North East Water have proposed a new pumping station, on the eastern bank of the Kiewa River, in Mount Beauty/Tawonga South. North East Water states that the infrastructure is essential. This is not disputed as part of this petition.

This petition has two main aims: 1) For North East Water to find a more suitable location; and 2) For North East Water to work together with the community, to identify such a location.

Residents and tourists object to the proposed pumping station on the following grounds:

1) North East Water state they consulted with the community via their newsletter in 2019. Many residents never saw this at the time. A significant number of community members have only recently become aware of the proposed pumping station. The consultation process has been inadequate.

2) The area is a rapidly evolving community and tourism precinct. Volunteers (including residents and children) have spent literally thousands of hours working on Kiewa River access and local businesses have donated equipment, time and supplies. The local Rotary Club has installed exercise equipment and the riverside trail has just been extended. The proposed pumping station dose not align with community aspirations for this precinct. 

3) The proposed building is 11.5m x 9.5m x 3.75m tall. Its scale is completely inappropriate for this location, let alone along a popular section of river, which is visible from all sides. It occupies an area adjacent to our only riverside, multi-use path. The building will be surrounded by restricted access areas for service vehicles, plus a large pull-out on the adjacent road for trucks.

4) A weir is proposed across the river at this site. Generations of families have enjoyed accessing the river above and below this site for swimming, floating, fishing and boating. The weir irreversibly alters the river and its access at one of the most popular locations.

5) There are many other local areas which are more suitable. These include several areas hidden from view with existing infrastructure in-situ.

As previously stated, we are not disputing the needs of this project. However, we are urging the community to request that North East Water consider more suitable locations. This project will cause irreversible changes to an integral part of our river frontage and we need your support to drive this needed change. North East Water are already a long way down the planning process and are planning to go to tender within months. Now is the time to advocate for change.

Click these links for information about this proposal.

North East Water Proposal

Concept Plans