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Local Business Advised To Register Interest In Desal ProjectOver forty Latrobe City businesses were recently provided with an overview of how to gain business opportunities by AquaSure, the consortium leading the $3.5 billion desalination project, to be built near Wonthaggi. By Latrobe City Council - 16th October 2009 - Back to News The briefing session was held in conjunction by Latrobe City Council and the Industry Capability Network (ICN). It provided the attendees with a real grasp of the project, and the many opportunities that they may be able to tap into.
Attendees at the information session held at council’s corporate headquarters in Morwell, were advised, that by registering on the ICN database, local businesses have the opportunity to be involved in various aspects of the project including construction, engineering, maintenance, environmental and many other services. The address of the website for registration is: www.regionalindustrylink.com.au
Latrobe City’s general manager economic sustainability, Allison Jones, said that over 1700 businesses and individuals have already registered in fields such as plumbing, pipe laying, earthworks, road construction, fencing, concrete, equipment hire and security services.
"Much of the work for this massive project will be undertaken on site, and as such there are enormous opportunities for local business which are logistically well placed here in Gippsland to deliver goods and services for the project; and that’s good for local employment," Ms Jones said.
Speakers at the briefing explained that the desalination plant being constructed in the Wonthaggi region will be the largest in Australia and will supply up to 150 billion litres of water a year to Melbourne, Geelong and via other connections, South Gippsland and Western Port towns.
It will be capable of providing around a third of Melbourne's annual water supply from a source that is independent of rainfall.
The project includes an 84 kilometre underground pipeline to connect the plant to a transfer main at Berwick and then to Cardinia Reservoir, and will be powered by underground power cables co-located with the pipeline.
Ms Jones said the sheer size and nature of the project offered enormous opportunities for local businesses, many of which have enviable and established credentials in construction and contracted supply work for numerous major projects such as power station construction and operations, Basslink, the Eastern Freeway, the Maryvale Paper Mill and the Gippsland Water Factory.
"While some of these businesses operate on a massive scale, there are numerous local contractors and businesses which have the potential to be involved in this project and take advantage of the opportunities being offered.
"As the speakers at the briefing here in Latrobe explained, the most important first step is that these businesses register their skills and interest on the ICN database," Ms Jones said.
For more information, or to register to be a supplier for the project firms need to contact Bob Stevenson from the Industry Capability Network, telephone 5176 1901.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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Coal Creek seeks a local food and drink vendor for Living Heritage Days, held monthly from 7 March. Businesses can boost trade and connect with customers. Applications close 14 February. - Omeo celebrates opening of 114 km world-class mountain bike park set to transform regional adventure tourism
Omeo has opened a $10 million, 114-kilometre mountain bike park, boosting tourism, supporting local businesses, and celebrating new streetscape and flood-recovery works that strengthen the town’s recreation spaces and future growth. - Mayor Rochelle Halstead honoured with MAV 10-year Service Award for her dedication to local government
Bass Coast Mayor Cr Rochelle Halstead has received the MAV 10-Year Service Award, recognising her decade of dedicated leadership, advocacy, and commitment to strengthening local government and the Bass Coast community. - Community feedback wanted on East Gippsland Draft Engagement Policy to strengthen participation in local decision-making
East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Community Engagement Policy, inviting input through surveys, drop-in sessions, and stakeholder consultation to strengthen participation in decision-making processes. - Martin Cameron urges Labor government funding commitment on Latrobe Valley mental health unit urgently needing expansion
The Nationals’ Martin Cameron urges Allan Labor Government to urgently expand Latrobe Regional Health’s mental health unit, citing critically limited beds and growing demand for timely care in Gippsland. - West Gippsland CMA celebrates 25 years of sustainable irrigation, transforming Gippsland farms, saving water and protecting local waterways
