Desalination

 **__WHERE?__** Desalination plant is to be built in the Wonthaggi region of the Bass Coast of Victoria. The plant will supply water to Melbourne and surrounding districts.

**__COST?__** The total cost for the project has been estimated about AUD$3.1 billion. Unlike others water infrastructure works in Melbourne, the plant will be built and operated as a public-private partnership, so factoring in profit, amortised funding, etc, water is likely to be delivered at around AUD$4000 per megalitre, for a total annual cost of AUD$600 million.

**__CAPACITY FROM THE PLANT:__** The plant is to provide 150 gigalitres of water each year using the reverse osmosis method of desalination with the capability of being expanded to 200 gigalitres per annum. The plant will be the largest desalination plant in Australia and will provide around a third of Melbourne’s yearly water use.

__**WHEN?**__ Construction of the plant is scheduled to commence in mid-2009. The Planning Minister, Justin Madden, approved a planning scheme amendment for a pilot desalination plant on the 11 January 2008.

The plant is to be built in the Wonthaggi region of the Bass Coast by the end of 2011. More specifically, it is to be built behind Williamsons Beach near Kilcunda. Nine sites were included in the "long list" in the feasibility study. These were "short listed" to four (Surf Coast, East of Port Philip Bay, West of Western Port, and Bass Coast). Bass Coast was chosen as the premium location. Compulsory acquisition notices were issued to the residents of the proposed desalination site on the 25th January 2008.

_ Many experts condemn the plant due to its high cost and impact on the environment. As announced on 28 December 2007, the project will be the subject of an Environment Effects Statement (EES).

