Major construction is underway on the second stage of a $38 million project that will extend Bellingen Shire’s sewerage network into more communities, giving them access to modern, environmentally sustainable sewerage services for the first time.
The landmark Sewering Coastal Villages Project is funded thanks to more than $11 million from the NSW Government’s Safe and Secure Water Program and over $27 million from Bellingen Shire Council against its long-term financial plan to deliver an upgraded sewage treatment plant in Urunga and provide Mylestom and Raleigh with access to the central network.
“This is one of the biggest investments in sewage services for Bellingen Shire and connecting Mylestom and Raleigh to the sewage network is great news for residents,” NSW DCCEEW Executive Director Infrastructure Development Lisa Hingerty said.
“Many locals in these coastal villages rely on smelly and expensive private septic tanks for their wastewater disposal, which is why getting them hooked up to the upgraded wastewater treatment plant will be a game changer.”
Ledonne Construction was engaged by the Council through a competitive tender process for major river, rail, and road crossings. This work, including the underbore of the Bellinger River, has now commenced as part of Phase 2 in preparation for 226 connections in Mylestom and Raleigh to the Urunga Sewage Treatment Plant.
“Not only is this a big win for the environment by safeguarding pristine waterways, but it’s also a big win for residents and businesses who will enjoy improved livability by having access to modern sewerage disposal for the first time, eliminating the burden of having to pay for the ongoing maintenance of their wastewater systems,” Hingerty said.
Bringing these villages onto the wastewater network will reduce the need for on-site septic tanks, which pose a risk to the iconic Kalang and Bellinger Rivers, which have experienced contamination incidents in the past.
“The installation of these pipelines through major town infrastructure marks our most significant milestone yet for the project, as we methodically move towards connecting our coastal villages to the sewerage network,” Bellingen Shire Council Mayor Cr. Steve Allan said.
“Contamination in the Bellinger and Kalang Rivers can potentially impact public health, wetlands and local businesses which is why we’re transforming the wastewater system here to reduce that risk and keep these waterways beautiful.”
Work began last year on upgrading the wastewater plant to double its capacity to accommodate up to 10,000 people and increase the facility’s lifespan by 30 years, equipping it to handle future population growth.
Work on the plant is expected to be completed later this year, while the rollout of the sewage network is on track to be finished by early 2026.
For more information on the project, visit Sewering Coastal Villages.
