A major water and sewer upgrade that will take 160 residents in a small Queensland community off rainwater and septic tanks is progressing.
Nelligen Water Supply and Sewerage Scheme will connect properties in the South Coast village to modern water supply and sewerage services for the first time, with funding from Eurobodalla Shire Council and the support of $3.5 million from the NSW Government’s Safe and Secure Water Program.
Two new 880kL reservoirs have been completed and a contract has been awarded to build a high-quality water reticulation and pressure sewerage system as part of the project.
Experienced company Ledonne Constructions will undertake the construction of the local water and sewerage reticulation network, after winning a competitive tendering process.
Up to 30 full-time and part-time equivalent jobs are being created by the project, which is due to be completed by December 2024.
It follows on from the Akolele Sewerage Scheme switching on in time for Christmas to connect 57 properties to the Bermagui Sewage Treatment Plant thanks to $762,000 from the NSW Government and $2.3 million from Eurobodalla Shire Council.
Akolele is also the last village around Wallaga Lake to be linked to the Bermagui sewerage system, bringing first-rate sewerage services to the entire area.
Eurobodalla Shire Mayor, Mathew Hatcher, said, “Water is our most precious resource so delivering a more secure and reliable supply to Nelligen households that helps reduce dependence on rainwater tanks and water carting during dry times, as well as boosting firefighting capability makes sense on all fronts.
Mr Hatcher said that the sewerage upgrades for both towns will also assist in protecting the beautiful local environment from the risk of contamination because having fewer septic tanks reduces the likelihood of system failures.
Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland, said that the South Coast is one of the fastest growing regions in the state and that the New South Wales Government wants to ensure smaller communities such as Nelligen and Akolele are equipped with the best possible infrastructure to encourage people to live there and stay longer.
“Collecting and storing enough rainwater can be hard, especially with another El Niño upon us and in a changing climate. We also know many properties in this area don’t have suitable space or proper soil for their own on-site sewage disposal.”
Mr Holland said that now Akolele has a modern sewerage system in place, the state government is working on achieving the same outcome for Nelligen as well as delivering high quality, potable water straight to the taps of residents and businesses.
“Investing in these services and utilities not only builds thriving communities but it provides a much-needed boost to the local economy thanks to the jobs created and flow on effects throughout the region.”
Featured image: Eurobodalla water project taking shape. Image credit: New South Wales Government.
