Belmont will be home to a seawater desalination plant after receiving the green light from the NSW Government.
But, it’ll come at a cost for local residents.
Following its approval, Hunter Water will lead the delivery of the state significant project with construction slated to begin late this year.
And, while the $530 million investment is expected to enhance the region’s drought preparedness and response capabilities, it’ll be funded through the company’s customer bills.
The new pricing structure, accepted by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART), will take effect from 1 July 2025.
“The Belmont Desalination Plant is a priority project for Hunter Water to deliver,” managing director Darren Cleary said.
“We can’t rely on rain alone anymore.
“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, it could run out of water.
“As a key action in the Lower Hunter Water Security Plan, the Belmont Desalination Plant will be an enduring, integrated and vital part of the Lower Hunter’s water supply system.
“It’ll also assist us in managing the region’s water security while storage levels at Grahamstown Dam are reduced as we address recently identified safety issues.
“We understand the rising costs of living are weighing on our customers and we don’t take an increase to our customers’ bills lightly.
“We have strengthened our overall support for them, with a range of assistance programs and support services available to help pay their bill.
“This includes payment extensions and flexible options such as our bill smoothing initiative, Easy Pay.”
Upon completion, the Belmont Desalination Plant will provide up to 30 million litres of rainfall-independent drinking water per day to the Lower Hunter, meeting approximately 15% of the region’s average daily demand.
In January, Hunter Water submitted a Modification Report to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure (DPHI) to change from a drought response plant to a permanent desalination facility.
The NSW Government acknowledged the proactive approach and approved the modification to ensure the timely delivery of this vital infrastructure.
“Water security is a long-term challenge for NSW and providing a secure water system is the foundation of any modern city,” Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said.
“Locking in a drinking water supply that will support the future of the Lower Hunter for years to come is a win for the community.”
The Belmont Desalination Plant will be powered by renewable energy, according to Minister for Water Rose Jackson.
“The planning approval is a positive and significant step towards ensuring water security for the Lower Hunter,” she said.
“Water security is fundamental to setting up the Lower Hunter for a sustainable, resilient and prosperous future.
“One of the key advantages of desalination is that it’s a rainfall-independent source of water, which is safe and reliable regardless of changes in weather or climate.
“With planning approval modification finalised to facilitate the revised design and operational proposal, Hunter Water can start the construction phase and take another step towards meeting the evolving needs of the region in a changing climate.
“There has been strong community support for improving water security in the region.
“The Belmont Desalination Plant works towards addressing this, while also taking pressure off the region’s dams by diversifying water sources.
“Community engagement has been a vital part of this process.
“It is so important to ensure the views of the community and Hunter Water customers and have been integrated into the submission to IPART.”
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley also praised the outcome.
“This is a great step towards securing a reliable, sustainable water source for the Lower Hunter,” she said.
“This plan should give our community peace of mind the NSW Government is taking the matter of water security incredibly seriously.
“Construction is set to take approximately four years, providing jobs to locals throughout that process.”
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