Spillway solution search starts

WORKS to upgrade Laaneecorie Reservoir spillway are at least two years from being started.

Last week’s Victorian Budget earmarked $821 000 for development of the detailed design solution to maintaining the ageing spillway.

Goulburn Murray Water’s general manager water storage services Martina Cusack said: “The Laanecoorie spillway and outlets works upgrade will address the aging outlet valves and spillway superstructure arrangements.

“The upgrade will manage the short and long-term maintenance needs, with several alternatives under consideration.

“The works will take into account the existing uses of the reservoir - water storage, boating, fishing, dam safety requirements and operational needs.”

The water corporation said this week that physical works were not planned to commence until mid-2025. Precise timing will depend on water levels in the reservoir and the final design solution.

GMW said the upgrades at the 8000MLcapacity reservoir would form part of its 2024-2028 pricing submission to the Essential Services Commission and that works would be fully funded by GMW customers.

Meanwhile, GMW said typical customer bills would rise between two and six per cent in the new financial year.

GMW business and finance general manager Michael Gomez said: “It’s the second consecutive year that our prices have risen below CPI, which is good news for our customers.

“As a non-profit corporation, our pricing is structured to recover the costs of the services we provide to customers.

“We go to great lengths to ensure we are operating efficiently as a business, so it’s encouraging to see these efforts translating to the prices we offer.”

GMW said it had reduced operating costs in the past four years.