Wiluna's wastewater problems to be fixed

6/7/06
Water Resources Minister John Kobelke announced today the Carpenter Government would spend $4.2million to move the wastewater treatment ponds in Wiluna away from the town.
Construction of a single pond to replace the three currently located in the town, is due to start in September. The new pond is expected to be operating by June 2007.
"I have been working to resolve this issue with the Water Corporation, which will now be taking over the scheme from the shire and replacing the existing ponds with a single pond about one kilometre south of the town boundary," Mr Kobelke said.
"I have been mindful of the health risk the current ponds pose for school children and local residents, because they are located within 100m of homes and cause odour and mosquito problems."
The current system treats septic tank effluent from 40 properties in Wiluna, delivering the treated wastewater to three evaporation ponds around the town. This system is owned, operated and maintained by the various users with assistance from the Shire of Wiluna.
Professor Mike Daube, president of the Public Health Association, said the decision was a great result, which would resolve a public health problem for the community of Wiluna.
"This will bring real health benefits to the people of Wiluna," Professor Daube said.
Minister's office: (08) 9222 9211