State Government of Victoria Reforming , Victoria's Water Industry

Regional Structure for Non-Metropolitan Urban Water Authorities

June 1995

Office of State Owned Ente1·prises Office of Water Reform Department of the Trea$ury Department of Conservation and Natural Resources ,_;: j ~ ~ ~-

Reforming Victoria's Water Industry

Regional Structure for Non-Metropolitan Urban Water Authorities

June 1995

Office of State Owned Enterprises Office of\Vater Reform Department of the Treasury Department of Conservation and Natural Resources PREFACE

In March 1994, we released the Government's Plan for Reform of Non-Metropolitan Urban Water Authorities (the Plan). That document set out the Government's desire to complete the amalgamations of water authorities as a necessary first step toward achieving major improvements in water services and environmental conditions in Victoria. It incorporated a three-month consultation phase.

All water authorities took advantage of the opportunity to make input during the consultation phase. The plan was then the subject of further consultation to resolve specific issues.

Authorities made more than 100 formal written submissions during the consultations as well as participating in numerous meetings to discuss the Plan and possible variations to it. A major effort was needed on the part of the water authorities - through their members and officers - for this process to succeed. We thank all those concerned. Thanks arc also due to all individuals and organisations who made their views known to the Government.

This document records the outcome of the consultation and points the way to the future. Modifications were made to the Plan to acconunodate the strong regional relationships which were clarified during the consultation process. We are pleased to say that the Government's criteria for achieving commercially viable water authorities with a trne regional focus were best satisfied by the regional groupings which the authorities themselves helped to finalise.

We were also encouraged by the fact that the eighteen regional water authorities identified in this document were established almost exclusively through the voluntary amalgamation of over 80 former authorities. The statewide restructuring was substantially completed in February 1995. By assisting with this reform the former bodies have helped prepare Victoria for a new era in the management of water services.

The new regional water authorities are now addressing the major challenge in meeting Government objectives for the water sector. In the broadest tenns these objectives are to achieve enduring public benefit by improving services and reducing costs. Economies of scale achieved from restructuring should enable operating costs to be reduced by 20% statewide. These savings will contribute to the financing of priority works for improved water quality to customers and better wastewater management, which are two key outcomes expected of the reforms.

We are also establishing a framework for protecting the envirorunent and making more sensible use ofVictoria's valuable resources. The next step in this process will be to introduce operating licences with customer service contracts.

We look forward to working with the new authorities for the benefit of the people and the envirorunent of Victoria.

Alan Stockdale Geoff Coleman Treasurer Minister for Natural Resources CONTENTS

PREFACE

CONTENTS

BACKGROUND ...... 1

STATE PLAN OF NON-METROPOLITAN URBAN WATER AUTHORITIES ...... 6

REGIONAL WATERAUTHORITIES- SUMMARY STATISTICS ...... 7

THE FUTURE ...... 9

REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITIES ...... 11

Grampians Region Water Authority ...... 12 Lower Murray Region Water Authority ...... 16 Coliban Region Water Authority ...... 18 Goulburn Valley Region Water Authority ...... 20 Mid-Goulburn Regional Water Board ...... 22 Ovens Region Water Authority ...... 24 Kiewa Murray Region WateT Authority ...... 26 East Gippsland Region Water Authority ...... 28 Central Gippsland Reg1on Water Authority ...... 30 South GippsJand Region Water Authority ...... 32 Westernport Region \Vater Authority ...... 34 Western Region Water Authority ...... 36

SOUTH WEST AUTHORITIES ...... 39

Central Highlands Region Water Authority ...... 40 Barwon Region Water Authority ...... 42 Co lac Region Water Authority ...... 44 South West Water Authority ...... 46 Portland Coast Region Water Authority ...... 48 Glenelg Region Water Authority ...... 50

APPENDIX - Contact Listing for Region Water Authorities ...... 53 BACKGROUND

GOVERNMENT OBJECTIVES ln October 1993, the Treasurer and the Minister for Natural Resources released the Government's policy 'Reforming Victoria's Water Industry -A Competitive Future - Water'. This policy document identified the substantial scope for improvt:ment in the Victmian water industry by introducing competition to drive efficiencies and by empowering customers to make choices about the services they require. The document listed previous over-investment of capital, excessive debt, inefficient work practices and Jack of responsiveness to customers as issues of major concern.

The policy was set in the framework of the national agenda of reform which arose out of the I 992 Industry Commission report on water and wastewater management. The Industry Commission examined what it believed were unsatisfactory economic aspects of water and wastewater management around Australia. It also examined the issue of sustainable development and emerging enviromnental problems such as blue-green algae outbreaks across the country.

Victoria's policy is consistent with the national directions. Since the Industry Commission reported, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG), through its Working Group on Water Resource Policy, has been developing a strategic framework for efficient and sustainable reform of the water industry. At the same time, the National Competition Policy Repon by the Independent Committee of Inquiry (the Hilmer Committee) also reported to CO AG that government business enterprises in Australia, including water authorities, lacked the vital clement of competition to drive improved customer service and efficiency gains.

'Reforming Victoria's Water industry -A Competitive Future - Water' also described a program to separate the public-good functions (regulatory and community service) and commercial functions (customer services) in the water industry, and to introduce greater financial transparency and accountability. It addressed sub-sectors in the industry served by the Melbourne Water Corporation, the Rural Water Corporation and non-meu·opolilan urban water authorities. The subject of this report is the refonn of the non-metropolitan urban water authorities.

PROCESS OF STRUCTURAL REFORM

History of Reform

In the early 1970s Victoria's non-metropolitan water industry consisted of 370 water tmsts, sewerage authorities and local councils which operated their own water and sewage services. The Public Bodies Review Conunittee, a joint parliamentary committee, was established in 1980 with one of its tasks being to address the fragmentation within the water sector. This led to substantial restructuring of non-metropolitan authorities and progressively reduced the number of authorities to approximately 150 by the mid 1980s.

The late 1980s and early 1990s saw several reviews into the management arrangements of the State's water industry where there were specific financial or management problems. The number of auth01ilies was further reduced during this period to 120.

1 South West Victo1·ia

Thirty-two water authorities in South West Victoria jointly completed a major review of the management arrangements for water services in the region in September 1992. After further consultation, the Government in December 1993 supported the major reconunendation that six regional water authorities should be established to replace the existing authorities.

At the time, this was the largest single restructuring decision made for the non-metropolitan urban water sector and was the forerunner to the statewide changes in 1994/95. However this resuucturing was not developed under the criteria established for the 1994 plan and several authorities are smaller than the minimum size over the rest of the State.

The South West regional authorities established in 1993 and early 1994 are:

• Barwon Region Water Authority • Central Highlands Region Water Authority • Colac Region Water Authority • Glenelg Region Water Authority • South West Wate1· Authority (formerly Hopkins Region Water Authority) • Portland Coast Region Water Authority.

1994 Plan of Reform

In March 1994 the Treasurer and the Minister for Natural Resources released a second document on water reform which built on the October 1993 policy and outlined the Govenunent's 'Plan for Re.form <~{Non-Metropolitan Urban Water Authorities'. Key objectives of the Government as set out in this 1994 policy statement were to:

• improve efficiency and service~ • achieve water quality and effluent standards without relying on Government financial assistance; • achieve economies of scale in the use of capital and support facilities; • promote a more commercial approach to management; and • maintain legitimate conununity service obligations.

The 'Plan for Reform of Non-Metropolitan Urban Water Authorities' proposed the formation of seventeen regional water authorities by restructuring the eighty-three non-metropolitan urban water authorities which remained after ten years of piecemeal structural changes in the sector. The document indicated that these amalgamations should reduce operating costs by 20% statewide.

The Plan specified that the new authorities would be required to meet criteria of:

• being commercially viable; • being logical in terms of water systems; • serving a community of interest; • being able to improve service standards; • being able to meet the requirements of operating licences; and • being capable of providing a commercial return to Government.

2 The Plan was distributed to all 83 water authorities to indicate the magnitude of the Government's vision for reform and provide a focus for discussion and debate on structural reform. With the help of substantial input by authorities during consultation over a six months period, the Government made significant changes to the regional boundaries proposed in its March 1994 Plan. Boundaries between regions were realigned and eighteen regions were formed lo better reflect the currently recognised community groupings across Victoria. The regional structure was also consistent with the Government's criteria of ensrning annual revenue of ac least $10 million hr the proposed new regional water authorities. This minimum financial size was a key indicator of commercial viability.

Prior to January 1995, many water authorities had taken the initiative and applied to f01m new regional water authorities. As a result, most mergers and amalgamations of former bodies were completed and all but two of the new regional water authorities were close to their planned final structure on 1 January 1995. The remaining restructuring of urban water authorities was substantial Iy completed by February 1995.

In all but five instances, the Government reached agreement with the fo1mer water authorities on the structural adjustment to be made in their region. In only those five instances was it necessary to proceed with the changes without the agreement of the authorities concerned.

The regional water authorities have put the state's non-metropolitan urban water sector on a sound basis to address the issues of improving drinking water quality and effluent management practices in the scores of small towns across Victoria. More efficient management of present resources and facilities, as well as an improved ability to self-fund additional infrastructure, will ensure that customers receive the best possible service at the lowest possible price.

Separation from Local Government

Apait from water boards which operated completely independently of councils, many former water authorities were in fact Municipal Councils which had been assigned water and wastewater :functions under the i.\i:zter Act 1989. Some water boards were managed in conjunction with municipal functions under mutually convenient arrangements with councils. This close association over many years had led to a bluning of responsibilities.

By separating the water function responsibilities from the municipal functions, the Government has given a new focus to management of water services as separate, commercially-orientated water businesses across the state.

