Western Australia’s (WA) Margaret River wastewater treatment plant is getting a $20.4 million upgrade, which will double the plant’s capacity.
The project will include the construction of new water treatment equipment, tanks and an additional storage pond.
It will see the plant produce 3 million litres of recycled water per day. This will be used to irrigate a State Government-owned woodlot, as well as public open space in the Augusta-Margaret River Shire.
Through Water Corporation, the WA Government plans to invest nearly $60 million in water and wastewater infrastructure in the state’s south west in 2018-19.
WA Water Minister Dave Kelly said it is important to ensure the Margaret River plant is capable of treating increasing volumes of wastewater as the area’s population continues to grow.
He said the upgrade would also help with water security in the region.
“Given the south west corner of Western Australia is one of the places on the planet most impacted by climate change, it is important we find safe and reliable alternatives such as this to support the water needs of our community,” Kelly said.
Guidera O'Connor, an authorised contractor of Water Corporation, will carry out work on the treatment plant. About 20 local workers will be involved in the project and local companies will be subcontracted to the project.
The upgrade is expected to be complete by December 2019.