Watersure, a Joint Venture between Suez and Ventia, is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Victorian Desalination Plant, which was commissioned in 2012. The project had a maximum capacity of 150 gigalitres per year and was designed to allow the plant to partially operate and deliver water when required. The Plant was originally announced during the Millennium Drought, when water storage levels across Australia were critically low.
The Judging Panel commended Watersure for its ability to achieve all operational requirements during the first half of their concession period, especially considering that Watersure is contractually required to be ready at all times to deliver a maximum order of 150 gigalitres of potable water annually. Despite the complexity of balancing maintenance schedules with the unpredictable nature of water orders, Watersure has demonstrated a high level of compliance and efficiency. Judges also highlighted the project’s long-term planning, with work already underway for the handover at the concession end in 2039, ensuring the residual design life of all assets is thoroughly assessed.