At its February meeting, Council endorsed approximately $3.8 million for major works to allow upgrades to the Howlong Water supply network.
Projects identified will allow works to increase the performance and reliability of the overall network for existing users, and allow some capacity for future growth in Howlong, equating to approximately 300 new connections (or equivalent tenements).
Federation Council Mayor, Cr Pat Bourke said Council was pleased to support the recommendations provided by Council officers.
“I want to firstly stress there are no issues with the current water availability for Howlong users, so there is no need for any concern,” he said.
“This is about ensuring Council does not continually approve future developments, without improving the current network. Council could not continue to approve new development knowing this would mean less and less water supply (pressure/volume) for its existing users, and so unfortunately late last year numerous applications for subdivisions had to be refused.”
Mayor Bourke said the need for major infrastructure works to improve the provision of water infrastructure to service the urban area of Howlong is deemed as urgent.
“Council has been actively working towards identifying works to improve network capacity whilst also strategically planning for future development,” he said. It is critical that this work coincides together.”
Design and tender documentation will now be prepared for:
- A 375 mm rising main from the treatment plant to the Read Street Howlong Water Tower.
- The refurbishment of the existing water tower.
- An additional 2.5 megalitre water tower to be constructed in the Read Street Howlong road reserve.
- A new 375 mm trunk water main to be constructed along Townsend Street Howlong, from Victoria Street to Kennedy Street Howlong.
- For other ancillary works, and a road closure for Read Street between Hawkins Street and Pell Street, and minor modification works to the existing treatment plant.
Mayor Bourke said it is estimated that design and tender documentation will finalised and referred to the budget preparations for 2022/2023, and he is confident that Council will identify funding streams for the 22/23 budget, including likely to be partly from loan borrowings, partially from Council’s water funds held in reserve, and ideally some State Government assistance.
“Council will continue to engage with the community on these projects and notify residents of any works that will affect their water supply for short periods of time whilst works are carried out,” he said.
“More will be known on the timeframe of delivery of these works, once tenders have been awarded for each project, and Council will be working as quickly as it can to ensure this work occurs in a timely manner. Notwithstanding that, this work is still expected to take between 3 to 4 years. Works proposed will not affect the continuity of current water supply and that is something Council would like to reiterate to our residents.”
No development applications proposing to create additional lots, or developments proposing a greater town water usage than a standard house or equivalent tenement, are currently being accepted by the Council Officers, until further assessments of each of the individual proposals are undertaken, to ascertain if the proposed developments can be serviced adequately by Council’s current network. Please consult with Councils planning staff prior to lodging any development application.
Mayor Bourke said Council Officers continue to meet with developers to ensure they are aware of works proposed to address current and future capacity issues.
“Council would like to thank developers and local trades for their patience and understanding,” he said.
“Whilst current water capacity issues have caused some angst for developers, and this is understandable and unfortunate, it is imperative that this work be progressed now as a matter of urgency to allow for future development in a strategic and sustainable manner. This Council does not shy away from making decisions in the longer term interests of our communities.”