During the process of restructuring, the water sector liaised closely with the local government sector, which was itself undergoing major strnctural reform. Liaison between the two sectors dwing restructuring was not only a legislative requirement, it was also essential to ensure that the correct number and mix of employees were transferred to the regional water authorities. Staff changes were planned and made under the Water Industry Restructuring Employment Guidelines.

A small number of isolated communities have traditionally been provided with water services by municipalities under the Local Govemment Act rather than under the Water Act. The transfer of these services to regional water authorities dwing 1995 will complete the separation of water service provision from local government.

3 Appointment of Boards

A range of skills is essential on the Boards of the new regional water authorities to successfully meet the challenges of the future. The required skills cannot be guaranteed through the process of selecting Directors by popular vote or through council representation. Therefore, all positions on the Boards of the new authorities were filled by ministerial appointment through a process which included open advertisement.

More than 400 people responded to invitations to nominate for selection to the authorities. A selection panel consisting of a water industry expert, a representative of the Government and a professional search agent screened all applications and interviewed short-listed applicants before recommending the most suitable people to the Minister for Natural Resources.

The number of Directors range from five for the smaller authorities tu nine for some of the Larger authorities. Directors were appointed because of their skills in the areas of business, finance, science and technology, regional knowledge, law and an understanding of Government objectives for the urban water sector.

4 5 NON-METROPOLITAN URBAN WATER AUTHORITIES

r~-"',·---~c: I ,-.~ ) APRIL 1995

-=- r Melbourne Area I ~ \ I Approximate Boundaries of l ~ Wa1erAuthorities Noll­ I Melropolitan Urban "' l . ~ . ~ ~ ~ K1kl't1f!l•.i.i G/6442 l) I I I "'" )'\ I ~:i.t-::Ju I ."T"" .c'-._ ....., I GR.a\ °'

I l I I "-.... "-.... ' ...... /_

......

·- POFts COAS

If•°\ CONSERVATION AND 'I) ~~~ ..~f: ~~2~!£~~b,,,. REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITIES SUMMARY STATISTICS

...... Regional Water Customer Accounts Annual Cash & Debt Authority Revenue Investment Employees $m $m $m Water Sewerage

Grampians 28,400 21,750 18.00 10.00 19.00 103 Lower Murray 24,000 19,200 15.80 14.90 5.70 103 Coliban 55,040 40,200 35.80 19.40 54.30 191

Goulburn Valley 31,100 26,250 20.00 16.00 18.50 111 I Mid Goulburn 13,800 10,000 10.40 7.00 26.00 47 Ovens 18,000 16,000 11.00 12.00 9.00 57 Kiewa Murray 17,500 15,500 13 .70 7.10 11.10 67

!East Gippsland 18,200 13, 700 13.00 13.00 33.00 72 Central Gippsland 52,400 42,500 46.00 46.00 32.00 238 South Gippsland 15,500 12,700 10.00 9.00 25.00 50

Westernport 13 ,200 9,400 10.00 3.00 31.00 24

Western Region 32,700 27,300 29.00 12.00 61 .00 89 Central Highlands 49,100 38,000 34.40 30.50 63.60 253 Barwon 96,044 88,518 68.30 30.40 138.00 427 Colac 9,900 7,800 7.10 2.00 14.60 40 South West 19,150 14,210 14.00 10.00 7.00 68 Portland Coast 7,254 6,580 5.10 4 .90 6.80 19 Glenelg 7,679 5,659 4.30 3.60 9.30 17 I State Totals 508,967 415,267 365.90 250.80 564.90 1976 -·· -·· ...... -- I

Note: Data for this table was prepared from Annual Reports for 1993-94 by individual former authorities wherever they were available. Alternative sources were 1992-93 Annual Reports and projected figures for 1993-94 from business plans.

7 8 THE FUTURE

Victoria is leading Australia in water reform. The future of water service management will reflect the Victorian Government's commitment to the national agenda for refonning the water industry.

Reforms in Victoria's water industry arc part ofa comprehensive program to reform goverrunent business enterprises instituted by the State Government. The overall objectives of the Government are to generate public benefit by:

increasing efficiency; maximising customer benefit; and reducing Victoria's debt burden.

LICENCES

The water industry in Victoria will be characterised by state-owned and corporatised water authorities operating under renevvable licences for defined geographic areas. The Water Industry Act 1994 established the legislative base for a systt!m of operating licences.

The licences constitute agreements between the Govemment and the licensees and. require the licensees to deliver specified servict!S subject to ce11ain terms and conditions.

Licence conditions reflect a number of different Government perspectives including those in the areas of Environment Protection, Health and Community Services, Conservation and Natural Resources and Finance. Licensees are subject to existing legislation, such as the Health Act, the Environment Protection Act, the Land Acquistion and Compensation Act, the Catchment and Land Protection Act, the Planning and Environment Act and the Subdivision of Land Act.

The principal conditions of the licences cover provision of services, perfonnance standards (e.g. water quality, effluent discharge, service interruptions, water pressure, customer protection), rebJUlation of pricing, customer service guarantet!, customer liaison and penalty provisions.

The initial licences were issued in December 1994 to three state-owned companies, created under the State Owned Enterprises Act 1992, to assume responsibility for the retail supply of water and collection of sewage in the Mclboumc metropolitan area. These businesses have their own customer base and although not competing directly for each other's customers, will 'compete by comparison' in the service they offer their customers. Each licence contains a Customer Contract which details the tenns and conditions of service.

The state-owned companies derive most of their powers from the C01porations Law. Some additional powers arc however necessary to enable the licensees to perfonn their functions. These additional powers, such as entry to land and closing ofroads, are granted by the Water JndustryJAct 1994 and have been kept to a minimum. Licensees will be fully accountable for their actions. Customers ~ill be able to compare the perfomrnnce, quality and service of their business with those in the neighbouring regions to see that they get a fair deal.

The system of licences is an important element of competition by comparison, since it encourages more accountable and customer-orientated service provision and sets the performance standards for the industry.

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources as an agent for the Minister for Natural Resources has various roles in the reformed water industry, essentially to advise the Minister on policy aspects of the industry and to monitor use and protection of assets and natural resources. The

9 Department will lead the development of, and transition to, operating licences for Melbourne headworks and for regional water authorities across Victoria.

Licensed water agencies will be regulated by the Office of the Regulator-General in a way which will promote competitive market conduct, and ensure that customers benefit from competition and the efficjency it generates.

The Regulator-General will monitor whether the licensees are perfo1ming in accordance with their licences and whether penalties are to be applied for non-compliance. The Office can also issue Enforcement Orders to compel compliance.

The Office of the Regulator-General will be required to approve prices consistent with a 'pay-for­ use' pricing regime, and to ensure that customers' interests are protected and that maximum reform benefits are passed on as price restraint. COMMERCIAL FOCUS

Water authorities will be required to exhibit a greater commercial focus on their activities and to reduce operating expenses and financing charges through economies of scale gained through amalgamations. Contracting out is one important means ofintrod ucing commercial discipline and is complementary to reform initiatives. Contracting out forces the organisation to focus on its core functions, rather than trying to do everything itself. Outside expertise can be used which might be too expensive for the organisation to maintain in-house, and the organisation only pays for the services it uses.

The need to self-fund capital works without adding to debt is one of the Government's priorities.

Tn the future all water businesses will be required to operate in a tax equivalent environment to remove the competitive preference they now have over the private sector. The businesses will also pay commerical dividends to the Government on their after-tax profit. At this stage, privatisation is not being considered as a rcfo1m optjon. Water industry reform is about improving customer service by increasing the pressure of competition within the industry.

'Pay-for-use' systems of pricing for water services will be fully introduced during the next few years. Charges based on property values will be replaced by service charges for the fixed component of the tariff.

The policy of funding genuine community service obligations from the State budget will continue. As a condition of an operating licence, pensioners and eligible low income earners arc entitled to rebates on water and sewage disposal charges. FURTHER STRUCTURAL REFORM

In the short time since the formation of the eighteen non-metropolitan urban water authorities, several of the new authorities arc already considering the advantages of possible further amalgamations. There appears to be scope to achieve even better consolidation and efficiency in managing Victoria's water authorities, especially where authorities are near the minimum $10 million annual revenue criterion which the Government set for restructured authorities.

The Government will support authodties wishing to pursue further amalgamations where it is satisfied that this will help achieve the objective of overall public benefit.

10 REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITIES

This section gives a brief outline of each of the eighteen regional water authorities, listing the former water authorities in the region, number of customer accounts, annual revenue, cash and investments, debt and number of employees of the new authority at the date of its commencement.

The section also gives a brief descliption of the major works and services and the level of service generally provided by each authority.

The major challenges facing the new authorities are also noted. These challenges include such things as major upgrades required to systems, new water or sewerage schemes, water quality issues and water supply matters. Access to capital and the effect that major expendirure will have on prices wi11 require authorities to examine both conventional and innovative business approaches. Virtually all new authorities face the challenge of consolidating the operations and management of several former businesses into a coordinated new corporate structure.

In many areas customer service groups or committees may be required to ensure that the new larger authorities are aware of customers' needs. Some of the new authorities have indicated that they will have several customer groups assisting throughout the authority's region.

Tn addition all the new authorities are bound by State Government objectives, which include:

• preparing Drought Response Plans; • introducing 'pay-for-use' pricing; 1 • implementing the recommendations of the Report on Drinking Water Quality ; • implementing the recommendations of the Report on Effluent Standards and Compliance for 2 Watcrways ; • reducing debt levels; and • preparing to operate under licences as per the Water Industry Act 1994.

Authorities will also need to examine their pricing policies, areas of interest for the provision of services and the level of customer services provided.

