Govt to pump $17.6m into wastewater plant upgrade

Upgrades to ensure Albany’s wastewater treatment plant’s reliability and accommodate population growth in the region will begin later this month and are expected to take about a year to complete.

The State Government is funding the $17.6 million upgrades to the Timewell Road facility, with most of the work to be confined to the wastewater treatment plant site. The Government has said water and wastewater services in the area will not be disrupted during the works.

Water Minister Dave Kelly said the treated wastewater would continue to be reused by the Water Corporation during and after the upgrade to irrigate a nearby tree farm — an environmentally friendly way to manage the disposal of Albany’s wastewater.

He said the 400ha tree farm was made up of blue gums, which were sold as wood chips.

“The contract for the project was awarded to Guidera O’Connor, with up to 12 of its employees to take part in the upgrade,” he said.

“The expertise of local subcontractors from Albany, Capel and Bunbury will also be used as part of the project.”