Billionaire's Dam Project Sparks Community Backlash in Rural Victoria
"The dam will be a community asset," says Bruce Mathieson, defending the project he claims will provide water for firefighting and livestock.
A 50-megalitre dam is being constructed on a property in Eden Park, west of Whittlesea, Victoria, by billionaire pub operator Bruce Mathieson. The scale of the project has drawn sharp criticism from residents and local authorities.
Over 1 million cubic metres of cleanfill soil have been imported to the site via heavy trucks. Locals report noise, dust, road damage, and dangerous driving. The Whittlesea Council estimates $1.7 million in road repairs will be needed and is considering legal action against the builders.
Melbourne Water issued a works licence for the dam in February 2025 and states the licence holder is currently compliant. However, the agency admitted it failed to properly advertise the application, as required for dams exceeding 20 megalitres.
Key concerns raised by experts include:
- Ecological damage from water extraction.
- Introduction of soil pathogens via imported fill.
- Loss of green wedge land, a growing trend in regional disputes.
The leaseholder, Scott Barrow, says he is not involved in the project. The construction company, LandformX, declined to comment. The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator conducted patrols but issued no penalties.
Residents and the council say they have been kept in the dark. The Whittlesea Council noted it has no authority over the project and received minimal information. Mathieson has dismissed opponents, calling them "idiots."