Project overview
We're upgrading the Gisborne Recycled Water Plant to better meet the needs of the growing community in Gisborne and the surrounding area.
As the population continues to grow, we need to treat increasing volumes of sewage. We’re meeting this challenge by investing in the Gisborne Recycled Water Plant upgrade. These upgrades allow us to turn more wastewater into fit-for-purpose recycled water for a variety of uses in the region.
The upgrade involves constructing a new treatment facility at the existing site, which will allow Greater Western Water to:
- meet demand from the growing population with increased capacity
- produce higher quality recycled water
- reduce noise and odour
- use 40% less energy compared to the existing facility when at full capacity.
The plant currently has the capacity to treat close to 2 million litres per day. When the upgrade is completed, this will increase to 3.65 million litres per day.
The upgrade will benefit all existing and future customers by using the latest technology to improve how wastewater is treated. As part of this we have invested in extra barriers to reduce pathogens which will result in higher quality recycled water and improved local waterway health.
Upgraded plant
Click on each icon to find out more about the upgraded Gisborne Recycled Water Plant. Click on each number to follow the journey of the wastewater and see how it's treated.
Please note this an artist's render. The final plant may look different.
Project updates
Stay up to date with the latest news on this project.
We have almost finished the construction stage of the Gisborne Recycled Water Plant upgrade. We’ll soon be moving to the next stage of the project which involves testing the new plant so it can transition safely into service.
What have we achieved?
Since our August 2024 update, we have:
- Finalised installation of all electrical and communications cables, upgraded high voltage cables and turned the power on
- completed construction on the blower building, switch room, dewatering building, UV shed and administration building
- installed chemical dosing equipment
- built kerbs and laid the asphalt road
What is involved in the next stage of works?
Over the next few months, we will:
- prepare to test the new facility
- identify and fix any defects
- complete landscaping
What is involved in testing the new plant?
During this stage we will be checking, testing and then running the new plant in a controlled environment. We’ll closely monitor operations as we gradually increase the amount of wastewater it filters and cleans, until we can fully transition from the old plant. This work is expected to be complete in mid-2025.
We’ve made significant progress and are nearing the end of the construction phase of the Gisborne Recycled Water Plant upgrade. Once construction is complete, we need to carry out testing and monitoring on the new plant. This ensures the new plant can safely transition into service.
What have we finished?
Since our April 2024 update, we have:
- erected structures for the blower building, switch room, dewatering building, UV shed and administration building
- completed laying all major underground pipework
- completed tie-in works to divert flows to the new plant when it comes online
- completed installation of most mechanical equipment
What is involved in the next stage of works?
Over the next few months, we will:
- install electrical and communication cables around site
- complete odour duct work which will capture and treat any smell
- upgrade the high voltage power cables
- complete the fit out of the administration building
- begin testing on the new plant
What is involved in testing?
This will involve checking, testing and then running the new plant in a controlled environment. We’ll closely monitor the new plant as we gradually increase the amount of wastewater it filters and cleans, until we can fully transition from the old plant.
This work is expected to be complete in mid-2025.
We’re halfway through the construction phase of the Gisborne Recycled Water Plant upgrade and have up to 60 people on site on our busiest days. We’re busy and we’re excited by the progress.
What have you finished?
Since our January 2024 update, we’ve completed the following:
- Poured concrete slabs for the dewatering building, switch room, blower building and UV area
- Installation of mechanical equipment in the inlet works and bioreactor
- Poured foundations for the new administration building
- Platform and handrail installation at the inlet works
What is involved in the next phase of works?
We will focus on the following over the next few months:
- Laying major underground pipe network
- Installing above-ground pipework for the bioreactor, membrane filtration, UV and odour control areas
- Installing covers and platforms on major structures
- Switchboard construction
- Continued construction of the administration and dewatering buildings
Construction on the Gisborne Recycled Water Plant upgrade continues. All major concrete structures are complete and have undergone testing to ensure they are watertight. We are currently coating these structures to protect the concrete and increase the overall lifespan of our assets. As always, we continue to prioritise protecting cultural heritage and the environment on site.
What is involved in the next phase of works?
Construction resumes after the holiday period on Monday 8 January 2024. Works will focus on installing the next phase of essential equipment and structures, including:
- Underground pipes
- Above-ground mechanical equipment
- Administration and dewatering buildings
- Switch room
Construction on the Gisborne Recycled Water Plant upgrade is underway, and we’ve completed site establishment and bulk excavation. Since December, 13,000 cubic metres of material have been excavated and stockpiled on site. This allows us to make way for the new structures that will treat the incoming wastewater.
The excavated material won’t go to waste! At the end of the project, it will be repurposed to shape the new plant and revegetated with native plants and grasses to beautify the site.
Throughout the bulk excavation phase, we worked closely with the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation to ensure the protection of their cultural heritage.
What is involved in the next phase of works?
Work has now begun on the build phase of the project. In this phase we’ll build the key structures required for the treatment process at the plant, including:
- Inlet works
- Membrane bioreactor
- Dewatering facility
- UV treatment
We’ll also construct an administration building, switchroom and odour control facilities to help the plant run effectively.
Click on the hotspots on the design below to learn more about each of these structures in the treatment process.
What to expect?
You may see increased activity at the Gisborne RWP, including:
- Increased machinery activity including excavators, cranes, loaders and concrete trucks.
- Increased heavy vehicles in the area.
- Visible concrete structures being erected.
- Continued excavation.
Construction is due to begin on 1 December 2022 and is expected to be complete, with the upgraded facility fully operational, by 2025.
What to expect during the works
The works are expected to be within the boundary of the existing plant, and we’ll make every effort to minimise disruptions.
During the works, residents living near the Gisborne Recycled Water Plant can expect:
- There may be increased truck traffic and dust near the site.
- Any noise generated will be within allowable standards.
- Works will be operating Monday to Saturday.
- We’ll continue to prioritise the health of Jacksons Creek and the surrounding environment.
- We don’t expect any disruption to water or sewerage services, but we’ll contact you if your services may be impacted.
Background
The Gisborne Recycled Water Plant treats sewage from Gisborne, New Gisborne, Macedon and Mount Macedon. It produces Class B recycled water which is then used locally for agriculture and recreation irrigation. The remainder is released into Jackson’s Creek under an EPA Victoria licence.
Wastewater management is an essential service to the community and our recycled water plants are a vital community asset.
The Gisborne Recycled Water Plant is one of eight recycled water plants owned by Greater Western Water. Since it was first constructed in the 1980s, it has undergone a series of upgrades to improve its capacity and performance.
As the population continues to grow, we will need to manage the increased volumes of sewage to treat. We are exploring new and greater productive uses for recycled water in our service region.
Next steps
We’ll continue to engage with stakeholders (including Council, Government, EPA, waterways and environment groups and traditional owners) and local residents to ensure the upgrade delivers the best outcomes for the community and environment.
We’ll continue to keep you updated as the project develops.
We are interested in hearing your feedback as we move through the project stages. You can complete the survey at the bottom of the page, or contact the project team to provide your feedback directly.
