COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
AquaSure is working with members of the local community and business owners to maximise the economic benefit of the facility in the region and to minimise any adverse impact on the environment and on the community.
Talking with local people about how they might be affected by the desalination plant is an important part of ongoing project implementation.
A program of forums and field days is planned to help people learn more about the project. Regular community presentations and briefings are also given to councils, local groups, landowners, water authorities and other interested parties.
These face-to-face briefings, meetings and presentations are supplemented by brochures, regular local newspaper columns, newsletters, information bulletins and regular website updates. These documents are available on the Publications section of this website.
The Community Information Centre at Wonthaggi is the main point of contact for information on the project and for the community to provide feedback, while a monthly meeting of the Community Liaison Group provides a forum for addressing community issues.
Working with landowners
AquaSure and the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) are committed to working closely with landowners who may be affected by the location of the plant and co-located pipeline and power supply.
A dedicated landowner liaison team continues to work with landowners and residents along the pipeline and power supply corridors.
Correspondence to explain the process together with regular contact by telephone and personal visits will continue throughout the construction and rehabilitation phases with those directly impacted by the development of the plant and pipeline route.
Community Information Centre
Victorian Desalination Project Community Information Centre
Shop 2, 33-35 Murray Street, Wonthaggi
Phone: 1800 811 214
Local community members and visitors to Wonthaggi have access to a new Victorian Desalination Project Community Information Centre operated by AquaSure.
DSE first established a community information centre in September 2007. A new purpose-built facility located in Murray Street opened in February 2010. It features a wide range of project information, photos and interactive displays and has a theatrette for community presentations.
The centre provides access to up-to-date information on the project as it progresses and information officers are available to answer questions, discuss issues and receive feedback.
School or group visits can be arranged. Teachers or group leaders interested in using the centre and its resources can contact the office on 1800 811 214.
The centre is located at Shop 2, 33-35 Murray Street Wonthaggi (next to Connell’s Bakery). Opening hours are Wednesday to Friday 9.30am to 4.30pm . A mobile community information facility is also taking to the road to provide updates on the desalination plant at major events and festivals in the region.
The Community Liaison Group
The Victorian Desalination Project Community Liaison Group (CLG) was established by DSE as a forum to address key community issues or concerns about the project, provide feedback to group members and to seek community input on project issues. The CLG has been meeting regularly since the start of the project. It is making a valuable contribution to the engagement process, helping to build good relationships with key stakeholders and monitoring the performance of AquaSure and Thiess Degrémont.
The CLG is led by independent chair John Nicol and comprises representatives from Bass Coast, Casey and Cardinia councils, community representatives from these municipalities and personnel from AquaSure, Thiess Degrémont and DSE.
Community representatives on the CLG are:
- Bass Coast Shire: Mr Neville Goodwin
- Cardinia Shire: Mr Ian Anderrson
- City of Casey: Cr Bev Hastie
Minutes and presentations from CLG meetings can be viewed at: www.ourwater.vic.gov.au/programs/desalination/community/community-liaison-group
Members of the community are encouraged to contact their local representatives or local council if they have queries or concerns they wish to have raised at the CLG.