Construction of the Belmont Desalination Plant has reached a significant new stage, with the project’s micro tunnel boring machine now successfully launched beneath the seabed.
The machine, named Rhiannan after local cliff-diving champion Rhiannan Iffland, has been lowered into position and is set to begin tunnelling to create the plant’s intake pipeline. This underground tunnel will draw seawater to the facility once operational.
Project managers say the milestone marks a major step forward in delivering the critical infrastructure, which is designed to strengthen the Hunter region’s long-term water security.
Further information on the project is available via Hunter Water.