Thursday, 12 September 2024

 Jacinta ERMACORA (Western Victoria) (18:44): (1156) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Water, and the action I seek is an update on the critical Warrnambool sewage treatment plant upgrade project and for the minister to arrange for me to visit the site and see the progress that has been made to date. My region’s importance as a food industry hub means that demands on the plant are much higher than would normally be expected based purely on population growth. While it is successfully meeting current demands, the plant is operating at capacity. Development in the Warrnambool area is expected to continue as a result of population growth as well as food industry expansion. New housing estates are being established in the areas around Hopkins Point Road, Aberline Road, Wollaston Road and north and south of Dennington. Infill development is also occurring in the established residential areas, and future industrial growth has been earmarked for a site east of Horne Road.

The plant currently services nearly 15,000 houses, a figure expected to increase by more than 80 per cent to 25,000 properties in the next 50 years. It is also vital that we are able to cater for the growth of our local industries into the future. Upgrading this plant is essential in ensuring we can protect and enhance the local environment and support the economic growth and prosperity of the south-west of Victoria. I also want to make sure that the surrounding area of Thunder Point is returned to the state it was in prior to the project, consistent with the consultation with Eastern Maar, the community and environmental groups.