The new utility is the combining of previous entities City West Water and Western Water into one company in order to cope with the growing population of Melbourne’s CBD and outer west regions.
GWW’s Sunbury office will be upgraded with funding of $500,000 to convert the facility into a COVID-safe hub and accommodate 50 additional staff, while all other existing offices and depots have been retained with no job losses.
Acting Minister for Water Richard Wynne said the creation of GWW will mean better water security and lower bills for customers.
“This new water authority is part of our plan to ensure that Melbourne and regional communities are serviced by infrastructure and authorities that are ready for the future,” he said.
“I thank all the staff and Board members. and the transition committee chaired by Cheryl Batagol, on achieving a smooth transition to the new Greater Western Water.”
Maree Lang was appointed as inaugural GWW Managing Director in April, while David Middleton is the organisation’s inaugural Chair.
“It is an incredible honour to lead and serve an authority that spans such a wide region,” said Ms Lang.
“I look forward to delivering better water services to the western region and serving this new organisation that will meet the needs of 1.2 million people.
“I will use our size, and the full resources available to GWW, to continue to deliver the water quality and security, affordability, reliability and continuous supply you deserve.
“We are lucky to have a diligent and dedicated expert team and I look forward to supporting each one of them to produce their best for you, our customers.”
GWW’s existing customer base of 580,000 is anticipated to reach 690,000 by 2028.
The integration also means former Western Water areas will have the water security provided through the Melbourne system which is underpinned by the desalination plant.
For more information visit the GWW website.