A major upgrade to Crescent Head's only wastewater treatment plant has been completed, strengthening essential infrastructure for the Crescent Head community.
Kempsey Shire Council has replaced key components of the ageing wastewater treatment plant to ensure continued service reliability by delivering a modern, durable infrastructure to meet current and future demands.
Kempsey Shire Council Mayor, Kinne Ring, said this treatment plant is a critical piece of infrastructure in Crescent Head.
"Ensuring that wastewater treatment for Crescent Head remains safe, efficient and operational is absolutely essential to support both current and future growth," said Mayor Ring.
"The Macleay Valley Coast welcomes more than 529,000 visitors each year with Crescent Head being a key destination. During peak holiday periods, Crescent Head's population swells considerably, highlighting the importance of the town's infrastructure in supporting both residents and seasonal visitors. The upgrades mean we can continue to meet the community's needs while also strengthening environmental protections."
The project included the replacement of two large aerators and the installation of a new stainless steel pipework decanter within one of the tanks. Electrical systems and several pumps were also upgraded, improving the plant's overall performance and reliability.
Kempsey Shire Council's Director Utilities, Wes Trotter, explained the importance of these upgrades.
"The previous aerator equipment was showing significant signs of corrosion with some components having reached the end of their usable life, which posed both a mechanical and environmental risk," said Mr Trotter.
"It was crucial that nothing compromised the operation of the plant, so replacing this equipment with more modern, corrosion-resistant technology was a priority."
Because the plant services the entire Crescent Head community, careful planning and logistics were key to ensuring minimal disruption. Shutdown periods were kept as short as possible to maintain continuous wastewater treatment operations.
The Crescent Head upgrade was supported by $1.4 million from the NSW Government to help deliver infrastructure and open space projects to support new housing.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the sewer treatment upgrade would support housing growth in the Kempsey Shire.
"Investing in wastewater treatment plants is an essential step in providing the public infrastructure needed to unlock new housing in regional areas," Mr Scully said.
"We're helping fast-track construction and make sure communities like Crescent Head are ready for sustainable growth."
Crescent Head is an economically significant location for the Macleay Valley region, with tourism and hospitality services contributing considerably to the local economy. Continued visitor attraction is reliant on having critical infrastructure for water and sewer services that can meet the needs of a growing community of both permanent residents and visitors.
The project is part of Kempsey Shire Council's broader Water and Sewer Program of Works, a once-in-a-generation investment in the Shire's essential service infrastructure.
