One of the most critical projects for the Rockhampton Region’s future, the expansion and renewal of the North Rockhampton Sewage Treatment Plant (NRSTP), has reached 70% completion.
The major concrete structures for a brand-new sewage process train have been finished and are now undergoing extensive testing for water tightness.
Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams said these works form part of the $85 million expansion and renewal project to increase the plant’s current capacity.
“The North Rockhampton Sewage Treatment Plant is currently operating at full capacity which underscores the importance of this project, enabling us to support our future growth on the Northside,” Mayor Williams said.
“The new process train will accommodate an additional 25,000 people, to meet the needs of 75,000 people, as we experience population increases in areas like Parkhurst.
“A project like this is absolutely critical for our Region and we’re glad to see the State Government recognise the necessity of the upgrade through nearly $8.5 million in funding towards the concrete structures for the sewage process train.
“It’s also great to see that our contractor, Haslin Construction Pty Ltd, has sourced the majority of labour and materials locally, which is another big win for the community.”
Rockhampton MP Barry O’Rourke said he was pleased to see the project progressing so well.
“The Palaszczuk Government will always invest in regional Queensland and this project is clear evidence of that.
“$6.46 million from our Works for Queensland fund has helped to make this upgrade and expansion a reality. We know this is going to support our growing region, but it’s also creating jobs, which is critical right now.”
Work has now commenced on the installation of stairs, platforms and bridges to link the new concrete structures which are built on 345 piers that sit up to 29 metres below ground.
Electrical and mechanical installation works are now also underway.
Council’s Water and Environmental Sustainability Councillor Donna Kirkland said the new process train is the first part of the expansion and renewal project.
“Once the brand-new process train is up and running next year, we will then move onto the next stage which involves refurbishing the existing, older process trains that were built in the 1980s,” Cr Kirkland said.
“These original process trains are getting quite old now and require upgrading to continue providing sewage treatment for our existing population.
“There are a lot of moving parts in this project but everything is on track, with the whole process expected to be finalised in 2025.”
In addition to the increased capacity of the plant, the new and upgraded process trains will also have positive environmental benefits.
“By upgrading our process trains we will be able to treat our wastewater to a higher standard, which is a fantastic outcome,” Cr Kirkland said.
“The new systems will also mean that the process of treating sewage is more effective and energy efficient.
“This project will have an impact for decades to come, which is why we are so thankful to have the support of the State Government through the Works for Queensland funding.”
Council was successful in receiving $6.46 million in the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland grant and a further $2 million through Building Our Regions.
