Premier

Statement On Desalinated Water Order

30 December 2016

Work is underway to fix a piece of equipment that was damaged during the re-start process at the Victorian Desalination Plant, but it will not stop the delivery of the Government’s desalinated water order.

I have met with Aquasure, the company contracted to deliver the Government’s order, and they have assured me it will deliver the Government’s order by 30 June, 2017, within the timeframe specified by the contract.

The damage is being assessed, with the start-up of the water order from the Plant expected to occur in late February.

I have made it clear to Aquasure that the Government expects the 50 gigalitres of desalinated water to be delivered by June 30, 2017, in keeping with its contract with the Government.

In addition to my discussions with Aquasure, I have also met with electricity provider, AusNet Services. It was agreed that all parties would work together to resolve the issues as quickly as possible.

The delivery of the 50 gigalitres of water will provide a buffer in Melbourne’s water storage levels and boost the security of Melbourne’s water supplies.

Melbourne’s water storages are currently at 71.4 per cent, which is 106 gigalitres below the level at the same time in 2014 when storages were 77.2 per cent full.

The Government’s order will improve water certainty for families from Melbourne, from Geelong and Ballarat – and certainty for businesses, sporting grounds and local communities.

The Government has made it clear to water retailers that there will be no extra charges on water bills until desalination water is flowing.

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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