Construction for the South Coast and Southern Highlands sewerage service upgrades have commenced, after the New South Wales Government granted $9.6 million in funding.
The investment from the New South Wales Government includes $3 million to link 57 houses in Akolele to the Bermagui Sewage Treatment Plant, co-funded by the State Government and Eurobodalla Shire Council, and $6.6 million to help Wingecarribee Shire Council deliver a $47.7 million wastewater upgrade for Bowral, which will increase capacity by nearly 50 per cent.
Connecting Akolele to the Bermagui Sewage Treatment is expected to be completed before Christmas, while the upgrade to Wingecarribee Shires wastewater treatment plant is due for completion in late 2025.
New South Wales Minister for Water, Rose Jackson, said both Akolele and Bowral had been relying on ageing infrastructure which needs to be upgraded so the communities can continue to grow.
“The South Coast and Southern Highlands are popular locations to live and visit and this investment will ensure they have the infrastructure needed to continue to provide safe and reliable wastewater services.
“Akolele is the only village on the stunning Wallaga Lake without access to modern sewerage services, so getting this work done in the lead up to the busy Christmas period is a top priority.
“The new sewage scheme in Akolele will mean residents no longer have to depend on private septic tanks which are expensive to maintain,” Ms Jackson said.
Eurobodalla Shire Mayor, Mathew Hatcher, said, “We know septic systems will always be part of the mix, particularly in rural areas, but many people don’t have suitable space or soil and they run the risk of tank failure, leading to contamination of environmentally sensitive areas.
“The investment is vital in helping us improve the protection of our beautiful landscape and will deliver up to ten full time and part time jobs during the build.”
Featured image: A wastewater treatment plant that will undergo upgrades. Image courtesy of New South Wales Government.
