Bundamba Wastewater Treatment Plant has undergone a $30 million upgrade
About 16 million litres of sewage is treated at the Ipswich plant every day and that number will only grow in the coming years.
Ipswich
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A $30 million upgrade to Ipswich’s largest sewage treatment plant has been completed, as Urban Utilities prepares for the expected influx of new residents to the city over the coming years.
The wastewater of more than 133,000 people arrives at the Bundamba plant every day, making it a key to preparing for Ipswich’s booming population.
Urban Utilities delivery manager Vedran Maric said the project involved upgrading several important pieces of infrastructure at the plant including the inlet works where solids are screened out of wastewater.
“The inlet works are a vital part of the treatment process. The upgrade also included raising our critical equipment above the 2011 flood level to protect against future flooding,” he said.
“Around 16 million litres – or six Olympic swimming pools – of wastewater is treated at our Bundamba plant every day so it took a lot of careful planning to ensure the plant remained operational while we completed this significant upgrade.”
The project included the installation of a new 50-tonne switchroom. The prefabricated switchroom was dropped into position with a 350-tonne crane.
Mr Maric said Ipswich businesses were used where possible for the sourcing of materials.
“We spent around $1.2 million at Ipswich businesses on materials alone, with everything from our pipes and concrete to our sand and gravel purchased locally,” he said.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said she was pleased to see Urban Utilities supporting the local economy through the upgrade.
“Major projects like this are important economic drivers for the city as they support development and jobs,” Cr Harding said.
“With approximately 325,000 additional residents set to join Ipswich by 2041, now is the time to invest in our city’s infrastructure.”
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