The Victorian Government has backed an $85 million upgrade of the Warrnambool Sewage Treatment Plant, strengthening its ability to support the area’s food production.
The project was officially opened by Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora on behalf of Minister for Water Harriet Shing.
The upgrade marks Wannon Water’s largest-ever infrastructure investment and will ensure the plant can meet projected increases in sewage volumes while continuing to protect public health and the environment.
Works included the construction of two new treatment tanks, increasing storage capacity by around 50 per cent, along with a new inlet pump station, chemical dosing and odour control systems, and an ultraviolet disinfection facility.
Demand on the plant is significantly higher than typical for a region of this size, driven by Warrnambool’s role as a major food production hub.
The city is the heart of one of Victoria’s most important dairy regions.
The improved infrastructure is expected to support an additional $199 million in annual economic value and create 1512 jobs in the region by 2040.
“This project increases the capacity for local services, allowing more homes for Victorians and creating new jobs and opportunities in the area,” said Minister for Water, Harriet Shing.
The plant currently services nearly 15,000 properties, with this figure forecast to rise by more than 80 per cent to 25,000 over the next 50 years.
The upgrade will allow the plant to continue meeting the growing domestic sewage and trade waste needs of Warrnambool, Allansford and Koroit.
“We’re delighted the project has been completed within budget thanks to our dedicated project team, contractors and patience of the treatment operations team,” said Wannon Water Board Chair, Dr Helen Scarborough.
Alongside the works, Wannon Water is developing an Effluent Management Strategy to guide long-term planning and identify future options for effluent disposal.
