Upgrade planned for Cowes Wastewater Treatment Plant

Information sessions

Westernport Water is planning for a significant mechanical and electrical upgrade to the Cowes Wastewater Treatment Plant to support economic prosperity and liveability on the Bass Coast.

The Next Generation Upgrade Project represents an estimated $27 million investment and is planned to commence in late 2026, with construction taking approximately three years.

Commissioned in 1982, the Cowes Wastewater Treatment Plant is Westernport Water's primary treatment facility, servicing Phillip Island and the township of San Remo.

Planning for the future, keeping services affordable, and reducing our environmental impact are high priorities for us and our customers, said Westernport Water Managing Director Dona Tantirimudalige.

"Subject to planning approval, this project will be our largest ever single infrastructure project. It will help secure Phillip Island as a popular and attractive region to live, visit and invest."

Although the plant has been upgraded a few times over the years, a significant upgrade is essential to ensure it can reliably meet future housing demand, economic growth, peak holiday periods, and wet weather events.

Westernport Water has completed a detailed feasibility assessment to find the best overall solution to ensure the scale and cost of the upgrade is proportional to the need, with a strong focus on limiting customer bill impacts, while delivering essential service improvements.

The upgrades will also deliver climate benefits. Westernport Water plans to decommission the plant's primary source of greenhouse gas emissions, the anaerobic digester, significantly reducing the treatment plant's carbon footprint.
Attend one of the community information sessions being held to find out more.

• Thursday, February 12, 10am-1pm at Berninneit, Cowes (bookings are not required).
• Online Wednesday February 18, 7pm-8pm.
  Email cowesupgrade@westernportwater.com.au to register for the online event by Tuesday February 17.
  "We encourage customers and community members to attend one of the information sessions advertised to find out more and ask questions," Ms Tantirimudalige said.

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