Stern warning for water facility intruders

By Jemma Jones

Nov 28, 2024

**Goulburn Valley Water has issued a warning to intruders.** Photo by Taylah Baker

Goulburn Valley Water is sending a strong warning to people choosing to break into its operational sites in Tongala.

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GVW will be increasing security at its Tongala treatment plant locations in response to a spate of break-ins at the Henderson Rd raw water storage site.

Staff noticed fencing cut at the storage site last month.

GVW managing director Steve Capewell said the raw water storage was strictly not accessible to the public as it was essential to ensuring a safe supply of quality drinking water to residents.

“Illegally entering a GVW site creates time and financial costs for our staff to assess and repair damage to fences, which means time away from other day-to-day requirements,” Dr Capewell said.

Fines of up to $230,000 can be levied on anyone who trespasses, intentionally damages property or interferes with water operations or infrastructure at a GVW site.

GVW is asking the public to be on the lookout and to report any intruders breaking into the Tongala site.

Any suspicious activity, for example people loitering at fences or accessing a site outside normal business hours, should be reported to Victoria Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or call GVW’s 24/7 line on 1800 454 500.