Read about the latest news, events and research from VicWater, and your colleagues around the Victorian water sector.
VicWater Update - March 2025
Incorporating IWN
One of the things that keeps my job interesting and rewarding is the emergence of new challenges and opportunities for the Victorian water sector.
Last week I was invited by the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) to participate in a panel discussion at their national Data Centre Forum. With the advent of AI and the ongoing digital transformation of the economy, the global market for data centres is rapidly growing. The CEDA forum brought together speakers from planning, construction, energy, water and technology to explore the potential for Australia to be a data superpower.
The use of water for cooling is a critical component of data centre infrastructure. Based on our available information, there are currently 46 data centres operating in Melbourne. Where we have access to usage data, we know that these existing data centres have an average water usage of approximately 50 litres per second, which puts them in the category of high usage customers.
We’re aware of a further 25 data centres that are currently proposed for development in the Melbourne area, many of which are so-called ‘hyperscale’ data centres. These are expected to have an average peak demand of approximately 175 litres per second, but could be anywhere between 100 and 500 litres per second. VicWater members estimate that the total projected data centre peak water demand including current and proposed is approximately 3,000 litres per second, which is equivalent to 100,000 residential homes or the city of Geelong.
This raises challenges for water utilities in terms of their ability to deliver significantly increased water supply at each new data centre location, and also manage the increased discharges into the sewer network. It also raises broader sustainability issues around the cumulative impact on Melbourne’s bulk water supply system and storages.
At the CEDA forum, one of the key messages I was keen to deliver is for data centre providers to engage early with the relevant water utility to help inform site selection and identify alternative water supply options. Ideally, new data centres would be located close to water recycling plants or existing recycled water infrastructure, and there are also likely to be opportunities to provide bespoke water solutions in some areas. As a sector, we want to work with all stakeholders to optimise service to data centres, while also promoting sustainability and minimising the impacts on our water systems and drinking water supply.
L to R: James Magill Origin Zero, Jo Lim VicWater, Alex Moffatt Cushman & Wakefield, Cathy Hayes CPB Contractors, Andrew Morrison GHD
My thanks to VicWater members South East Water, Greater Western Water, Yarra Valley Water and Barwon Water for providing me with data and briefing for the CEDA forum.
Meetings were held with Allens Lawyers to discuss ACCC authorisation and AFSL requirements. All of the 15 participating water corporations have nominated a member to be on the Project Oversight Committee. This committee will work on finalising the requirements for establishing the SPV and commencing the planning for the Tranche 1 RfP to acquire ACCUs. The first meeting of this committee will be held in March.
Safe Drinking Water Regulations Review
On 25 February DH released a Safe Drinking Water Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) impact analysis survey. The survey seeks information to inform DH’s work to develop formal reform options and impact assessments, which will be detailed in a RIS. The timing for the release of the RIS and the draft Regulations has not been advised.
Hi Everyone, welcome to the IWN March (wait, what, March already!) update.
2025 has certainly started with a bang with a number of new trials commencing, taking our current portfolio to 48 active projects.
This month we highlight a number of our recent trials, plus new projects that present trial opportunities. We are in the process of creating the IWN Prospectus to enable our members to identify IWN trial and pilot opportunities and also have visibility of previous trials that they may be interested in.
It’s International Women’s Day this Saturday and this year’s call to action is March Forward. More than ever before, it is important to take the time to reflect on the progress we have made, and the current state of gender equality, both in Australia and abroad. It is also important that we reflect on the leadership needed to ensure that our sector remains a place of belonging for all and the opportunities we can harness to progress gender equality in our sector.
Save the date for the VicWater Annual Conference, which will take place from 9 – 11 September 2025 at the Park Hyatt Melbourne.
This year the 2025 conference theme is “Future-Ready: Innovation, Optimism, and Opportunity” and highlights the importance of innovative solutions, forward-thinking strategies, and a positive outlook in addressing today’s challenges and unlocking tomorrow’s opportunities.
We will be launching the conference and opening registrations shorty.
The Director Masterclass 2 is back in March 2025, running over two days in Melbourne CBD. The Director Masterclass 2 allows for a deep dive into key themes, focus on ways of thinking and will draw extensively on the experience of the facilitators, speakers and participants.
Masterclass 2: New ways of thinking: addressing long-term challenges
This Masterclass will focus on the ‘foresight’ role of directors. It will explore the responses and capacities required to adapt to change including climate, indigenous water justice, sustainable development and diversity and inclusion and some tools and frameworks to influence long term outcomes.
