Icon Water in the Australian Capital Territory, and the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council (QPRC) in NSW, are jointly investigating options for future sewage treatment options.
One of the options being considered is a combined regional sewage treatment plant to replace the Queanbeyan Sewage Treatment Plant and the Fyshwick Sewage Treatment Plant situated on Dairy Road.
The investigation is still in early stages, with concept-level designs to be produced to examine the viability of a joint plant as compared to maintaining and upgrading two separate plants.
QPRC Mayor, Tim Overall, said the Queanbeyan Sewage Treatment Plant treats Queanbeyan’s wastewater prior to discharge into the Molonglo River.
“While maintenance and works are regularly undertaken on the treatment plant, the existing plant is nearing the end of its capacity and service life,” Mr Overall said.
“It is important that we investigate long-term options that will ensure the needs of Queanbeyan and nearby ACT region.”
Icon Water Managing Director, John Knox, said the Fyshwick Sewage Treatment Plant treats sewerage for a large population of people from the Majura, Fyshwick, Hume, Jerrabomberra and Narrabundah area.
“Once treated in Fyshwick, wastewater is sent to Canberra’s main sewage treatment plant at Lower Molonglo Water Quality Control Centre (LMWQCC) for further treatment and release to the Molonglo River. The Fyshwick Treatment Plant allows high sewage flows from the eastern-ACT catchment to be temporarily stored and then released in a controlled way, particularly during times of wet weather,” Mr Knox said.
“As it stands, both existing sewage treatment plants will need upgrades to continue to meet the demand of our growing region. We are committed to working together with QPRC to achieve a best for region outcome.”
