General News
1 October, 2025
Recycled water project in the running for top award
A project to drought proof sporting facilities around Beaufort has been named a finalist at the Victorian Water Awards.
Central Highlands Water (CHW) has been recognised among Victoria’s best at this year’s Australian Water Association Victoria Water Awards.
Four CHW projects and people have been named as finalists across three categories, including the Infrastructure Project Innovation Award for the Beaufort Reuse for Recreation project.
The $3 million project was to pipe recycled water from the Beaufort Water Treatment Plant to irrigate the Goldfields Recreation Reserve and Beaufort Golf Club as well as the croquet green and the school oval.
The Victorian Government invested $1.4 million into the project with a contribution of $1.6 million from Central Highlands Water and support from the Pyrenees Shire Council.
The three kilometre recycled water pipeline was installed as part of the project which can supply more than 100 million litres of recycled water for irrigation use per year across the town.
Central Highlands Water Managing Director Jeff Haydon said the project would ensure local sporting precincts can remain green all year round.
“This is a real difference maker for Beaufort - sport and recreation is a huge part of the community and like many regional towns the schools are central to community life. Ensuring they all have a reliable and constant source of recycled water is a terrific outcome,” he said.
CHW is also a finalist in other categories for Young Water Professional of the Year for technical officer Megan De Spirt, the Organisational Excellence Award and the Infrastructure Project Innovation Award.
Mr Haydon said the awards provide an excellent opportunity to recognise the many achievements of individuals and
organisations across the water industry.
“The water industry collectively strives to improve outcomes for communities and the environment. These awards showcase the critical and creative thinking of the experts in their field, to achieve positive results for all.
“At CHW we pride ourselves on being More than Water and to be named as a finalist across three categories is testament to the impact our water industry professionals are making in the Central Highlands region.
“We wish all finalists the very best at the upcoming awards and appreciate the opportunity to place a spotlight on the important work being done across Victoria,” he said.
The 62nd Annual Victorian Award winners will be announced at Melbourne Town Hall on Thursday 16 October 2025.
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