Future proofed wastewater treatment plant officially opened
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Posted on November 1, 2019
Central Highlands Regional Council’s Black Gully Wastewater Treatment Plant in Emerald now operates at more than double its capacity thanks to a $20.5 million upgrade.
CEO Scott Mason said the upgrades help to future-proof the plant, which had been operating over capacity.
‘The Black Gully Wastewater Treatment Plant can now service a population of 10,000,’ Mr Mason said.
‘Before the upgrade, the plant was designed for a population of 4000 but had up to 7500 connections.
‘Population growth estimates forecast that the plant may service up to 17,000 by 2031.
‘This project is an investment by council and the Queensland Government in fundamental infrastructure to keep the environment and people in our communities healthy and safe.’
WATCH: A behind-the-scenes look at the upgrade of the Black Gully Wastewater Treatment Plant
Assistant Minister for State Development Julieanne Gilbert said the project saw around 40 local businesses and contractors engaged during the two-year construction period.
‘More than 70 new jobs were created in the community during the construction phase,’ Mrs Gilbert said.
‘The upgrade will ensure the region is sustained by the right infrastructure well into the future.
‘This is another important regional project supported through the Palaszczuk Government’s successful $365 million Building our Regions program.
‘We’re proud to have partnered with Central Highlands Regional Council to deliver this for the people of Emerald.’
The treatment plant upgrade was overseen by Queensland company Aquatec Maxcon.
In total, 303 people completed 125,000 hours of work on site, pouring 6800 tonnes of concrete.
With an upgraded inlet and a new bioreactor separating liquid and solid waste, and a new disinfection facility, the plant efficiently puts out recycled water to a minimum Class C standard.
The project is proudly funded through the Queensland Government’s Building our Regions program, in association with Central Highlands Regional Council.