Water security is one of Australia’s most pressing infrastructure challenges, particularly in regions highly vulnerable to drought. As climate change intensifies and population growth drives up demand, reliance on traditional rainfall dependent water sources is no longer sustainable. The Lower Hunger region of New South Wales exemplifies these challenges, with limited dam capacity, variable rainfall and significant water consumption from residential, industrial and agricultural users.
Desalination presents a viable, long-term solution to mitigate these risks. Unlike traditional water sources, desalinated water is rainfall independent and provides a consistent supply, ensuring resilience against prolonged dry periods. Around Australia, desalination plants are already in operation, supplementing water supplies in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and the Gold Coast. Now, Hunter Water is taking a crucial step to bolster the region’s water security with the development of the Belmont Desalination plant.
Ontoit’s role in delivering water security.
In December 2024, construction began on the Belmont Desalination Plant, a key component of Hunter Water’s Lower Hunter Water Security Plan. Originally conceived as a drought-response measure, the project evolved into a permanent water source following Ontoit’s operational modelling, asset and design advisory. Once operational in 2028, the plant will supply up to 30 million litres of drinking water per day, meeting 15% of the region’s average daily demand. It has also been designed for future expansion to 60 million litres per day as demand grows.
The project is a State Significant Infrastructure initiative, reflecting its importance to the region’s long-term resilience. Funding will be sourced through Hunter Water customer bills, with a pricing structure determined by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART), taking effect from 1 July 2025.
Ontoit has been embedded in the project since 2023, providing expertise in commercial, operational, and technical advisory to ensure a seamless and future-proofed delivery.
Key Contributions:
Commercial and Contractual Expertise
- Development of the Performance Guarantee Period framework to ensure reliability in the first two years of operation.
- Financial OPEX framework and schedules to optimise operational costs.
Operational Planning and Technical Advisory
- Development of operating modes and commercial power consumption models.
- Establishment of an Operations Abatement Schedule to align with sustainability goals.
- Assessment of the D&C solution’s technical specifications to ensure compliance with water quality and efficiency standards.
Safety and Risk Management
- Active participation in key Safety in Design assessments, including HAZOP, CHAZOP, CHAIR, and FMECA.
- Comprehensive design reviews and hold point assessments.
Our proactive approach and in-depth analysis were instrumental in the decision to designate the Belmont Desalination Plant as a permanent water source in January 2024, shifting from its original conception as a drought-response facility. This strategic pivot underscores a commitment to long-term water security for the region.
Project milestones and community engagement
The commencement of construction in December 2024 marked a significant milestone for the project. A ceremonial sod-turning event featured key figures such as Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley, Lake Macquarie Mayor, Adam Shultz, and representatives from Hunter Water and the John Holland Group. This event symbolized the collaborative efforts and community support driving the project forward.
The Belmont Desalination Plant is poised to deliver up to 30 million litres of drinking water daily, accounting for approximately 15% of the region’s average daily demand, with potential expansion to 60 million litres. This capacity ensures a robust safeguard against drought conditions and supports the region’s economic and social well-being.
Community engagement has been a cornerstone of the project’s development. Hunter Water has actively collaborated with local councils and residents, integrating feedback to enhance project outcomes. Initiatives include the allocation of $400,000 for developing shared pathways for pedestrians and cyclists near the site, and land regeneration projects along the Belmont foreshore, fostering environmental sustainability and community connectivity.
Ongoing commitment and outlook
Ontoit remains actively involved in the Belmont Desalination Plant project, overseeing construction phases and managing project variations to ensure timely completion by 2028. Our continued partnership with Hunter Water reflects a shared dedication to delivering sustainable infrastructure solutions that address the pressing challenges of water security in Australia.
As the project progresses, the Belmont Desalination Plant stands as a testament to innovative engineering and strategic foresight, setting a benchmark for future water infrastructure projects nationwide.
See more of Ontoit’s Water Projects here.
Sources: First sod turned as construction kicks off at Hunter Water’s Desalination plant in Belmont