West Gippsland CMA's Sustainable Irrigation Program celebrates 25 years, with 1,200 projects saving 47 gigalitres annually, enhancing farm productivity, protecting waterways, and expanding beyond the Macalister Irrigation District. - South Gippsland Remembrance Day services to be held in various locations and other council updates
South Gippsland marks Remembrance Day on 11 November with local services honouring veterans. Plus, free green waste disposal, festive giving initiatives, business support, community events, and engagement opportunities across the region this spring. - Kay Street Car Park construction progressing smoothly, delivering major new parking capacity for Traralgon CBD by 2026
Construction of Traralgon’s five-level Kay Street Car Park is progressing on schedule for mid-2026, delivering 430 new CBD spaces and supporting local businesses, accessibility, and future regional growth. - Gippsland Water completes major Warragul sewer upgrade, boosting capacity and supporting town’s rapid growth and future reliability
Gippsland Water has completed a 1.5-kilometre Warragul sewer upgrade, increasing capacity, improving reliability, supporting population growth, and protecting the environment, including relocation of threatened local species during construction. - Melina Bath thanks community for support, generosity, and resilience during festive season and year’s end
Marking the festive season, I thank eastern Victoria’s community for generosity, resilience, and support, celebrating local businesses, families, and volunteers while wishing everyone a safe, joyful, and prosperous 2026. - Noojee chosen for Healthy Forest Plans Pilot with $4M funding to boost tourism and local economy
Baw Baw Shire welcomes Noojee’s $4 million Healthy Forest Plans Pilot funding, part of a $30 million Victorian government initiative to boost regional tourism, support economic transition, and create local jobs. - Tim Bull trashes misused Treasurer’s Advance as Allan government wastes $9M on costly failed camping trial
The Allan government spent $9 million in emergency funds on a failed free-camping trial, creating "ghost bookings" and hurting local businesses, prompting Nationals MP Tim Bull to condemn the misuse and demand accountability. - Woodside Recreation Reserve receives $387,750 LED lighting upgrade improving safety, access, and evening sports opportunities for local community
The Woodside Recreation Reserve will receive a $387,750 LED lighting upgrade, improving safety, sustainability, access, and evening sports opportunities, funded by the Victorian Government, Wellington Shire Council, and local partners. - Baw Baw Shire awards over $109,000 in community grants supporting 13 groups’ minor capital work projects
Baw Baw Shire Council has awarded over $109,000 in Community Grants to 13 local groups, supporting minor capital works that improve facilities, sustainability, and community wellbeing across the shire. - East Gippsland Shire Mayor, Cr Jodie Ashworth's Christmas message
A Christmas message celebrating East Gippsland’s community spirit, kindness and connection, encouraging care for one another, support for local businesses, warm hospitality for visitors, gratitude for workers this season together. - Baw Baw Shire to gain two new kindergartens located at the Neerim South Primary School and Warragul Regional College opening in 2028
Baw Baw Shire will gain two new kindergartens at Neerim South and Warragul, opening in 2028, easing local demand and supporting families as part of the State’s Best Start reforms. - Eat Drink Play Gippsland celebrates food, wine, music and stories that showcase the region's vibrant spirit
Eat Drink Play Gippsland blends local wine, food, and stories with live music, chats with growers, family fun, and creative experiences celebrating the region's vibrant culture and community spirit. - Discover Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest with nature, water fun, walks, and local gems
Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest offers swimming, walking trails, and camping, with nearby pubs, breweries, and attractions providing a perfect Gippsland getaway for nature, adventure, and local experiences. - Discover Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest with nature, water fun, walks, and local gems
Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest offers swimming, walking trails, and camping, with nearby pubs, breweries, and attractions providing a perfect Gippsland getaway for nature, adventure, and local experiences. - Applications for Baw Baw Shire Arts and Culture with grants up to $2,000 is now open until 8 February 2026
Baw Baw Shire Council is offering grants up to $2,000 for local artists and creatives, supporting community-focused arts projects, collaboration and creative development, with applications open until 8 February 2026.
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