Following the easing of restrictions on 8 November 2020, we are excited to announce that, as of 10 December 2020, the Western Treatment Plant is open again for birdwatching.

As valued members of our community, we want to thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.

At this stage, only existing birdwatching permit holders will be allowed on site and current birdwatching permit conditions remain unchanged. We’re pleased however to advise that existing permit holders will be given a 6 month extension to their next permit upon renewal as a courtesy because the site was closed most of 2020.

Unfortunately no new birdwatching permits will be issued due to limited staff onsite to process applications and respond in the case an emergency. We are working towards re-opening applications for new birdwatching permits by March 2021.

If your permit expired between March 2020 and March 2021 you are welcome to continue using your birdwatching key to access the site. Your renewal will then be processed from March 2021 at which stage we will add a six month extension to your new permit.

To receive the latest news about birdwatching at the site, please follow this page. Please note we are only communicating directly to existing birdwatchers through updates to the page.

COVID-safe requirements for entry on site

Birdwatchers are expected to abide by current Victorian government restrictions and COVID-safe requirements upon entry to the site as detailed below.

• Upon entry to the site, ALL birdwatchers are expected to individually sign in by scanning a QR code. Signage with information about this process will be positioned at each entry to the site. Birdwatchers are not required to register their visit through our Customer Service Centre.
• The site is ONLY open to existing birdwatching permit holders,
• There is no access past gate 8 and the Austin Road birdhide (see updated birdwatching access map),
• Please supply and use your own hand washing products (sanitiser, soap, water and handtowels are NOT provided),
• Please sanitise touch points before and after use,
• Maintain physical distancing - Keep at least 1.5 metres between yourself and others,
• Wear a mask in birdhides and toilets and adhere to the maximum number of people allowed,
• Do not congregate in large groups,
• Take all rubbish home with you, and
• All signage and COVID-safe requirements must be followed.

Ways to enjoy WTP from home

If you can't get back on site yet, there are multiple self-guided and guided virtual tours of WTP you can enjoy from the comfort of your home:

• Step through a virtual doorway to get a glimpse of the sewage treatment process using our augmented reality smart phone app,
• Take our more in depth virtual tour of WTP to explore this fascinating site,
• Book a guided virtual excursions or webinars for your school, TAFE or university, or
• Sit back and enjoy our video of the bird habitat at WTP below

If you have any queries, please don't hesitate to contact us via email [email protected] or telephone 131 722.