August 6, 2012
The South Burnett Regional Council has appointed a new Manager for Water and Wastewater to oversee the much-needed overhaul of the region’s water and sewerage infrastructure.
Russell Hood recently moved his young family to Kingaroy.
He is credited with leading the restoration, recovery and flood mitigation programs for the Murweh Shire Council which experienced three major floods within three years.
Water and Wastewater Portfolio spokesman Cr Barry Green said the region’s water and wastewater systems were old and “desperately need attention”.
“We now have a plan to replace the old pipes, treatment plants and sewers before they fail and cost the community more in the long run,” he said.
The Council’s Budget for 2012/13 includes $6.379 million to be spent on operation and maintenance of the region’s water supply and sewerage system. An extra $10.523 million will be spent on capital improvements to water and wastewater.
“This is just the beginning of our planned investment. Our infrastructure needs to be ready for future growth, ” Cr Green said.
“Over $90 million will need to be spent over the next 10 years to ensure that our systems are efficient and minimise the costs for our community.”
Kingaroy Treatment Plant has been allocated $2.06 million for an upgrade.
“It is at capacity now and we can’t afford environmental issues,” Cr Green said.
“In the short term we have programmed maintenance to water mains, sewerage mains, manholes, pump stations and water and sewerage infrastructure.
“In the long term we also need to determine a second source and supply of water for the Nanango area.”
Mr Hood said the capital works program and Operational Plan would place the South Burnett on a sound footing for the future and “address many issues that have been building over a number of years”.
“The work that the team have done to get this Budget and program together is a credit to them and will ensure we are able to build a robust system for a sustainable future,” Mr Hood said.
