The following media release was issued by Victorian Government
Major Project To Support Wodonga's Growing Population
18 July 2024
The Allan Labor Government is supporting Wodonga’s growing population and providing the region with reliable water and sewer services into the future while reducing carbon emissions through major infrastructure upgrades.
Minister for Water Harriet Shing today officially launched construction on the expansion of the Wodonga Wastewater Treatment Plant to support the city’s fast-growing population and improve sustainable wastewater management.
This $73.9 million upgrade will ensure reliable and sustainable water and sewer services to support the community, which is expected to double from 45,000 to approximately 90,000 over the next 25 years.
Works will double the plant’s wastewater treatment capacity and enable more effective reuse of waste to generate energy that can be used on-site or fed back into the electricity grid, reducing emissions by 6,500 tonnes of CO2 every year.
These upgraded facilities will reduce costs and carbon emissions that will enable the plant to operate self-sufficiently while creating more circular economy opportunities for local industries.
During the construction phase around 16 full-time jobs will be created, with more than 50 local tradespeople and suppliers to be involved over the two-year project phase.
A further $30 million investment will also deliver new sewage pump stations, gravity sewers, rising mains and detention tanks, supporting future development across Wangaratta and Wodonga.
Combined, more than $100 million will be invested in major water and sewer infrastructure projects across Wodonga and Wangaratta to support their growing population.
Construction at the Wodonga Wastewater Treatment Plant will be completed in early 2026.
The Labor Government continues to deliver projects like this to meet the needs of a growing population while ensuring a more climate resilient water supply for all Victorians for generations to come.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Water Harriet Shing
"This project will make sure Wodonga has the water it needs as it grows. This not just an upgrade – it's a leap towards a sustainable and prosperous future for the region.”
“I’m incredibly proud to support initiatives like these that drive innovation, sustainability and growth for our region, and I look forward to seeing the upgrade once complete in early 2026.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
“It’s great to see the long-term vision for the Wodonga Wastewater Treatment Plant as it transitions to a self-sustaining facility that will help drive our region’s economic and environmental prosperity.”
“North East Water’s infrastructure upgrades will ensure our communities have access to reliable and sustainable water services for many decades to come, while slashing carbon emissions and creating local jobs.”
Quote attributable to North East Water Chair Stephen Brown
“The Wangaratta groundwater project is a forward-thinking solution to the challenges posed by climate change and by enhancing our water infrastructure, we can better support our communities and ensure a more resilient water supply for the future.”
Quote attributable to North East Water Managing Director Jo Murdoch
“The Wodonga wastewater treatment upgrade is a prime example of how we can integrate sustainable practices into essential services, to not only meet the needs of a growing population, but also reduce energy costs and carbon emissions and create renewable energy sources.”
Source: www.premier.vic.gov.au/major-project-support-wodongas-growing-population