Work is under way to upgrade the Gregory River water treatment plant, with improvements set to benefit thousands of homes and businesses in the region.
Construction has begun with site earthworks and drainage continuing throughout January.
Bundaberg Region Mayor Jack Dempsey said the improvements would impact Woodgate, Childers and surrounds, with the project identified as the largest local government infrastructure investment in the area's history.
“This new water treatment facility will not only secure water for this generation but will also continue to spread confidence and positivity in this area for future economic growth,” he said.
“This project is the largest Council infrastructure spend in the history of Woodgate and Childers.”
Divisional representative Cr Bill Trevor said the “exciting project” would improve water quality across the two towns and surrounding rural areas.
“In previous times we have suffered with some discolouration of the water through turbidity,” he said.
“The upgraded treatment process will ensure the water is clean and provides opportunity for expansion of Woodgate and Childers into the future.”
Water added to Gregory River Weir
Cr Trevor said the upgrade was being undertaken at a time when water capacity levels were high at Gregory River Weir.
“This is due to a recent top-up of water released from Paradise Dam, with the levels now sitting at 72 per cent,” he said.
Mayor Dempsey added while residents should continue to conserve water as much as possible there's currently no need for water restrictions.
“We are fortunate to have an abundance of natural resources and multiple water sources, including groundwater, to meet our needs,” he said.
Council invests $30m in water treatment upgrades
Mayor Dempsey said the works were part of a $30.1 million contract to upgrade both the Gregory River and Kalkie water treatment plants.
He said the dual projects would increase water quality in Childers, Woodgate, Bargara and other coastal areas in the region.
“This is the largest infrastructure spend in the history of Childers and Woodgate, with the Gregory River water treatment plant project slated at $18 million,” he said.
“The Kalkie water treatment plant will also begin construction this year, with a total of $12 million spent.
“Council is proud to be getting on with the job to make sure we not only have secure water but nice, clean fresh water for our residents as well.”
Construction works at the Gregory River plant will be finished in May 2021.
Work at the Kalkie water treatment plant will begin later this year.
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