THE future of the $200,000 feasibility study into the planned creation of a water bank at Lake Eppalock is up in the air.
In April last year, then state and federal water ministers John Thwaites and Malcolm Turnbull announced they would split the costs of the study.
The study was to investigate the plan to build gates on the lake’s spillway to increase its capacity when it filled.
The plan would increase the amount of drinking water available to Bendigo and to sell to irrigators.
During a visit to Bendigo yesterday to inspect the result of the city’s recycled pipeline and plant, state Water minister Tim Holding said he was unaware of the plan.
“If it was a federal initiative and it didn’t go ahead, obviously we wouldn’t have matched it,” he said.
“The question is whether or not the federal government proceeded with that.”
Coliban Water managing director Geoff
Michell said he believed no action had been taken after the announcement. “I think at the time it was more the federal minister who said he was putting some money up and Mr Thwaites said he would consider that proposal,” he said.
“I am not aware of any proposal.
“I don’t know if any action has been taken on that, to date.”
Mr Holding praised Bendigo and Coliban Water for the recycled pipeline initiative.
“Bendigo is leading the way in Victoria for water recycling,” he said.
“Recycled water helps reduce demand on our drinking water supplies and provides an alternative source of water for industry and our sportsgrounds.
“The water factory will recycle all Bendigo’s wastewater and is a key part of diversifying Bendigo’s water sources and developing a secure supply.  
“This project will help underpin regional development and safeguard Bendigo’s prosperity and future.”