1 'Reforming Victoria's Water Industry - Working Group Summary Report on Rural Drinking Water Quality', July 1994, Department of Conservation and Narural Resources and Department of Health and Community Services.

2 'Refonning Victoria's Water Industry-Working Group Report on Effluent Standards and Compliance for Waterways', July 1994, Environment Protection Authority and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

11 GRAMPIANS REGION WATER AUTHORITY

0 20 40 60 I ! ! 80 17 I .A Water Services Kilometres • Water & Sewerage Services General Extent of Region

I 1---MurrayvdAle I v atchewollock..., ~ · -- I I I I I Lake: /\Y aapeet I Albacutya (} f,A I I I I I I ' I l..Jlllmur AMiram )··Se-rvice1on·- ·Kanrva--- ~ I I ~ :--y\ _ °iroke I 1 -- ~sley \ Q , .' -- .....E dmhope I \ I I I I

12 FORMER AUTHORITIES IN THE REGION

• Shire of Arapiles • City of Ararat • Shire of Ararat • Bircbip Shire Council • Charlton Water Board • Donald Water Board • Hindmarsh Water Board • Horsham Water Board • Kaniva Shire Council • Kowree Water Board • Murtoa Water Boat"d • Nhill Water Board • Sea Lake Water Board • St Arnaud Town Council • Stawell Shire Council • Seawell Water Board • Walpeup Shire Council • Warracknabeal Water Board • Wycheproof Water Board • Wimmera Mallee Water - Urbans (37 small towns only)

The Horsham Water Board was fo1med from the City of Horsham on 31 October 1994. On 1 Iebruary 1995 the G:nmpians Region Water Authority was created from the Birchip Shire Council, Mu1toa Water Board, Nhill Water Board, Sea Lake Water Board, Hindmarsh Water Board, Kaniva Shire Council, StaweJI Shire Council, Walpcup Shire Council, Stawell Water Board, Warracknabeal Waler Board and Wychcproof Water Board.

Kowrec Water Board, Town of St Arnaud and City and Shire of Ararat joined the Authmity on 16 1Cbrua1y 1995. Donald Water Board was merged with the Grampians Authority on 25 February 1995. Charlton WaterBoardjoined the Authority on 25 March 1995.

The Natimuk Sewerage District was transferred from the control of lhe Shire of Arapiles under the Local Government Act to Grampians Region Water Authority on 16 February 1995.

The Wimmera Mallee Rural Water Authority lowns will transfer to the Authority on 30 June 1995 .

. -· • Regional Water Customer Accounts Annual Cash& Debt

I Authority Revenue Investment Employees $m $m $m Water Sewerage

Grampians 28,400 21,750 18.00 10.00 19.00 103 - -

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE REGION

The region covers the Wimmera Mallee area and is geographically the largest region in the state. It extends 300 km from south to norlh from Lake Bolac to Quyen, and 200 km from east to west from Charlton to the South Australian border and serves a population of about 60,000 in 64 towns.

Groundwater sources supply approximately ten percent of the Authority's customers who are predominately west of the Wimrnera River to the South Australian border.

The Wimmera Mallee open channel network is one of the oldest and largest systems of its type in the world. It is supplied by surface water from the Grampians Ranges and supplies water in bulk to 60% of all towns in the new authority. Water from the channels is of poor quality and there is a predominance of rain water tanks for domestic consumption.

13 The remaining 30% of customers in the Stawell and Ararat areas depend on separate surface water systems from the Grampians and Mt Cole Ranges.

CHALLENGES IN THE REGION

Quality of reticulated water and the affordability of improvements will be a major issue for the majority of towns. Only 30 % of all towns in the region currently have water supply disinfection facilities.

Only twenty-one out of sixty-four towns have sewerage collection and treatment systems. Ouyen, Hopetown, and Minyip with populations in excess of 500 persons do not have sewerage. Most towns discharge their treated effluent to land with only St Arnaud and Ararat discharging to streams. The town of Natimuk has recently constructed a low-cost sewerage system which connects effluent discharges from septic tanks for further treatment. This cost-effective sewerage system is to be considered for other small communities throughout the region.

The Grampians Authority will need to consider the customer service committee concepts which were developed during the consultation process and the provision of operations and maintenance service centres throughout the region.

There are several towns near the boundary of the Authority that may be best transferred to other adjacent authorities. These include towns in the fo1mer Shire of Walpeup and the Rural City of Ararat. Conversely, Landsborough and Navarre which are currently served by Central Highlands Region Water Authority may better be served by Grampians Water. If the residents of these towns can be better serviced by alternative arrangements, then the Government will facilitate such transfers.

14 15 LOWER MURRAY REGION WATER AUTHORITY ~ Wentworth • • - ~ Mildura l, Merbem ., • ~ _,r- ',llrymple 0 20 40 60 80 --=~TU::,;;A~T ....,... __,, ..1-1 _ 1G_H_w_ c 4A\...flec:I Cliffs 1 - ardross "' l ' Kilometres I "1nngur -\'~m' ull - r ' .6 Water Services I • Water & Sewerage ' I Services I General Extent I of Region I I ' .... I I

' I I I ' I I I

FORMER AUTHORITIES IN THE REGION

• Sunraysia Water Board • Swan Hill Water Board • Borough of Kerang • Robinvale Water Board • Wiromera Malice Rural Water Authority urban system at Piangil • Goulburn-Murray Rural Water Authority urban systems at: Koondrook, Nyah, MurTabit, Nyah West and Woorinen

The Lower Murrary Region Water Authority was formed on 1 February 1995 with Sunraysia and Robinvale Water Boards and Borough of Kerang joining at that time. Swan Hil1 Water Board was merged with the new Authority on to February 1995. The Wimmera Mallee Authority's urban system at Piangil was transfened on 2 April 1995. A preliminary step involved the transfer of the Goulburn-MuITay urban systems to the Sunraysia Water Board on 11December1994.

Regional Water Customer Accounts Annual Cash & Debt I Authority Revenue Investment Employees $m $m $m Water Sewerage

'Lower Murray 24,000 19,200 15 .80 14 .90 5.70 103 I .. -

16 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE REGION

The region extends along the south side of the Murray River from Kerang to lhe South Australian border. The westernmost. community served at present is Merbcin.

The new Authority's annual revenue is close to S 16 million, of which $1 1 million is raised in the Mlldura region.

Al1 town reticulated water supplies in the region, except for Kerang, are drawn from the Murray River. Kcrang's supply is drawn from the Leddon River. The flow is supplemented from the Goulburn­ Murray irrigation system dtuing lhe drier irrigation months. High salinity levels in the present supply have led to alternative sources of water supply from the Murray River being investigated for Kerang.

Mildura, Red Cliffs, Robinvale, Swan Hill and Kerang have water purification plants.

Mildura, Merbein, Red Cliffs, Robinvale, Swan Hill and Kerang have their own reticulated sewerage systems. Disposal of the wastewater effluent is ahnost totally by irrigation.

CHALLENGES IN THE REGION

The quality of the Kerang raw water supply is unsatisfactory and an alternative source is needed if Kerang is to auract industrial development, particularly in the food industry.

Managing the financial demands associated with se1vice im provcmcnts, available financial re.sources and prices is a major challenge.

The Lower Murray Region Water Authority needs to examine, in consultation with the respective communities, the need for improved water quality to Koondrook, Murrabit, Nyah, Nyah West, Woorinen and Piangil. Koondrook, Nyah, Nyah West and Lake Boga will also need some fom1 of sewerage treatment and effluent disposal.

The Authority also needs to consider the customer service requirements of the region, including the maintenance of service centres to service the Mildura area, Robinvale area and the Swan Hill-Kerang area.

17 COLIBAN REGION WATER AUTHORITY

0 20 40 60 80

Kilometres

_. Water Services • Water & Sewerage Services General Extent of Region

FORMER AUTHORITIES IN THE REGION

• Coliban Region Water Authority • Shire of Bet Bet • Campaspc Region \Vater Authority • Shire ofCohuna • Gordon Water Board • Heathcote Water Board • Shire of Korong • Goulburn-Murray Rural Water Authority urban systems at: Dingee, Mitiamo, Macorna and Pyramid Hill • Several small communities water supplies previously managed by councils under the Local Government Act.

Heathcote Water Board, the Shire of Cohuna and Shire of Korong water authorities were merged with Coliban Region Water Authority on 1 October 1994. Campaspe Region Water Authority merged with Coliban Water on 1 November 1994, followed by Gordon Water Board on 10 November 1994, Goulburn-Murray Water (urbans supplies) on 13 November 1994 and the Shire of Bet Bet on 1 December 1994.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE REGION

The region includes towns from Trentham in the south to Cohuna in the north. It extends over almost all of the Campaspe River catchment and most of the middle and lower reaches of the Loddon River catchment. Tt also includes Bealiba which is in the Avoca River catchment.

18 ·-· Regional Water Customer Accounts Annual Cash & Debt I Authority Revenue Investment Employees f $m $m $m ! Water Sewerage ; Coliban 55,040 40,200 35.80 19.40 54.30 191 -· - . . ·-

The mergers increase the size of Coliban Region Water Authority's customer base by about 20%. Caliban Water also has river management responsibilities for Bendigo Creek through Bendigo and its outer suburbs.

Coliban Water's main water source is the Coliban system of storages which supply the Kyneton, Castlemaine and Bendigo areas. The Bendigo supply is augmented by pumping from Lake Eppalock from which Heathcote also draws a supply. Echuca draws its supply from the Murray River, as does Cohuna indirectly via the Gun bower Creek. Rochester and Boort receive water from the Waranga Western Channel system and Korong and Wedderburn from the Wimmera Mallee Channel system.

