Desalination Plant Approved For Belmont

 BY IAN CROUCH

Plans for a massive desalination plant at Belmont have been given the green light by the state government.

Construction work on the 530-million dollar project is due to start later this year.

Once complete, the plant will provide up to 30 million litres of drinking water per day to the Lower Hunter, meeting 15% of the region's average daily demand.

In January, Hunter Water modified the plans from a drought response to a permanent desalination plant.

It will be paid for via a new Hunter Water pricing structure for customers to take effect from July 1 next year.

Plans For Belmont Desal Plant Take Another Step Forward

BY IAN CROUCH

The proposed desalination plant next to Nine Mile Beach at Belmont is a step closer to approval with the release of an Environmental Impact Statement Report.

Although Hunter Water has no immediate intention of building the plant, it wants the plans approved as an on-the-shelf insurance policy if water storage levels in the region drop to critical levels.

The desal plant is one of a portfolio of actions in response to drought - these include extensive water conservation measures, minimising water loss through leakage, operating the Tomago Sandbeds and water transfers between regions.

The revised plans are on public exhibition on the Department of Planning website until October 8 and the community is invited to make submissions.

Aerial View of proposed Belmont Desal Plant Picture: Hunter Water