Art project showcases Western Treatment Plant

Melbourne Water is proud to partner with Deakin’s Public Art Commission on this year’s public art project, Treatment III.  

The exhibition showcases the importance of the Western Treatment Plant to our city, treating more than half of Melbourne’s sewage, and the ongoing contribution as a wildlife refuge and international birdwatching haven and resource recovery asset.

The project, called Treatment III, will shine a light on the plant’s historic ties to the community that span over a century, and will see art installations extend beyond the plant itself.   

While the Western Treatment Plant in Werribee is a world leader in environmentally-friendly sewerage treatment, it remains one of Victoria’s hidden treasures, doubling as a working farm, internationally-recognised bird habitat and refuge for wildlife including rare birds and frogs. 

Highlights of the public art project from 17 March to 28 April to showcase the plant’s landscape and operations will include site-responsive art installations, film, sculpture and performance works staged across locations along the historic Main Sewer Outfall pipeline stretching from Melbourne to Werribee. Locations include Spotswood and Brooklyn, including the Pumping Station at Scienceworks. There also will be live performances by leading and emerging Australian artists.  

Melbourne Water Head of the Western Treatment Plant, Alanna Wright, said the plant was an absolute jewel in Melbourne’s infrastructure.  

“The Western Treatment Plant is where Melbourne’s sewage treatment, agriculture and biodiversity meet resource recovery, education and ecotourism,” Ms Wright said.

“Through an extensive network of interconnected underground pipes and sewers, the plant treats about half of Greater Melbourne’s sewage. This project will put an exciting spotlight on the rich history of this special space.”

As a key attraction, a music event will be staged at a 180-year-old water tower in the now abandoned town of Cocoroc. Melbourne Water also will host sessions to demonstrate the wastewater testing process – including how we tested for COVID-19.

People can attend a special sunrise and sunset showcase at the plant, with music, art and performances. There are also art project bus tours planned at the plant.

The public art project is curated by Deakin University School of Communication and Creative Arts academics Professor David Cross and Associate Professor Cameron Bishop. This year marks the third iteration of the event following a brief pause during the onset of COVID-19.

The art show is sponsored by Melbourne Water and held in partnership with Wyndham City Council. It is supported by event partners the Westgate Neighbourhood Fund, Hobsons Bay City Council and Scienceworks.

For more information and to register, visit the Treatment III website.

Treatment III received funding from the Victorian Government through the West Gate Tunnel Project's West Gate Neighbourhood Fund. This project is supported by Hobsons Bay City Council, Wyndham City, Melbourne Water, Scienceworks Museum and Greening the Pipeline.