Media Releases

Water Minister Peter Walsh today toured construction works at the new $800,000 Lake Bolac wastewater treatment plant, due for completion in March.
Mr Walsh said the plant was being constructed as part of a $2.7 million sewerage scheme for Lake Bolac and used a treatment system that was unique to Victoria.
“Natural biological processes from more than 70,000 plants will break down the waste in a specially-constructed wetland area,” Mr Walsh said.
“It is inspiring to see Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water take this innovative approach to treating wastewater in a small town setting. Innovation in water management is strongly encouraged by the Victorian Coalition Government.”
The wastewater treatment system uses a combination of large septic tanks, bio-filtration, subsurface
flow wetlands and surface-flow wetlands to treat the wastewater to a very high standard.
The treatment site does not use any power as it all operates by gravity and is designed for minimal maintenance.
“This project provides excellent environmental benefits by removing the town’s reliance on ageing residential septic tanks which were beginning to fail, leading to soil contamination and reduced amenity,” Mr Walsh said.
“The contamination has eliminated with a practical and environmentally-sound solution that will be delivered at a low cost to Lake Bolac water users.”
A local Landcare group has helped with the planting of more than 70,000 plants comprising 40 different species.
The Lake Bolac Sewerage Scheme received $515,000 in funding support from the Coalition Government’s Country Towns Water Supply and Sewerage Program.
Construction of the wastewater treatment plant began in February 2011 and is due for completion in March 2012.