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$70 million for sewerage infrastructure

Clarence Valley will invest $70 million over the next five years into a major capital upgrade program for its sewerage infrastructure. 'Dealing with our own sewerage' (DWOOS) is a response to population and business growth and changing environmental management protocols.

Consultants, Sustainable Futures Australia, and the New South Wales State Government initially developed the DWOOS process. It is an innovative model that allows for community participation and decision making.

Manager Water and Wastewater, Greg Mashiah said Council is undertaking four sewerage augmentation schemes, as well as a new sewerage scheme serving a currently unsewered town. "As most existing schemes are between 30 and 70 years old, the upgrades are essential," he said.

"Good sewerage systems and infrastructure are fundamental for our tourism industry, and growth and development capacity. While the upgrades were imminent even before amalgamation, we will now have commonality between equipment and procedures."

The schemes involve closing seven small treatment plants, constructing two new plants and expanding and upgrading three existing plants to allow for beneficial reuse. Greg Mashiah, said Council is proposing reuse for irrigation of golf courses and for agriculture where feasible.

"We are also looking at methods of reuse within homes for non potable uses such as toilet flushing," he said.

"We are currently in the design phase for the schemes, all of which have planning approval. Construction will be completed by early 2008."

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