Yesterday my husband Mike and I visited the Wonthaggi Desalination Plant with his ABC reunion club. It was our first visit to what is the third largest desal plant in the world. Although similar to one of the desal plants in Perth, apparently the Wonthaggi plant's overall design is unique. It has a roof with a gradual incline where after multi-layered preparation, various coastal plants have been established. Apparently with prior arrangement up to eight people can be taken onto this roof. Weight restrictions are the reason for this limit.

The plant, whilst operational, is not currently producing water through government decree. That is assessed by the Victorian government each April with full production available several weeks later. We were told a multitude of facts regarding the process.

The photos below show the inner workings of the plant as well as external storage and treatment buildings. It was pointed out that safety is a huge feature of the plant's operations as well as careful, ongoing monitoring of the brine once it is discharged back into the sea.

The main building has a low profile, in keeping with the surrounding areas with special variously angled green glass to break up the line of sight and render the building difficult to see from a distance.

Well worth a visit.