The Castlemaine Water Reclamation Plant has been treating used water from sinks, toilets, and drains across Castlemaine and surrounding towns for around 100 years.

Funded by the customers it serves, the plant is a critical piece of infrastructure for our health and our community's growth and success.

Climate change, ageing infrastructure, and a growing population mean the plant requires vital upgrades to keep pace with demand. So, we're making plans to carry out the most significant upgrade of the plant in a generation.

These works will take several years. When complete the plant will be modern, sustainable, efficient, and deliver a range of community and environmental benefits.

The upgraded plant will meet the needs of the local community for the next 30 years.

About our plant

Aerial view of Castlemaine Water Reclamation Plant

About the upgrades

Planned upgrades to the Castlemaine Water Reclamation Plant will be carried out in stages, including the construction of:

  • A new Water Reclamation Facility
  • A new Biosolids Handling Treatment Facility

The upgrades will ensure the plant can support forecast population growth.

We are also consulting key stakeholders, including local Council, state and federal government representatives, and others to ensure the upgrades will support economic growth and regional development and the needs of key employers, including Don KR Castlemaine, the Loddon Prison Precinct, and Castlemaine Health.

All upgrades will be underpinned by our commitment to reduce our carbon footprint as we target net zero emissions by 2030, and to deliver more recycled water and biosolids for community and environmental benefit.

Project benefits

  • Increased treatment capacity and more resilient sewerage services, designed for our growing population and uncertain environmental conditions.
  • Reduced likelihood of odour and noise emitted from the plant.
  • Increased biosolids and recycled water available for community use.

Environmental benefits

  • Recycled water to maintain flows to Campbells Creek.
  • In conjunction with 'Friends of Campbells Creek' an enhanced environmental space for native flora, fauna, and community enjoyment.
  • Reduced carbon emissions.

Timing for the upgrades

Upgrades will be completed in stages over a five year period. We're currently in the early planning stages.

Concept, approvals and planning

Current stage

Our focus is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the existing site conditions through investigations and engagement.

With our partners we will be undertaking assessments of key factors that will help guide us through this concept stage including:

  • Site assessments: existing infrastructure, topography, geology.
  • Environmental assessments: noise, water, biodiversity and habitat considerations.
  • Cultural and community assessments: key stakeholder engagement, local business, government.

Construction

To commence 2026

We will provide additional detail when available.

From 'waste' to 'great' for community benefit

Once upon a time, the water washed or flushed down Australia's drains and toilets was considered 'wastewater'.

But in a changing and drying climate, improving how we reclaim and reuse the by-products of our water use is important for future water security.

At Coliban Water, we haven't just named our wastewater plants Water Reclamation Plants, we've committed to embedding sustainable practices in every part of our business.

At the Castlemaine Water Reclamation Plant, the production of recycled water and biosolids help us contribute to a circular economy and deliver benefits to our customers, communities and the environment.

  • Biosolids

    Biosolids are the organic by-product of the sewage treatment process.

    Rich in nutrients and similar to the look and smell of soil once dried, they can be applied to maintain productive soils, boost crop growth, and fertilise parks and gardens.

    We're looking to boost the beneficial production of biosolids to return nutrients and carbon to local soils, reducing the need for additional fertilisation.

    Biosolids are managed and reused in accordance with regulatory guidelines set out by the EPA.

    Learn more about biosolids 

  • Recycled water

    You'll see recycled water from the Castlemaine Water Reclamation Plant at work across the region, including at the Castlemaine Golf Club.

    It is also released into Campbells Creek to maintain environmental flows that contribute to the health and biodiversity of this local waterway.

  • Thriving biodiversity

    The lagoons and treatment ponds at the plant provide a local habitat for thousands of birds, many of local and international conservation significance.

    While reclaimed water returned to Campbells Creek improves the health of this natural waterway.

    We're proud of our partnership with the Friends of Campbells Creek and continue to support their efforts to return more native species, including the Platypus, to a seven-kilometre long section of the creek.

    Meet the platypus that call Campbells Creek home