General News
1 May, 2026
Treatment plant gets $85mil upgrade
WANNON Water’s largest ever single infrastructure project – an $85 million upgrade of the Warrnambool Sewage Treatment Plant, was officially opened earlier this week.
Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora officially opened the plant on Tuesday morning, saying the project included the construction of two new treatment tanks.
“The tanks will increase storage capacity by around 50 per cent which is great news for not only Warrnambool but the district,” Ms Ermacora said.
“The upgrade also included a new inlet pump station, chemical dosing and odour control facilities, and an ultra-violet disinfection system.
“The region’s importance as a food industry hub means that demands on the plant are much higher than would normally be expected based purely on population levels.”
She added that the improved infrastructure was estimated to cater for an additional $199 million of annual economic value – and 1,512 more jobs in the region by 2040.
The plant currently services nearly 15,000 houses – a figure expected to increase by more than 80 per cent to 25,000 properties in the next 50 years.
“The upgrade will support residential and industrial growth to unlock jobs and additional housing for Warrnambool, Allansford and Koroit,” Ms Ermacora said.
“We’re ensuring that our critical water and wastewater services remain safe, reliable and affordable.
“This upgrade will help secure the region’s future as a popular and attractive region to visit and invest in.”
Wannon Water board chair Dr Helen Scarborough said the board was delighted the project had been completed within budget.
“And this is thanks to our dedicated project team, contractors and patience of the treatment operations team,” she said.
