6 August 2008
STATE PLANNING APPROVAL FOR SUGARLOAF PIPELINE WELCOMED
Melbourne Water has welcomed the approval and conditions from the Victorian Minister for Planning for the alignment and construction of the Sugarloaf Pipeline.
Managing Director of Melbourne Water, Rob Skinner, said the Minister’s decision represented an important milestone for a critical project.
“Since this project was first announced, we’ve worked with our alliance partners to carefully design the 70km pipeline that will bring water savings to Melbourne,” said Mr Skinner.
“Our work so far has included very detailed land, flora and fauna studies to give the Federal and State Governments the data they need to make an informed decision about the alignment and the approach to construction.
“The conditions set today by the Victorian Minister for Planning mean that the construction of the pipeline must meet a very high environmental standard. Melbourne Water and the Sugarloaf Pipeline Alliance welcome them, and we’ll now work to meet them.
“Our next step will be to complete our current survey work to finalise the site-specific environmental plans the Minister has asked for, which will be approved progressively as the construction schedule rolls out.”
Mr Skinner said detailed planning and survey work done to date would enable a quick start to construction, once the necessary Federal Government approvals were in place. Today’s announcement confirms that the Sugarloaf Pipeline remains on schedule for completion in mid-2010.
MEDIA CONTACT: Andrew McGinnes (03) 9235 7277 or 0403 930 846
ABOUT THE SUGARLOAF PIPELINE ALLIANCE
The Sugarloaf Pipeline project team is made up of an alliance, comprising Melbourne Water, John Holland, Sinclair Knight
Merz and GHD. This alliance is responsible for planning and environmental assessments, engineering, design, community
and landowner relations and project management associated with delivering the Sugarloaf Pipeline. The 70km pipeline will
transfer Melbourne’s share of the water saved through the Northern Victoria Irrigation Renewal Project to Sugarloaf
Reservoir.