LOCAL BENEFITS AND INITIATIVES
The Victorian Government’s Environment Effects Statement (EES) found that economic benefits would flow from the project with increased employment and spending in the Bass Coast area and surrounding region. Some of the ways in which the local community is already benefiting from the Victorian Desalination Project are outlined below.
Economic stimulus and local jobs
Local people are filling many of the on-site construction jobs that have become available through AquaSure’s design and construction contractor, Thiess Degrémont, as part of the desalination project.
There is also is a significant flow-on effect with many new jobs created within Victorian businesses that are providing goods and services to the project.
The construction phase is also providing a significant boost to the local economy through demand from a new workforce for housing, products from local suppliers and additional business for retailers and service providers.
A Wonthaggi bakery, for example, has put on more staff due to increase business and a contract to supply 500 bread rolls to the site canteen weekly.
AquaSure is conscious of the fact that in addition to benefits there may be some added pressure on key facilities and social services, such as accommodation and health. We are doing our best to mitigate this. For example, accommodation for workers is being spread across the region rather than being concentrated in one area. Also, AquaSure’s design and construction contractor, Thiess Degrémont, has its own medical staff and facilities for site workers, thereby reducing the need to call on facilities in Wonthaggi.
Road upgrades
The State Government committed $12 million to upgrade key roads and intersections in Wonthaggi as part of the Victorian Desalination Project. This work has focused on the access roads to the site and the connection to the highway.
These road upgrades have improved traffic flow and road safety. Bass Coast Shire Council has carried out the works, which were funded as part of the Victorian Desalination Project.
Securing local water supply
A $5 million pipeline will connect Wonthaggi, Inverloch and Cape Patterson to the desalination plant, securing the long-term water future of the region.
The 11 kilometre pipe travels from the plant site and connects to the existing South Gippsland Water supply network north of Wonthaggi.
The towns’ main water supply will continue to be the Lance Creek storage system and South Gippsland Water will be able to take desalinated water as required. The pipe has the capacity to carry up to 10 million litres of water a day.
South Gippsland Water began construction in June 2009 and the project was completed in April 2010. The pipe was funded by the Victorian Desalination Project.
Contributing to community facilities
The Lang Lang Showgrounds and Recreation Reserves at Koo Wee Rup, Glen Forbes and Grantville benefit from the desalination project after entering into agreements to provide parking for pipeline construction workers.
The arrangements enable pipeline workers to park at these venues and travel to work by bus, helping to minimise traffic and parking impacts on local areas.
In return, construction crews will undertake a range of upgrade and improvement works at each of the community facilities.
The project team continues to look at opportunities to enter into similar arrangements that benefit the community.