Coliban Water has released its annual report, outlining its key achievements and milestones over the 2023/24 financial year.
Managing director Damian Wells said the company was now in the early stages of implementing widespread projects and increasing investment in capital works.
“We are now in the second year of our new five-year pricing submission,” Mr Wells said.
“Our large-scale infrastructure projects will see safe and reliable drinking water, sewer and rural services continue to be delivered to current and future generations.”
Capital expenditure increased by nearly $20 million since last financial year, up to $73 million this year, to build and upgrade assets for challenges in climate change and regional growth, Mr Wells said.
$8.5 million was invested in water and sewer main renewals, and more than $1 million in sewer network cleaning and monitoring, resulting in a record low blockage rate.
Pumps were repaired, and an electrical cabinet replaced at the Rochester Water Treatment Plant under the October 2022 flood recovery response, according to the annual report.
In November last year, a four-year package of $10 million in works at Echuca Water Treatment Plant was completed.
The report said more works were required for the plant’s diversion lagoon under the response.
The company is on track to be a 100 per cent renewable energy consumer by 2025 as part of a plan to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, according to the report.
There was a significant increase in renewable energy generation across Colban Water sites, jumping from 70kW to 354kW compared to last financial year.
New solar panels at Pyramid Hill and Leitchville contributed 78kW of renewable energy, and a further 430kW is expected to be installed across the company’s network next year.
A 400kW project is planned at the Echuca Water Reclamation Plant, and a 100kW project began this year at the treatment plant, along with an 80kW project at Rochester.
More than $1 million in financial support was provided to customers, and the company’s gender pay gap reduced by three per cent to 6.4 per cent last year.
Over the next three years, Coliban Water said it would invest almost $500 million in capital works.
Mr Wells said he was proud of what the organisation had achieved in the past 12 months.
“We also look forward to what we will deliver for our communities in the years ahead,” he said.
Customers and stakeholders are encouraged to read the organisation’s annual report, which can be accessed at coliban.com.au