Upgrade for wastewater

A major upgrade to Drouin’s wastewater treatment plant will cater for continued growth in the area.

Gippsland Water managing director Sarah Cumming said the $30 million plus investment would support liveability and regional development.

“The health of our community is our top priority,” he said.

“This new infrastructure is essential to service the region’s increasing population.

“The existing treatment plant is operating near capacity, so now is the time to adopt new, improved technology and processes to ensure that we’re meeting the needs of the community.”

Gippsland Water explored several options for the plant, concluding that the best value option for customers was to maintain a single, central treatment plant for Drouin and undertake a major upgrade of that facility.

Residents have been informed and will be kept up-to-date throughout the project, which is due to commence early in the new year.

“We will continue to work alongside our customers to deliver better services that reflect their needs,” Ms Cumming said.

The Drouin wastewater treatment plant is located on Settlement Road, near Bellbird Park. On average, it currently treats about two million litres of wastewater per day through three treatment lagoons and a filtration plant.

The upgraded plant will be capable of treating more than double that amount – an average of 4.2 million litres of wastewater per day. It will also cope better with high demand during peak weather events.

“A mechanical treatment plant is cost effective, uses less land than a lagoon system and will produce higher quality treated wastewater for reuse, or returning to the environment,” Ms Cumming said.

The Drouin wastewater treatment plant is a key part of Gippsland Water’s $1 billion infrastructure network, which includes more than 1700 kilometres of sewer mains and 14 wastewater treatment plants.

A $1.179 million tender has been awarded for works to improve four sections of Old Sale Rd at Shady Creek.

Baw Baw Shire Council has awarded the contract to McInnes Earthmoving.

The works include pavement widening and improvements on Old Sale Rd on four sections between Webbs Rd and Beards Trk.

Funding for the project includes $945,000 from the Local Roads to Market Program and council funds of $472,500.

A further $237,642 will be allocated to vegetation maintenance along Old Sale Rd.

A report to council said contract specifications required development and implementation of an environmental management plan for the works.

Tree removal works being undertaken fall under council’s planning scheme exemptions for road maintenance and safety.

Officers said the project would improve access for commercial and agricultural vehicles.