Hunter Water is looking to build a new desalination plant in Belmont. 

The water authority has formally lodged an application with the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure to construct a permanent desalination plant in Belmont as part of water security efforts for the Lower Hunter region. 

The proposed Belmont Desalination Plant, now open for public and stakeholder feedback until 20 February 2024, aims to provide up to 30 million litres of drinking water daily, accounting for approximately 15 per cent of the region's average daily water consumption.

The initiative is part of the Lower Hunter Water Security Plan, moving away from temporary solutions towards a long-term, reliable water source.

Darren Cleary, Managing Director of Hunter Water, says the infrastructure upgrade is sorely needed, highlighting the vulnerability of the region's water storages to rapid depletion during prolonged drought conditions. 

“We can’t rely on rain alone anymore,” Cleary said. 

The construction of the Belmont Desalination Plant would involve an investment of $530 million by Hunter Water, and the project is expected to create up to 215 full-time equivalent jobs.

One of the key aspects of the project is its focus on adapting to climate change. 

Measures include increasing the diameters of the seawater inlet pipeline and water mains to enhance capacity and raising the site's elevation to safeguard against anticipated sea-level rise. 

The funding model for the desalination plant envisages an annual increase of approximately $90 on a typical household water bill, bringing the average annual cost to around $1,340 for water and wastewater services. 

Despite the cost implications, the project has reportedly garnered strong community support for its potential to significantly reduce reliance on regional dams and diversify water sources.

More details are accessible here.