The upgrade of the Warrnambool Sewage Treatment Plant is nearing completion, with all major structures now in place. Subject to the completion of commissioning works, the plant is scheduled to come online in late 2025.
In the coming weeks, Wannon Water expects to finish the mechanical and electrical installations. This includes fitting pumps and pipework, as well as finalising control stations and switchboards.
A new odour control facility will soon be connected, and Wannon Water will also install an aeration diffuser system linked to the latest treatment tanks. Installation of the ultra-violet (UV) disinfection system continues, adding an extra layer of protection for the environment and human health. It also plans to install UV disinfection on the existing treatment tanks in early 2026.
Work to reinstate the site entry road and landscape the surrounding dune will begin later this year.
Commissioning works
Once the mechanical and electrical fit-out is complete, Wannon Water will start commissioning the new system, aiming to bring it online in late 2025.
It has received the green light from the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to move forward with commissioning. This process will take several months and involves:
- Pre-commissioning checks and dry system testing to ensure all mechanical and electrical components are installed correctly.
- Circulating clean water through the system ensures everything functions as it should.
- Diverting sewage to the new plant and setting up the treatment process, which includes connecting new sewer access points.
Preliminary performance testing of the new system is expected to take up to a month. After that, Wannon Water continue to test and monitor the system for several months before it officially comes online.
At the end of commissioning, it’ll submit a final report to the EPA for their approval.
Dune revegetation
Work continues to ensure our revegetation design for the dune surrounding the site reflects the needs of the environment, user groups and the wider community.
Recently, Wannon Water met with key stakeholders to inspect the site and discuss a draft landscape concept plan. Most stakeholders are supportive of the plan, but Wannon Water is still waiting on full approval before finalising the details.
Once the plan is officially approved, Wannon Water will be able to proceed with the layout of the plant zone.
Effluent Management Strategy
In parallel with the upgrade project, Wannon Water is developing an Effluent Management Strategy (EMS) to investigate alternative methods for further treating sewage and trade waste, as well as for the disposal of treated effluent over the next 50 years.
As part of this work, it has recently established a community panel comprising 12 independently selected members, including interested individuals and representatives from local stakeholders, such as environmental groups, industry, and regional organisations.
Over four sessions, from February to April, the panel participated in a site visit, reviewed detailed background materials, and engaged with expert presentations on the management of treated effluent.
The panel agreed that recycling water for long-term security was a priority, reflecting strong community support for sustainable and reliable water sources. Members also recognised the importance of completing the sewage treatment plant upgrade project as a first step to enable future recycling opportunities.
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