L to R: Steven Healy, Central Highlands Water, Catherine King, Member for Ballarat and Paul Donohue, Central Highlands Water
Member for Ballarat, Catherine King and Member for Ripon, Martha Haylett have announced $600,000 in joint funding for Central Highlands Water’s Forest Hill Water Supply Connection project, last month in August 2025.
Catherine King, Member for Ballarat said:
“This business case is the first step in ensuring that water supply is more reliable and resilient for both the people living in these communities and the farms and industry operating in the area.
“It’s critically important that we safeguard our water resources for future generations and this work Central Highlands Water is undertaking will do just that.”
This funding will enable Central Highlands Water to investigate an opportunity to connect Allendale, Broomfield, Kingston, Newlyn, Smeaton and Springmount to the Ballarat water supply network.
The six towns currently source their water supply from groundwater. This supply is subject to restrictions during dry periods, which poses a risk to these communities as they face the threat of climate change and hot, dry summer periods.
Additionally, the local groundwater resource is heavily developed and in strong demand from both urban water users and agricultural irrigators.
Connecting to the Ballarat system would provide a more secure and climate resilient drinking water supply to 1,200 residents and enable the existing groundwater resource to be considered for agriculture, environment and Traditional Owner self-determined uses.
Central Highlands Water will use this funding to develop a business case over the next 12 months to provide clear, comprehensive evidence that can be used to inform future decisions.
Paul Donohue, General Manager Infrastructure Planning & Operations at Central Highland Water said;
“This project has the potential to provide Forest Hill’s urban water customers with a reliable water supply that creates sufficient capacity for long-term growth and unlocks other local opportunities.
“We are excited to explore this opportunity and look forward to engaging with our communities and key stakeholders as we define the social, economic, environmental, and cultural benefits associated with this project.”
The Albanese and Allan Labor Governments are each providing $300,000 to this project. Both governments are committed to working together to safeguard town water supplies and boost regional water security across regional Victoria and here in Hepburn Shire.
Martha Haylett, Member for Ripon said:
“I’m pleased to be able to partner with the Albanese Labor Government to deliver these projects that not only improve water quality in our regions but prepare us for population growth and the challenges of living with a drying climate.”
