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.
A new wetland for water, nature and community.
We’re investing in a nature-based solution at our King Road Wastewater Treatment Plant that will help reduce our environmental impact, adapt to climate change and support affordable, sustainable services for our customers.
Subject to planning approval, a recycled water wetlands and storage system will be developed at the King Road Wastewater Treatment Plant (KRWWTP) in Corinella, on Bunurong Country, between 2026 and 2027.
The wetlands will provide additional recycled water storage and treatment, while creating opportunities to enhance the site’s environmental, cultural and recreational values.
The $6.46 million National Water Grid project is funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments and delivered in partnership with Westernport Water.
Scope
The King Road Wastewater Treatment Plant currently treats wastewater from around 3,000 customers, with the service area expected to grow to around 8,000 customers by 2040.
To prepare for this growth and adapt to a changing climate, Westernport Water is developing an integrated system that will include:
- 150 megalitres of treated wastewater storage
- A 2.24-hectare constructed wetland to provide additional treatment and environmental benefits.
Alongside the infrastructure, we’ve collaborated with Bunurong Traditional Owners worked with community and stakeholders to develop a Cultural Values and Recreation Concept Plan.
The plan will guide the site’s evolution as a valued landscape that:
- protects native plants, wildlife and Bunurong culture
- connects visitors with nature and the ancient stories of the place
- enhances the wetland environment and supports learning and low-impact recreation
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.
How it works
The water brining to life this wetland isn’t from a river or rainwater – it’s from the areas recycled water treatment systems. The King Road Recycled Water Wetlands is an innovative and ecologically sustainable way for us to manage and re-use the regions reclaimed water.
Potential benefits include:
- Creating habitat – wetlands provide habitat, food and shelter for native plants, birds, frogs and other wildlife.
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions – research has found that wetland plants and the microbial communities around their roots help reduce emissions from wastewater.
- Storing carbon – wetlands capture and store carbon in plants and soils, helping support our emissions reduction goals.
- Education and recreation – the surrounding areas provide opportunities for learning, low-impact recreation, volunteering and community connections with nature.
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.
Timeline
2024-2025
2026 - 2027
Detailed design, wetland and storage construction.
Protecting values, connecting visitors with the site, and enhancing environmental and cultural values of the Corinella Wetlands (Guys Creek area).
2028 - onwards
Testing, commissioning and on-going operation.
Protecting values, connecting visitors with the site, and enhancing environmental and cultural values of the Corinella Wetlands (Guys Creek area).
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 28 September 2026
