The upgrade to the sewage treatment plant in Yass is one step closer to completion, with a new investment to assess how the wastewater service can be improved.
Through the Safe and Secure Water Program, the New South Wales Government is contributing $165,000 and the Yass Valley Council is providing $100,000 to deliver an options study and concept design exploring ways to improve and expand the current treatment facility.
The existing facility was built in 1935 and underwent its last upgrade in 2010 to support the town’s 6,800 residents but is now at full capacity, triggering the need for a more modern facility that meets current and future population demands.
The new funding builds on the more than $20 million from the New South Wales Government towards upgrading Yass’ water infrastructure, aiming to deliver better quality water for the local community.
The New South Wales Government has also provided $412,500 to Hilltops Council to bring the Harden to Boorowa Pipeline to tender ready phase which, after construction, is expected to further drought proof the region.
New South Wales Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s Acting Executive Director of Development, Lisa Hingerty, said, “We’re stepping up our support for the region to ensure residents and businesses have a reliable and robust wastewater management facility which is crucial for a growing population.
“We know there’s increasing pressure on the existing infrastructure in Yass which is why the State Government is coming to the table with significant funds to ensure the town is better equipped to support the region’s growth and unlock future development opportunities.
“The money will enable a thorough investigation of the best options to cater for future population growth and increased operational efficiency.
“It’s an important step that provides the basis for the design of new sewage infrastructure and will move the project closer to shovels in the ground.”
Mayor of Yass Valley Council, Allan McGrath, said, “It’s great to see this partnership between state and local government putting the wheels in motion to ensure our community has the infrastructure it needs to support Yass’ growth for generations to come.
“This is an important step in the right direction in ensuring we’re delivering the best outcome for our residents, businesses and the environment.
“It’s always important that we’re ticking all the right boxes and doing our due diligence first to ensure that whatever design we come up with will set us up for the future.”
Image credit: Studio Dagdagaz/Shutterstock.com.
