Corio project not a stinker

By Geelong Story Updates
A sewage treatment plant proposed for Corio will be easy on the noses, ears and eyes of nearby residents, according to Barwon Water.
And savings from the Northern Water Plant could eventually equal about 14 per cent of the region’s annual consumption as more businesses sign on for recycled product from the facility.
Barwon Water moved to hose down fears about the $64 million plant this week after political party Family First called for the project to shift to Avalon.
The party has criticised authorities for earmarking a plant site next to Shell’s Corio refinery and within 300 metres of homes.
But Barwon Water deputy chairman John McDonald said residents had nothing to worry about.
“There will be no noise or odour beyond the plant’s boundaries,” Mr McDonald said.
“It will not impact on neighbouring properties.”
Mr McDonald said Barwon Water had modelled the plant on other successful facilities overseas.
“This is a proven design,” he said.
Mr McDonald rejected the call for a shift to Avalon.
“This would add an additional $25 million to the cost, making the project unviable.”
Mr McDonald revealed the plant could lead to further savings than the initial five per cent benefit from weaning Shell off the region’s drinking water.
The proposed plant had capability to supply other businesses with recycled water, he said, with Barwon Water already sounding out Ford and Midway as potential customers.
Shell would take 2000 megalitres of recycled water a year but the plant could eventually supply another 3500ML to other customers, Mr McDonald said.
A saving of 5500ML a year would equal about 14 per cent of the region’s total annual consumption.
Mr McDonald said the extra supply of cheap recycled water could help lure new investment to the region.
Construction of the plant would also be a jobs bonus, with work for 150 during the twoyear construction phase, he said.
Barwon Water, Shell and state and federal governments will fund the plant.
Federal Government and the Labor opposition have committed $12.5 million and $20 million respectively, with the state offering $9.2 million.
Mr McDonald said Barwon Water was in talks with Shell about sharing the rest of the funding evenly.