The Queensland Government has allocated over $1 million of funds from Round 4 of the Building our Regions (BoR) program to the refurbishment of Yarum Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The project is also being supported with nearly $1.5 million from Gladstone Regional Council, bringing total funding to over $2.6 million.
Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning,Cameron Dick, said the project was crucial for the region’s economy, as the upgrade will allow future expansion of industries sited in the Gladstone State Development Area (SDA).
“The facility currently treats wastewater from heavy industry operations in the Gladstone SDA, including Orica, Rio Tinto and Transpacific,” Mr Dick said.
“This upgrade will improve effluent quality, reuse the treated wastewater efficiently and comply with environmental approvals, with council estimating up to nine jobs will be supported during the construction phase.”
Member for Gladstone, Glenn Butcher, said when complete the project will provide the Gladstone community with a more efficient and reliable wastewater system.
“The plant was originally designed to treat domestic wastewater, so as industry grows in Gladstone it’s really important to upgrade this facility,” Mr Butcher said.
Gladstone Region Mayor, Matt Burnett, welcomed the funding, which will allow for the continued growth of the Gladstone SDA.
“The Yarwun Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade was shortlisted alongside other projects across the state, so it’s fantastic to see the project gain this much needed funding,” Mr Burnett said.
“Building our Regions supports the infrastructure we need to maximise our region’s strategic advantages, and we’ve already seen funding from this program put to great use, supporting the delivery of the Agnes Waterwaste Transfer Station upgrade, Boyne Island car park and Kirkwood Reservoir, among other projects.”
Round 4 of BoR will see the Queensland Government partner with 37 councils on 49 projects, creating an estimated 657 jobs.
Under previous rounds, the program has allocated $225 million to 174 critical infrastructure projects across the state, generating 1762 jobs and attracting additional investment of $353.5 million from councils and other organisations.