CHALLENGES IN THE REGION

Several towns in the region fail to consistently meet World Health Organisation (WHO) bacteriological guidelines for drinking water quality, including Bendigo itself which could face a cost of up to $70 million to achieve full compliance. Castlemainc and other towns could cost a further $30 million.

The Authority has already provided full treatment for Bridgewater, Raywood, Ax.edale, Malmsbury and Inglewood water supplies and water disinfection facilities to Trentham, Tylden and Goornong systems. Water quality improvement will continue to be a challenge for the Authority to meet.

Coliban Water operates several sewerage treatment and disposal systems at Heathcote, Kyneton, Castlemaine, and Bendigo which dispose of treated effluent pa1tly to land and partly to streams. Plants at Rochester, Echuca, Heathcote and Cohuna dispose of all effluent to land.

The new Authority will need to develop a strategy to meet the Government's statewide objective Lo sewer small communities and upgrade effluent standards. Elmore, Lockington, Maldon and Malmsbury need sewerage systems now, while Wedderburn, Boort, Pyramid Hill and Dunolly are also likely to need some form of sewerage system in the future. The Echuca wastewater treatment complex faces a potential $9 million bill to rectify leakage from a recently-built storage pond.

The expanded Coliban Region Water Authority includes additional members on its Board to provide skills relevant to the additional areas it now services. The authority will also establish customer service committees to advise it on service needs.

19 GOULBURN VALLEY REGION WATER AUTHORITY

Murray ~--"""L-~ --...._ •.r-

\

• Water Services • Water & Sewerage Services

General Extent of Region enalla \ ~ l~ (;) \~ 0 20 40 60 ~ \ ~ I I - - - - Kilometres- - i~ J, __,. ~ -..___

FORMER AUTHORITIES IN THE REGION

• Goulburn Valley Region Water Authority • Town of Kyabram • Mooroopna Water Board • Nathalia Shire • Rodney Water Board • Shire of Numurkah • Shire of Cobram • Tungamah Shire Water Board (Katandra West • Deakin Water Board District) • Euroa Nagambie Regional Water Authority • Waranga Water Board

Restructuring commenced with the merger of the Shepparton, Mooroopna and Rodney Water Boards on 1 March 1994.

Waranga Water Board, Deakin Water Board, Tungamah Shire Water Board's Katandra West District, Town of Kyabram, Nathalia Shire, and Shire of Cobram merged with Goulbtll11 Valley Region Water Authority on 1 Octoher 1994. Shire of Numurkah merged with Goulburn Valley on 1 December 1994 and Euroa Nagambie Regional Water Authority joined on 1 January 1995.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE REGION

The borders of the region extend from Nagambic in the south to Cobram to the norlh-east and Bannah to the north-west. The region encompasses the Lower Goulburn catchment and the majority of the Lower Broken catchment.

20 .. I Regional Water Customer Accounts Annual Cash & Debt Authority Revenue Investment Employees: $m $m $m Water Sewerage

Goulburn Valley 31, 100 26,250 20.00 16.00 18.50 111 -·· . ... ·--- The Goulbum Valley is recognised as the 'food bowl' of Australia and the 'clean' food image identifies the region's food processing industries which are heavily reliant on the capacity of water authorities to deliver high quality water and wastewater services at world competitive prices.

The multi-hillion dollar food industry of the region includes SPC, Campbells Soups, Unifoods, Snow Brand, Ardrnona, Bonlac, Kraft, Tatura Milk Industries, Girgarre Country Foods, Smuckers, Nestle Australia and Murray Goulbum Co-operative.

Goulburn Valley Water operates twenty-seven separate water supply systems and twelve wastewater treatment plants. The volume of waste discharged to lhe authority's systems by the major food processing industries is the equivalent of a population of 1.5 million people.

Urban water supplies in the region are drawn from the Goulburn River, Broken Creek, Mu1Tay River or Goulburn-Murray Rural Water Authority channels. Storages are also operated on Sevens an

CHALLENGES IN THE REGION

The major emphasis for the new Authority will be to improve water quality supplied to the smaller towns throughout the region and addressing the region's wastewater disposal problems, especially at Tatura. In addition, the Authority will need to identify the increasing water and wastewater services required by the rapidly expanding food processing industries of the region. The infrastructure backlog represents a major challenge to the Authority. Elimination of the infrastmcture deficiencies in the region is estimated to cost $75 million to $100 million.

In addition to the full range of services available to customers at Sheppa1ton headquarters, a business cemre is being provided at Cobram and operating centres (depots) will be maintained at Ew-oa, Nathalia, Numurkah, Tongala/Kyabram, and Tamra/Rushworth.

Goulbmn Valley Region Water Authority will consider the establishment of customer advisory conunittees to provide a representative consultative forum for the Authority to liaise with customers and to enhance the Authority's responsiveness to customer needs. Strategically located committees will assist in monitoring the Authority's perfonnance and in providing a customer viewpoint on urban water services management.

A total of twelve different rating systems cmrently exist within the region with the majority based on prope1ty values. The 'pay-for-use' tariff system already implemented in the Shepparton district will be progressively extended across the region.

21 MID-GOULBURN REGIONAL WATER BOARD

A Water Services • Water & Sewerage Services

General Extent of Region

Woods Point A

0 20 40 60 80 100

Kilometres

FORMER AUTHORITIES IN THE REGION

• Mid-Goulbum Regional Water Board • Shire of Alexandra • Mansfield District Water Board • Pyalong Water Board • Yea Water Board

Shire of Alexandra merged with the Mid-Goulburn Regional Water Board on 1 October 1994 and Mansfield District Water Board joined on 1 December 1994. Yea and Pyalong Water Boards transferred on 31 December 1994 and 2 February 1995, respectively.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE REGION

The region encompasses the Upper and Central Goulburn catchments extending from Woods Point in the south-east to Seymour in the no1th-west, and from Wallan in the south lo Avenel in the north.

Regional Watei- Customer Accounts Annual Cash& Debt Authority Revenue Investment Employees $m $m $m Water Sewerage Mid-Goulburn 13,800 10,000 10.40 7.00 26.00 47 ...

22 Sixty percent of the assessments served by the Mid-Goulburn Regional Water Board are in its districts at Avcnel, Broadford, Kilmore, Marysv111e, Seymour, Tallarook, Wallan and Wandong/ Heathcote Junction. These districts also account for more than $7 million of the Board's revenue.

Mid-Goulbum Regional Water Board will initially service fourteen separate water systems and ten existing wastewater treatment plants. Marysville sewerage system and wastewater treatment plant are under construction.

CHALLENGES IN THE REGION

The major emphasis of the Authority will be continuing water quality improvements, management of wastewater treatment and disposal and best practice environmental management.

Particular attention will be given to:-

• completing water supply strategics for towns taking water from Goulbum River tributary streams;

• effluent treatment and disposal, ensuring proper consideration is g1ven to environmental issues;

• replacement of ageing infrastructure in Alexandra and Eildon where sewers are in poor condition;

• providing new infrastructure to service development in the Wallan-Kihnore Districts; and

• strategies for effluent treatment and disposal in Wandong/Heathcotc Junction and Avenel.

Mid-Goulbum Regional Water Board has established customer service centres in Kilmore, Mansfield and Alexandra. Sub-depots are also located in these towns to support operation and maintenance activities. An advisory committee has been operating in Marysville since July 1992 and another two advisory committees are to be established within the region.

23 OVENS REGION WATER AUTHORITY

0 20 40 60 80

Kilom etres

• Water Services • Water & Sewerage Services General Extent of Region

FORMER AUTHORITIES IN THE REGION

• Benalla 'Vater Board • Bright District Water Board • Shire ofMyrtleford • Tungamah Shire Water Board (Tungamah and St James Urban Districts) • City of Wangaratta • Shire ofYarrawonga • Goorambat District of the Goulburn Valley Region Water Authority

City of Wangaratta and Shire of Yarrawonga water functions and Lhe Benalla and Bright District Water Boards joined to form the Ovens Region Water Authority on 19 December 1995. Tungamah Shire Water Board transferred on 1 April 1995. The water functions of the fonner Shire of Myrtleford are to transfer to the Ovens Authority by mid-June 1995.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE REGION

The region generally encompasses the Ovens Valley as well as the City of Benalla and the towns of Goorambat, Devenish, St James and Tungamah in the Broken catchment.

The largest single community to be served by the new Authority is Wangaratta with a total of 15,000 water and sewerage assessments and an annual revenue of $4 million.

24 I Regional Water Customer Accounts Annual Cash& Debt Authority Revenue Investment Employees $m $m $m '1Vater Sewerage Ovens 18,000 16,000 11.00 12.00 9.00 57

The towns of Wangaratta and Yarrawonga have water treatment plants white supplies to Bright, Benalla, Harrietville, Moyhu, Oxley and Porepunkah are disinfected by chlorination. Myrtleford, Springhurstand Whitfield have unchlorinated water supplies.

The towns of Benalla, Bright, Myrtleford, Wangaratta and Yarrawonga have reticulated sewerage systems. Disposal of effluent after secondary treatment is generally by irrigation and discharge of excess quantities to stream&.

CHALLENGES IN THE REGION lnitially the major priority of the Ovens Region Water Authority will be to integrate the operations and management of the six former authorities. This will involve establishing a new organisational structure and formulating a strategic direction for the new business.

Tourism is important to the region and high quaJity drinking water is essential. The Authority will nee

The Authority must also address the issue of wastewater effluent discharges to streams. It is currently planned that all effluent discharges to streams will cease by the year 2000.

In addition a new sewerage scheme is being completed at Porepunkah and a scheme is being planned for Bundalong.

