New South Wales Member for Orange Andrew Gee

Ground Broken On New Water And Sewage System For Parkes

Victor P Taffa

Two of Parkes Shire Council’s major projects, the new Water Treatment Plant (WTP) and Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) have commenced construction with a ground breaking ceremony conducted on April 19.

State Member for Orange, Mr. Andrew Gee and Mayor of Parkes Shire, Cr. Ken Keith OAM turned the first sod on both projects.

The construction of the new WTP will provide a safe, secure and reliable water supply for Parkes and Peak Hill and ensures that the towns continue to grow and attract new business and residents.

The new STP will continue to ensure that Council provides reliable, robust and energy efficient sewage treatment for Parkes.

John Holland Pty Ltd has been appointed to construct both the WTP and STP with both plants to be constructed concurrently they have committed to over 30% local content in their construction and is expected to be completed in 2017.

During the ceremony, the Mayor expressed his thanks to the New South Wales (NSW) Minister for Primary Industries and Minister for Lands and Water Hon Niall Blair MLC and Local MP Andrew Gee for their continued support and the financial assistance provided for the WTP and STP projects.

“Parkes Shire Council has been planning and saving for these projects over the best part of twenty years. Cr. Keith said.

“The financial assistance from the NSW Government for both projects has been welcomed with approximately $18 Million for Water Treatment Plant which represents approximately 45% of the cost of the project and just over $9 Million or 38% of the cost for the Sewerage Treatment Plant.” Mr. Gee said.

The funding has been made available through the Country Towns Water Supply and Sewerage Program.