Report predicts sewerage infrastructure spend
Date published: 25 October 2016
Townsville City Council today accepted a report outlining a potential spend of almost $8.8m over the next 10 years to ensure sewer systems in a number of identified inner suburbs keep pace with growth.
The report includes a performance assessment of the current system and projects growth in the suburbs of Pallarenda, Mount Louisa, Cranbrook and Heatley as well as the commercial and industrial network of Bohle, Garbutt and Mt St John.
The report identifies sewerage infrastructure currently in use within the study area and the requirements to service future development as well as upgrades to existing infrastructure.
Water and Waste Committee chairman Cr Paul Jacob said the growth modelling and projected infrastructure requirements were vital to ensure the city’s sewer systems were kept to a high standard.
Any capital works spends would need to be ratified through future budgets however, partial funding would be recoverable through infrastructure charges and developer contributions.
“Council must always maintain an eye on the future and our spending in this area ensures services and facilities will be available as required and that the impact of growth contributes to the sustainability of the community,” Cr Jacob said.
“Reports such as this one are a requirement by the Department of Energy and Water Supply (DEWS) and take into account future expansion as projected in the Townsville City Plan as well as developer interest.
“As the population grows, there will be demand for new infrastructure, new services, new facilities and new industries. Planning for this is a priority if our city is to cope with future demand.
“Our city continues to grow rapidly and while sewerage infrastructure and needs is not the most glamorous topic, it is an essential one for a healthy, functioning community.”
A breakdown of the projected spend over the next 10 years is as follows:
* Capital works of $7.87m including $600,000 in pump station upgrade works
* $900,000 for the replacement and renewal of pumps, rising mains and old sewer lines
