Our projects » Northern Water Plant

Northern Water Plant

The $94 million water recycling facility adjacent to the Shell Geelong Refinery in Corio will reduce Geelong's drinking water demand by 2000 million litres a year.

Architect's impression of the Northern Water Plant at the Shell Geelong Refinery. 

This major water-saving initiative will produce Class A recycled water for industrial and community use in Geelong's northern suburbs.

The plant will use cutting-edge treatment technologies including biological treatment, ultra-filtration, and reverse osmosis.

The plant is a key component of our recycled water strategy and will help us address the challenges of climate change and population growth into the future.

Construction began on the plant in March 2011. Works to date include site establishment, bulk earthworks and underground services.

Commissioning is scheduled to start mid 2012 with the first recycled water supply on track for early 2013.

 

Benefits

  • An immediate 2000 million litre reduction in Geelong's drinking water use (5% of current demand, equivalent to the water used in 10,000 homes).
  • High quality Class A recycled water for industry and community ventures, such as sporting grounds, in Geelong's northern suburbs.
  • A 10% reduction in excess recycled water discharged to ocean at the Black Rock Recycled Water Plant.
  • Around 150 new jobs and associated flow-on economic benefits. 

 

Funding

Project cost: $94 million, funding from:

  • Australian Government: $20 million  
  • Victorian Government: $9 million
  • Shell: $47.5 million
  • Barwon Water: $17.5 million

 

Location and appearance

The plant will be built on industrial land adjacent to Station Street in Corio. The site is adjacent to crude oil storage tanks at the Shell Geelong Refinery.

The plant will be set back from Station Street and designed so that height is minimised.

The area between Station Street and the plant will include a water storage basin with grassed banks. The site will be revegetated with indigenous plants.

  

More information

  Northern Water Plant community information bulletin October 2011 (PDF 454 KB)


Page last updated Thursday 3 November 2011

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