Water Think Tank: Exploring Environmental Options for Sunbury’s Treated Wastewater

Exploring Environmental Options for Sunbury’s Treated Wastewater

Join us for an important discussion on the future of Sunbury’s treated wastewater with Shane Cowie, Manager of Resource Planning at Greater Western Water (GWW).

Why This Matters

If you drive the Bulla-Lancefield Road, you’ll know that the Sunbury Recycled Water Plant is reaching capacity, with growing wastewater volumes and a flow-stressed Jackson’s Creek that needs additional environmental water. GWW’s current plan is to stop discharging into Jackson’s Creek and instead transfer excess recycled water to Melton and ultimately to Melbourne Water’s Western Treatment Plant at Werribee. This major project is already in progress and expected to be delivered by 2030.

But are there alternatives? Could wastewater be treated to a higher standard to meet EPA and DEECA guidelines for environmental flows? What investment would this require? How does it compare to transferring water off-site? And what role can the community and Traditional Owners play in shaping the outcome?

What You’ll Learn

• The latest updates on GWW’s wastewater management strategy
• Alternative solutions that could benefit the Werribee and Maribyrnong Catchments
• The opportunities and challenges in securing improved environmental, cultural, and community outcomes
• How you can support water solutions that benefit local ecosystems

This is a rare opportunity to hear from Shane Cowie, who has nearly 40 years’ experience in the water industry and is leading the assessment of these options.

🌿 Be part of the conversation that shapes the future of water in our region!

This event is made possible through Hume City Council's Community Volunteer Engagement Grant.