A MELBOURNE ICON OPENS ITS DOORS
12 May 2005
Melbourne’s western sewage treatment plant will open its doors to the community on Saturday 28 May and Sunday 29 May.
The plant in Werribee has been in operation for over 100 years and plays a vital role in Melbourne’s past, present and future.
The 11,000-hectare site treats about half of Melbourne’s sewage, is home to 15,000 cattle and 40,000 sheep, and is considered to be one of the top 10 bird watching areas in Australia, with about 270 species recorded there. The number is second only to Kakadu National Park.
Melbourne Water Managing Director Rob Skinner said visitors would learn how sewage is treated using lagoons and land filtration methods, and would find out about the $160 million upgrade that will help reduce the amount of nitrogen entering Port Phillip Bay.
“Visitors will also find out how we are working to increase recycling opportunities and how we use by-products from the treatment process to generate electricity for the plant’s operations.
“There will also be an opportunity to take an interactive look at the water cycle, and see some of Melbourne’s rare and endangered frogs in the Amphibian Research Centre.”
“Around 1000 people attended the open weekend last year, and we are expecting another bumper turnout this year, as the bus tours are booking up really quickly.
To book a free, two hour bus tour of the plant on Saturday 28 May or Sunday 29 May, call Melbourne Water on 131 722.
More than 20,000 people have visited the plant in the past two years.