Belmont Desalination Plant Approved to Secure Lower Hunter’s Water Future

The NSW Government has approved the construction of a seawater desalination plant in Belmont, marking a significant step towards improving water security for the Lower Hunter region. The project, led by Hunter Water, is set to begin construction in late 2024, following the approval of a State Significant Infrastructure project.

The $530 million investment in the permanent desalination plant will enhance the region’s ability to respond to droughts, ensuring water availability for the future. As the largest regional economy in New South Wales, the Lower Hunter is particularly vulnerable to dry conditions, making this project crucial for both the community’s wellbeing and its continued economic growth.

The desalination plant is a central component of the Lower Hunter Water Security Plan, a strategy aimed at creating a resilient and sustainable water future for the region. Once completed, the plant will provide up to 30 million litres of drinking water per day, accounting for roughly 15 percent of the region’s daily demand, independent of rainfall.

In January 2024, Hunter Water submitted a report to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure, seeking to modify the initial plan from a drought response facility to a permanent desalination plant. This modification was approved to ensure the timely delivery of this critical infrastructure.

To align with the NSW Government’s Net Zero goals, the plant will be powered by renewable energy. It will be funded through Hunter Water customer bills, with a new pricing structure expected to take effect from 1 July 2025.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully, expressed the importance of securing a long-term water supply for the Lower Hunter. “Water security is a long-term challenge for NSW, and providing a secure water system is the foundation of any modern city,” he said. “Locking in a drinking water supply that will support the future of the Lower Hunter for years to come is a win for the community.”

Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley, added, “This plan should give our community peace of mind that the NSW Government is taking the matter of water security incredibly seriously. Construction is set to take approximately four years, providing jobs to locals throughout that process.”

Minister for Water, Rose Jackson, emphasised the benefits of desalination, stating, “One of the key advantages of desalination is that it’s a rainfall-independent source of water, which is safe and reliable regardless of changes in weather or climate.”

Hunter Water’s Managing Director, Darren Cleary, explained the urgency of the project. “We can’t rely on rain alone anymore. Our region’s water storages can fall from typical levels to critical levels in less than three years. The Belmont Desalination Plant will be a vital part of the Lower Hunter’s water supply system,” he said.

Cleary also acknowledged the potential impact on customers’ bills, but reassured them that Hunter Water has strengthened its support programs, offering flexible payment options to ease the financial burden.

For more information about the Belmont Desalination Plant, visit Hunter Water’s website at www.hunterwater.com.au/desal.