Mildura Rise developers keep innovative service options open
A ‘computer in the road’ and waste-to-fertiliser system could revolutionise how a new 400-lot Central Qld housing estate handles basic services.
Procon Developments Australia is keeping its options open for providing innovative sewerage and road services for its new 400-lot housing estate north of Rockhampton.
The high-tech sustainable solutions include SolarPave roads and a biochar sewerage system which were both flagged during previous presentations to Livingstone Shire Council before development approval last year.
A Procon spokesman this week said the development had other more traditional service options to consider as well as it prepares to start selling the first 112-lot stage of its masterplanned community.
“Rockhampton Regional Council has agreed to service the sewer (and water) needs of Mildura Rise Estate and I can confirm that if we progress with connecting with the Rockhampton Regional Council sewer system, there will be a pump station on the estate,” he said.
“That said, Procon Developments Australia continue to explore innovative and sustainable options for wastewater management.
“Discussions regarding alternative wastewater treatment options are ongoing with Livingstone Shire Council.
“Our approach is to investigate and embed sustainable solutions for our developments with the view of creating liveable, resilient communities for generations to come.“
Procon are also continuing discussions with Livingstone in regards to the SolarPave roads.
“We believe there is significant benefit with regards to this technology and remain committed to delivering innovative energy and water solutions for our developments where possible,” the spokesman said.
SolarPave provides solar energy-generating roads and paved surfaces that it describes as a “computer in the road” that tackles issues such as grid resilience, the growing need for EV charging infrastructure, and increased energy demand in urban areas where land is limited.
The biochar process involves a reticulated sewer throughout the estate bringing human sludge back to processing plants for blasting with extremely high heat, turning the waste into biochar fertiliser. That fertiliser then sells for $1000 a tonne.
Livingstone Shire Council Mayor Adam Belot has previously said that if Procon went down the path of a biochar facility, such a proposal would be thoroughly evaluated by council regarding its suitability.
“It would be assessed on its merits and it would be up to the developer to fund that asset,” Cr Belot said.
Livingstone will also supply potable water to the estate through its large bulk water arrangement with Rockhampton Regional Council and from mid next year via SunWater.
Procon was granted approval by Livingstone on November 19, 2024 to develop the new residential estate at 62626 Bruce Highway at Rockyview, 13km north of Rockhampton.
The estate covers 116 hectares and considered an infill residential estate providing a mix of over 390 lot sizes ranging from 1,000sq m to premium blocks up to 8,000sq m.
There were a number of well-attended protest meetings held prior to the council approval where surrounding estate residents voiced their concern with Mildura Rise going ahead with smaller lots opposed to the larger 4000sq m blocks allowed by the planning scheme.
But Livingstone Shire Council cited the overriding community need to provide more housing as a result of rapid population growth as one of the key reasons behind support for the 400-lot housing estate on rural zoned land.
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