Dive In! Tunnel boring machine named after Aussie diving champion
Students from Belmont Public School and Marks Point Public School have put their creative stamp on Hunter Water’s Belmont Desalination Plant by naming the project’s tunnel boring machine after Australian diving champion and local legend, Rhiannan Iffland.
The tunnel boring machine, affectionately named “Rhiannan,” will carve the underground tunnel that will form a vital part of the Belmont Desalination Plant’s seawater intake system.
As it moves through the seabed, the machine will install concrete pipes behind it to create a continuous tunnel, an innovative construction method that enables Hunter Water to safely build beneath the ocean floor while protecting the surrounding beach and marine environment.
The tunnel will play a critical role in the plant’s operation, by bringing the seawater into the plant that will be transformed into safe, reliable drinking water and help to secure the Hunter region’s supply during dry periods and into the future.
Minister for the Hunter and Member for Swansea, Yasmin Catley said “Naming the tunnel boring machine after Rhiannan Iffland is a beautiful tribute to the local champion who has made waves on the global stage.
“We’re thrilled to see the students of Belmont and Marks Point leave their creative mark on this project.
“Their choice of Rhiannan shows the pride we all share in our homegrown legend.
“The Belmont Desalination Plant is a real game-changer for water security in the Hunter.”
Hunter Water Managing Director, Darren Cleary, said the naming initiative highlights the strong community connection to the project.
“Engaging local students in naming the tunnel boring machine is a wonderful way to bring the community closer to the work we’re doing.
“Rhiannan Iffland grew up in Lake Macquarie and attended Belmont High School. She's a local legend who has since become the most decorated female athlete in cliff‑diving history, with nine World Series titles, 42 wins from 52 stops and six World Aquatics High Diving gold medals.
“Rhiannan’s courage, precision, and determination mirror the qualities needed to deliver complex infrastructure projects like the Belmont Desalination Plant. By naming the tunnel boring machine after Rhiannan, we celebrate not only a local sporting hero but also the spirit of resilience and excellence that underpins this vital community project,” Mr Cleary said.
John Holland’s Executive General Manager Infrastructure, Andy Hunter, said he was pleased to see the project progressing well and the community taking such an active interest in the next stage of construction.
"We're really proud to be delivering this critical water project for the Hunter region, and it's great to see the local community getting involved as we prepare to launch our tunnel boring machine,” Mr Hunter said.
For Natalie Hunter-Leahy, a teacher at Belmont Public School, the opportunity to be involved in the naming of the tunnel boring machine has provided a platform for students to see STEM in action and understand how their learning connects to real-world challenges.
“This initiative highlights the power of education and community working together to protect our future. Partnerships like this bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry innovation.
“The Belmont Desalination Plant offers students a firsthand look at how technology and sustainability work together to secure our most valuable resource, water,” Ms Hunter-Leahy said.
Once operational, the Belmont Desalination Plant will be able to supply up to 30 million litres per day of rainfall-independent drinking water to homes and businesses across the region, boosting resilience against drought and helping support population growth.
Construction of the plant is progressing, with community engagement and education remaining a key priority for Hunter Water.
The project demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to delivering secure, sustainable water solutions while connecting with the local community. Learn more about the Belmont Desalination Plant here: hunterwater.com.au/desal