Time’s up for Echuca’s iconic water tower Coliban Water has confirmed.
Coliban Water has confirmed the Echuca water tower will be removed toward the end of 2026.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
An independent assessment found structural issues in the 111-year-old tower, on the corner of High and Pakenham Sts, Echuca, posed an unacceptable safety risk.
Coliban Water general manager operations Julian Bull said the first evidence of structural issues was discovered during routine work to the tower’s facade in late 2024.
“Scaffolding and temporary fencing was installed at this time and an independent review commissioned to help guide the future management of the tower,’’ he said.
The results were received by Coliban Water in October last year and found the tower, built to different construction standards more than a century ago, has exceeded its expected lifespan.
“Of concern to us was that expected ongoing deterioration may pose a risk to our team, contractors, and members of the public,” Mr Bull said.
After consultation with Campaspe Shire Council, stakeholders and other agencies, Mr Bull said Coliban Water made the decision in November 2025 to decommission the tower from the local water network and plan for its removal.
“The decision to remove the tower is disappointing as we recognise the significance of its age and history,’’ he said.
‘’However, the safety of the community and our team must be the priority.”
During March, Coliban Water will transition the Echuca water supply from one where water pressure is provided by elevated storage, to a direct booster pump system.
“To facilitate the change, we reduced the level of water in the tower to less than 60 per cent in November 2025,’’ he said.
‘’Since then, we know some customers may have experienced slightly lower water pressure.
The future of the Echuca water tower has been in doubt since inspections revealed issues in 2024.
“We have now completed operational changes and are ready to transition the network to a direct pump system, with two new surge vessels, back-up power supply, and upgraded control panels.
‘’The transition will see water pressure restored to early 2025 levels.”
Work will continue onsite from April to prepare for the removal of the tower toward the end of 2026.
“Pedestrian exclusion zones, traffic management, and temporary road closures will be used to ensure safety,’’ Mr Bull said.
‘’Later in the year, scaffolding and a crane will be used to safely remove the tower section-by-section, with every effort made to minimise noise and dust.”
The Echuca water tower was completed in March 1915 at a cost of £2973.
Designed by Sir John Monash, it was built using 646 tonnes of reinforced concrete and has provided water pressure from a height of 32.9m for more than a century.
Echuca's water tower was built in 1915 at at cost of £2973.
Photo by
Contributed
The tower was originally connected to the steam-powered pumping plant in Echuca’s east and brought tap water to local homes for the first time.
As part of its ongoing community engagement, Coliban Water is holding two drop-in sessions, so the community can learn more, explore the project timeline and ask questions.
Sessions are being held at the Mercure Port of Echuca, 465 High St, on Wednesday, March 11, between 11am and 1pm and Wednesday, March 18, between 4pm and 6.30pm.
22°C