General News
2 May, 2025
Water equipment stolen
Central Highlands Water (CHW) equipment has been stolen and damaged across their service area raising concern due to the potential threat to public safety and the environment.
CHW have issued a warning against unauthorised access of its operational sites following “serveral criminal incidents”, including within the Central Goldfields Shire.
According to the organisation, essential electrical cabling and other critical components have been stolen leaving vital facilities inoperable.
CHW managing director, Jeff Haydon, said the incidents threaten their ability to fulfill essential services.
“These incidents go beyond theft — they are dangerous acts that jeopardise our community’s health and the delivery of critical and essential services. The safety of our community remains our highest priority,” he said.
To date CHW’s alert system has prevented any impact to customers’ water and wastewater, although Mr Haydon said the incidents still have had an effect.
“Theft and damage to CHW sites have time, financial and service impacts, as they shift our team members from their daily duties to assess and repair the damage,” he said.
The public is urged to report any suspicious activity near CHW’s facilities to:
Victoria Police: 131 444
Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000
CHW 24/7 Faults & Emergencies: 1800 061 514
Doing so could help protect local infrastructure and CHW’s goal to provide safe, uninterrupted service.
“Protecting our water infrastructure is a shared responsibility. If you see something, report it. Your call could help prevent serious damage or risks to our water and wastewater infrastructure,” Mr Haydon said.
CHW reminds the public that, under the Victorian Water Act 1989, individuals who trespass, damage property, or interfere with water operations can face fines of up to $237,000 and imprisonment.