Community involvement sought for Castlemaine plant upgrade

Environmental flows and water quality in Campbells Creek were key discussion points at two information drop-in sessions hosted by Coliban Water.

Castlemaine Water Reclamation Plant Program Director, Danny Childs, said the sessions offered an opportunity to listen and share early information about the plant upgrade. Several community groups, stakeholders, and local residents attended.

“This was a great chance to hear about what is important to these groups and to inform and educate ourselves about where we’re at in this process,” Mr Childs said. “As always, we are transparent and look forward to the community joining us on this journey as we work through each step.

“We have a strong relationship with several stakeholders and community members in Castlemaine, and we want to grow that relationship and ensure we maintain their trust.”

Once essential approvals for the project are received, upgrades will take several years to complete. These upgrades will increase the plant’s treatment capacity and provide more resilient sewer services to the growing Castlemaine community.

The plant currently treats wastewater from 15,500 residents and businesses in Castlemaine and surrounding areas. Mount Alexander Shire’s population is estimated to hit 22,000 by 2028.

“We’re currently in the early planning stages, which involves carrying out the various site and environmental assessments required to support the upgrades,” Mr Childs said. “The site where the current Castlemaine plant is situated dates back around 100 years. It has always been a critical piece of community infrastructure, so we want to bring the community along on this journey.”

The upgrades will also reduce the plant’s carbon footprint, reduce noise and odour emissions and improve environmental benefits for the nearby Campbells Creek.

“We are committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2030 and embedding sustainable practices as part of our work,” Mr Childs said. “We want to have a positive impact on the environment and community.

“There’ll also be plenty more opportunities to discuss these upgrades. These events were only the beginning of these conversations.”

The plant produces about 1,400ML of treated water each year, some of which are used by recycled water customers and the majority flowing into Campbells Creek.

Mr Childs said that as part of the upgrade, this water would continue to help maintain and sustain Campbells Creek’s environmental values.

“These plant upgrades will set us up for success over the next three decades and allow us to deliver benefits to customers, communities and the environment,” Mr Childs said. “That includes potentially seeing our biosolids used on farms in the region, providing recycled water to local businesses and organisations and seeing the natural environment around us thrive.”

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