Coliban Water has submitted a licence application and planning permit for a new sustainable water reclamation plant in Castlemaine.
Subject to approval, these proposed upgrades will include construction of a new water reclamation facility with new solids handling treatment that will sit within the existing boundaries of the 30ac site.
The utility said that these upgrades will aim to utilise best available technologies and techniques for wastewater treatment, maximising benefits for the local community and helping improve long-term water security.
Coliban Water Castlemaine Program Director, Danny Childs, said these submissions were a huge milestone for both the local community and the project.
“This is a crucial step for this once-in-a-generation upgrade. Our application for our Langslow Street site has been years in the making. Even though it might not seem very visible from a public perspective, we’ve been busy behind the scenes preparing for the upgrades by completing detailed investigations.
“This will ensure we design a sustainable, adaptable and robust plant that meets community and environmental needs well into the future,” Mr Childs said.
The Development Licence Application is currently open for public feedback on the Engage Victoria website until 16 December 2024. The planning permit application will be advertised by the Mount Alexander Shire Council in the future.
“We encourage feedback from the community and look forward to progressing this project,” Mr Childs said.
“We’ve carried out environmental assessments around noise, odour, water, biodiversity and habitat considerations. The protection of Campbells Creek, including local wildlife such as platypus and macroinvertebrates, is a key consideration.
“We’ve heard from the community there is strong support to see high-quality treated water continue to be used to support the health of Campbells Creek, and we acknowledge the important role it plays.
“We want to understand all the angles of how this project can affect the community, and the different people and groups that have a strong interest in the upgrades.”
Featured image: Paul Harding 00/shutterstock.com
