Pilbara wastewater treatment plant upgrade gains more funding

The Western Australian Government has announced a $1 million contribution towards the $6.26 million upgrade of Newman’s wastewater treatment plant in the Pilbara.

The remainder will be paid for by the Shire of East Pilbara and BHP.

Newman’s parks, wetlands and sports fields have long been irrigated with treated wastewater.

The plant was built by BHP in 1981 to produce Class A water for irrigation. Ownership was later transferred to the Water Corporation and the Shire of East Pilbara.

Western Australian Regional Development Minister, Alannah MacTiernan, said, “The State Government is pleased to support this project to ensure Newman has a wastewater treatment plant operating to modern industry standards for years to come. 

“In supporting these projects, we are working to deliver an equal or higher level of services and liveability in towns such as Newman as in the metropolitan area.

“The Shire of East Pilbara has worked closely with our government to deliver this result.

“I can’t think of a more sustainable way to ensure Newman’s green spaces continue to thrive than irrigating them with locally-sourced and treated wastewater.”

Treated wastewater from the plant currently irrigates 142,000sqm of Newman’s gardens and ovals.

Upgrades to the plant’s aging components are required to ensure it will continue to operate to modern industry standards while also providing a source of irrigation.

Shire of East Pilbara Chief Executive Officer, Jeremy Edwards, said, “The Shire of East Pilbara welcomes the support from the State Government for the $1 million allocation.

“This will assist the Shire in upgrading this infrastructure to service the community.

“The Shire has been operating the Newman Wastewater Treatment Plant for more than 35 years and the upgrade will provide a more sustainable outcome along with water rebalancing to enable the Shire to continue to water green spaces in town.”

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