King Road Recycled Water Wetlands Storage Project
Supporting reliable and sustainable sewerage services for the Bass Coast.
Planning, approvals, concept design, Traditional Owner and stakeholder consultation.
Description
Reducing our environmental impact, adapting to climate change and keeping services affordable and sustainable are key commitments for Westernport Water and our customers.
Subject to planning approval, a recycled water wetlands and storage system will be constructed at the King Road Wastewater Treatment Plant (KRWWTP) between 2026-2027. The KRWWTP is located on Bunurong Country in Corinella, Victoria.
The nature-based system will provide additional storage and treatment while creating opportunities to enhance the sites environmental, cultural and recreational values.
Scope and Budget
KRWWTP currently treats sewage inflows from approximately 3,000 customers, with the service area projected to expand to around 8,000 customers by 2040.
In response to this anticipated growth, as well as the need to adapt to climate change, Westernport Water is expanding operations at the site to include;
- An integrated system of 150 Megalitres of treated wastewater storage and
- a 2.24 hectare wetland
In parallel, a Cultural Values and Recreation Concept Plan for the site has been developed in partnership with Bunurong Traditional Owners and through extensive stakeholder consultation to guide the sites evolution as a valued landscape that;
- supports environmental stewardship,
- recognises cultural values, and
- offers opportunities for learning and low-impact recreation such as walking and birdwatching.
This $6.46 million National Water Grid project is funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments and delivered in partnership with Westernport Water.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What to expect during construction
Construction of the wetland and storage lagoon will commence in 2026 and take approximately two years to complete. Works will occur within the existing footprint of the plant.
There will be no impacts to sewerage services.
Construction noise, dust and odour will be kept below levels set by the Environmental Protection Authority.
What are the potential benefits of recycled water wetlands?
A recycled water wetland can provide environmental benefits while helping us manage recycled water in a more sustainable way.
Potential benefits include:
- Creating habitat – wetlands can provide habitat, food and shelter for native plants, birds, frogs and other wildlife.
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions – research by RMIT University’s Centre for Nature Positive Solutions has found that wetland plants and the microbial communities around their roots helps reduce emissions from wastewater.
- Storing carbon – wetlands capture and store carbon in plants and soils, helping support Westernport Water’s emissions reduction goals.
- Creating opportunities for people and nature – the wetland can provide opportunities for environmental education, low-impact recreation and greater community connection with the landscape.
Will recycled water be made available for adjacent landholders
There is potential for a proportion of the Class C recycled water to be used off-site by properties in close proximity to the King Road site.
Customers can contact us anytime regarding recycled water supply. Alternatively, the project team will be contacting customers near the site to explore the feasibility off-site recycled water supply due course.
Is the treatment plant open to the public?
Access to the site is via supervised or guided tours for the foreseeable future.
Safe open access to the public without supervision is proposed in the longer term. This will be in areas of the site that have the greatest potential for education, cultural interpretation and low-impact recreation.
This long-term vision will be realised through ongoing collaboration with Bunurong Traditional Owners, customers, community, agency partnerships and co-funding to plan, contribute funding, resources or maintenance where it is mutually beneficial to do so.
Westernport Water strives to collaborate effectively with Traditional Owners and provide customer value for recreational services that deliver equitable value and benefits.
Interested in supervised access or a guided tour? Book now.
Virtual Information Session 26 March 2026
Timeline
2024-2025
2026 - 2027
Detailed design, wetland and storage construction. Cultural Values & Recreation Concept Plan delivery.
2028 - onwards
Testing, commissioning and on-going operation. The evolution of KRWWTP as landscape that recognises cultural values and offers opportunities for education and low-impact recreation.
Contact Us
Please call 1300 720 711 or and ask to speak with Project Manager, Andre Garcey or email Westernport Water, cowesupgrade@westernportwater.com.au
National Relay Service (TTY Text Phone): 133 677 then ask for 5956 4100
If you are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment, contact us through the National Relay Service.
Page updated 15 September 2026