Tariff reform is another priority for the Authority as there are presently a range of tariff structures in place. About 43% of customers are on a 'pay-for-use' tariff and it h proposed that all water tariffs be on a 'pay-for-use' basis by 1996/97.

25 KIEWA MURRAY WATER AUTHORITY

0 20 40 60 80 .A Water Services • Water & Sewerage Kilometres Services General Extent of Region

\ \ L \ \ A Falls ~ l~ Creek

'-.. I

FORMER AUTHORITIES IN THE REGION

• Kiewa Valley Water Authority • Rural City of Wodonga • United Shire ofBeechworth • Upper Murray Water Board

The K1ewa Valley Water Authority and the Rural City of Wodonga merged to form the Kiewa Murray Water Authority on 1 December 1994. On 9 February 1995 the Beechworth Shire Council and Upper Murray Water Board were merged with the Kicwa Murray Authority and on 23 February 1995 the name of the Authority was changed to Kiewa Murray Region Water Authority.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE REGION

The region generally encompasses the Victorian catchment of the Murray River upstream of Rutherglen/Wahgunyah and includes the Murray, K.iewa and Mitta Valleys. Beechworth is situated in the Ovens valley. -·--· Regional Water Customer Aecounts Annual Cash& Debt Authority Revenue Investment Employees $m $m $m Water Sewerage Kiewa Murray 17,500 15,500 13.70 7.10 11.10 67 ...... ··-

26 Almost 80% of Kiewa Murray's annual revenue is raised in the water and sewerage districts of the Rural City ofWodonga.

The towns of Beechworth, Chiltern, Rutherglen, Wahgunyah and Wodonga have full water treatment plants while the supplies to Bellbridge, Cudgewa, Dartmouth, Kiewa, Tallangatta and Tangambalanga are disinfected by chlorination. Water supplies to the towns of Bamawartha, Corryong, Mount Beauty, Tawonga and Walwa are not d1sinfecte

The towns ofBarnawartha (part), Beechworth, Bellbridge, Chiltem, Corryong, Dartmouth, Mount Beauty, Rutherglen, Ta11angatta, Tawonga (Part), Wahgunyah, Wodonga and Yackandandah have reticulated sewerage systems. ·wastewater treatment plants serving Dartmouth, Bellbridge, Wodonga and Mount Beauty discharge the bulk of their treated effluent to surface waters.

CHALLENGES IN THE REGION

The major challenge to the Kiewa Murray Water Authority initia11y will be to integrate and consolidate the management and operations of ils different systems. This will involve establishing a new organisational structure and formulating a strategic direction for the new business.

The Authority needs to resolve asset ownership where water functions were formerly administered by councils.

None of the Authority's fifteen waler supplies provide water complying strictly with WHO guidelines. Improvements will range from better operational control to full treatment and enclosing storages. Capital funding of the work and the impact on costs to customers will be a major challenge as well as the strong resistance in many of the smaller communities to any form of chemical treatment. Good community consultation will be essential to achieve acceptance of the final plan.

Development of sustainable wastewater reuse for the systems that are currently licensed to discharge to water will be a high priority for the Authority. A reuse scheme for Rutherglen/Wahgunyah is bejng implemented at a cost to participants (sporting bodies, farmers, school, industry, government and Authority) in the order of $1 million. Full irrigation for Wodonga's existing wastewater load together with expected growth is estimated to cost $47 million and have an annual cost of $1.9 million. These potential costs together with the New South Wales subsidy policy for wastewater treatment mean that high priority must be given to the promotion of beneficial reuse schemes and to waste minimisation.

Sewers over twenty years old are developing infiltration and obslruction problems which are reflected in increased discharges to the environment and reduced standards of customer service. The Authority will need to control and reverse this trend by a combinati.on of asset maintenance and waste minimisation.

The townships of Bamawartha and Tangamblanga have septic tanks discharging to the storm water drainage system. Design, funding and implementation of alternatives have to be resolved.

Tariff reform wm be an important agent for improved service delivery and reduced environmental impact. By moving to a 'pay-for-use' tariff, the Authority will be able to charge more fairly for its services and promote conservation attitudes among its customers.

27 EAST GIPPSLAND REGION WATER AUTHORITY

• Water Services • Water & Sewerage Services General Extent of Region

0 20 40 60 80

Kilometres

FORMER AUTHORITIES IN THE REGION

• Mitchell Water Board • Tambo Water Board • Orbost Water Board • Mallacoota Water Board

The Mitchell, Tambo and Orbost Water Boards merged on 1 January l.995 to form the East Gippsland Region Waler Authority. Mallacoota Water Board was merged into the new Authority on 2 January 1995.

CHARACTEJUSTICS OF THE REGION

The region covers an area from the coast to the Great Dividing Range, and from Baimsdale to the New South Wales border. Geographically it is the second largest water authority in the state. With the exception of Omeo, Dinner Plains and Swifts Creek, its serviced areas are located near the coast.

Roughly 83% of the assessments arc currently based around the Bairnsdale and Lakes Entrance areas. Most of these assessments are residential as there is not a large industrial base within the regional grouping.

28 Regional Water -C-ustonier Accounts -- Annual Cash & Debt Authority Revenue Investment Employees $m $m $m Water Sewerage

East Gippsland 18,200 13,700 13.00 13.00 33.00 72

The water supply source for the Bairns

Dinner Plain has a groundwater supply.

Lakes Entrance and Metung draw their supply from the Nicholson River dam. Bruthen draws its supply from the Tambo River and Buchan draws its supply from the Buchan River.

Orbost draws its supply from offtakes on the Rocky and Brodribb Rivers. Cann River and Bemm River take their supply from their riparian namesakes. There are no treatment facilities on any of these systems. Mallacoota draws its supply from the Berka River.

There are no sophisticated treatment facilities attached to any of the reticulation systems.

Bairnsdale, Lindenow, Paynesville, Dinner Plain, Lakes Entrance, Metung, Orbost, Marlo and Mallacoota all have their own reticulated sewerage systems. Treated effluent from these townships is disposed of to either stream or to land by irrigation. All other townships are unsewered.

CHALLENGES JN THE REGION

The Authority will need to examine, in consultation with the respective communities, the need for improved water quality to Omeo, Paynesville, Swifts Creek, Lakes Entrance, Metung, Bruthen, Buchan, Orhost, Bemm River, Cann River and Mallacoota.

Omeo, Swifts Creek, New lands Ann, Bruthen, Buchan, Nowa Nowa, Bemm River, and Cann River will also need some form of reticulated sewerage systems.

The Authority will need to consider the customer service requirements of the region, including the maintenance of service centres at Bairnsdalc, Omco, Lakes Entrance, Orbost, and Mallacoota.

29 CENTRAL GIPPSLAND REGION WATER AUTHORITY

'- ' a, ~ 1 ) ~

(...... _,_, ~'-- l..4,

1. ~ \ '?) ··' ~

A Water Services • Water & Sewerage Services General Extent 40 of Region

------Kilometres FORMER AUTHORITIES IN THE REGION

• Latrobe Region Water Authority • Tarago Water Board • Macalister Water Board • City of Sale

The Central Gippsland Region Water Authority was formed on 21 December 1994 with all the authorities joining at that time.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE REGION

The region generally covers the Thomson and Latrobe River catchments.

The Latrobe Valley accounts for about two-thirds of Central Gippsland1s customers and because of the large industrial base about 75 % of the revenue is raised in this area. With around $46 million in revenue, the Authority will be the second largest non-metropolitan authority (behind Barwon Water).

Regional Wate1· Customer Accounts Annual Cash & Debt Authority Revenue Investment Employees $m $m $m Water Sewerage

Central Gippsland 52,400 42,500 46.00 46.00 32.00 238

30 Drouin, Warragul and surrounding townships obtain water from four differenl sources, including Tarago Reservoir under agreement from Melbourne Water. Water is either chlorinated or flocculated before reticulation.

Townships in the Latrobe Valley obtain water from several sources within the Latrobe River catchment. They include the Latrohe River itself and local creeks and rivers, mainly the Tyers and Tanjil Rivers. The level of water treatment varies in the different systems.

The Authority owns and operates Moondan-a Dam on the Tyers River and operates and maintains the Blue Rock Dam on the Tanjil River under agreement with the Rural Water Corporation.

Maffra and Stratford obtain water from the Macalister River which is treated before reticulation. Heyfield obtains wate1· from the Thomson River. Sale is supplied from groundwater via five bores, all of which access the Boisdale aquifer. Water is treated after extraction.

The Warragul wastewater system discharges to a waterway after treatment, whilst the effluent from the Drouin system is irrigated to land. Moe and MorweJl have wastewater treatment plants which dispose to both land and water.

Most wastewater effluent from the Latrobe Valley is treated and disposed of through the Regional Outfall system which discharges to Bass Strait after treatment at Dutson Downs. All of Sale's effluent is disposed into the Regional Outfall.

Maffra, Stratford and Heyfield have wastewater systems that dispose of treated effluent to land.

CHALLENGES IN THE REGION

The Central Gippsland Region Water Authority will need to examine, in consultation with the respective communities, the likely need for improved water supply quality to Heyfield, Coongulla, Boisdale, Briagolong and. Seaspray. Loch Sport is one of the largest towns in Victoria without a reticulated water supply and may require a supply in the near future.

Sewerage schemes are currently being proposed for Neerim South, Boolarra, Glengarry and Toongabbie. Coongulla, Boisdale and Briagolong will also need some form of sewerage treatment and effluent disposal.

The new Authority will need to consider the customer service requirements of the region, including the maintenance of service centres at Warragul, Drouin, Yarragon, Moe, Mon~ell, Traralgon, Rosedale, Maffra and Sale.

