The upgrade of the Bendigo Water Reclamation Plant reached a major milestone during May 2025 with an $82.6 million contract awarded to LC Envico – a joint venture between Laurie Curran Water and CCB Envico - for the completion of Stage One, a brand-new Solids Handling Facility.

Speaking about the project, our Managing Director Damian Wells said the upgraded plant will ultimately meet the needs of Bendigo's growing population, with the capacity to support 200,000 people by 2050.

“We don’t consciously think about it but every time we flush our toilet, use the sink, or wash something down the drain, that used water ends up at our Bendigo Water Reclamation Plant, where it is treated and transformed into biosolids and recycled water for community benefit,” Mr Wells said.

Stage One of the planned upgrade will see a new solids handling facility constructed to replace the existing treatment process that takes the solids from our used water and turns it into 'biosolids' that can be reused as a nutrient-rich alternative to fertiliser.

“Acting now helps us address the challenges of our changing and drying climate, aging infrastructure, and our growing population. It will ensure we can meet community needs for the next 25 years,” Mr Wells said.

Planned works will include upgraded electrical infrastructure and the construction of new aerobic digestors with thickening, dewatering and outloading systems.

The electrical upgrade will support the installation of a major solar facility at a later date.

Planning and detailed design work is underway. Construction is due to begin late in 2025, with Stage One expected to be completed in approximately four years.