Wastewater treatment in Melbourne’s west is about to be transformed, modernising the plant to ensure that the health and sanitation needs of Victoria’s growing population are met for generations to come.
Water Minister Harriet Shing said this was an important enhancement for the whole of Victoria, including those in Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay.
“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. And better wastewater treatment means we’re also well-equipped to manage the challenges of population growth,” she said.
Melbourne’s population is set to double by 2050 and the upgraded to the Western Treatment Plant is key to ensuring Melbourne’s infrastructure is equipped to meet future demands. The project will deliver an additional 95 billion litres per year in primary treatment capacity.
The Western Treatment Plant is a world leader in environmentally-friendly sewage treatment, and one of Victoria’s most unlikely hidden treasures – doubling as a working farm and internationally-recognised bird habitat, including some of the world’s species such as the critically-endangered, orange-bellied parrot and growling grass frog.
When it was first established in the 1890s, the Western Treatment Plant transformed Melbourne’s public health and sanitation – now it processes more than 182,500 million litres every year while using a low-cost, low-energy treatment processes.
The Resource Recovery and Re-Use Complex will enhance sewage treatment, minimize odors, capture carbon, and manage waste sustainably. These improvements, including updated treatment methods and waste management facilities.
