The $530 million Belmont Desalination Plant is a step closer to reality following the completion of a major construction milestone.
The project team wrapped up major marine construction works last week.
The specialist jack-up barge, which was operating off the beach in Belmont since January, has returned to the CTB Industries yard at the Port of Newcastle.
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.
"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," Hunter Water executive manager infrastructure delivery Justin Watts said.
"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."
The 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 about 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.
The plant, which is expected to be operational in 2028, will add about an extra $90 to an annual residential water bill.
Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley, said the desalination plant would help future-proof 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," she said.
"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.
Construction of the Belmont Desalination Plant remains under way, with work continuing at the treatment plant and on associated infrastructure.
