Funding Win for Westernport Water – Water Network Resilience Project 

What We’ve Achieved

Westernport Water has secured Commonwealth support via the National Water Grid Fund to deliver a major upgrade across critical water infrastructure. The funding will enable the construction of new and upgraded storages, enhanced integration with the desalination pipeline, upgraded water treatment infrastructure, and smart telemetry across four key distribution network sites.

Grantus provided strategic advisory support including the business case, benefit cost analysis and full funding submission, ensuring the proposal aligned with fund requirements and demonstrated clear public benefit. This has translated into tangible investment that will significantly improve resilience, water quality and supply security for communities across the Westernport service area.

Funding Context

The National Water Grid Fund is focused on strengthening water security, network resilience and infrastructure sustainability for regional and peri-urban communities facing growing demand and climate pressures. In this context, the Westernport Water project presents a strong fit, delivering upgraded water infrastructure, supporting climate adaptation, and ensuring long term reliability for both residents and the many visitors to the region.

The project aligns with state and federal priorities around safe drinking water, infrastructure resilience and sustainable water supply for growing regional populations.

Why It Matters

• Enhanced water quality and more reliable supply through upgraded storage, treatment and distribution infrastructure.
• Increased supply security and reduced reliance on emergency water carting or short term solutions. https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/building-network-resilience-and-water-security
• Improved climate resilience, better capacity to respond to variable rainfall, sea level events or drought conditions.
• Support for ongoing regional growth, tourism and community wellbeing across Westernport’s service area.
• Strengthened network infrastructure to meet regulatory, environmental and public health standards over the long term.

About the Project and Next Steps

The project will deliver a coordinated upgrade across four critical distribution network sites, involving new and upgraded storage facilities, enhanced integration with the regional desalination pipeline, upgraded water treatment and smart telemetry systems.

Over the coming months, detailed design and site planning will progress, followed by phased construction and commissioning. Once complete, communities across Westernport’s service area will experience improved water quality, greater supply reliability, and enhanced resilience to climate variability and demand pressures.

Grantus’ Role

• Developed the business case and project rationale.

• Delivered a comprehensive benefit cost analysis in line with fund criteria.

• Structured a compelling submission showcasing alignment with National Water Grid Fund objectives.

• Framed the project around resilience, water security, community benefit and long-term infrastructure sustainability.

• Supported coordination between Commonwealth, State and Westernport Water to secure funding commitment.