Victorian water authorities say a major new pipeline will support local growth.

Gippsland Water has announced plans to build a major new water main to help meet the future needs of Warragul and Drouin.

It is the latest in a series of projects Gippsland Water is delivering to help ensure the rapidly growing region has a reliable and secure water supply.

“The new 4.3 km water main will provide additional volume, as well as an alternative pipeline when maintenance to the existing central Warragul main is required,” VicWater managing director Sarah Cumming says.

“The pipeline will also enable water from the Moe system to supply Drouin and development in the south-west growth corridor of Warragul.”

Like a ring road, the pipeline will be constructed around existing urban areas minimising the expense and disruption to residents.

Ms Cumming said environmental and cultural heritage studies have been completed to minimise the impact of construction along the route, which runs along road reserves from the intersection of Landsborough Street and Butlers Track to the railway crossing on Lardners Track.

“We’ve done targeted studies on Giant Gippsland Earthworms, Warragul Burrowing Crayfish and Strzelecki Gums to make sure we protect our local flora and fauna and minimise the impact of our construction,” Ms Cumming said.

Planning approval is expected to be complete in the next few months, with construction commencing later in 2021 and project completion in late 2023.