31 SOU.TH GIPPSLAND REGIONWATERAUTHORITY

A Water Services iver • Waler & Sewerage Services General Extent 0 20 40 60 of Region

Kilometres

FORMER AUTHORITIES IN THE REGION

• Alberton Water Board • South Gippsland Water Board • Korumburra Water Board • Wonthaggi/lnverloch Water Board • Leongatha Water Board

South Gippsland Region Water Authority was formed on 1 January 1995. All authorities joined at that time.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE REGION

The region encompasses virtually the whole of the Westemport and South Gippsland drainage basin west of Merriman Creek.

! Regional Water Customer Accounts Annual Cash & Debt I I I Authority Revenue Investment Employees $m $m $m ! Water Sewerage I ;South Gippsland 15,500 12,700 10.00 9.00 25.00 50 - . -- .. -··· .

Approximately half of the total assessments and revenue are in the Wonthaggi-lnverloch area.

South Gippsland Region Water Authority operates several supply systems across the region. KorumbtUTa takes water from three separate creeks in the Strzelecki Hi11s prior to treatment. The

32 supply for the townships of Poowong, Loch and Nyora is drawn from the Bass River prior to treatment and distribution. Alberton is supplied from the Tarra River.

Leongatha's water supply is by gravity from four reservoirs on Ruby Creek. This supply is treated, and was one of the few systems to record a 100% compliance with WHO bacteriological requirements in 1992-93.

Dumbalk and Mceniyan water supplies are drawn from the Tarwin River and disinfected before being reticulated to customers.

Wonthaggi and Inverloch water supply is drawn from Lance Creek Reservoir before basic treatment and reticulation to customers.

Water for Fish Creek is drawn from Battery Creek reservoir and disinfected. Foster's water supply is from Deep Creek and the Toora/Wclshpool area (including an extensive rural area) is supplied from the Agnes River. Both of these supplies are fully treated.

The South Gippsland Region Water Authority is responsible for sewerage systems at .Korumburra, Yarram, Welshpool/Port Welshpool, Toora, Foster, Wonthaggi, Inverloch, and Leongatha.

The Korumburra treatment plant discharges to Foster Creek following treatment. Yarram's wastewater which was previously discharged to the ocean, is now treated at Tarraville and used for irrigation of a pine plantation and nearby farmland. Toora, Foster and Welshpool discharge treated effluent to Comer Inlet, with the first two discharging into lhe Comer Inlet Marine Park. Effi uent from Wonthaggi and Invcrloch is also discharged to the ocean at Baxter's Beach, west of Wonthaggi and Leongatha's effluent is discharged to Liule Ruby Creek. A separate pipeline from Goulburn Murray Dairy discharges to the ocean.

CHALLENGES IN THE REGION

The major project in the region will be the construction of a waler treatment plant for Wonthaggi and Inver1och, at an estimated cost of $7 million. ln addition, works to improve water quality at Meeniyan, Dumbulk, Fish Creek and in the Yarrarn/Albcrton areas have been identified within the five-year pJanning period. A new water storage is now under construction for Foster at a cost in excess of $1 million.

The South GippslandAuthority must also address the issue of eft1uent disposal to waterways, with all but one wastewater treatment system discharging to either inland or coastal waters. The wastewater systems disposing to Corner Inlet are likely to need upgrading in the near future.

Several small towns arc also in need of sewering; these include Poowong, Loch, Nyora, Po1t Albert and Meeniyan. Preliminary work has already commenced on the Port Albert scheme which is estimated to cost $1..1 million.

South Gippsland Region Water Authority also faces other significant capital works over the coming years. This includes not only expenditure on new projects but replacement of aging infrastructure in towns including Konunburra and Leongatha. Blue-green aJgae problems are becoming more prevalent in the area which is characterised by steep, highly productive farmland. Concentrated efforts of catchment management will be needed to arrest the problem and these efforts will be coordinated by the Catchment and Land Protection Board for the Region.

33 WESTERNPORT REGIONWATERAUTHORITY

'--. l_?~ '<~ '"-"\ ~ ~ , ~ortsea

6. Water Services • Water & Sewerage Services General Extent of Region

0 20 40 60

Kilometres

FORMER AUTHORITY IN THE REGION

• Westernport Water Board

The Westernport Region Water Authority was fo1med on 22 December 1994.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE REGION

The region covers Phillip Island and a number of small communities on the surrounding mainland, most of which are located on the Bass Highway.

- ·- Regional Water Customer Accounts AnnuaJ Cash & Debt Authority Revenue Investment Employees $m $m $m Water Sewerage

Westernport 13,200 9,400 10.00 3.00 31.00 24 .....

The permanent population served by the Board is 10,000 but increases to 40,000 during holiday periods.

34 Westernport Region Water Authority's water supply is drawn from Candowie Reservoir, 8 km east of Grantville. This supply can be augmented from lhe South Gippsland Region Water Authority's Lance Creek Reservoir following the construction of a transfer pipeline in 1990. However, use of the pipeline has not been necessary to date.

The Authority provides sewerage to several towns on Phillip Island and the mainland, and is currently in the process of providing services to a large backlog of areas in accordance wilh its Regional Strategy Plan. The total number of people served by the sewerage system is expected to increase by 30% between 1993-94 and 1995-96.

The wastewater is managed at treatment plants near Cowes and Coronet Bay, and a marine outfall near Pyramid Rock discharges the treaie

CHALLENGES IN THE REGION

The main challe nges in the region involve drinking water quality and expansion of the sewerage system.

The Candowie and Lance Creek Reservoirs arc both located in highly productive farming areas and are subject to blooms of blue-green algae. Management and protection of the catchments to protect the quality of water harvested for human consumption will continue to be a major challenge to the new Authority. Its efforts will need to be coordinated through the Catchment and Land Protection Board for the region.

The steady and rapid increase in population. in the region, especially during holiday periods, makes it important to provide sewerage to many unsewered areas. The five-year capital works program for the region totals $25 million, with the vast majority to be spent on the provision of sewerage services.

The highly seasonal use of the services provided by the Authority means that special attention needs to be given to tariff structures for the services.

35 WESTERN REGION WATER AUTHORITY

0 20 40

Kilometres

• Water Services • Water & Sewerage Services

General Extent of Region

FORMER AUTHORITIES IN THE REGION

• Macedon Region Water Authority • Shire of Melton • Shire of Bacchus Marsh • Romscy-Lancefield.WaterBoard

The Western Region Water Authority (initially Outer Maribyrnong and Upper Werribee Region Water Authority) was formed from the Macedon Region Water Authority on 10 November 1994. Shire of Melton, Shire of Bacchus Marsh and Romsey-Lanccfield Water Board joined the Western Region Water Authorjty on 22 December 1994.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE REGION

The region covers an area from Bacchus Marsh and Melton in the south-west, across to Lancefield in the north-east, and to Sunbury in the south. Towns in the region arc Sunbury, Melton,

.. ·-- Regional water Customer Accounts Annual ·cash & Debt Authority Revenue Investment Employees $m $m $m Water Sewerage Western Region 32,700 27,300 29.00 12.00 61.00 89 ...

36 Bacchus Marsh, Diggers Rest, Rockbank, Bulla, Gisborne, New Gisborne, Macedon, Mt Macedon, Riddells Creek, Woodend, Romsey and Lancefield. The region has two major river systems - the Maribymong and the Werribee Rivers.

The Macedon and Melton areas account for 80% of total assessments and revenue.

Water supply for the region's major urban centres comes from four main storages: Mcrrimu Reservoir, Rosslynne Reservoir, Pykes Creek Reservoir and Melton Reservoir. Water from Melton and Pykes Creek Reservoirs is used mainly for irrigation in Southern Rural WateJ Authority's irrigation districts.

Water treatment plants at Bacchus Marsh, Toolern Vale, Rosslynne Reservoir and Woodend provide water which meets WHO guidelines. Water supplies to Macedon, Mt Macedon, Romsey and Lancefield are untreated.

Seven wastewater treatment plants currently operate in the region and these are located at Melton, Sunbury, Gisbome, Riddel1s Creek, Woodend, Bacchus Marsh and Romsey. Disposal after treatment is by irrigation to land at Melton, Bacchus Marsh and Ramsey, and by discharge to streams at Sunbury, Gisbornc, Riddells Creek and Woodend (sununer effluent is recycled to a golf course). Macedon, Mt Macedon and Lancefield are unsewered.

CHALLENGES IN THE REGION

The Westem Region Water Authority has significant challenges across the respective communities.

Water quality issues at Macedon/Mt Macedon, Romsey and Lancefi.eld, and the sewering of Macedon/ Mt Macedon and Lancefield will be given specific attention in the development and implementation of a capital works program in consultation with the respective communities.

Because of the divergence of centres, customer service requirements will be an early issue to address particularly where service is currently given at Sunbury, Melton, Bacchus Marsh and Romsey.

All the former districts differ in rating and volumetric tariff application and considerable work and modelling will be required in order to ultimately establish an equitable rating and tariff structure for the new region.

The water industry restructure coincided with the restructure of local government and the Authority is now responsible for an area which encompasses four new municipalities. Joint planning with the councils will be essential to ensure that the benefits to the region and an integration of resources across the region can be optimised.

The continued growlh of urban centres within the region, such as Sunbury, Melcon, Bacchus Marsh and Gisbome, means that the Authority must ensure that future water resources are secured co meet expectation of demand.

37 38 SOUTH WEST REGION WATER AUTHORITIES

The Government formed the six regional water authorities in South West Victoria aner adopting the recommendations of the 1992 Water industry Management Sludy - South West Region.

Central Highlands Region Water Authority was subsequently further restructured in 1994 as part of the statewide reform.

