The Valley's long wait for a sewerage facility nearly at an end
1 Oct 11
Residents of Kangaroo Valley are to benefit from the NSW Government’s decision to award funding toward the construction of the long-awaited Kangaroo Valley sewerage scheme, Minister for Primary Industries, Katrina Hodgkinson, has announced.
Katrina Hodgkinson confirmed the NSW Government would provide a total of $11.1 million to ensure these important works can take place, with $5 million being provided under the Country Towns Water Supply and Sewerage Program and $6.1 million under the Sydney Catchment Authority’s Accelerated Sewerage Program.
“The new sewerage scheme will replace the existing on-site sewerage systems that have the potential to pose both human and environmental health risks,” Ms Hodgkinson said.
“The project will also incorporate effluent recycling, which not only benefits the environment, but enables productive use of reclaimed water by irrigation on adjacent agricultural land.”
Ms Hodgkinson said the project’s total estimated cost is approximately $16 million and it is scheduled to be completed by mid-2012.
Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward, welcomed the announcement saying it was a great win for the local community.
“This is fantastic news for local residents and highlights that the NSW Government is committed to helping councils and water authorities to deliver reliable, affordable and sustainable water and sewerage supplies to local communities,” Mr Ward said.
Shoalhaven City Council has recently awarded contracts for construction of the works.
“Supporting Shoalhaven City Council on this important undertaking will provide a modern sewerage system that not only protects public health, but sustainable environmental outcomes by safeguarding the health of the Sydney drinking water catchment,” he said.
“Having campaigned as a Shoalhaven City Councillor for improvements to sewerage in Kangaroo Valley, I'm delighted to have been part of the lobbying effort that will see these necessary improvements become a reality for Kangaroo Valley residents,” Mr Ward said.
More information on the Country Towns Water Supply and Sewerage Program is available at the NSW Office of Water’s website - www.water.nsw.gov.au