The Southern Downs Regional Council in Queensland has awarded a contract for the condition assessment of critical water and sewerage infrastructure, including pump stations.
Council-owned reservoirs, tanks and sewerage pump stations have been identified as the next priority due to the critical role they play in providing water and sewerage services to the community.
The condition assessment will be performed by external contractor Hunter H2O with funding received from the Queensland Government Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program.
Councillor Stephen Tancred said Council had a multi-pronged approach to securing the region’s future water supply.
“As part of our Water Contingency Plan, we are exploring short, medium and long-term strategies for our current and future water supply,” Mr Tancred said.
“The condition assessment of these critical water assets will provide vital information for Council to better maintain infrastructure and replace or upgrade where necessary.
“This will facilitate long-term financial planning for water operations throughout the region and enable Council to make informed decisions with confidence.
“Despite some recent rains, our region has not fully exited this current drought, and it’s important we prepare for the next drought.
“Council continues to investigate all avenues to secure a sustainable water supply for the region.”
The condition assessment will test 25 reservoirs and tanks, and 34 sewage pumps across the region. The contractor will also make a number of recommendations and develop a ten-year capital works program and routine maintenance schedule.
Council will prioritise replacements and upgrades as appropriate and according to budget constraints.
“It’s important to keep our critical infrastructure running and in good shape,” Mr Tancred said.
The assessment is expected to be completed by the end of April 2021.
A contract for the condition assessment of Council’s water and sewerage treatment plants was awarded in November 2019 under the same funding stream.
