Veolia has strengthened its position as one of Australia’s leading private water operators, securing AUD $700 million (around US$458 million) in contracts with key utilities including Central Highlands Water, Hunter Water and Seqwater. The long-term agreements will help these organisations deliver greater efficiencies, enhance water security, and improve sustainability for their communities.
The new deals build on Veolia’s GreenUp strategic program, which focuses on delivering practical innovations that help local authorities and utilities save tens of millions of dollars while reducing environmental impact.
New partnerships across multiple states
In Victoria, Central Highlands Water has awarded Veolia a 15-year contract to operate six water treatment plants, with an additional five-year option. The partnership also includes a three-year sustainable energy agreement, combining two of Veolia’s key strengths in resource efficiency and clean energy.
“Our new partnership enables the delivery of Central Highland Water’s 2040 ‘More than Water’ aspirations in caring for our community and environment, ensuring essential water services are safe, reliable and affordable now and into the future,” said Central Highlands Water Managing Director Jeff Hayden.
In New South Wales, Veolia has renewed its partnership with Hunter Water for another 10 years, with an optional five-year extension. The agreement covers the operation and maintenance of all Hunter Water treatment facilities, including the upcoming Belmont Desalination Plant. Veolia will deploy new technologies to improve energy efficiency and sustainability, continuing a collaboration that dates back to 2014 and currently serves over half a million Australians.
“Hunter Water is a perfect example of how Hubgrade, our digital platform, can create real value for our customers and their community. At the Belmont wastewater plant, for example, Hubgrade will help to reduce energy use by 18% and strengthen water security during major storm events,” said Richard Kirkman, CEO and Managing Director of Veolia Australia and New Zealand.
Boosting renewable energy at the Gold Coast Desalination Plant
In Queensland, Seqwater has extended Veolia’s operation and maintenance contract for the Gold Coast Desalination Plant for up to four years. The facility, capable of producing up to 43GL of drinking water annually, is critical to South East Queensland’s resilience during floods and natural disasters.
Together with Seqwater, Veolia is installing 2,500 solar panels at the site, expected to generate 2.32 GWh of clean energy each year — equivalent to removing around 400 cars from the road.
“As the global leader in ecological transformation, Veolia is proud to help shape the future of Australia’s water sector. With one of the largest operational footprints in the country, we work with our clients to deliver safe drinking water to more than 3 million Australians every day and manage essential wastewater and recycled water assets nationwide. Through our GreenUp strategy, we are accelerating innovation with our clients — through long-term contracts like with Central Highlands Water and Hunter Water, and supported by AI-powered optimisation. Our ambition is simple: support our clients to provide the most resilient, efficient and sustainable water systems for Australian communities, while creating local jobs and delivering lasting value for our partners and the planet,” said Estelle Brachlianoff, CEO of Veolia.
