lost their primary dwelling or business | We have waived our entire bill for the billing period early November 2025 to early February 2026. We will waive our fixed service charges for the billing period early February 2026 to early May 2026 (this means you will only pay for any water used on your property during this time). No action is required. These benefits will be applied automatically for eligible customers. |
| For rural customers in Harcourt who access water from our rural pipeline (and who are billed using a different structure) | Impacted customers in the fire-affected area will receive $450 in bill relief, including a $300 rebate off their current bill (received in February 2026) and a further $150 rebate off their next bill (due to be issued in April 2026). These benefits will be applied automatically for eligible customers. Eligible customers may also be entitled to an additional $500 if their primary dwelling was destroyed by fire. Please contact us if you believe you are eligible for this support. |
| Whole-of-community support | Through our Community Rebates Program, we made a $6,000 contribution to the Harcourt Progress Association rebate to support local recovery efforts. This contribution acknowledges the impact of the Do Not Drink Advisory caused by the fires. |
If you need help or have questions, please call us on 1300 363 200.
Further information is available at www.connect.coliban.com.au/harcourt.
Click here for information about our Coliban Assist program and our support for customers.
The Victorian Government is providing recovery support for people and communities affected by the fires. Click here to learn more about the help and support available.
You can call the Emergency Recovery Hotline every day on 1800 560 760 from 9am to 5pm.
Coliban Main Channel blockage - Sedgwick
- Coliban Main Channel, Sedgwick
Update, Wednesday 1 April
We have worked to provide a temporary supply to rural customers using a pump to bypass the blockage and complete water orders for rural customers.
At the end of the rural season in May, we will work with specialised crews to clear the blockage.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Please check this website for updates or call us on 1300 363 200.
Earlier
We've identified a blockage on the Coliban Main Channel caused by debris from the recent fires in Harcourt.
The blockage was impacting our ability to deliver water to parts of the rural network for irrigation and stock use.
There is no impact to drinking water supplied to urban customers.
Pipeline construction – Maiden Gully
- Maiden Gully
We are continuing works on the Maiden Gully to Marong Pipeline, a new 11-kilometre water pipeline constructed between Golden Square, Maiden Gully and Marong to boost capacity and improve water pressure and reliability in this key growth corridor.
You may notice us working in the power line easement between Edwards Road and Rocky Rises Road and in the easement between Olympic Parade, Maiden Gully, and Emily Way, Golden Square.
We may need to temporarily close some sections of the easement during works. You will still be able to access your property.
All our works will be completed on weekdays between 7am and 5.30pm.
Please take care when driving in the area and follow any traffic management that is in place.
We apologise for any inconvenience.
For more information visit connect.coliban.com.au/maiden-gully-marong-pipeline
Boat ramp closed to larger vessels – Upper Coliban Reservoir
- Upper Coliban Reservoir
The Premier Mine Road boat ramp at the Upper Coliban Reservoir will be closed from 5 January 2026 until further notice to larger vessels that cannot be carried to the water.
This is due to releases from the Upper Coliban Reservoir that will reduce water levels in the boat ramp area.
Vessels that can be carried to the water – such as kayaks and canoes – are still permitted to use on the reservoir.
This restriction will remain in place until water levels increase at the reservoir.
Please note a blue-green algae alert remains in place at the Upper Coliban Reservoir. Visitors should avoid contact with the water.
For more information visit https://coliban.com.au/about-us/our-reservoirs/upper-coliban-reservoir
Blue-green algae - Upper Coliban Reservoir
- Upper Coliban Reservoir
Due to increased levels of blue-green algae in the water, Upper Coliban Reservoir is now closed for on-water recreation.
The use of kayaks, canoes and small portable craft is not permitted.
Please avoid making contact with the water. The water is unsafe for humans or animals to consume. Due to this we also advise against shoreline fishing at this time. If contact has been made rinse any contact areas with fresh water.
We have increased our water quality testing program to monitor the situation more closely.
For additional blue-green algae water quality information visit here.