More infill sewerage projects for Geraldton

6/3/00
Geraldton's steady conversion to reticulated sewerage is set to continue this year with two projects due to begin in March and another even larger project planned for April.
Water Resources Minister Dr Kim Hames said the on-going work demonstrated the State Government's strong commitment to replacing septic tanks in many Geraldton suburbs.
"Geraldton was one of our top regional priorities at the start of the $800 million Infill Sewerage Program five years ago because of its heavy reliance on septic tanks, in the order of 75 per cent of the town, " Dr Hames said.
"Since then many householders have been given the opportunity to connect to sewerage and the word is spreading its advantages over the old septic systems.
"The system is virtually maintenance-free, people no longer have embarrassing and unpleasant blockages and there is no doubt land values have improved with the new infrastructure."
The new projects will extend the reticulated network further into the northern suburb of Spalding and Mahomets Flats and Tarcoola to the south. The third project is scheduled to begin in April in the Beachlands area.
Geraldton companies have won construction and supervision contracts for the two current projects.
Central Earthmoving will begin construction work at Spalding in early March to offer connection to 67 properties bounded by Flores Road, Bedford Street, Mitchell Street and North West Coastal Highway. The project will also include a pressure main and a pump station located in Craig Court.
Engineering consultants Connell Wagner will supervise the $700,000 contract on behalf of the Water Corporation.
Dr Hames said the project would also provide vital protection to the nearby Chapman River.
"We have all seen the damage nutrients, mostly from fertilisers, can do to our waterways with the recent closure of the Swan River," he said.
"That event was a direct result of excess nutrients being scoured out of catchments by heavy rains and dumped into the waterways.
" So it's essential we do everything we can to cut off phosphorus and nitrogen flows into the Chapman River as well and that includes replacing septic tanks.
"Septic tanks and leach drains can allow nutrient rich liquid to find its way into our waterways giving the potential of boosting algae growth and harming birds and fish."
An early March start is planned for the Tarcoola/Mahomets Flats project to offer connection to 239 properties. Brand Highway, Willcock Drive, McAleer Drive and Glendinning Road mainly bound the $1.1 million project.
Geraldton Plumbing Co will carry out construction of gravity sewers with Connell Wagner again supervising the contract.
Dr Hames urged all property owners in both areas to connect to the system as quickly as possible.
People wanting more information can contact Water Corporation Project Manager Craig Boyce on 9420 2271.
Media contacts: Caroline Lacy 9424 7450
Water Corporation: Phil Kneebone 9420 2420