$5m sewage upgrade to serve Yeppoon for the future

Mrs Lauga said the $5M in funding from the Queensland Government’s Building Our Regions programme has lifted the plant into the future and vastly improved its effectiveness.

“Yeppoon Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade project will support the Queensland Government’s Reef 2050 Plan by delivering water quality outcomes and enhanced recycling.

“This project will provide the highest level of effluent treatment to deliver water quality outcomes to both maximise reuse and to meet the imperative of the Reef 2050 Plan.

“It will support future population growth and provide for treatment from current 21,000 equivalent persons (EP) to 31,000 EP.”

Mrs Lauga said as well as supporting population growth, the plant will provide a connection to sewage for new proposed industrial and retail sites that have the potential to provide an additional 300 jobs over a 10-year period.

The unveiling today of the plant upgrade included Livingstone Mayor Bill Ludwig, and Downer Water Services General Manager for NSW and Vic Manish Pancholi, and the trio discussed discuss the construction and technology behind the project.

Mayor Bill Ludwig said this major project demonstrated the positive outcomes that can be achieved for the community when levels of government work in partnership with one another.

“Council would like to commend the Queensland Government and Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga for their funding contribution towards this vital infrastructure, that now has the capacity to allow for current and future population growth,” Mayor Ludwig said.

“This upgrade has expanded the plant’s capacity, taking the current treatment capacity from approximately 21,000 people to 31,000 people and also allows for a second stage to be added later, dependent on growth and need.

“The plant employs state-of-the-art ultrafiltration membrane technology to guarantee the treated water produced by the plant can be used for a greater range of applications.

“‘The upgraded plant will produce an improved quality of effluent that can be re-used for irrigation and beautification of sporting ovals, Council parks and road medians to enhance the attractiveness and liveability of the Livingstone community for local residents and visitors alike.

“A state-of-the-art odour control facility has been installed as part of the plant augmentation to prevent undesirable odours emanating from the plant,” Mayor Ludwig said.

Trevor Cohen, Executive General Manager, Downer Utilities said: “Downer was pleased to partner with Livingstone Shire Council and the Queensland Government in delivering the Yeppoon Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade that will significantly benefit the local community for many years to come.

“The upgraded plant has better sustainability credentials and its capacity has increased by about 50 per cent - with further capability built-in for future growth.”

“The Yeppoon Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade demonstrates Downer’s ability to bring world-leading insights and solutions that deliver cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and reliability for our customers and the communities we live in.”