A MULTI-million dollar upgrade to Gunnedah's wastewater treatment plant has future-proofed the town, according to local and state governments.
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The shire’s wastewater management facility has undergone an $8.1 million remodel to secure Gunnedah’s sewerage treatment works until 2038.
Gunnedah Shire Council (GSC) footed the bill for the upgrade, which began last year, with the NSW Government contributing a $1.98 million grant from its Restart NSW Resources for Regions program.
“We are continuing to see impressive growth throughout our region and it is important that we as a council look to implement projects that will continue to help that growth,” Gunnedah mayor Jamie Chaffey said said.
“That is why we are pushing to implement projects like this one, like the upgrade to the Apex Road reservoir to ensure we are well placed to continue to grow as a community.
“Gunnedah is in a unique position as one of the few rural towns in NSW still experiencing growth and it is important we strive to see our infrastructure match this expected growth.”
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GSC water services manager Kevin Sheridan said the plant was in need of a major upgrade.
Some of the equipment that was replaced was nearly 80 years old.
- Water services manager Kevin Sheridan
“Some of the equipment that was replaced was nearly 80 years old,” Mr Sheridan said.
“After being originally constructed in 1938 and not really undergoing an upgrade since 1968 I’d say the works were needed.”
The plant will now incorporate many new features to help bring it up-to-speed.
“The dewatering building has allowed the plant to enter the modern world of technology,” Mr Sheridan said.
“It has the ability to dry treat sludge to 28 per cent solids, where most other technology sits at around 18 per cent. “It also replaces the old drying beds which were really labour intensive and unsightly.”
The official opening was marked on Wednesday afternoon by council and Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson.
“The plant has not been upgraded since 1968 and was in need of improvement to enable additional treatment volume to support a strong and growing Gunnedah,” Mr Anderson said.
“This upgrade is about meeting the residential and business needs on the horizon as Gunnedah continues to expand to meet growth in both the mining and agricultural sectors.”