3 April 2024
Goulburn Valley Water is asking the Kyabram community to help keep an eye out for and report any intruders breaking into the Kyabram Water Treatment Plant.
A recent spate of break ins at the raw water storage site on McEwen Road has prompted the call, with staff identifying cut fences several times a week over the last five months in addition to missing or damaged site signage.
Goulburn Valley Water will be increasing security at the site and is working with Victoria Police to monitor and identify any illegal entry.
Trespassing, intentionally damaging property or interfering with water operations or infrastructure at a Goulburn Valley Water site can result in fines of up to $230,000.
Goulburn Valley Water Managing Director Steve Capewell said the site was an active treatment plant and access was restricted to GVW staff only for security and safety.
“Illegally entering our site also 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.
“Months after we discovered people breaking in, we are disappointed to see people continue to risk not only their safety, but also the operations at the plant.”
If you see any suspicious activity – for example, people loitering at fences or accessing outside of normal business hours – please report it to Kyabram police on (03) 5853 1777 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or call GVW’s 24/7 line on 1800 454 500.