Kyogle Sewage Treatment Plant will have a site investigation and concept designs done by the end of the year through funding from the State Government and Kyogle Council.
The State Government is funding this preliminary work with $379,500 and Kyogle Council is putting in $125,000.
The existing sewage treatment plant was constructed in 1957, with only minor upgrades in the 1990s and 2000s.
The ageing infrastructure is struggling to treat wastewater efficiently in line with environmental standards for effluent discharge.
This is why the State Government and the council have joined forces to progress the next stage of investigative works that will enable the new plant to be shovel ready when funding is secured at a later date.
Previously, there was $225,000 funding from the State Government’s Safe and Secure Program and $75,000 from Kyogle Council for the early development phase of the project in 2022.
State MP Janelle Saffin said given Kyogle is a gateway to the Border Ranges and Toonumbar National Parks, it’s crucial we have the best possible environmental protections in place including ensuring local sewerage infrastructure, which services over 2500 people, is up to scratch.
“While this upgrade is still in the design phase it’s important that we dot the ‘I’s and cross the ‘T’s to enable the most informed investment decision down the track and get the best outcome for the community,” Ms Saffin said.
Kyogle mayor Danielle Mulholland said treated effluent is already recycled into the region through agricultural irrigation, and some of that also makes its way to the Richmond River which is why our wastewater treatment process must remain at a really high standard.
“We know the sewage plant will eventually need to be replaced, which is why we’re busy preparing and doing our homework now so we’re ready to hit go on construction when the time comes,” Ms Mulholland said.
To learn more about the Safe and Secure Water Program, go here.
To see the map of funded STP, go to this map. When you click on an icon, it gives you information about that STP.
This information was provided by the office of Janelle Saffin MP.