A new 2.7 kilometre pipeline will connect Werribee Recycled Water Plant to the Werribee Open Range Zoo in an effort to create a more sustainable water source, the state government has announced.
The government will contribute $2 million to the pipeline, which will provide the zoo with 150 million litres per year of recycled water, but will eventually provide 400 million litres as the zoo continues to expand.
Once complete, the water will be used for a 21-hectare elephant habitat that will house Melbourne Zoo’s growing elephant herd when it moves to Werribee Open Range Zoo in 2024.
“This project brings significant benefits the growing Werribee catchment area, protecting the natural waterways and providing more water security for farming irrigation,” Water minister Lisa Neville said.
“We’re increasing the use of recycled water across Victoria and this project shows exactly how we’re increasing tourism opportunities and economic growth without impacting our future water supply.”
The $8.6 million pipeline is the first stage of the Werribee Recycled Water Expansion scheme, which aims to increase the overall supply of recycled water in Werribee by an additional 1100 megalitres a year.
Construction is set to begin in July and completed later this year.