24 March 2025: class – 12:30 – 17:30 followed by dinner 18:00 – 21:00
We’re excited to announce that registrations are now open for the IWN Annual Conference, taking place on 28 July 2025 at the State Library, Melbourne.
This year’s theme, “Future-ready: Resilience through Innovation”, will bring together industry leaders, showcase groundbreaking projects, and provide plenty of opportunities to connect and collaborate.
There's still time to get your nomination in for the WIOA Operator of the Year Awards for 2025. WIOA takes pride in promoting excellence in water industry operations.
VicWater is the very proud sponsor of the Victorian Operator of the Year Award, which is one of the most prestigious awards on offer from WIOA, with the award presented continuously since 1980. The award is presented to operators of water or wastewater treatment facilities to recognise excellent performance, initiative and all-around attention to detail.
Registrations are open for the Plenary Session and SIG Meetings this March.
Plenary Session – 9:00am – 9:45am
SIG Meetings – 10am onwards
Plenary Session - Complexity in the Water Sector presented by David Middleton
Once upon a time, the business of a water corporation was relatively simple, with the focus on pipes and pump stations to meet the modest needs of communities – reliable water. Move to today – the business of a water corporation is multifaceted and increasingly complex to navigate and manage.
Have you thought about what your life will look like when you stop working? Planning for retirement can be overwhelming and the decisions you make now can have a big impact on your life post-work. Sometimes seeking advice is about finding out what you don’t know so you can explore your options – and understand what will suit you best, and why.
1st image: Gippsland Water Chair Tom Mollenkopf AO, independent Aboriginal Board delegate Glenn Pellegrin and Managing Director Sarah Cumming. 2nd image: Gippsland Water Board member Felix Ohle and Board Committee independent Aboriginal delegate Laurie Marks.
Gippsland Water welcomes fresh perspectives with independent Aboriginal Board delegates
Gippsland Water has welcomed Glenn Pellegrin to its Board as an Independent Aboriginal Delegate and Laurie Marks as Board Committee independent Aboriginal delegate.
Managing director Sarah Cumming said Mr Pellegrin’s appointment would further strengthen the recognition and inclusion of First Nations perspectives as part of Gippsland Water’s decision-making processes.
“Glenn’s insights will broaden our understanding of the priorities of First Nations people and help to reflect those in our projects and initiatives. We’re thrilled to have him joining us,” Ms Cumming said.
Barwon Water engage community to guide Apollo Bay’s water future
Barwon Water has launched Apollo Bay: Water, Your Say, which will create a long-term plan for the area’s water supply options.
General Manager Planning, Delivery and Environment Seamus Butcher said the Apollo Bay: Water, Your Say program would initially focus on better understanding local insights and priorities across Apollo Bay, Marengo and Skenes Creek.
“We’re encouraging people who wish to contribute to Apollo Bay’s water future to come and talk to us at one of our community pop-ups or to fill out our survey,” Mr Butcher said.
Caption: Outer left and right - CHW Managing Director Jeff Haydon and Board Chair Angeleen Jenkins
Community partnership continues for 2025 Ballarat Begonia Festival
Central Highlands Water (CHW) will continue as community partner at this year’s Ballarat Begonia Festival, a long-standing partnership spanning over 25 years with the City of Ballarat.
The iconic 3-day festival attracting over 50,000 visitors annually, was launched today in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens at the Robert Clark Conservatory.
Protecting public health with over 70,000 water quality tests a year
Yarra Valley Water has released its Annual Drinking Water Quality Report 2023-24 which highlights rigorous testing with over 70,000 water quality tests – an average of one every 8 minutes – ensuring tap water is fully compliant with Safe Drinking Water Regulations and pleasant to drink.
Bridie Fennessy, General Manager Asset Services said Yarra Valley Water is committed to providing reliable, safe and pleasant water supplies for customers throughout its service area.
“Our team collects 7,100 water samples from across our service area and carries out tens of thousands of tests every year, ensuring customers receive safe, great tasting water straight from the tap,” said Ms Fennessy.
Do you have a water sector event you'd like to promote? Maybe an announcement you'd like us to share on behalf of your organisation? VicWater Update has opened the news and events section of the monthly update to promote visibility of things that are happening within the water sector.
If you'd like something included email Lauren Vines with your request for consideration in our next edition.
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