Recycled water provider sought for Gracetown

29/8/07
The State Government is seeking a recycled water service provider to build, operate and manage a sustainable recycled water system and an associated wastewater system for its new residential development at Gracetown.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan today invited expressions of interest (EOI) from water service providers to be part of the infrastructure solution for Gracetown, which has no reticulated water supply or sewerage system.
"The State Government's LandCorp development at Gracetown will deliver an additional 140 new homesites," Ms MacTiernan said.
"It will also provide a model for the sustainable development of regional towns with similar water infrastructure constraints."
The Minister said the innovative technology received community endorsement in April this year.
"The proposed recycled water system will be the first large-scale residential water system in the State which provides A+ Class recycled water directly into toilets and laundries of individual homes," she said.
"The recycled water system will provide non-drinking water for both the proposed development and the existing townsite to complement individual households' rainwater tank supply. The new system will also provide water for firefighting."
The EOI also seeks the provision of a reticulated sewerage system for the entire town, which will lead to the decommissioning of septic tanks of existing homes at Gracetown. This will restore the quality of the groundwater over time.
It has also been proposed that the planned wastewater treatment plant be powered by a 60kW wind turbine system.
Ms MacTiernan said a range of wind, wave and solar energy options for Gracetown were being investigated in parallel with environmental and heritage studies.
"The provision of a recycled water system is one of a range of sustainability initiatives proposed for Gracetown," she said.
"There is still a way to go and the ultimate infrastructure solutions for Gracetown will be required to pass a number of stringent approvals."
LandCorp's structure plan for the residential development is currently being finalised and is expected to be lodged with the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River later this year.
Expressions of interest (EOI) close at 3pm on Tuesday, October 2.
For further information about the development or the EOI process telephone LandCorp's South-West information line 1300 730 594, email gracetown@landcorp.com.au or visit http://www.landcorp.com.au and select Gracetown using the project finder.
Minister's office - 9213 6400