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Melbourne Water

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Bird Watching and Fishing

Link to the WTP Bird Watching page

Bird watching and fishing enthusiasts may apply for a permit to access the Western Treatment Plant.

Types of permit
Bird watching

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)

Fishing

People with a valid fishing permit may access permit areas at Jetty Reserve, Werribee River and Kirk Point.


View enlarged fishing map (PDF, 466kb)

Visiting the plant to do bird watching or fishing
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 for bird watching and fishing from 6am to 9pm. The main access to bird watching areas and fishing at Kirk Point is via Point Wilson Rd. Please note the security gate on 160 South Rd (near Princes Freeway) closes at 6pm and the New Farm Rd gate (near Geelong Rd) closes at 9pm.

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

For bird watching permits, a key appropriate to the type of permit is issued on payment of a refundable deposit.

For fishing permits, a key is required only to enable permit holders with restricted mobility to enter the fishing area. This key is available on request on payment of a refundable deposit.

To apply:
  1. download the appropriate application pack
  2. read the conditions and hazard warning information
  3. complete the application form
  4. submit your completed application form (with payment) by post or in person (address details are in the application packs). 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