September 8th, 2025Water security for Daylesford & surrounds

The state government is boosting water security in Daylesford and nearby towns, with a new pipeline delivering up to 300 million litres of additional water per year nearing completion.
Minister for Water Gayle Tierney has announced the start of the third and final stage of the $25 million upgrade to the water supply system for Daylesford, Hepburn, and Hepburn Springs.
Once completed in 2026, the pipeline will connect Daylesford to the Goldfields Superpipe, able to boost the Wombat and Bullarto reservoirs with up to 300 million litres of additional water per year. This secures more water during times of drought and low rainfall, reducing the risk of water restrictions.

Daylesford, Hepburn and Hepburn Springs are currently on Stage 2 water restrictions, as the region’s driest summer and autumn in more 30 years saw storage levels drop to around 30 per cent.
Completion of stages 1 and 2 of the project have already seen the construction of 17 kilometres of pipeline connecting Daylesford to the Goldfields Superpipe, with works now starting on upgrades to the treatment plant to boost its capacity, ensuring more high-quality water is available for households and businesses.
The $25 million upgrade is CHW’s largest investment into Daylesford’s water supply – marking a significant milestone in the region’s water security.
While projects like this direct more water to the region, Victoria’s climate is drying with declining rainfall and population growth putting increasing pressure on Victoria’s drinking water supplies.
Ms Tierney said the new pipeline would support the long-term liveability, growth, and economic prosperity of the Daylesford region.
“By investing in climate resilient infrastructure today, we’re ensuring that communities like Daylesford have a reliable and sustainable water supply into the future.”
CHW managing director Jeff Haydon said the completion of the three-stage project represented a lasting investment in water infrastructure, delivering long-term benefits in water security, reliability, and quality for the Daylesford and Hepburn communities.
Above, from left, CHW chair Angeleen Jenkins, Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas, Minister for Water Gayle Tierney and CHW Customer & Business Services general manager Philippa O’Sullivan