Victorian Desalination Project

General Project Information

In June 2007, the Victorian Government annouced their intention to construct a $3.5 billion desalination plant near Wonthaggi.

The project involves:

  • Construction of a reverse osmosis desalination plant that has the capacity to produce up to 150 – 200 billion litres of water per year;
  • 85 km underground pipeline to connect the plant to Melbourne’s water supply; and
  • Underground power supply to connect the plant to grid electricity.

The plant with be operated through a Public Private Partnership.

Construction on the plant began in October 2009 with the aim of the plant delivering water by the end of 2011.

VDP Housing Accord

The Victorian Desalination Project Housing Accord is an intiative developed by Council that recognises the importance of protecting long term affordable rentals for the Bass Coast community and protecting tourist accommodation for visitors to the region. Download the information sheet (PDF 147kb) to find out more.

If you are interested in leasing your holiday home for the purpose of accommodating desalination construction workers, please contact the agents directly (PDF 356kb).

Media Releases

Council maintains a list of its media releases relating to the project, however for the most recent updates visit the Aquasure website.

AquaSure

AquaSure has been selected by the Victorian Government to design, construct and operate the $3.5 billion desalination plant. To find out more information about AquaSure please visit www.aquasure.com.au

Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE)

The desalination plant project is being managed by the Department of Sustainability and Environment.

To find out more information please visit Our Water, Our Future

Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD)

DPCD has been heavily involved with the desalination plant project. DPCD facilitated the Environment Effects Statement process, held an independent inquiry which delivered many recommendations that the project must now adhere to.

To find out more information about please visit the DPCD website.

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