Water scarcity is a key challenge of climate change –

which is why the Victorian Government is continuing

to deliver a secure, reliable and affordable water

supply to meet current and future water needs.

How much new water?

Who benefits?

Sea water is piped to a desalination plant via

an inlet structure out at sea. It draws in water at

a low speed so as not to affect fi sh and other

marine life.

The sea water passes through a series of

membranes in a process called reverse

osmosis which lets water molecules through

while stopping salt and other impurities. The

desalinated water is then treated to drinking

water standards

Excess salt, or brine, from the treatment process

will be piped back into Bass Strait through an

underground and undersea tunnel approximately

one kilometre offshore, where it will dilute quickly.

In the 2004

Government announced an investigation into the

large scale application of desalination.

The Wonthaggi region was chosen as the site for

the plant following an extensive feasibility study

which looked at a range of potential sites. This

location had the best mix of features needed to

build a desalination plant, taking into account

environmental, economic and social factors.

In particular, the region was favoured because

water is drawn from the open ocean which

provides the most suitable water quality for the

treatment process.

This location is better suited to fi t in with the

existing water distribution infrastructure, which is

designed to move water from east to west rather

than vice versa.

Preliminary environmental risk assessments have

been conducted as part of the feasibility study in

selecting the Wonthaggi region. Environmental

assessments will be undertaken to ensure that

any impacts on marine life and nearby fl ora and

fauna are addressed.

Desalination Plant

www.ourwater.vic.gov.au

or call 136 186.

Community information

sessions will be held at a

range of locations shortly.

Visit the above website

for details.

An area on the coast south of Dalyston has been identified as a preferred site although there

are other areas in Bass Coast that may be suitable.

Initial advice is the plant will measure 400m x 100m and be18m high (4-5 storeys).

Council were not consulted and did not give approval for the project, as it did not go through the

normal Council planning permit approval process.

Yes, the plant will be connected to both Westernport Water and South Gippsland Water

supplies.

Council’s role is to secure the best deal possible for our community and ensure that our

community won’t be disadvantaged by this proposal. We have already raised concerns

regarding impacts on local infrastructure, environment and residents and the Premier has

agreed that these will be fully assessed.

Council will hold the State Government to its promise to conduct appropriate community

consultation and will assist them in providing information to our community.

The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) are handling this project. The Project

Director is Mr Garry Seaborne and you can reach him on 9637 9148.

The State Government advised that the process will begin immediately. This means an

assessment of the proposed site, as well as a study into the environmental impacts. We don’t

have any firm dates yet. The proposed plant is due to be completed by 2011.

of the project and a full copy of the feasibility study, which recommended Bass Coast as the

best location for the plant.

The Project Director at Department of Sustainability and Environment is Mr Garry Seaborne and

you can reach him on 9637 9148.

Visit our website at

as well as copies of media releases from the State Government and a link to the State

Government’s water plan. Information is also available from our Customer Service Centres or

by contacting Roslyn Jenzen on 1300 BCOAST (226 278) for the cost of a local call.