3 January 2008
MELBOURNE WATER CONFIRMS PROPERTY PURCHASE
Melbourne Water today confirmed the purchase of around 210 hectares of land near Yea, as part of works to construct the $750 million Sugarloaf Pipeline project.
Project Director, Rod Clifford, said the site would house the pipeline’s high lift pumping station and an associated balancing storage.
"The pumping station and balancing storage to be constructed on this site will be used to carry Melbourne’s 75 billion litre capped entitlement from water savings achieved through the $1 billion Foodbowl Modernisation Project, over the Great Dividing Range to Sugarloaf Reservoir."
"Securing this land is an important step in the delivery of this important project."
Mr Clifford said the property was purchased on the open market following valuation by an independent valuer and the Valuer General.
"The exact design of these facilities will be confirmed as part of the ongoing development of final plans for the project, which the Sugarloaf Pipeline Team will work with the newly appointed constructor, John Holland, on developing."
Mr Clifford said the final pipeline alignment was expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks and followed an extensive program of community consultation as well as detailed survey works throughout the region.
"This consultation program and the comprehensive survey works currently underway are important in helping us to determine the best possible outcome for the project, and have already assisted us in ruling Limestone and Frog Ponds roads in Yea from the final alignment due to potential impacts on nationally significant natural and cultural resources, like the Yea Fossil Site."