October 23, 2014
A contract to build Kingaroy’s new $20 million sewage treatment plant was signed at the South Burnett Regional Council’s offices in an official ceremony on Wednesday afternoon.
Ipswich-based company Aquatec Maxcon was awarded the contract last month after an extensive tender process.
The company expects to complete the project by September 2016.
The new plant will replace the town’s existing sewage treatment plant, which was built in the 1940s and reached its capacity a few years ago.
It will be the first in Australia to use new “Nereda” technology which offers more efficient sewage treatment, improved environmental outcomes and lower running costs.
The State Government has provided $10 million towards the total cost via a Royalties For The Regions grant.
The remainder will be funded through a long-term, low-interest loan from Treasury.
The new plant is the largest single project ever undertaken by the South Burnett Regional Council.
In addition to sewage treatment, it will also provide the Kingaroy community with Class A recycled water which will be used to irrigate sporting grounds and schools in the area.
The plant will also significantly improve the quality of effluent released from the site.
This will benefit the local environment, in particular, the Stuart River and Gordonbrook Dam which are both downstream.
Mayor Wayne Kratzmann said the project would deliver significant benefits for more than 9000 residents and businesses across Kingaroy, as well as allowing for projected population growth over the next 20 years.
“The new plant will utilise Australian-first technology to minimise environmental impacts while delivering high-quality wastewater with reduced operating costs compared to other systems”, he said
“We’re proud to be working with Aquatec Maxcon which will be trying to make use of local materials and labour as much as possible, providing a valuable financial boost to the region.”
He also expressed his thanks to the State Government for their contribution towards the project
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington said the project was a great example of how government partnerships can work.
“This project will also get money flowing into the region and set the South Burnett up for the future,” she said.
Aquatec Maxcon managing director Greg Johnston thanked Council for selecting his company.
“This will be the first time this technology has been used in Australia and I’m sure the new plant will be a landmark project for the water industry when it’s completed,” he said.
Aquatec Maxcon has also been awarded a $7.5 million contract to upgrade the Gordonbrook Water Treatment Plant, which will improve Kingaroy’s town water quality and reduce operating costs.
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