Help shape our future sewage treatment network

Fraser Coast residents are being encouraged to help shape the future of Hervey Bay’s sewage treatment network by getting involved in community consultation activities this month.

Deputy Mayor Darren Everard said with the Fraser Coast’s population forecast to grow significantly over the next two decades, sewage treatment plant upgrades will be needed.

“The current sewage treatment and recycled water management system is not sufficient to sustain the increased population,” he said.

“Wide Bay Water has done a lot of work exploring options to increase the capacity of our sewage treatment plants, and we’re seeking feedback from the community so Council can consider the best approach for the future.

“The consultation activities will also explore new opportunities for recycling water to add to the current expansive irrigation program with turf farms, cane fields and hardwood forests.”

Cr Everard said there was a range of different ways the community, businesses and other stakeholders could get involved over the next few weeks.

“Council has information on our website which includes online mapping of where the current sewage treatment plants are located and opportunities for feedback, while feedback forms will also be available at customer service centres and libraries in Hervey Bay and Maryborough,” he said.

“There will be information stalls at the Urangan Pier Park Markets on Saturday 21 September from 7am to 1pm and the Koala Markets at Urangan on Sunday 22 September from 6am to 12 noon.

“Three community workshops will be held at the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre in Pialba where residents can come along to find out more about the sewage treatment plant upgrade options. 

“These workshops will be run on Tuesday 24 September from 6.30pm to 9.30pm as well as Thursday 26 September from 9am to 12 noon and 1pm to 4pm.

“In addition, we’ll be hosting half-day educational site tours on 23, 24 and 25 September for residents wanting to know more about the Hervey Bay sewage treatment network.

“Following analysis of the community consultation, Council is expected to make a decision in coming months on how best to increase capacity of our sewage treatment plants to cater for future growth.”