General News
12 September, 2025
Award for Laane water works
Coliban Water has won big at the 2025 Civil Contractors Federation Victoria Earth Awards for the upgrades to the Laanecoorie Water Treatment Plant.
Coliban Water is proud to announce it’s recent win in Category 2, a project value of $2 million to $5 million, for the Laanecoorie Water Tanks and Pump Station Project, delivered in partnership with Simpsons Construction Company.
The awards celebrate the excellence in civil construction across Victoria.
The award-winning Laanecoorie project delivered a major upgrade to the raw water supply for the Laanecoorie Water Treatment Plant, securing a more reliable and higher-quality drinking water source for residents in region.
Coliban Water manager of infrastructure Corey Bourne said he was honoured by the recognition.
“It was a privilege to accept the award on behalf of Coliban Water, our contractors, and the entire team,” he said.
“These projects reflect our commitment to delivering high-quality infrastructure that benefits our communities and customers.
“These projects are a testament to what can be achieved when we work together with our delivery partners and stakeholders. We’re proud to deliver outcomes that not only improve essential services but also protect our region’s heritage.”
Simpson Construction Company built two new one megalitre concrete tanks, each standing 4.5 meters high and 20 meters in diameter, and a pump station housing two raw pumps.
These tanks now receive store water from the south west loddon pipeline, replacing the previous supply from the Loddon River, which was often poor quality water and placed strain on the treatment process.
The project began in January 2024, and was completed by September that year.
Coliban Water managing director Damian Wells told The Advertiser last year the upgrades would provide a better quality water source.
“The Laanecoorie Water Supply Upgrade is an important project that will deliver a more reliable raw water supply for our customers,” he said.
“Water quality in the Loddon River can be variable due to organic material which can wash into the river, especially after wet weather events or flooding.
“When our plant receives poor quality raw water, it works harder to turn this raw water into drinking water. This upgrade provides better water security by providing an additional raw water source, the South West Loddon Pipeline.”
According to Coliban Water, the project was delivered on time, on budget and to a high standard, with reduced operational inputs and environmental impacts.
Following the project’s completion, 800 households in Laanecoorie, Dunolly, Tarnagulla and Bealiba benefited from significantly improved the quality, reliability and drought resilience of the drinking water supply for the community.
Coliban Water worked closely with Heritage Victoria, DJAARA and other key stakeholders to ensure the integrity and cultural significance of the site were preserved throughout the works.
They also received recognition for refurbishment works at the Malmsbury Reservoir.