39 CENTRAL HIGHLANDS REGION WATER AUTHORITY

0 20 40

Kilometres

• Water Services • Water & Sewerage Services General Extent of Region

FORMER AUTHORITIES IN THE REGION

• Central Highlands Region Water Authority (including the Lex ton Water Board) • Shire of Avoca • Shire of Ballan • Beaufort Water Board • Crcswick and District Water Board • Lcannonth Water Board • City of Maryborough • Shire ofTalbot & Clunes • Shire of Tullaroop • West Moorabool Water Board

The dates of merger with the Central High lands Region Water Authority were: Lcxton Water Board on 1 July 1993, Shire of Ballan on 10 May 1994, Creswick District and Learmonth Water Boards on I July 1994, Shire of Avoca, Shire of Tu11aroop and Shire of Talbot & Clunes on 1 October 1994, City of Maryborough on I December 1994, Beaufort Water Board on 1 January 1995 and West Moorabool Water Board on l April 1995.

CHARACTERJSTICS OF THE REGION

The region is based on a community of interest focused on the provincial centre of Ballarat. The Ballarat community straddles the upper catchments of the Moorabool, Leigh, Corangamite, Hopkins and Lo

40 - - Regional \'Vater Customer Accounts Annual Cash & Debt Authority Revenue Investment Employees $m $m $m Water Sewerage

Central Highlands 49,100 38,000 34.40 30.50 63.60 253 ...... -

Some 80 % of assessments were served by the Central Highlands Region Water Authority before the October 1994 mergers.

The West Moorabool Water Board wa.s purely a headworks authority and supplied water in bulk to both the Central Highlands Region Water Authority and the Barwon Region Water Authority.

The niain sources of water within the Central Highlands Region are from the following: Avoca Catchment, Moorahool Catchment, Loddon Catchment and Barwon Catchment.

The authority also has minor sources of water in the Hopkins and Werribee Catchments.

CHALJ_,ENGES IN THE REGION

Several Lowns in the region consistently fail to meet WHO bacteriological guidelines for drinking water quality. The Authority is currently investigating methods of achieving full compliance and improving aesthetic quality of the various supplies. Catchment protection i.s a major objective in the region as the first line of defence in maintaining high raw water quality.

The Central Highlands Region Water Authority operates two sewerage treatment and disposal systems at Ballarat which discharge high standard treated effluent to streams. The plant at Ballan discharges all effluent to land after treatment and the treatment plant at Beaufo1t also discharges treated cttluent to a stream. The plants at Maryborough, Creswick and Daylesford discharge to both land and streams.

A strategy is needed by the Authority to meet the Government'R statewide objective of providing sewerage to towns such as Avoca, Carisbrook, Clunes and Skipton, and to ensure all effluent meets EPA licence conditions and State Environment Prolection Policy. fn the longer term, the region faces limitations on the availability of new water resources to support community growth and the accompanying increase in water demand. This is particularly true in the Ballarat area and has been recognised in previous studies. The Central Highlands Region Water Authority will need to address this strategic issue and plan to acquire additional water resources through trading in water entitlements.

41 BARWON REGION WATER AUTHORITY

I • j

... Water Services • Water & Sewerage Services

General Extent of Region

. .1-r./: 0 20 40 E}ttreg urra \ / ! l Kilometres :f I ~ ~ Forrest~ Note: Forrest is serviced by Colac AWA.

FORMER AUTHORITY IN THE REGION

• Geelong and District Water Board

The Barwon Region Water Authority (Barwon Water) was constituted on l February 1994 from the former Geelong and District Water Board as one of the outcomes of the Water Indui,try Management Study - South West Region.

Characteristics of the Region

The region jncludes the Greater Geelong area, including the whole of the Bellarine Peninsula, the coastal area as far west as Anglesea, and areas from Winchclsea and B.irregurra in the west to Meredith in the north and to Little River in the east.

The region has a permanent population of approximately 200,000 which increases to 250,000 during peak holiday periods due to the tourist attractions of the coastal areas. In addition, some of Victoria's major industrial enterprises are established in the region, which also contains extensive road, rail, air and shipping facilities.

Water supply for the region is drawn predominantI y from headworks on the B arwon and MoorabooI Rivers, and supplies are supplemented by groundwater resources when required.

42 - . Regional Water Customer Accounts Annual Cash & Debt I Authority Revenue Investment Employees $m $m $m Water Sewerage 1Barwon 96,044 88,518 68.30 30.40 138.00 427 ......

The majority of sewerage effluent is discharged after treatment to the ocean. The Authority also operates some regional treatment plant~ with disposal to irrigated wood lots.

Barwon Water also manages a twenty kilometre section of the Barwon River, and responsibilities include the maintenance and development of passive recreation facilities, natural landscape and habitat areas, and the management of on-river activities.

CHALLENGES IN THE REGION

Barwon Water has a ten-year Capital Works Investment Plan totalling some $202 million, to be financed without incurring additional debt. The short-term objectives are upgrading sewage treatment faclhties to meet the Authority's environmental strategies and EPA standards, and providing regional water quality improvements. There is a continuing demand for extension of water and sewerage services to meet the requirements of regional development, and a sewerage scheme is planned for the expanding rural township of Bannockburn. The ongoing implementation of the Regional Wastewater Management Strategy is also a priority task.

Pricing reform will continue. The Authority has already introduced, two-part 'pay-for-use' tariff structures for water and sewerage services which are consistent with Industry Commission guidelines and the Council of Australian Government's Water Resources Policy. Organisational restructure is now under way to meet the challenges and new directions of the water industry. In accordance with the Authority's Corporate Plan, total quality management practices are being progressively implemented. The Authority is faced with further developing its community consultation and education programme.

An environment management system is under preparation and a regional water supply strategy was recently introduced with the key objectives of further improvements in water quality, provision of a reliable and efficient water supply service to customers, and management of water demand.

Future water supply to the region has been the subject of previous inquiries and Barwon Water wiU need to examine all of its options for future augmentation. The timing of future augmentations wm be influenced by growth in the water demand in the Barwon Region and in the Central Highlands Region with which it shares resources. The potential for further development of the Authority's existing groundwater resources is also being assessed.

43 COLAC REGION WATER AUTHORITY

.._ Water Services • Water & Sewerage Services

General Extent of Region

0 20 40

Kilometres

Note: Forrest is serviced by Colac RWA.

FORMER AUTHORITIES IN THE REGION

• Colac District Water Board • Lome Water Board • Lough Calvert Drainage Trust • Aircys Jnlet Water Board

The Colac Region Water Authority was constituted on 1 July 1993 as one of the outcomes of the 'Water Industry Management Study - South West Region'. The functions and responsibilities of the Aireys Inlet Water Board will be transferred to Colac Region Waler Authority by 1 July 1996 at which time construction of the Aireys Inlet sewerage scheme will be completed and fully operational.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE REGION

The Colac Region includes the south-eastern portion of the Lake Corangamite Drainage Basin and the Otway Coast Basin from Lorne to Apollo Bay and Gellibrand. Drainage services to lhe Lough Calvert area extend into the western edge of the Barwon River catchment.

Regional Water Customer Accounts Annual Cash & Debt Authority Revenue Investment Employees I $m $m $m Water Sewerage Co lac 9,900 7,800 7.10 2.00 14.60 40 ·- -- -· ·- ····-·-

44 Water supply for the regioTl is drawn from upper tributaries of the Gellibrand River for Gellibrand itself, for Colac and its associated supply to rural properties and to towns as far north as Cressy. The Gellibrand River is also the major source of supply to the Hopkins Region Water Authority.

Supplies to the coastal towns of Lome, Skenes Creek and Apollo Bay are drawn from local streams which flow steeply to the coast.

Modern plants treat the water supplies to Colac, Lome and Apollo Bay. These same communities are served by reticulated sewerage systems, however the only sewerage treatment plant is the one which serves Colac. Treated effluent from the Colac plant is discharged to Lake Colac, while sewerage from the small coastal towns is discharged to the ocean virtually w1treated.

CHALLENGES IN THE REGION

Formation of the Colac Region Water Aulhority following the South West Study was recognised at the time as a major step towards eventual regional management across the whole of Victoria. However, the Authority is now one of the smallest regional water authorities in the state and does not meet the Government's criteria of having at least a $10 million annual revenue as used in this latest stage of reform. The introduction of operating licences to corporatised water authorities and their operation under the Water Industry Act 1994 will require that the future of the Colac Region Water Authority in its present fonn will need to be re-examined.

The importance of tourism to the surf coast has created considerable pressure on the Authority to significantly improve sewerage treatment and disposal at Lorne and Apollo Bay. The costs associated with this will be a major challenge to the Authority along with the need to put in place a tariff system which fairly distributes the costs.

Similarly the discharge of the effluent from the Colac sewerage treatment plant to Lake Colac will continue to come under scrutiny hecause of the sensitivity of the lake and its impo11ance to the Colac conununity. While the effluent receives a high standard of treatment it still represents a significant input of nutrients to Lake Colac. The Authority will be continually challenged to apply the best practicable technology in treating the Colac effluent.

45 SOUTH WEST WATER AUTHORITY

A Water Services • Water & Sewerage Services General Extent Region Port Fairy of

0 20 40

- Kilometres---

FORMER AUTHORITIES IN THE REGION

City ofWarrnambool Shire ofWarrnambool Town of Camperdown Shire of Heytesbury Shire of Hampden Mortlake \.Vater Board Otway water supply system of the Rural Water Corporation, Southern Region

The Hopkins Region Water Authority was formed on 1 July 1994 arising from the Water Industry Management Study - South West Region.

