Rodney Stevens
Clarence Valley Council will commence the planning approval process to construct a water filtration plant at the Rushforth Road Water Treatment Plant following unanimous support from councillors at the February meeting.
The news follows February’s Level Four severe water restrictions, which were implemented by council when high turbidity levels in the Nymboida River prevented the extraction of water for drinking.
Council consulted Beca H2O to prepare a masterplan for the Rushforth Road Water Treatment Plant (RRWTP) site.
The masterplan details the replacement of the existing 32 megalitre reservoir, which is included in councils 2022/2023 Operational Plan and for future construction of filtration.
The aim of the masterplan was to allow the 32 megalitre reservoir to be replaced without impacting future construction of the filtration plant.
Council business papers showed the budget implications of the project, with Stage one, the replacement of the existing reservoir, estimated by the masterplan to cost $14.7 million plus or minus 30 per-cent, and Stage 2, the construction of the filtration plant estimated to cost $63.8 million plus or minus 30 per-cent.
Cr Allison Whaites moved, and Cr Debrah Novak seconded the motion that council:
- Notes the Rushforth Road Water Treatment Plant Masterplan.
- Commence the planning approval process for future construction of a filtration plant by calling open tenders to undertake an Environmental Impact Statement.
The motion was carried unanimously.