Barwon Water – Northern Water Plant
Northern Water Plant, Station Street, Corio (Geelong) - Works Approval Application (WA 67738)
An appeal to VCAT against the works approval and planning permit, by a concerned resident, had been struck out by the Deputy President of VCAT on 16 November 2010.
VCAT conclude with respect to the application for review about the works approval that the Tribunal has no jurisdiction because the applicant lacks standing under section 33B(1) of the Environment Protection Act 1970 and, in addition, the application is not based on either of the grounds set out in section 33B(2) of the Act. VCAT’s decision is available to download.
Background information
EPA received a works approval application from Barwon Water for the construction of a Wastewater Treatment facility, with a capacity of 7.9 ML per day, to treat sewage from northern Geelong and wastewater from Shell and supply recycled water to Shell as potable water substitution and irrigate a local public park. The proposed treatment plant will be located at 240-268 Station Street, Corio. The buffer distance is approximately 300 m to the nearest resident.
The works approval was advertised on 19th May 2010. EPA received 7 submissions from the public and a petition signed by over 50 people objecting to the works approval. A public conference was held on 24 June 2010 at Norlane Neighbourhood House at Rose Avenue, Norlane. 16 community members and representatives from Barwon Water and EPA attended the conference.
The conference was chaired by Mr. Geoff Brown. 20B conference report and the response to the issues raised at the conference from Barwon Water and EPA are now available.
The second public conference was held on 3rd August 2010 and the conference report is now available.
EPA engaged Netbalance, experts in air emission modelling and assessment, to review the proposal in relation to meeting the requirements of State Environment Protection Policy (Air Quality Management). Netbalance report is now available.
In response to Netbalance report, Barwon Water provided further information to EPA regarding management of odour from biosolids building and control of the treatment plant during wet weather events. Further information dated 7 September 2010 is now available.
EPA’s assessment of the works approval application determined that the proposal is consistent with the Environment Protection Act 1970, the relevant State Environment Protection Policies and best practice guidelines. EPA considered all comments and issues raised, during the public consultation process, when making the decision.
EPA issued the works approval to Barwon Region Water Corporation on 14 September 2010.
Documents available for download
Chairpersons Report from 20B meeting - 24 June 2010 
(PDF 2.36 MB)
EPA Response to 20B Report - 23 July 2010 (PDF 807 KB)
Barwon Water Response to 20B Report - 23 July 2010 (PDF 105 KB)
Summary of Community Objections WA67738 - 27 July 2010 (PDF 4.41 MB)
Geelong Sewerage Management Study 2007 - 30 July 2010 (PDF 5.3 MB)
Chairperson Report from 2nd 20B Meeting - 10 Aug 2010 (PDF 1.1 MB)
Net Balance Report - 22 Sept 2010 (PDF 611 KB)
Additional Information - 7 Sept 2010 (PDF 455 KB)
Northern Water Plant works approval WA67738 - 14 Sept 2010 (PDF 246 KB)
VCAT Decision - 19 Nov 2010 (PDF 79 KB)
"Link through here to find all the information, documentation, key dates and updates on Barwon Water's Northern Water Plant works approval application"