Desalination Project and the role of EPA
EPA Victoria has a key role in assessing the proposal to design, build and operate a desalination plant in the Wonthaggi region.
EPA's role is to determine whether the proposed design meets EPA’s performance requirements for the protection of the environment. If the plant is approved and established, EPA will licence the operation of the proposed plant and enforce strict controls on the disposal of any wastes generated by the plant.
Works approval from EPA is required prior to beginning construction of the plant.
The transfer pipeline and any power transmission lines do not require works approval.
EPA will advertise the application for the desalination plant works approval in statewide and locally distributed newspapers and on EPA’s website. Any interested person will be able to submit comments on the desalination plant works approval application as part of the EES process.
For futher information on the EES process and EPA’s role see this factsheet 
EPA will also be holding an informal briefing session for interested members of the public to meet with officers and discuss the Works Approval process. This session will be held on Tuesday 1st July 2008 at the Town Hall, 76 McBride Avenue (entry via Baillieu St) Wonthaggi from 2pm –7pm. Community members are invited to drop in and speak with EPA officers anytime during this time period.
If you require further information about the briefing session please contact Alexa Powell 8710 5555
Information about why the desalination plant is proposed to be built, its construction and operation can be obtained from the Department of Sustainability and Environment Customer Services Centre on 136 186 or via its website at
Information about EPA’s involvement in the desalination plant project or requests for further information from EPA should be directed to:
EPA Victoria Information Centre
Herald & Weekly Times Tower
40 City Road
Southbank Victoria 3001
Ph: (03) 9695 2722
Fax: (03) 9695 2710.