Council has agreed to bring forward a major project to install wastewater disinfection.

Rather than waiting until 2023 as set out in the current Long Term Plan, Council has approved that phase two of treatment for the city’s wastewater moves forward to complete it within a shorter timeframe.

The estimated total cost of the project is $24 million, with the fast-track requiring a $3.3 million capital spend over 2019/20.

Last year Council’s Wastewater Management Committee recommended the upgrades be made immediately, stating the proposed timeframe in the LTP was not acceptable.

If the longer LTP timeframe was followed, Council would require a variation in its consent and the WMC indicated it would oppose any variation.

Bringing the major project forward will result in rate increases over the next five years although not exceeding maximum of 5 percent set in our long-term financial strategy.

Council approved to pre-fund a portion of the costs within the 2019/20 annual plan of $100,000 and up to $600,000 in year three of the plan.

It also agreed to review the timing and prioritisation of projects through the 2021-31 LTP.

© Scoop Media