A $5.5 million upgrade to the Thorneside Wastewater Treatment Plant and its connecting sewerage network has received a major boost with the State Government contributing more than $2.7 million towards the project.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council had received funding through the 2016-17 Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program towards upgrading crucial community infrastructure.
“The Thorneside Wastewater Treatment Plant currently services a population of more than 40,000 people across Thorneside, Birkdale, Ormiston and Wellington Point, with the upgrade designed to cater for expected growth in this catchment area,” she said.
“Scheduled for completion in October 2017, this major upgrade will replace equipment that has reached the end of its serviceable life, ensuring the system meets expected service standards as our city grows while minimising ongoing maintenance costs.
“Works include a new inlet structure designed with the latest screening and grit removal technology, an emergency overflow system to protect the plant from high stormwater inflows, and an upgrade of the odour control system, which is welcome news for those who use the nearby railway station.”
Birkdale North and Thorneside Councillor Paul Bishop said the screening and grit removal systems at the inlet of the plant would be replaced with contemporary fine band screens and a vortex grit removal system.
“The inlet structure is the first stage of the wastewater treatment process, removing large, non-degradable material like cotton buds, wet wipes and toys, which can cause blockages, damage equipment and affect the water quality of Tingalpa Creek and Waterloo Bay if they are not removed,” Cr Bishop said.
“I would urge residents to think carefully about what gets flushed down the loo. Only human waste and toilet paper, please. We all have a part to play.”
Ormiston and Wellington Point Councillor Wendy Boglary said a 30-year-old pump station at EGW Wood Sportsground would be replaced as part of the project and a 500-metre pressure main constructed from the pump station to the intersection of Badgen Road.
“Work on the pump station at 347 Birkdale Road and pressure main will start early in the new year and is expected to take seven months to complete. Council does not expect any interruption to services during this period,” Cr Boglary said.
The Thorneside Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade is a joint initiative of Redland City Council and the State Government.
Visit www.redland.qld.gov.au/water-infrastructure-projects for more about water infrastructure upgrades in the Redlands.