October 2, 2024
Water quality issues have plagued the Cherbourg community for years, thanks to ageing infrastructure and the quality of the water that is drawn from Barambah Creek.
The last Boil Water Alert lasted nine months, and was only lifted in July … and there’s no guarantee that another alert won’t be sparked this summer due to algae in the creek and rain stirring up turbidity.
However, a $26 million funding package announced on Wednesday aims to fix Cherbourg’s water problems once and for all.
The funding has been split 50/50 by the Federal and the State Governments, and is not dependent on the outcome of any elections.
Cherbourg Mayor Bruce Simpson said planning had already begun although work on the ground was not expected to begin for another six months.
Council CEO Chatur Zala said the funding would cover three parts:
- Upgrades and optimisation of the existing water treatment plant, including microfiltration
- The $14 million replacement of the 2km trunk main; and
- The construction of a new holding reservoir for treated water near Bert Button Lookout to supply houses on the top of the hill.
He said Council staff had been working with government for two years to achieve the investment in the community.
“This is a gamechanger for our community,” CEO Zala said.
Mayor Simpson said the upgrades would provide the community with water security as well as better – and safer – water for the next 50 to 100 years.
“Water is a basic human right so we’re very thrilled that this is happening,” he said.
He said the upgrades would also save Council money, as staff were always fixing breakdowns and water leakages in the existing infrastructure.
Operations Manager Matthew Bock said each of the processes at the existing plant would be optimised to bring them up to date.
The 70-year-old filter system would be among the upgrades as well as the chlorination system.
