Onkaparinga Council to keep wastewater assets, ditches privatisation

Onkaparinga Council has made a decision on privatising its wastewater scheme – after ratepayers fought for years to stop it going ahead.

The City of Onkaparinga will continue to own and operate its water assets after years of pleading from locals.

Since 2018, Onkaparinga Council has been toying with the idea to either sell off their Community Waste Water Scheme (CWMS) or to find a different management model and continue council ownership.

The proposal sparked fierce community backlash from ratepayers fearing a spike in water and sewage costs.

Following an extensive strategic review that explored potential divestment, Onkaparinga Council CEO Phu Nguyen said elected members had determined to retain the water assets, explore opportunities to improve the operations and financial sustainability of the assets, and develop an advocacy plan.

“This was a lengthy, detailed and comprehensive review that has enabled the council to make a fully informed decision on the ownership of council’s water assets,” he said.

“It balanced community feedback alongside key principles that guided the process. “Importantly, it provides a clear decision and direction to move forward.”

Mr Nguyen said the key principles that guided the process included financial value, service levels, cost to the community, risk, environment and water security.

“Throughout these engagements, it was clear there was strong community desire for the assets to remain in the council’s ownership, which contributed to the elected members’ decision,” he said.

“There is, however, significant investment required to ensure these water assets can provide the services our communities need into the future.”

The CWMS disposes wastewater from about 4500 households and businesses in Willunga, McLaren Vale, McLaren Flat, Clarendon, Maslin Beach, Morphett Vale and Sellicks Beach.

Some of the sewage is treated at wastewater treatment plants the council owns at Sellicks Beach and Willunga, before being disposed to the Willunga Basin Water Company for reuse.

Sewage collected in Morphett Vale, Clarendon and Maslin Beach is deposited directly into the SA Water sewer system.

Just last year, locals called the exploration “mind boggling” and “out of touch” as they petitioned to keep the assets as is.

In 2018, the council agreed to spend at least $140,000 to explore privatising the CWMS and water business, which collects recycled water and stormwater to be used at parks, sporting clubs and schools.

It came despite 82 per cent of the 496 people who responded to community consultation on the possible sale being against it.

Then in 2022, a community survey was opened up again to residents of the area seeking their feedback – more than 700 residents signed a petition condemning the proposal, fearing.

Further reports will be presented to council next year outlining opportunities to improve the financial sustainability of the water assets.