Margaret River Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrades to cater for growth

• Construction has begun on a $20.4 million upgrade to Margaret River's Wastewater Treatment Plant

• Upgrade will double the capacity of the plant to produce three million litres per day

• The State Government, through the Water Corporation, plans to invest $59.8 million in water and wastewater infrastructure in the South-West region in 2018-19

The State Government has started work on a $20.4 million project to upgrade the Margaret River Wastewater Treatment Plant, comprising of new treatment equipment, tanks and an additional storage pond.

The upgrade will ensure the plant can safely and efficiently treat increasing volumes of wastewater into the future, as the population in the region continues to grow. No significant impacts to the community are expected during the works.

Construction is expected to be completed by December 2019. The plant, which is 2.5 kilometres north-east of the town centre on Long Road, was constructed in 2001.

About 20 Western Australian workers will be involved in the project and local companies will be subcontracted to complete the work.

More information is available at http://www.watercorporation.com.au/MargaretRiverWWTP

Comments attributed to Water Minister Dave Kelly:

"Wastewater is 99.97 per cent water as it comes mostly from showers, baths and washing machines.

"Following treatment, 80 per cent of the water exiting the plant is re-used to irrigate a Government-owned woodlot and public open space in the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River.

"Given the south-west corner of Western Australia is one of the places on the planet most impacted by climate change, it is important we find safe and reliable alternatives such as this to support the water needs of our community.

"It's great to see such a large project take advantage of local resources and the local workforce."