Central Coast Council has commenced the next stage of planning for the proposed Toukley Desalination Water Treatment Plant, a key drought response project that would help secure the region’s drinking water supply in times of severe and prolonged drought.

The proposed plant would be built next to the existing Toukley Wastewater Treatment Plant but only constructed if needed during a future drought. Council is currently progressing concept design and environmental investigations to ensure the project is “plan ready” should water supplies ever be critically at risk.

Desalination is removing salt from seawater to produce drinking water, and would provide a rainfall-independent water source, strengthening the region’s water resilience and supporting a growing population.

Council Director of Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader said planning now gives us time later.

“Running out of water is not an option, if a drought hits and dam levels fall, we won’t have time to start from scratch. We need to have approvals in place so we can act quickly to protect the community’s water supply.”

The project has already evolved in response to community feedback.

“We’ve listened to the community and made significant improvements since the original desalination proposal.”

“This includes moving the ocean intake further offshore to reduce impacts on local beaches. Now, we’re asking nearby residents to help us identify what matters most to them when choosing the best location for the pumping station,” Mr Loader said.

The desalination plant is a key option in the Central Coast Water Security Plan, which was developed in consultation with the community. The facility would be capable of producing up to 30 million litres of drinking water per day using seawater drawn from the ocean and treated on-site before entering the water supply network.

What’s happening now

Council is currently preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and undertaking detailed studies, including marine and geotechnical investigations. As part of this process, two potential locations are being assessed for a below ground pumping station to connect the offshore intake pipe to the desalination plant. These locations, near Jenny Dixon Beach and Pebbly Beach, have been shortlisted based on initial desktop analysis considering cost, constructability, community/social impact, environment, heritage and in particular, reducing the impact to the beaches themselves.

As part of the detailed studies, biodiversity surveys will be undertaken for approximately one week from mid-August. This activity includes some night works from around 6pm to midnight. Residents should be aware that these night works will involve spotlights and playing owl calls over a speaker to attract nearby birds for survey purposes.

Come and speak with us

Council is inviting the community to learn more and provide feedback at an upcoming drop-in information session:

• Thursday 28 August 2025
• 4pm – 7pm
• Toukley Community Hall

The session will be an opportunity to meet the project team, ask questions, and find out how the planning and environmental assessment process works.

For more information, visit: centralcoast.nsw.gov.au and search ‘Toukley Desalination Plant’.

ENDS