Jack-up barge departs Belmont as desalination marine works conclude

Hunter Water has officially completed all major marine construction works for the Belmont Desalination Plant, marking another milestone in the delivery of one of the Lower Hunter's most important water security projects. 

With offshore works now complete, the specialist jack-up barge that has been operating off the beach in Belmont has departed the area and returned to CTB Yard in the Port of Newcastle. 

Hunter Water had previously advised the community that the vessel would leave once marine construction activities were finished. 

The completion of marine works follows the successful construction of the project's 830-metre seawater intake tunnel and recovery of the tunnel boring machine, "Rhiannan", from the offshore intake structure. The tunnel will allow seawater to be safely drawn from the ocean to the desalination plant for treatment. 

A key component of the marine works was the installation of the offshore intake dome, which sits above the seawater intake structure and will protect the intake while allowing seawater to be safely drawn into the plant for treatment. 

The Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley, said this project is about building the infrastructure we need to futureproof the Hunter.

“The completion of these works marks a major milestone for the Hunter, bringing us one step closer to having this critical piece of infrastructure up and running. 

“Getting a project of this scale to this point takes serious engineering expertise, and we’re fortunate to have that capability right here in our region. 

“Once operational, this desalination plant will be a game changer for the Hunter. It will provide an important new source of water, strengthen the security of our supply and give families and businesses greater confidence as our region continues to grow,” Ms Catley said. 

Hunter Water Executive Manager Infrastructure Delivery, Justin Watts, said the completion of marine works was a major achievement for the project team and the wider region.

"These works involved some of the most technically complex construction activities undertaken on the project, including offshore tunnelling beneath the seabed, installation of the intake dome and the successful recovery of the tunnel boring machine from the ocean. 

"I'd like to thank the Belmont community, local businesses, beach users and stakeholders for their patience and support while these works were carried out. 

"With marine works now complete and the jack-up barge having departed, our focus remains on constructing the desalination plant and associated infrastructure needed to connect it to the wider water network," Mr Watts said. 

The Belmont Desalination Plant is a key action under the Lower Hunter Water Security Plan and will provide a reliable, rainfall-independent source of drinking water to support the region through future droughts and changing climate conditions.

Once in operation, the plant will be capable of producing up to 30 million litres of drinking water per day, equivalent to around 15 per cent of the Lower Hunter's average daily water demand. The project will strengthen the resilience and diversity of the region's water supply system and help reduce pressure on existing water storages during extended dry periods. 

Construction of the Belmont Desalination Plant remains underway, with work continuing at the treatment plant and on associated infrastructure.