Water and jobs flow in treatment plant development

A much-needed boost for local jobs is on the horizon with plans for a purpose-built operations depot and water treatment plant progressing well in Bega.

The NSW Government funded project will bring vastly improved water quality to the Bega, Kalaru and Tathra network while providing job security and greater resilience during emergency situations.

Water and Sewerage Services Manager, Chris Best said contractors will soon be notified of Council’s intent to tender for the construction of the new facility.

“There are some great employment opportunities through the construction and operations of this new facility,” Mr Best said.

“We plan on going out to tender for the operations depot component in the next few weeks, and with our intent to tender notice going out now, interested contractors will have time to organise their schedules.

“The new water treatment plant will introduce filtration and UV disinfection to complement existing treatment methods.

“With further water treatment plant upgrades and builds progressing well under the NSW Government’s Safe and Secure Water Program we are steadily working towards having all reticulated supplies in the shire compliant with Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.”

Mr Best said a key part of the Bega development will be the construction of a purpose-built maintenance, administration and operations depot.

“Maintenance teams are currently based in shared and outdated facilities, making it difficult to service key pumps and equipment vital for keeping us in water when we need it most.

“This new facility will include a purpose-built workshop, allowing for greater resilience to emergency situations and more efficient maintenance of large equipment currently sent away for repairs.

“Our regional location adds significant cost and time penalties when sending equipment away for repair, especially when there are regional and global emergencies slowing things down.

“Council is already a major employer in the Bega Valley and this commitment to retaining maintenance capability secures the employment of local skilled fitters and electricians.

“The site will also function as a coordination centre to better facilitate the management of essential water infrastructure during fire and flood events.”

Member for Bega, Andrew Constance said securing the $25 million of NSW Government funding for new water treatment plants in Bega and Brogo, as well as the part funding of the Yellow Pinch water treatment plant currently in early stages of planning, will be a major boost for local jobs and water security.

The new Bega Water Treatment Plant will be built at Council’s South Bega reservoirs site.