VISUAL IMPACT

Site development

The site of the desalination plant on the Bass Coast near Wonthaggi has been cleared over the years for mining and farming. Indigenous vegetation has been removed and sand dunes degraded or removed entirely.

During construction of the Victorian Desalination Plant, the 225 hectares of land surrounding the plant will be totally rehabilitated in one of the largest ecological restoration projects ever undertaken in Victoria.

The restoration will include 4 million new plants and 150,000 trees, a reinstated coastal dune system and the creation of wetlands, coastal and swampy woodlands and new habitat for local fauna.

Excavated soil will be kept on site and used to construct a series of dunes that will integrate the plant with the landscape and minimise visual and noise impacts for neighbouring areas.

The project will restore and enhance the natural habitat and create a new coastal park for future generations to enjoy. Trails through the park will provide even better opportunities for visitors to view wildlife and enjoy the coastal vegetation and environment.

Plant design

The visual impact of the plant has been a concern for the local community.

In response, AquaSure and its contractors brought together architecture, ecology, the landscape and world-class technology to create one of the most significant and large scale environmental design projects in Australia.

Based on the concept of a ‘green line’ running throughout the site and featuring an innovative living green roof, the design integrates the built form with the landscape, making the plant barely visible from all public viewing points.

The living green roof, the largest of its kind in Australia, will be completely covered with living indigenous vegetation to camouflage the plant, provide acoustic protection, corrosion resistance, thermal control and reduce maintenance.

Artist impressions

Artist impressions depicting the overall plant design are located in the Photo Gallery on this website. These show the concept of the ‘green line’ running through the site, the living roof and how the design full integrates the built form with the surrounding landscape.