Kyogle is on the path to improved sewerage infrastructure and better protection for the environment, with the next stage of investigative works for a new high-tech wastewater treatment plant underway.
This next stage of development will help lay the groundwork for future upgrades, delivering concept designs and detailed site investigations by the end of this year. This has been funded thanks to $379,500 from the NSW government and $125,500 from Kyogle Council.
The existing Kyogle Sewage Treatment Plant was constructed in 1957, with only minor upgrades in the 1990s and 2000s. The ageing infrastructure is struggling to treat wastewater efficiently in line with environmental standards for effluent discharge needed to protect this iconic region.
The NSW government and Kyogle Council have now joined forces to progress the next stage of investigative work, which will enable the new plant to be shovel ready when funding is secured at a later date.
This builds on $225,000 funding from the NSW government’s Safe and Secure Program and $75,000 from Kyogle Council for the early development phase of the project in 2022.
Best outcome for community
Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said, ‘Kyogle is a gateway to the Border Ranges and Toonumbar National Parks so it’s crucial we have the best possible environmental protections in place including ensuring local sewerage infrastructure, which services over 2500 people, is up to scratch.
‘While this upgrade is still in the design phase it’s important that we dot the ‘I’s and cross the ‘T’s to enable the most informed investment decision down the track and get the best outcome for the community,’ she said.
‘The NSW government will continue working closely with council to get these concept designs and detailed specifications done which will give us a clearer idea of what a new sewage treatment plant could look like and how much it would cost.’
Mayor of Kyogle Council Cr Danielle Mulholland said, ‘Treated effluent is already recycled into our region through agricultural irrigation, and some of that also makes its way to the Richmond River which is why it’s vital that our wastewater treatment process remains at a really high standard.
‘We know the sewage plant will eventually need to be replaced which is why we’re busy preparing and doing our homework now so we’re ready to hit go on construction when the time comes.’
To learn more about the Safe and Secure Water Program, visit: https://water.dpie.nsw.gov.au/our-work/water-infrastructure-nsw/grants-and-funding/safe-and-secure-water-program.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
