Desalination sites proposed

Two locations on the Peninsula are being investigated for temporary desalination plants.

According to a report from a recent Gosford Wyong Water Authority Board meeting, the two Peninsula locations were Umina Oval and the Woy Woy Sewerage Treatment Works.

The two locations were among eight potential sites listed for further investigation in the local area.

Gosford Council stated in a recent report that no decision on the additional sites would be made until detailed investigations had been completed and the findings presented back to the Joint Water Authority and both councils.

"The reason we wanted to investigate additional and potential sites was to ensure that only the most appropriate locations in the region are being considered and that these, in turn, meet all of the stringent criteria being used to measure their overall suitability," Gosford mayor Cr Laurie Maher said.

"Obviously the use of temporary mobile desalination plants remains a last resort.

"Development approvals have been given for three sites in Wyong Shire, but no decision has been made to install temporary desalination at these sites.

"Should temporary desalination be necessary units will be installed at these sites prior to consideration of locating units at any additional sites.

"Both the board and ourselves thought it important to undertake detailed investigations of as many potential sites as possible to ensure that if we do end up having to install these units, they're located in areas where they'll have the least impact on the community and environment.

"Understandably many residents who live close to the previously identified potential sites in the Gosford area have raised considerable concerns about what impact the units will have on them and their surroundings.

"It is exactly these sorts of concerns and overall impacts that we'll be taking in consideration to make sure we get it right in terms of where these units are located should we have to pursue temporary desalination as a last resort."

Umina Oval in Sydney Ave, Umina, is number two on the list, while the Woy Woy Sewerage Treatment Works is number five.

The report to the water authority stated that the investigation phase was likely to take six weeks.

The report stated that "the design and DA phase for those sites assessed as suitable will take 37 weeks".

"Following obtaining the necessary approvals, construction and commissioning could be completed in 17 weeks giving an overall procurement program of 60 weeks with a delivery date of late March 2008."

The board noted its preference for a temporary desalination plant at Vales Point Power Station before the beach locations due to the likelihood of "substantial cost, community and construction benefits over the beach sites".

Press release, 20 Feb 2007 Tamara Paterson, Gosford Council Press release, 21 Feb 2007 Gosford Wyong Council Water Authority