Bird Watching at the Plant
- Types of bird watching access permit
- What about fishing?
- What to do when visiting the plant
- How to apply for permits and keys
- Application packs
What to do when visiting the plant
Types of bird watching permit
There are two types of permit for bird watchers: General Access Permit and Special Access Permit. A Special Access permit requires a safety induction, as the permit allows access to areas close to our sewage treatment works.
| General Access Permit | Special Access Permit | |
|---|---|---|
| Area covered | Lake Borrie, the Lake Borrie foreshore, the bird hide, Western Lagoon, T-Section Lagoon, Paradise Road Ponds, Austen Road Ponds, Ryans Swamp and views of Parks Victoria's The Spit Nature Conservation Reserve (from the coastal road). | General Access Permit area plus an area close to our sewage treatment works which includes conservation ponds, Borrow Pit and Walsh Lagoon. |
| Safety induction required? | No safety induction. | 30-minute safety induction. |
View enlarged bird watching map (PDF, 261kb)
What about fishing?
Kirk Point is on Port Phillip Bay and can be reached by taking Pt Wilson Rd or Beach Rd from the Princes Freeway. These are public roads without restricted opening times.
The west bank of the Werribee River can be reached by taking New Farm Rd off Geelong Rd then following the signs to Parks Victoria's planned Werribee River Regional Park.
From March 2010, Melbourne Water no longer requires people to hold an access permit to travel across the plant for fishing. Permits still apply for bird watching.
More information:
What to do when visiting the plant
Register your visit
Before each visit, permit holders must register their intention to visit by calling 9235 2828. This is for safety reasons.
Numbers of visitors
Bird watching and fishing permits allow for one car (driver plus up to four passengers) per visit to enter the plant. At least one person in the party must hold a valid permit and a key appropriate to the areas to be visited. (To enter the Special Access area, at least one person in the party must have a valid Special Access Permit and a Special Access Permit key.)
For larger group visits, arrange an organised tour by contacting our Community Learning team on 131 722.
Opening Times
Permit holders may access the plant from 6am to 9pm. The main entrance road to use to get to bird watching areas is Point Wilson Rd, off the Princes Freeway.
How to apply for permits and keys
Fees and charges
A two-year permit costs $20 and an access key is available for a refundable deposit of $50.
Permit holders receive a free map of the plant.
Keys
A key appropriate to the type of bird watching permit is issued on payment of a refundable deposit.
To apply:
- download the application pack
- read the conditions and hazard warning information
- complete the application form
- submit your completed application form (with payment) by post or in person (address details are in the application pack). If you are applying for a Special Access bird watching permit, a staff member will contact you to arrange a time for the 30-minute induction.
Application Packs
Downloads
- Bird Watching Pack (Zip file, 589kb)
- Western Treatment Plant - Bulletin - 19 February 2010 (PDF, 217kb)
- Western Treatment Plant - New Road Map (PDF, 58kb)
- Western Treatment Plant Bird Watching Map (PDF, 261kb)
You will need Adobe Acrobat to access the above PDF documents. 