With the population rising in the Margaret River region, the Western Australian Government has started work on $20.4 million upgrades to the Margaret River Wastewater Treatment Plant to meet water demand.
The upgrade will ensure the plant can safely and efficiently treat increasing volumes of wastewater into the future and will comprise of new treatment equipment, tanks and an additional storage pond.
Construction is expected to be completed by December 2019. The plant, which is 2.5km north-east of the town centre on Long Road, was constructed in 2001.
About 20 Western Australian workers will be involved in the project and local companies will be subcontracted to complete the work.
“Wastewater is 99.97 per cent water as it comes mostly from showers, baths and washing machines,” State Water Minister, Dave Kelly, said.
“Following treatment, 80 per cent of the water exiting the plant is re-used to irrigate a Government-owned woodlot and public open space in the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River.
“Given the south-west corner of Western Australia is one of the places on the planet most impacted by climate change, it is important we find safe and reliable alternatives such as this to support the water needs of our community.
“It’s great to see such a large project take advantage of local resources and the local workforce.”
