Wodonga’s population set to grow 100% in 25 years
The Victorian border city of Wodonga’s population is set to reach 90,000 people within a quarter of a century, according to the state government.
With 45,000 residents already calling the area home, a statement from the Premier of Victoria, Jacinta Allan MP, has revealed the forecast is set to see the city swell to twice its size.
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To ensure the city’s infrastructure is still fit for purpose, the state government is investing in major water and sewer infrastructure upgrades.
Minister for Water, Harriet Shing, has launched construction on the expansion of the Wodonga Wastewater Treatment Plant “to support the city’s fast-growing population and improve sustainable wastewater management”.
Minister Shing said the project “will make sure Wodonga has the water it needs as it grows”.
“This not just an upgrade – it’s a leap towards a sustainable and prosperous future for the region.”
According to the government statement, the $73.9 million upgrade will support the community that is “expected to double from 45,000 to approximately 90,000 over the next 25 years”.
The investment will effectively double the plant’s wastewater treatment capacity while reducing emissions, enabling the plant to operate “self-sufficiently while creating more circular economy opportunities for local industries”.
The government has said it expects 16 full-time jobs to be created during the construction phase, while more than 50 local tradespeople and suppliers will be involved with the project over the coming two years.
Acknowledging the greater area as a growth region, the state government also said another $30 million would be put towards the delivery of new sewage pump stations, gravity sewers, rising mains and detention tanks, in an effort to support development across Wodonga and Wangaratta.
“Combined, more than $100 million will be invested in major water and sewer infrastructure projects across Wodonga and Wangaratta to support their growing population,” it was reported.
Weighing in on the projects, the member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, said: “North East Water’s infrastructure upgrades will ensure our communities have access to reliable and sustainable water services for many decades to come, while slashing carbon emissions and creating local jobs.”