But introducing the report is one unnerving figure.  It estimates Victoria’s population is projected to reach 10.1 million by mid‑century  or a rough doubling under current growth rates with no doubt  the vast majority of this in metropolitan areas. At the same time it points out that climate change by 2065 could result in stream flows to some of our catchments being reduced by around 50 per cent per year.

The frightening prospect of this scenario is essentially a doubling of use and a halving of resource, which either demands that the citizen of 2065 uses a quarter of what we use now or somehow the unlikely possibility of finding four times the water available. At the very least it would take a doubling of current water resources to cater for the urban growth.  Even in an exceptional years like this very wet spring it is not as if we have doubled the rainfall.

For Ballarat, historically situated on minor waterways because gold not water dictated settlement, this is serious. The report’s commendable themes include an ongoing need for water for agriculture but also the need to keep regional cities resilient and liveable. The challenges are answered with broad stroke principles like reinforcing water economy and further developing the water grid but both require considerably more definitive planning and action.

For Ballarat there is the vague idea of investment in the Moorabool River. If, as envisaged, Geelong is connected to Melbourne more comprehensively and Lal Lal was fully transferred to Ballarat use it might go some way to meeting that long term gap.  But bigger ideas are needed. Concrete plans to reduce water use long term including a comprehensive modernisation of the irrigation system. Similarly urban areas must better utilise the storm water when it falls with compulsory building standards, recycled water and third water systems as just some of costly and controversial options.  

These are big asks but necessary ones to ensure the Ballarat of 50 years’ time is not only bigger but better than today.