Bundaberg Region residents are invited to the official opening of the Gregory River Water Treatment Plant to celebrate the completion of the world class piece of infrastructure.
The facility has been constructed to significantly improve water quality in the Childers and Woodgate areas and will meet the demands of a growing population into the future.
The $20.4 million plant is not only capable of treating the complex water sourced from the Gregory River, but it also features modern efficiencies like remote access for water treatment staff.
Mayor Jack Dempsey said the new treatment plant was one of the largest local government infrastructure projects to ever be undertaken in the area.
“As a Council, we have invested more in water and wastewater infrastructure than ever before,” Mayor Dempsey said.
“The commissioning of the new Gregory River Water Treatment Plant could not have come at a better time.
“Through good financial management Bundaberg Regional Council was in a position to bring forward this piece of infrastructure without the need of funding from all other levels of government.
“We are progressively improving outdated infrastructure that no longer meets the needs of our vibrant and growing community.
“The delivery of this project, and the investment in the Kalkie Water Treatment Plant where construction is already underway, is testament to that.”
Bundaberg Regional Council Water and Wastewater portfolio spokesperson Cr Jason Bartels said the new plant was a significant investment which delivered first-class water treatment.
“The new Gregory River Water Treatment Plant’s advanced treatment processes has improved the water quality while its increased capacity will future proof the area,” Cr Bartels said.
“This has benefitted the thousands of existing residents in Childers, Woodgate and surrounding areas whose tap water is supplied from the Gregory River.
“As residents would know all too well following continued seasonal events, the old plant experienced high spikes in turbidity after wet weather.
“The upgrade has addressed this issue using modern treatment processes and will increase the plant capacity to cater for population growth to 2040.
“Since its construction the Gregory River Water Treatment Plant has been tested in all seasons and Council is now confident of the water security this investment will deliver to surrounding communities.”
Divisional representative Cr Bill Trevor welcomed the upgrade.
“Residents will rejoice at the news that the new Gregory River Water Treatment Plant is now operational,” Cr Trevor said.
“This new plant has been built from the ground up to provide an advanced and modern level of treatment.
“We are now confident in the reliability of this new treatment plant, no matter the source water quality.”
Gregory River Water Treatment Plant official opening:
What: The official opening of the Gregory Water Treatment Plant will be held on Thursday 20 April at 2 pm.
Where: The turn off to the Gregory River Water Treatment Plant is located on Woodgate Road, about 8.7 km east of the Goodwood and Woodgate Roads intersection (first right after Halls Road if travelling from Goodwood Road).
Follow the road until you reach the treatment plant site.
Both the turnoff and site entry will be indicated by a Council banner.
Attendees are asked to wear closed in shoes.
Due to limited parking availability, RSVP is required by Tuesday 18 April.
RSVP by emailing economic.development@bundaberg.qld.gov.au
