Water Minister Tim Holding said the results of more than 80 detailed technical studies examining the potential environmental, economic and social impacts of the project have been completed.

“The Brumby Government is taking action to secure Victoria’s water supplies by investing in a non-rainfall dependent source of water for Melbourne, Geelong and towns in Western Port and South Gippsland,” Mr Holding said.

“The EES examined potential impacts of building and operating the desalination plant, an 85 km transfer pipeline, potential power supply options and the purchase of renewable energy.

“This is an extensive environmental assessment with input from over 200 scientists, environmental engineers and experts in areas such as marine ecology, flora and fauna, landscape, energy efficiency and waterway health.

“The EES indicates that there are many social and economic benefits for local areas, and that potential environmental impacts are generally short-term and limited during construction, and can be handled through appropriate management plans and mitigation measures.”

The Desalination Plant will provide up to 150 billion litres of water each year, with the potential to be scaled up to 200 billion litres, and remains on track to deliver water by the end of 2011.

ENVIRONMENT AND MARINE PROTECTION

Mr Holding said the EES has established a robust environmental management framework including a range of environmental performance requirements that must be met during its construction and operation to manage any potential impacts.

Key findings include: 
•    Penguins will not be impacted by the operation of the plant with an intake structure designed to draw in water slowly and a screen to protect marine animals;
•    Seals, Whales, Orange-bellied Parrots, Giant Gippsland Earthworms, Hooded Plovers and their habitats will not be significantly affected by the project;
•    The saline discharge will dilute within a very short time and will be subject to a Works Approval Application to the Environment Protection Authority;
•    Dinosaur fossils beneath the sands of Williamsons Beach adjacent to the plant site will not be affected by the plant’s construction or operation; and
•    There will be small reductions in local larval numbers - in the order of less than one per cent - but no wider impact on food chains. 

“The Government has confidence that the depth of rigorous technical investigations and the success of interstate and international desalination plants indicate that this vital water project can be implemented while protecting the environment,” Mr Holding said.


POWER SUPPLY, RENEWABLE ENERGY & TRANSFER PIPELINE

The EES examined three power options – a grid connection, gas-fired plant and hybrid power.

A decision has not been made about the power source for the plant but energy required to power the plant’s operation will be offset through the purchase of renewable energy, in addition to the current renewable energy targets.

The EES submits for assessment a Reference Project, which includes a northerly grid connection with underground lines between Woolamai and the proposed plant site.

As the project will be delivered as a Public-Private-Partnership it is expected that a range of energy solutions could be brought forward for further consideration by the Victorian Government. 

The proposed alignment of the transfer pipeline is the result of extensive consultation with landowners and field investigations to assess technical and environmental issues.

SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC BENEFITS

Mr Holding said the EES confirmed the prospect of a major jobs boost and economic activity in the Bass Coast and South Gippsland areas during the construction and operation of the Project.

“The project will be a jobs and investment boom for the region with around 1825 direct and 2920 indirect jobs created over two years of construction.  Another 50 direct and 100 indirect jobs will be created during operation,” he said.

While there may be temporary pressure from a new large workforce on local housing, the project developer will be required to implement a Workforce Accommodation Strategy.

There will also be stringent design requirements for the plant, which will include landscape design and tree planting to reduce the visual impact of the plant on the local community. 

CONSULTATION

Extensive consultation continues to occur with communities in the region as well as with the Bass Coast, Cardinia, Casey and South Gippsland councils and other key stakeholders.

Consultation also occurred through a Technical Reference Group that included representatives from local councils, Aboriginal Affairs Victoria, Environment Protection Authority (EPA), Department of Primary Industries, Parks Victoria and local catchments management authorities. 

The EES and an EPA Works Approval Application will be exhibited until 30 September 2008.

For further information on the EES call 1800 811 214 or go to:
http://www.ourwater.vic.gov.au/programs/desalination/environment