Coombabah contract to Lendlease

THE council has awarded one of its largest contracts, designed to keep up with fast growth in the northern Gold Coast and cater for an extra 120,000 residents.

Councillors met behind closed doors on Wednesday at the water, waste and energy committee to discuss the Coombabah Sewage Treatment stage six upgrade.

Councillors later in an open session unanimously agreed a recommendation to award more than $132 million to Lendlease Engineering Pty Ltd for the project, expected to be a huge job generator.

The funding would be across three years with more than $68 million approved for this financial year and it would enable the city to service another 120,000 people.

A Gold Coast Bulletin report in December last year warned the population pressure in the north required the upgrade of the city’s biggest treatment plant.

The Coombabah STP services about half of the city, and additional capacity would be needed by 2021. Initial costing was up to $150 million.

The fast-growing northern suburbs of Coomera and Pimpama will benefit, as will Southport, Labrador, Biggera Waters, Harbour Town and Helensvale.

Committee chairwoman Gail O’Neill congratulated officers on securing the contract.

“It’s a huge contract for the city, and certainly for the growth in the north. I’m sure the next few years will provide a lot of employment with this contract, and for local engineering firms. It’s a fantastic outcome,” she said.

Pacific Pines councillor Peter Young said it clearly indicated council’s investment in the city’s future growth.

“I’ve got complete faith in the officers for their evaluation of very substantial tenders. We certainly welcome the project being initiated, and a lot of local jobs arising from it,” he said.

Mayor Tom Tate said it was vital infrastructure for the growing northern suburbs, “not only a major investment in our future but a job creation project at a time we need it most”.