Melbourne Desalination Project – next round of roles available

Earlier this year, AquaSure was awarded the contract to build and operate Victoria’s $3.5b Desalination Plant near Wonthaggi. In turn, AquaSure has contracted the Thiess Degremont Joint Venture to design and construct the Project.

The Victorian Desalination Project is a key part of the State’s Water Plan. It will deliver the largest desalination plant in Australia, capable of supplying up to 150 billion litres of water a year – a third of Melbourne’s annual water needs – with capability to expand to 200 billion litres a year in the future.

More than 3,100 full time jobs will be created (920 direct and 2260 indirect) during the construction phase and 150 full time jobs - 50 directly on plant operation and 100 indirectly to support the ongoing operation, maintenance and servicing of the plant - will be created post construction.

Construction of the plant is about to commence with completion by the end of 2011.

In early September, the first major supply contract package for the Project was awarded to Australia’s largest pipe manufacturer, Tyco Water in Melbourne. This supports the original intent that the Project’s focus would be on providing work for local residents and suppliers.

Tyco will manufacture the pipes used to build the pipeline that will transport up to 150 billion litres of water a year from the desalination plant at Wonthaggi to Melbourne, connecting with the Melbourne water grid.

The hot rolled sheet coil will be supplied predominantly by BlueScope Steel from their Westernport facility in Victoria.

As reported earlier, there will be several waves of recruitment with jobs to be advertised for professional and trades roles, including concreters, steel-fixers and form workers, in addition to labouring positions.

Thiess is currently recruiting for a long list of professional positions including Accounts Payable Officers, Safety Advisors, Engineers, Contract Administrators, Quality Manager, Cost Planners and Pipeline Project Personnel.

More roles will become available during the coming months and we recommend you register on the site to receive Job Alerts. Trade and other workforce applications should note that they are not currently recruiting for these roles – expected later in the year.

If you are interested in working on the project, you can register as a supplier (head to www.regionalindustrylink.com.au), or apply for individual positions at www.aquasure.com.au or http://www.thiess.com.au/Careers/VictorianDesalinationEmployment/index.htm. Only online applications will be accepted.