Darren Cleary believes a permanent Belmont Desalination Plant will play a vital role in the future of the Lower Hunter’s water supply system.
And, Hunter Water has taken a crucial step to make it happen by formally applying to build the seawater purification facility in Lake Macquarie to secure the region’s sustainability moving forward.
The NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) placed the plant’s Modification Application on public display on Wednesday 24 January.
The organisation is now seeking community and stakeholder feedback by Tuesday 20 February.
Mr Cleary said the Belmont Desalination Plant would add up to 30 million litres per day of rainfall-independent drinking water capacity to the system, or about 15% of the region’s average daily needs.
“We can’t rely on rain alone anymore,” the Hunter Water managing director explained.
“We know our region’s water storages can fall from typical operating levels to critical levels in less than three years.
“Should a severe drought continue beyond three years, our region could run out of water.
“To design and construct the permanent Belmont Desalination Plant, Hunter Water anticipates investing $530 million.
“This includes measures to ensure the desalination plant will be an enduring asset for future generations and remain resilient to the impacts of climate change.
“It also reflects rising construction costs being experienced across many industries.
“This investment in the region’s future means improved water security for Hunter Water customers.
“Compared to the previously approved temporary facility, which would only have been constructed in response to drought, the improved durability of this infrastructure means our region can depend on it for many, many decades.”
The move, however, will also come at a cost to local households.
“To fund the desalination plant, an annual increase of about $90 on a typical household bill is required,” Mr Cleary said.
“The typical water and wastewater bill for the owner of a house is currently $1,340.
“Water security is fundamental to setting up our region for a sustainable, resilient and prosperous future.
“There is strong community support for improving water security and we need to take pressure off the region’s dams by diversifying and expanding our water sources.
“Building a 30-megalitre per day desalination plant at Belmont means we mitigate our drought risk as soon as practicable and ensure we can continue to meet a minimum supply of safe drinking water for our customers, even during drought.”
During the community exhibition period, Hunter Water will host information sessions, both in person and online.
Residents can drop in anytime for a face-to-face meeting at Belmont Library (19 Ernest Street) on Saturday 3 February between 10am and noon.
Or, you’re welcome to register for the virtual session on Wednesday 7 February by visiting www.hunterwater.com.au/desal or emailing [email protected]
Key changes to Belmont Desalination Plant
- Permanent and built to last, moving from a temporary drought response plant to one that current and future generations can rely on
- Advancing the detailed design to confirm an increase in diameter to the seawater inlet pipeline and a diameter increase to the new water mains receiving and distributing the drinking water
- Adapting the site to climate change, including raising the site’s height to protect the plant from predicted future sea level rise
- Accommodating recent significant movements in labour and construction commodity markets
- Employing a construction workforce of up to 215 full-time equivalent jobs.
For more community stories:
- Volunteers needed for busy Marine Rescue district
- Minister marks Newcastle Art Gallery milestone
- Newcastle councillors keen to restore Australia Day citizenship ceremonies
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
