Works to deliver South East Water’s Monterey Recycled Water Scheme are soon to be underway, with the project expected to be operational in early 2026.
On 11 June 2025, the utility joined Victorian Member for Frankston, Paul Edbrooke, to launch construction of the 2.3km pipeline. In partnership with ABK, South East Water will commence works on 19 May 2025, and expects to wrap up construction by November 2025.
Once complete, recycled water Class A Recycled Water will flow from Melbourne Water’s Eastern Treatment Plant to Eric Bell Reserve, Monterey Reserve, Pat Rollo Reserve and The National Golf Club – Long Island. It is expected to provide a climate resilient water source for the area from early 2026, saving 98GL litres of drinking water each year.
South East Water General Manager Liveable Water Solutions, Charlie Littlefair, said, “Locals and sporting clubs will benefit from greener spaces to support a thriving, more liveable community.”
The Victorian Government has committed $1.3 million towards the project, with the remainder of the total $5 million cost to be funded by South East Water, Frankston City Council and the National Golf Club.
Victorian Minister for Water, Gayle Tierney, said, “Recycled water infrastructure in fast growing areas like Frankston will help provide an alternative water source, to keep our community spaces green all year round.”
Mr Edbrooke said, “This much needed local integrated water management project will keep recreational spaces healthy while saving our precious drinking water.”
The Monterey Recycled Water Scheme is one of several major integrated water projects being delivered by South East Water, including the Dingley and Western Port recycled water schemes, and the Fishermans Bend Water Recycling Plant and sewer connection.
Class A water is the highest quality of recycled water. It’s supplied to residential customers for non-drinking purposes such as toilet flushing, garden watering and car washing.
South East Water Acting Managing Director, Karen Lau, said that locals and sporting clubs will benefit from greener spaces to support a thriving, more liveable community.
“We know water security is important given Melbourne’s current fast-growing population and strong predicted future growth. We also know access to green outdoor spaces is vital for our physical and mental wellbeing,” Ms Lau said.
“By irrigating these outdoor spaces with recycled water, we’ll deliver a climate resilient water source and help save precious drinking water.”
Abergeldie, BMD & KBR (ABK) Joint Venture Program Director, Daniel Turcinovic, said the ABK Joint Venture is excited to break ground on the first Class A recycled water pipeline in partnership with South East Water.
“The opportunity to support the local Frankston North community, sporting grounds and grassroots sporting clubs is at the core of what ABK stands for,” he said.
Frankston City Council Deputy Mayor, Steffie Conroy, said that this project is a huge win for the Frankston City community – and not just about sporting clubs and their members.
“There will be significant long term cost savings and environmental benefits from using recycled water on several of our sports fields in Frankston North,” Ms Conroy said.
“Water is one of the most precious natural resources and this project will allow us to save drinking water while still keeping our popular sporting fields in top condition to support community health and wellbeing year-round.
“We are pleased to be partnering with South East Water and the Victorian Government to bring the project to fruition.”
The National Golf Club CEO, Matthew Corby, said that this is a significant project for the Frankston North community.
“The Monterey Recycled Water Scheme will help ensure that local sporting grounds and open spaces remain healthy and usable throughout the year, particularly during periods of low rainfall,” he said.
“We’re proud to play a role in a partnership that delivers real value to the community, while also supporting more sustainable water use at our Long Island site.
“It’s a great example of what can be achieved through collaboration between local organisations and government.”
For more information, visit South East Water’s website.
