May 30, 2012
The South Burnett’s ageing sewage treatment plants have “long passed their use-by dates” and must be replaced, Council announced today.
A South Burnett Regional Council statement said due to the age and continuing maintenance costs of the plants, a 10-year replacement program would be undertaken and funded in future Budgets, starting in 2012/13.
Cr Barry Green, the Water & Wastewater Portfolio representative, said Council had “no choice” but to embark on the large replacement program and would have to borrow money to carry it out.
He said the region’s assets were built in the 1940s and 1950s and had long passed their use-by dates.
“The 10-year capital program would ensure the supply of water to our communities as well as bringing sewerage treatment plants up to the required standard,” Cr Green said.
Councillors were briefed by staff today on the need to meet State Government regulations and the potential risks associated with the rapidly ageing infrastructure.
The condition of the region’s water and wastewater infrastructure meant the assets might not comply with State legislation in the foreseeable future.
Mayor Cr Wayne Kratzmann said he had spoken with Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington about the need to extend the loan repayment from 20 to 40 years for water and sewerage infrastructure.
“The decisions to be taken on water and sewerage are critical to the liveability of our region and essential to retaining and attracting new business to the South Burnett,” Cr Kratzmann said.
