1889

1. 1889 A royal commission inquiring into the unhealthy and insanitary condition of Melbourne’s rapidly growing metropolis concluded the city required an underground sewerage system to combat the scourge of typhoid. Due to indecisiveness of the municipal government, a special body had to be created for this task. 1956 MMBW made metropolitan planning authority, acquiring power to construct and maintain highways and bridges, protect and improve foreshores and create and maintain parks within the metropolitan region. 1994 The Kennett Government announced that Melbourne Water was going to be divided into three retail water companies (City West Water, South East Water, Yarra Valley Water) and a wholesale water company. 1982- MMBM looses its planning functions when the Cain Labour Government is elected. 1897 Sewerage system completed and house connections commence. 1891 The Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW) was formed and became responsible for Melbourne's water supply, including construction of sewerage system. 2009 Environmental groups raise concerns about Brumby Government’s commitment to saving Melbourne Water from corporatisation, after it gives French company Aqua Sure to build Wonthaggi Desalination Plant despite Labour’s promise not to purse the project at the last state election. 1920 MMBW given responsibility for the metropolitan sections of the Yarra and Maribyrnong rivers and their tributaries. 1991 The Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works merged with a number of smaller urban water authorities to form Melbourne Water. 1979 MMBW subject to an external inquiry that led to the abolition of the old Board, and is replacement by four local government commissioners.