Yarra Valley Water is undertaking a major infrastructure upgrade to meet the demands of Melbourne’s booming northern growth corridor, specifically in Donnybrook and Kalkallo.
More than 7000 homes across these suburbs will benefit. The project is designed to improve water reliability for 2800 existing houses in the Olivine Estate, while also providing drinking water, sewerage, and recycledwater services for 4500 future homes planned for the area.
At the heart of the works lies the installation of 2.2 km of new drinkingwater mains, 2.2 km of recycledwater mains, and 1.2 km of new sewer mains. These pipelines run through the Cameron Street reserve and are being built with both opencut excavation and trenchless tunnelling techniques. In sensitive areas such as beneath Merri Creek, railway lines, and zones of cultural significance, trenchless construction ensures minimal disruption, preserving the local environment and heritage.
Bridie Fennessy, Yarra Valley Water’s General Manager of Asset Services, said that this isn’t just about keeping up with a population surge – it’s about building sustainably. By connecting new developments to recycled water wherever possible, the utility aims to reduce reliance on drinking water for nonpotable uses and thereby conserve precious drinking supplies. This dualpipe approach provides future residents with a climateresilient system that supports toilets, gardens and other lower-risk water uses without tapping into drinkingwater reserves.
Construction began in October 2025 and is expected to take roughly two years. Over that time, crews will balance heavy engineering with care for the local landscape, ensuring the project respects both community and environmental needs. The tunnelling component in particular is seen as a smart solution, allowing infrastructure to be built under sensitive zones without disturbing creek beds or cultural sites.
The scale of this investment reflects Yarra Valley Water’s long-term vision. As Donnybrook, Kalkallo and surrounding estates swell, future residents will demand more than just houses — they will need reliable, sustainable services. This infrastructure will form a backbone for the emerging community, delivering not only dependable water supply, but also modern sewerage and recycled-water capacity.
Beyond the immediate benefits to new homes, the upgraded water and sewer networks will significantly improve service for existing residents in Olivine Estate. Better water pressure, reduced risk of outages, and access to high-quality recycled water will enhance quality of life. And by building now, Yarra Valley Water is helping ensure the system won’t be overwhelmed by demand as the region grows.
This effort is part of a broader strategy. Yarra Valley Water is coordinating with local councils and other agencies to deliver an integrated watermanagement network that will support projected growth for decades. The company’s planning isn’t limited to just pipes — it’s aligning with long-term recycled-water strategies, sewer expansion, and environmental protection measures. Melbourne’s northern corridor is one of the fastest-growing in the country, and the infrastructure being installed today is designed to serve not just the next few years, but the next generation of residents.
Ultimately, the Cameron Street works represent more than a construction project. They’re a commitment to building a sustainable, resilient future in Melbourne’s outer north. With careful engineering, forward-thinking water design, and a dedication to environmental stewardship, Yarra Valley Water is laying the foundations for a thriving, well-serviced, and water-wise community.