Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
WA Provides Desal InsightsA delegation from Bass Coast travelled to Western Australia to inspect Australia’s only large scale operational desalination plant last week. The visit was the third in a series of research trips organised by By Bass Coast Shire Council - 16th November 2007 - Back to News Bass Coast Shire Council, to study the impact of desalination plants.
The Bass Coast delegation included Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Neville Goodwin, Cr Veronica Dowman, Council’s Community and Economic Development Director, Richard Perry and Tony Eke from Your Water Your Say action group. Also making the trip was the Managing Director of South Gippsland Water, Steve Evans and Chairman of the Board, Llew Vale, along with and representatives from the Country Fire Authority (CFA).
The Western Australian plant is located in the town of Kwinana, just south of Perth. The plant, which opened in April 2007, is located in the town’s industrial precinct.
The delegation was given a guided tour of the site, by Project Manager, John Stansfield. Mr Stansfield directed the Kwinana project and is heading up the team to build Western Australia’s second desalination plant in Binningup.
Council’s Community and Economic Development Director, Richard Perry, said the visit had been very insightful.
"The Kwinana plant produces 45 gigalitres of water each year and services the Perth Metropolitan area," said Mr Perry.
"This is about one third of the size of the plant proposed for Bass Coast.
"The visit gave us a real insight into the desalination process and how the plants are structured," continued Mr Perry.
"We were also able to assess first hand the visual impact of the plant and the noise it generated. This experience puts us in a more informed position in terms of the site being proposed for our Shire."
The delegation also visited the site of the second proposed desalination plant, located at Binningup approximately 215 km south of Perth.
"The plant proposed for Binningup has greater similarities to the site proposed for Bass Coast," said Mr Perry.
"The plant will be located in a rural, coastal area only 700m from the township of Binningup that has a population of 1000 residents."
The delegation met with the recently formed action group opposing the Binningup plant (Binningup Desal Action Group).
"The action group expressed many of the same concerns as the Your Water Your Say action group," explained Mr Perry.
"They are strongly concerned about the possible environmental implications of desalination along with noise, lighting and visual instrusion together with direct impacts on the coastal environment and marine life.
"The group identified a number of issues, including the lack of housing available during the construction phase," Mr Perry continued.
"They were also very concerned possible effects it may have on their small community which has no police station, schools or any community facility other than a surf life saving club."
A summary report for all three research visits will be presented to Council at the next Meeting on 21 November, at the Cowes Cultural Centre. The report will be available as part of the agenda for the Council meeting which is available from Council’s website from 5pm, Friday 16 November.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: support@gippsland.com
Related Articles- Bass Coast Shire Council hosts free creative industries workshop with marketing strategies, PR insights on 12 November 2025
Bass Coast Shire Council is hosting a free creative industries workshop in Cowes on 12 November, offering marketing strategies, PR insights, business support, and networking with local media. - Labor provides rebates and programs to help regional households switch from costly gas to cheaper electric appliances
The Allan Labor government is supporting 1,183 regional households impacted by Solstice's gas network closure with rebates, discounts, and programs to help them transition to cheaper, energy-efficient electric appliances. - Bass Coast secures long-term protection for distinctive landscapes and Western Port Woodlands
Bass Coast Shire Council welcomes the Bass Coast Statement of Planning Policy, securing long-term protections for 24 townships, distinctive landscapes, and the Western Port Woodlands while guiding sustainable future growth. - Bass Coast Shire Council delivers new shared path linking Cowes and Ventnor, boosting transport safety and community connectivity
Bass Coast Shire Council will deliver a new 2km Ventnor Road Shared Path, linking Cowes and Ventnor, improving safety, accessibility, and community connectivity. The $1.96m project is jointly funded with the Australian government. - Bass Coast Shire Council invites community to help shape the next stage of Climate Action Plan at Berninneit in Cowes 25 October 2026
Bass Coast Shire Council invites the community to a Climate Action Plan Review Workshop to reflect on progress, share ideas, and help shape the next five years of local climate action. - Bass Coast Council adopts 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to support responsible pet ownership and wildlife protection
Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan, promoting responsible pet ownership, wildlife protection, and safer shared spaces shaped by extensive community consultation and environmental stewardship goals. - Bass Coast Shire Council sets four-year strategic direction with refreshed Community Vision, Council Plan, and Annual Action Plan
Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its refreshed Community Vision 2045, Council Plan 2025-2029, and Annual Action Plan, setting a community-shaped strategic direction celebrating the region’s diverse landscapes and values. - Bass Coast Council launches mid-term review of Climate Change Action Plan, celebrating achievements and inviting community input
Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing its Climate Change Action Plan 2020-2030, celebrating renewable energy achievements and inviting community feedback through surveys, pop-up sessions, engagement events, and a special film screening. - Bass Coast Shire Council begins Cowes foreshore upgrades with $8M funding improvements for safer, greener, connected spaces
Bass Coast Shire Council will soon commence the Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project, delivering staged civil and landscaping upgrades with $8 million federal funding, revitalising Cowes into a safer, greener and more connected destination. - Bass Coast Shire Council adopts 2024 - 2025 Annual Report, showcasing community achievements and future strategic direction
Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2024 - 2025 Annual Report, celebrating achievements, community progress, and the completion of the 2021 - 2025 Council Plan while setting a new strategic direction for 2025-2029. - Bass Coast launches energy resilient hubs and emergency dashboard to strengthen community preparedness and recovery
Bass Coast Shire Council has launched Energy Resilient Community Hubs and an Emergency Dashboard to boost preparedness, strengthen local resilience, and keep communities safe, connected, and supported during emergencies and power outages. - Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government, LSV to ensure lifeguard patrols continue safely, without cuts
Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government and LSV to guarantee lifeguard patrols, warning proposed funding hike strains budgets while beaches remain high-risk, with recent drownings highlighting urgent safety needs. - Bass Coast Council adopts 10-year Financial and Asset Plans to guide $1.47B in infrastructure management
Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2025 - 35 Financial and Asset Plans to guide infrastructure investment, manage $1.47 billion in assets, and deliver community priorities identified through consultation. - Bass Coast wins National AustStab Award for sustainable road recycling and innovative rehabilitation
Bass Coast Shire Council won the 2025 AustStab Award for Excellence for pioneering road recycling methods, cutting emissions by 85%, truck movements by 80%, and delivering faster, more sustainable, durable roads with less disruption. - Bass Coast announces fee-free green waste period to help residents prepare for upcoming fire season
Bass Coast residents can dispose of domestic green waste for free from 1 - 23 November 2025, helping the community prepare properties and reduce fire hazards ahead of the summer season. - Bass Coast Council awards $1.01M contract to restore Wonthaggi heritage-listed old post office
Bass Coast Shire Council has awarded a $1.01 million contract to TS Constructions to restore Wonthaggi heritage-listed Old Post Office, preserving its historic character and ensuring long-term structural integrity. - Bass Coast Christmas Giving Trees set up to support local families in need this festive season
Bass Coast Shire Council’s Christmas Giving Trees are collecting gifts, gift cards, and food to support local families, with donations accepted at Customer Service Centres until early December. - Bass Coast celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with events, workshops, performances and community connection
The Victorian Seniors Festival returns to Bass Coast this October with the theme Connect, Create, Celebrate, offering workshops, performances, games, tours, and free transport for Seniors Card holders. - Experience the George Bass Coastal Walk with dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches, scenic views, and coastal adventure
The George Bass Coastal Walk offers dramatic clifftop views, hidden beaches, wildlife sightings, and nearby cafes, pubs, and rail trails, creating a scenic Gippsland adventure just over 1.5 hours from Melbourne. - Australia to celebrate inaugural Red and Yellow Day honouring volunteer lifesavers and supporting water safety initiatives
Australia will celebrate its first Red & Yellow Day on March 4, 2026, honouring volunteer lifesavers and supporting lifesaving clubs through community participation and fundraising for vital water safety initiatives. - Danny O'Brien urges Labor government to fund new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel for community safety
Danny O'Brien urges the Allan Labor government to urgently fund a new $2 million vessel for Port Welshpool Coastguard, ensuring volunteers can safely cover Corner Inlet, Wilsons Promontory, and protect locals. - East Gippsland opens nominations for 2026 Australia Day Awards recognising outstanding community contributions and achievements
East Gippsland Shire Council invites nominations for the 2026 Australia Day Awards, recognising individuals, groups, and events for outstanding community contributions in volunteering, sport, arts, environment, and service. - Carbon Calculator Events for farm emissions, accounting, and carbon farming insights for farmers
Attend the free Carbon Calculator Events on 28 October and 11 November 2025 in Traralgon to learn carbon farming, accounting, and estimate your farm's emissions footprint. Registration required.
|
|
