A milestone has been reached in a major water and sewer upgrade that will take 160 residents off rainwater and septic tanks in a small New South Wales community.
The Nelligen Water Supply and Sewerage Scheme will connect properties in the South Coast village to modern water supply and sewerage services for the first time.
The major upgrade is progressing, with two new 880kL reservoirs complete and a contract awarded to build a high-quality water reticulation and pressure sewerage system in New South Wales.
The project is jointly funded by Eurobodalla Shire Council and the support of $3.5 million from the New South Wales Government’s Safe and Secure Water Program.
Experienced company Ledonne Constructions will undertake the construction of the local water and sewerage reticulation network, after winning a competitive tendering process.
Up to 30 full-time and part-time equivalent jobs are being created by the project, which is due to be completed by December 2024.
It follows on from the Akolele Sewerage Scheme switching on in time for Christmas 2023 to connect 57 properties to the Bermagui Sewage Treatment Plant, with $762,000 of the project funded by the New South Wales Government and $2.3 million from Eurobodalla Shire Council.
Akolele is also the last village around Wallaga Lake to be linked to the Bermagui sewerage system, bringing first-rate sewerage services to the entire area.
Eurobodalla Shire Mayor, Mathew Hatcher, said, “Water is our most precious resource so delivering a more secure and reliable supply to Nelligen households that helps reduce dependence on rainwater tanks and water carting during dry times, as well as boosting firefighting capability makes sense on all fronts.
“The sewerage upgrades for both towns will also assist in protecting the beautiful local environment from the risk of contamination because having fewer septic tanks reduces the likelihood of system failures, which is good news for everyone.”
Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland, said that the South Coast is one of the fastest growing regions in New South Wales and that the state government wants to ensure smaller communities such as Nelligen and Akolele are equipped with the best possible infrastructure to encourage people to live there and stay longer.
“Collecting and storing enough rainwater can be hard, especially with another El Niño upon us and in a changing climate. We also know many properties in this area don’t have suitable space or proper soil for their own onsite sewage disposal.
“Now that Akolele has a modern sewerage system in place we’re getting on with the job of getting the same outcome for Nelligen as well as delivering high quality, potable water straight to the taps of residents and businesses.
“Investing in these services and utilities not only builds thriving communities but it provides a much-needed boost to the local economy thanks to the jobs created and flow on effects throughout the region.”
