Kempsey Shire Council has reached a major milestone in delivering the Stuarts Point Sewerage Scheme, awarding the contract for the design and construction of the new Stuarts Point Wastewater Treatment Plant.
At its June Ordinary Meeting, Council accepted the tender from Haslin Constructions Pty Limited, valued at $51.28 million, marking the transition from planning into delivery for one of the Shire's largest infrastructure projects.
The new wastewater treatment plant is a key component of the Stuarts Point Sewerage Scheme, which will provide a modern sewerage system for Stuarts Point, Fishermans Reach and Grassy Head. Once complete, the scheme will replace ageing on-site septic systems with a modern pressure sewer network and wastewater treatment facility, improving environmental outcomes, protecting public health and supporting the long-term sustainability of the region.
The project is funded by the Australian Government Housing Support Program, the NSW Government Safe and Secure Water Program and Kempsey Shire Council.
Mayor Kinne Ring said the contract award was a significant milestone for the community after years of planning, investigation and consultation.
"This is a once-in-a-generation investment in essential infrastructure for these Lower Macleay communities and an important step towards delivering a modern sewerage system that will serve our communities for decades to come," Mayor Ring said.
"This project will deliver lasting environmental and public health benefits while supporting the future of Stuarts Point, Fishermans Reach and Grassy Head. We're pleased to be moving into the next phase."
Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Senior Grants Manager, Kirsty Fenton said it was a significant milestone for the communities of Stuarts Point, Fishermans Reach and Grassy Head.
"Access to modern and reliable wastewater infrastructure is essential for supporting healthy, sustainable communities, and this project will deliver long-term benefits for local residents.
"By improving environmental outcomes, protecting public health and helping safeguard the region's waterways, the scheme represents an important investment in the future of the Macleay Valley," Ms Fenton said.
Director Utilities, Wes Trotter, said the contract award demonstrated Council's commitment to delivering reliable and sustainable wastewater infrastructure for the community.
"The new wastewater treatment plant is a critical piece of infrastructure that will provide a reliable, modern sewerage service while significantly reducing the environmental risks associated with ageing on-site septic systems," Mr Trotter said.
"Awarding the contract allows us to work closely with Haslin Constructions to progress the detailed design as the project moves through the final stages of the approvals process. Throughout delivery, Council will continue to engage with affected landowners and keep the community informed about upcoming works, property connections and project milestones."
The contract award follows the submission of the project's Response to Submissions report to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure. While the Department completes its assessment of the project, Council will progress detailed design activities to ensure the project is ready to move into construction once all necessary approvals are in place.
The Stuarts Point Sewerage Scheme has been shaped through extensive technical investigations, environmental assessments and consultation with government agencies, Traditional Owners, landowners and the local community to ensure the project delivers long-term environmental, community and public health benefits.
Over the coming months, Haslin Constructions will commence detailed design activities, with construction of the wastewater treatment plant to follow once the necessary approvals are in place. Construction of the pressure sewer network and property connections will then be undertaken as the project progresses, with Council continuing to provide regular updates to the community throughout delivery.
The Stuarts Point Sewerage Scheme forms part of Kempsey Shire Council's mulit-million dollar investment in water, sewer and waste infrastructure, helping to protect the region's waterways while providing reliable essential services to support the community for generations to come.
