The state’s Water Security Plan, which investigates how to maintain affordable water supply, was recently released by Water Minister Gale Tierney.
A bipartisan taskforce was announced with the plan, which brings together former water ministers, including Mr Walsh, industry experts and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action’s executive director.
“We’re making sure Victoria continues to have a secure and affordable water supply as our state grows and climate gets drier,” Ms Tierney said.
“We know large-scale projects can take a decade to plan and deliver. That’s why we’re doing the work now to secure affordable and high-quality water for generations to come.”
Over the next decade, modelling estimates suggest Victoria will need an extra 95 billion litres of water per year on top of the Victorian Desalination Plant running at full capacity.
The taskforce will review potential future water supply options and consult communities before reporting back to the government in 2027.
Mr Walsh joins the team following his involvement in the government’s drought taskforce earlier this year, which he said highlighted dry conditions across the state.
“I was happy to accept the minister’s invitation to join this bipartisan group because our water supply is crucial and goes way beyond party politics — this is about the future of every Victorian,” he said.
“Projects on the scale of major water supply, such as recycled water and stormwater harvesting, for example, can take years to plan and deliver.
“We need to start looking at them now, as our decisions will impact Victorians for generations.”
Permanent water restrictions are already in place across the state, but a review of the rules will be undertaken amid dry conditions.
The Water Security Plan, which focuses on Greater Melbourne and the state’s south-west, can be viewed by visiting water.vic.gov.au
15°C