Work begins on construction of wastewater project

EXCAVATORS have scooped out the first bucket loads of earth associated with the construction of the $92 million Rubyanna Wastewater Treatment Plant project.

EXCAVATORS have scooped out the first bucket loads of earth associated with the construction of the $92 million Rubyanna Wastewater Treatment Plant project, the largest infrastructure project ever undertaken by Bundaberg Regional Council.

Bundaberg Mayor Mal Forman said the initial contract work, valued at $7.4 million involved the construction of a 5.4 kilometre 600mm diameter pressure pipeline that will connect the East Bundaberg Wastewater Treatment Plant with the Rubyanna facility.

"The second pipeline, a 2.7 kilometre long 1200mm diameter outlet pipeline to transfer treated effluent will be constructed from the Rubyanna site to the Burnett River. Both pipelines will be constructed in tandem by Hall Contracting.

Cr Forman said the construction phase was anticipated to be completed around the end of May if inclement weather did not interfere.

"Generally, there should be minimal impact to local residents during construction but where there is an impact we will certainly be working with residents to minimise any inconvenience.

"This is the commencement of significant infrastructure for Bundaberg and with the awarding of this latest contract, we have invested about $11.4 million to date which includes the site purchase and planning and design costs of the pipeline.

"The Rubyanna facility will replace aged infrastructure and cater to future population growth, generate employment during construction and address current and future environmental performance requirements," Cr Forman said.

"The new regional treatment plant will unlock sustainable development for the Coral Coast, Bundaberg City and Port of Bundaberg."

Cr Forman said once the Rubyanna plant was constructed at the end of 2017 the current East Bundaberg facility would be decommissioned.

Council's Water and Wastewater portfolio spokesperson Cr Alan Bush said the project was the most exciting undertaken by Council and offered flood immunity for provision of sewerage services for a population of 50,000 (or equivalent persons) in stage one.

Cr Bush said awarding the contract for the treatment plant would be an involved process.

"For the first time, council is awarding a contract with the successful tenderer to design, construct, operate and maintain the facility."

He said that while contracts associated with the construction of the Rubyanna treatment plant may be awarded this year it was likely construction will not commence until early 2016.