A new wastewater treatment plant has opened in Goulburn, NSW, bringing the city’s sewerage facilities into the 21st century.
The $32 million project replaces Goulburn’s existing plant, which was built in 1918, and will provide modern wastewater treatment and effluent re-use facilities.
Goulburn Mulwaree Mayor Bob Kirk said the completion of the project, which includes a new treatment plant, pump station and rising main, would provide the necessary infrastructure for the city now and into the future.
As well as meeting modern environmental standards, it will provide recycled water for the Goulburn Reuse Scheme, which will be used to maintain Goulburn’s green spaces.
“We are now able to treat sewage to modern standards and can accommodate the significant population growth we expect to see in the coming decades,” Kirk said.
“The upgrade also means fantastic community outcomes including the ability to provide a re-use product for irrigation on sporting fields and parkland throughout the area. This product will also be available to potential customers in the future.”
Assistant Minister for Territories and Regional Development Sussan Ley said the infrastructure project will help distribute recycled water to Goulburn and the Southern Tablelands region, as well as the Sydney Catchment.
“This was a huge project, including constructing a new concrete flow-receiving structure, an in-ground concrete raw sewage lift pump station and the refurbishment of an existing grit tank,” Ley said.
“In addition, the construction of new effluent discharge infrastructure and improvements to an existing effluent pump station will help process the recycled wastewater for a more productive use down the line.”
The project was jointly funded by Goulburn Mulwaree Council, which provided $22 million, and the Federal Government, which gave $10 million through the National Stronger Regions Fund.
Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor said the new plant was a vital investment for the regional town.
“The treatment plant will connect to around 10,500 properties in the City of Goulburn, a number that is expected to increase with time,” Taylor said.
“The project, supported with a $10 million Federal funding grant, created 500 jobs during construction, which is an enormous investment in the local community.”
Construction began on the project in November 2016 and was led by Haslin Constructions.