As a rainfall-independent source of water the desalination plant complements Victoria's existing drainage basins, being a useful resource in times of drought.

[8] While the project will supply water for Melbourne, it is being managed by the Department of Sustainability & Environment (DSE) as a public-private partnership (PPP).

[5] The potential for a desalination plant was promoted through the late 2000s in response to an increasingly severe drought which saw Melbourne's water storages go from 57.1% of capacity in January 2005 to 28.7% in June 2007.

[17] In August 2008, a 1,600-page environmental effects study report was prepared and found that; "...several protected species could be affected by the plant's construction and operation – including the orange-bellied parrot, the growling grass frog and the giant Gippsland earthworm – but none would be left "significantly" worse off.".

There were eight tenderers for the contract for the construction and operation of the plant,[18] with two consortia being short-listed – AquaSure (Ventia Contractors/Suez) and BassWater (John Holland Group/Veolia Environmental).

[19] On 30 June 2009, the AquaSure consortium, which is made up of Degrémont, Macquarie Capital and Ventia Contractors, was named the winning bidder.

[24] Plans are underway to build a much larger, wind farm at Glenthompson to offset the electricity used by the desalination plant.

[27] Unlike previous water infrastructure works in Melbourne, the plant will be built and operated as a public-private partnership.

[31] The project encountered opposition from community groups and local residents, and the Australian Greens and the business fundamentals were challenged during feasibility studies and assessments of Melbourne's water supply needs.

The case centred on initial water requirement figures, feasibility studies and environmental effects reports among other issues.

[33] Public rallies and protests were held at the site near Wonthaggi and in Melbourne on Spring Street outside the State Parliament buildings during 2007, 2008 and 2009.

[36] Your Water Your Say (YWYS) opposed the proposal, taking legal action against the Victorian State Government regarding non-disclosure of financial information and lack of environmental studies and reports.

[37] As of July 2008 YWYS lost the action, and the Federal Court awarded costs to the State Government estimated to be up to $200,000, effectively rendering the community group broke.

In its submission response to the Environmental Effects Statement, YWYS stated: "The Federal and State Governments are aware that YWYS is unlikely to be in a position to pay its significant legal costs and hence their apparent inability to make a decision on this front can only be interpreted as an attempt to further avoid community scrutiny of this project.

[39] Victoria Police responded by explaining that the information would be used to better "manage" future activities and potential "security threats".

The gates open daily for public access to the 225-hectare (560-acre) park and 8 kilometres (5 mi) of walking, horse riding and cycling tracks.