The first sod has been turned at Hunter Water’s $530 million desalination plant in Belmont, marking the utility’s biggest water infrastructure project since the upgrade of Grahamstown Dam.
To celebrate the start of construction, Hunter Water Managing Director, Darren Cleary, welcomed Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley; and Lake Macquarie Mayor, Adam Shultz, to the construction site in Belmont on 17 December 2024.
Hunter Water said that the building of the Belmont Desalination Plant is a crucial step in securing the Lower Hunter’s water supply, adding up to 30ML per day of rainfall-independent drinking water capacity to the utility’s system, or about 15 per cent of the region’s average daily needs.
New South Wales Minister for Water, Rose Jackson, said she was pleased to see work commence on this piece of state significant Infrastructure for the region.
“The Lower Hunter is part of the largest regional economy in the nation; however, it faces heightened vulnerability to drought. This $530 million investment will bolster the region’s resilience and improve its capacity to manage drought risks.
“This is a crucial step in assuring our community that the New South Wales Government is deeply committed to addressing water security in the Lower Hunter.
“Desalination offers the significant benefit of being a water source that doesn’t rely on rainfall, so it can provide a safe and reliable supply, regardless of the climate. It’s great to see Hunter Water move into the construction phase, advancing efforts to meet the region’s growing needs in an ever-changing climate,” Ms Jackson said.
Ms Catley said the desalination plant will be a secure and reliable water source for the Lower Hunter.
“This project will shore up a quality water supply for our growing region. There has been strong community calls for a reliable, safe and sustainable water source and that’s exactly what we’re delivering.
“I am pleased the construction phase will support many local jobs over the next four years and once operational, the plant will be powered by renewable energy,” Ms Catley said.
Mr Shultz welcomed the investment in Lake Macquarie.
“The construction and operation of the Belmont Desalination Plant is a significant investment in our city. I am especially pleased that Hunter Water will be allocating $400,000 to develop shared path connections for pedestrians and cyclists near the site. I’m also looking forward to Hunter Water collaborating with Council and the community on land regeneration projects,” he said.
Mr Cleary said the start of construction marks a significant milestone in securing a sustainable and drought-resilient water supply.
“Breaking ground on the desalination plant signals our commitment to ensuring a reliable water supply for the region, now and into the future. It is a priority project for Hunter Water, and we are pleased to be working alongside our construction partner John Holland to get the work done.
“Building a 30ML per day desalination plant allows us to address the region’s drought risk as quickly as possible and provide a reliable minimum supply of safe drinking water for our customers, even in times of drought.
“The plant will be an enduring, integrated and vital part of the Lower Hunter’s water supply system,” Mr Cleary said.
Funding for the desalination plant has been incorporated in Hunter Water’s pricing submission to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal, which is currently under assessment. New Hunter Water prices commence from 1 July 2025. Construction is set to take approximately four years, with the plant expected to be operational in 2028.
To learn more about the Belmont Desalination Plant, head to www.hunterwater.com.au/desal
