Werribee’s Western Treatment Plant is about to be transformed by a $711 million modernisation program designed to ensure it meets future demands.
On Wednesday Water Minister Harriet Shing announced the start of works on a new Resource Recovery and Re-Use Complex that will enhance sewage treatment, minimise odours, capture carbon, and manage waste sustainably.
Melbourne Water Managing Director Dr. Nerina Di Lorenzo said the start of work on the new complex was an important moment in the plant’s 134 year history.
“The Resource Recovery and Re-Use Complex is a major milestone in the transformation of the Western Treatment Plant and will enable rapid evolution of the site to meet the needs of the next decade and beyond.”
These and other improvements, including updated treatment methods and waste management facilities, are designed to ensure the plant can cater for a Melbourne population projected to double in size by 2050.
Minister Shing said she was confident the modernisation of the treatment plant would allow it to meet challenges of the future.
“Innovation and efficiency in wastewater treatment has enabled Victoria to lead in adaptation to climate change, our circular economy and delivering large-scale improvements to liveability,” she said.
“And better wastewater treatment means we’re also well-equipped to manage the challenges of population growth.”
Considered a world leader in environmentally-friendly sewage treatment, the Western Treatment Plant processes more than 182,500 million litres of waste water every year while doubling as a working farm and internationally-recognised bird habitat.
More information:
melbournewater.com.au/water-and-environment/climate-change/our-path-net-zero.
