Drouin ready for growth with new wastewater plant

Gippsland Water’s new wastewater treatment plant in Drouin $55 million plant was officially opened last week by Member for Eastern Victoria, Tom McIntosh MP.

The new plant will meet the long-term residential and industrial growth needs of one of Victoria’s fastest growing towns.

“This impressive new modern facility will deliver efficient wastewater treatment for the residents of Drouin and set the growing region up with the wastewater infrastructure it needs,” Mr McIntosh said.

An innovative floating solar panel array is being installed on the treatment lagoons to supply energy to the plant and make the best use of the space available at the site.

“The new plant uses renewable energy technology, which will contribute towards Victoria’s goal of halving emissions by 2030,” Mr McIntosh said.

Gippsland Water managing director Sarah Cumming said the upgraded plant was a flagship project from the organisation’s 2018 price submission and is essential to meeting the growing needs of the Drouin community and local industries.

“Through the use of the latest Membrane Biological Reactor technology, the new facility produces higher quality treated wastewater, delivering better outcomes for the local environment and protecting the local community,” Ms Cumming said.

A bird viewing area will also be constructed overlooking the lagoon giving bird watchers and visitors a chance to appreciate the wildlife that frequents the lagoons.

Minister for Water Harriet Shing also acknowledged the completion of the new plant.

“This project ensures we’re prepared for future growth in the region and will show consumers and the industry that we can protect the environment and tackle climate change while meeting the demands of population growth.”

This significant upgrade to the wastewater infrastructure in Drouin was timely, as the previous plant, built in the early 1970s, had reached maximum capacity and struggled to handle peak flows during heavy rain.