Adapting To Meet Future Needs

Monday, April 15th, 2019

With a region covering 4,000 square kilometres, ensuring quality water and wastewater supplies to 21 rural communities requires a great deal of expertise, planning, management and adaptation.

In its current form, South Gippsland Water has been servicing the region for almost 25 years and a review, due for completion in coming months, will inform planning for the next 25 years.

South Gippsland Water’s Managing Director, Philippe du Plessis said, “It has been clear for some time that current facilities are out-dated and in need of considerable investment to be fit-for-purpose for the long-term.”

A review of the Corporation’s workplace infrastructure and practice is currently underway. Under investigation are options that consider space, location, technology and building standards, health and safety regulations, logistics, and productivity.

Importantly, South Gippsland Water is taking into consideration what the region may look like in future years including population trends and service demands, particularly in the western part of the region, which will influence future growth and development.

“Seventy-two percent of South Gippsland Water customers are in the west, more specifically Wonthaggi, Inverloch, Korumburra and Leongatha, and analysis shows the average works location during 2018 was between Leongatha and Inverloch.”

“Our staff, offices and depots are at multiple locations across the region,” explained Mr du Plessis. “Before we make any decisions about upgrades, relocation or new developments, we need to ensure the options presented for consideration are based on sound statistics and comprehensive analysis.”

To adapt to the changing needs of the business and the region, it is anticipated a combination of current office space and depots will be required, but a consolidation of facilities at a new location is likely. The status quo will remain for water and wastewater treatment plants.

South Gippsland Water expects to have the results of the review by the end of the financial year. Information updates will continue for staff, community and stakeholders as the process progresses.

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