The Hopkins Region Water Authority was renamed in January 1995 as the South West Water Authority.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE REGION

The South West Water Authority serves seventeen urban communities across the Hopkins, Corangamite and Otway catchments. The Authority derives the bulk of its water from the upper Gellibrand Rive1· system.

46 Regional Water Customer Accounts Annual Cash & Debt Authority Revenue Investment Emplo~ees I $m Sm $m Water Sewerage South West 19,150 14,210 14.00 10.00 7.00 68

The Hopkins River is a major water resource in the region but high salinity in its middle and lower. reaches makes it unsuitable for urban supply purposes. The South West Water Authority operates a rural water watch service monitoring ri.ver and stream conditions and is expected to work with two Catchment and Land Protection Boards of the region to achieve long term improvement to the condition of the Hopkins and Gellibrand Rivers.

A regional perspective on water quality also provides the South West Water Authority with an opportunity to examine water quality improvement for the whole of the Otway supply system.

The Warrnambool sewer.age system was extended to the outlying Allansford area during 1994 to permit residential development and major enlargement of a dairy processor.

CHALLENGES IN THE REGION

South West Water faces a number of high priority challenges which include: water treatment at Camperdown and wastewater systems at Mortlake, Koroit, Allan.sford, Timboon and Cobden.

The Authority is currently engaged in completing a $10 million investment to treat Warrnambool's wastewater before it is discharged to the ocean west of the city. Innovative wastewater reuse schemes arc being installed at Camperdown and Cobden.

South West Water is committed to facilitating the current significant reinvestment and expansion plans of the milk and food processing industries of this fertile and productive region.

South West Water will also be joining with Barwon Water and Colae Region Water Authority to form the Otway Water Management Coordinating Committee with the objective of addressing inter­ basin drainage issues and providing strategic advice relating to water catchment protection.

47 PORTLAND COAST REGION WATER AUTHORITY

..& Water Services • Water & Sewerage Services General Extent of Region

0 20 40 Warrna~ - Kilometres---

FORMER AUTHORITIES IN THE REGION

• Portland Water Board • Heywood Water Board • Port Fairy Water Board

The Portland Coast Region Water Authority was formed on 1 July 1994 following the Water Industry Management Study - South West Region.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE REGION

The Portland Coast Region Water Authori.ty falls within the Portland Coast drainage basin. The main urban centres in the region are Portland, Heywood and Port Fairy all of which have water supply and sewerage systems.

I Regional Water Customer Accounts Annual Cash & Debt Authority Revenue Investment Employees I $m $m $m Water Sewerage Portland Coast 7,254 6,580 5.10 4.90 6.80 19 __J

48 Since surface water in the region is limited both in quality and quantity, urban water supply is drawn entirely from deep groundwater sources. Apart from cooling and disinfection of the geothermal water, Portland and Port Fairy water suppJies receive no other treatment. The Heywood water supply .is chemically softened and has ultraviolet disinfection.

All supplies consistently comply with World Health Organisation guidelines for water quality.

CHALLENGES IN THE REGION

The Portland Coast Region Water Authority has established a unique field of technical expe11ise in managing groundwater supplies for urban purposes. This represents an opportunity for the Authority in marketing specialist expertise.

The Portland Coast Region Water Authority discharges untreated sewerage to the ocean at both Port Fairy and Portland. It is conducting trials which utilise facultati ve ponds with artificial vertical wetlands as a means of treating Portland's sewerage. Major capital investments are provided for in the Authority's Business Plan to biing the two discharges into compliance with State Environment Prolection Policy within the prescribed period as set down in their respective discharge licences.

The Authority is one of the smallest regional water authorities in the state and does not meet the Government's criteria of having at least a $10 million annual revenue. The future of the Authority as a separate body will be examined before an operating licence is issued for its undertakings.

49 GLENELG REGIONWATERAUTHORITY

1 Stawen• ! ( l I I I I I

I .A Water Services I Colerame • Water & Sewerage • Services Merino.A ._Tarrlngton General Extent of Region ~ Penshurst 0 - 20 40 - Kilometres- -

FORMER AUTHORITIES IN THE REGION

• Hamilton Water Board • Glenelg-Wannon Water Board • Shire of Mount Rouse

The Glenclg Region Water Authority was formed on 1 July 1994 following the Water Industry Management Study - South West Region.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE REGION

The region includes the entire Glenelg River basin except for the north-western comer near Harrow which is in the former Shire of Kowree and is now serviced by the Grampians Region Water Authority. Reticulated water supply in the Glenelg Region is provided to Hamilton, Tanington, Cavendish, Caste1ton, Coleraine, Sandford, Merino, Dunkeld, Penshurst and Bahnoral. Water supplies to Macarthur in the Portland Coast basin, and Glenthompson on the edge of the Hopkins Basin, are also managed by the Glenelg Region Water Authority.

- Regional ·water Customer Accounts Annual Cash & Debt ! Authority Revenue Investment Employees . $m $m $m Water Sewerage Glenelg 7,679 5,659 4.30 3.60 9.30 17 - -

50 Water supplies to Merino, Penshurst and Macarthur are from groundwater sources while the Casterton, Sandford and Dunkeld supplies are supplemented from groundwater. None of the supplies are treated except for disinfection and there is generally a low compliance rate with World Health Organisation guidelines for quality.

Hamilton, Casterlon and Coleraine are the only sewered towns in the Region. The wastewater receives secondary treatment at each town. Treated effluent is re-used on land at Hamilton and Coleraine with the excess being discharged to waterways. Treated effluent from the Casterton plant is discharged to the Glenelg River.

CHALLENGES IN THE REGION

The Authority is the smallest of the regional water authorities in the state and does not meet the Government's criteria of having at least a $10 million annual revenue. The future of the Authority as a separate body will be re-examined prior to an operating licence being issued for its undertakings.

The main challenges faced by the Authority in relation to water supply concern security and quality. Because of the demands placed on the water resources of the Grampians catchments, the future availability of major new allocations from these sources are in doubt. The Authority should plan its long term strategy for managing and augmenting supplies. A water quality improvement plan is also needed to achieve recognised water quality performance levels for town supplies.

The Authority will also need to examine the need for sewerage systems at other towns with populations over 500 in the region.

51 52 APPENDIX ONE

CONTACT LISTING FOR NON-METROPOLITAN REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITIES

BanV()n Region Water Authority Grampians Region Water Authority We:;wm Region \>\later Authority PO Box 659 POBox Sll PO Box 759 G.l:IBLONG 3220 HORSHAM 3402 SUNBURY 3429

Telephone: 052 262 500 Telephone: 053 82 461 l Telephone: 03 9744 9144 Fax: 052 21R 236 J:

Central Gippsland Region Water Kiewa Murray Region Water Authority Westernport Region Water Authority Authority PO Box 863 PO Box 40 PO Dox 348 WODONGA 3689 COWES 3922 TRARALGOK 3844 Telephone: 060 247 977 Telephone: 059 522 393 Telephone: 051 711 600 Fax: 060 247 454 Fax: 059 523 115 Fax: 051 740103

Central Highlands Region Water Lower Murray Region Waler Authority Gippsland and Southem Rural Authority PO Box 1438 Water Authority "' PO J3ox 152 MILOORA 3502 PO Box 153 BALL/\RAT 3353 MAfliRA 3860 Telephone: 050 222 244 Telephone: 053 203 100 Fax: 050 237 549 Telephone: 051 471 811 Fax: 053 203 299 Fa.x: 051 470 150

Coliban Region Water Authority Mid-Goulburn Regional Water Board Goulburo-Munay Rural Water Box 2770 PO Box 787 Authority BENDIGO MAIL CENTRE 3554 SEYMOUR 3660 PO nox 165 TATUR/\ 3616 Telephone: 054 341 222 Telephone: 057 991 200 Fax: 054 341 341 Fax: 057 991 309 Telephone: 058 335 500 Fax: 058 335 501

Otway Region Water Authority O ven:; Region Water Authority SUD.(aysia Rural Water Authority (fonTlerly Colac) PO Box 810 PO Box 243 PO Box 201 WANGARATIA 3676 RED CLIFFS 3496 COLAC 3250 Telephone: 057 222 686 Telephoue: 050 241. 202 Telephone: 052 315 055 Fax: 057 222 787 rax: 050 242 915 Fax: 052 314 21l

East Gippi;land Region Water Authority Portland Coast Rei;on Water Authority Wimmcra-:\1allee Rural Water PO Box 52 PO Box 593 Authority BAIRNSDALE 3875 PORTI .AND 3305 PO Box 19 HORSHAM 3402 Telephone: 051 524 332 Telephone: 055 236 244 Fax: 05 l 525 663 Fax: 055 236 670 Telephone: 053 821 244 Fax: 053 811 192

Glenelg Region Water Authority South Gippsland Region Water * Head office to be determined. PO Box 107 Authority HAMILTON 3300 PO Box 102 FOSTER 3960 Telephone: 055 510 4-00 Fax: 055 711 342 Telephone: 056 82 1222 Fax: 056 82 I 199

Goulburn Valley Region Water South Wei;t Water Authority Authority PO Box 1158 PO B ox 185 WARRNAMBOOL 3280 SHF..PPARTON 3632 Telephone: 055 647 977 Telephone: 058 320 400 Fax: 055 647 8 I 0 Fax: 058 3 l l 467

53 Printed by: A & G Fine Printing Pty Ltd

Published by:

Office of Water Reform Department of Conservation and Natural Resources 5th Floor, 232 Victoria Parade East Melbourne Victoria 3002

and

Office of State Owned Enterprises DepartntentofTreasury 7th Floor, 55 Collins Street Melbourne Victoria 3000

June 1995

Enquiries: Water Bureau · Tel: (03) 9412 4020

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