Donnybrook will benefit from planned wastewater treatment plant

9/11/99
Donnybrook can expect major benefits to health, the environment and the local economy from a planned wastewater treatment plant and infill sewerage program, Water Resources Minister Hon. Dr Kim Hames said today.
Dr Hames said the environmental clearances had been received and work was expected to start early next year on a wastewater treatment plant to be built approximately six kilometres west of Donnybrook.
The plant would abut the State Forest and the rural vista from the South West Highway would be preserved.
"The total value of the project will exceed eight million dollars over five years, with some four million expected to be spent in the first two years," Dr Hames said.
"The treatment plant and pumping stations have been designed to cater for future business and residential expansion and population growth in Donnybrook.
"Initially, the plant will service 110 lots in the central business area of Donnybrook and 90 residential lots. The first reticulated sewerage connections will be provided to properties in an area bounded by Bentley, Yelverton and Reserve Streets, on the Western side of SW Highway, and from the 'Anchor & Hope Inn' to Carey Street on the Eastern side of SW Highway.
"Subsequent connections will be to 140 residential lots bounded by Bentley, Mead, Marmion and Collins Streets.
"The remaining residential areas will also be serviced so that eventually most residents will be able to connect to sewerage.
"The project has been the subject of a comprehensive environmental impact study by consulting engineers GHD Pty Ltd, on behalf of the Water Corporation. It will have long term benefits for the Preston River environment and groundwater in the area.
"The use of septic tanks produces an unacceptable risk of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus leaching into waterways and contributing to algae build-up.
"Reticulated sewerage will help maintain a healthy ecosystem for present and future generations to enjoy."
Dr Hames said the Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup had been consulted throughout the planning process and had been most co-operative in bringing the project to its present stage.
The contract for the reticulation, pumping stations and pressure mains has recently been awarded to Ertech Pty Ltd, and work on site would start towards the end of November 1999.
The Minister said he expected tenders, for the wastewater treatment plant, would be advertised by the end of November 1999 and work to start by the end of January 2000.
The wastewater treatment plant would be built as far back from the South West Highway as possible and initially there would be three pumping stations.
One would be located off South Western Highway near Trigwell Park, and another in Reserve Street. The third pumping station is located within the wastewater treatment plant site.
Dr Hames said the project was part of the State Government's 10-year, $800 million infill sewerage program.
"It's a massive project and will take time to complete," he said.
"However, when it is finished and businesses and householders can connect up to the reticulated system, there will be great benefits for public health and the environment.
"I also expect local employment and business will receive a substantial boost from the work associated with the building of the wastewater plant, the pumping stations and the infill sewerage work."
Media contact: Caroline Lacy 9424 7450