The conversation around plans for a vital upgrade of the Castlemaine Water Reclamation Plant began with two information drop-in sessions in Castlemaine last week.
Environmental flows and water quality in Campbells Creek were key discussion points at the sessions hosted by Coliban Water.
Planned upgrades to the plant will be carried out in stages, including the construction of a new water reclamation facility and a new biosolids handling treatment facility. The upgrades will ensure the plant can support forecast population growth.
Coliban Water is also consulting key stakeholders, including local, state and federal government representatives, to ensure the upgrades will support economic growth and regional development and the needs of key employers, including Don KR Castlemaine, the Loddon Prison Precinct and Dhelkaya Health.
Castlemaine Water Reclamation Plant program director Danny Childs said the information sessions were attended by a number of community groups, stakeholders and those who live near the plant.
“This was a great chance to hear about what is important to these groups, and for us to inform and educate about where we’re at in this process,” Mr Childs said.
Once key approvals for the project are received, upgrades will take several years to complete.
These upgrades will increase the plant’s treatment capacity and provide more resilient sewer services to the growing Castlemaine community.
The plant currently treats wastewater from 15,500 residents and businesses in Castlemaine and surrounding areas. Growth forecast estimates the Mount Alexander Shire’s population will hit 22,000 by 2028.
“We’re currently in the early planning stages, which involves carrying out the various site and environmental assessments required to support the upgrades,” Mr Childs said.
“The site where the current Castlemaine plant is situated in Langslow Street, dates back around 100 years. It has always been a critical piece of community infrastructure, which is why we want to bring the community along on this journey.”
The upgrades will also reduce the plant’s carbon footprint, reduce noise and odour emissions and improve environmental benefits for the nearby Campbells Creek.
“We are committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2030 and embedding sustainable practices as part of our work,” Mr Childs said.
“We continue to work with various community groups including the Friends of Campbells Creek to further enhance the space around the plant for native flora and fauna as well as community enjoyment.
“There’ll also be plenty more opportunities to talk to us about these upgrades – these events were only the beginning of these conversations,” Mr Childs said.
The plant produces about 1400 megalitres of treated water each year, with some going to recycled water customers and the majority flowing into Campbells Creek.
Mr Childs said this water would continue to help maintain and sustain the environmental values in Campbells Creek.
“These plant upgrades will set us up for success over the next three decades and allow us deliver benefits to customers, communities and the environment,” he said.
“That includes potentially seeing our biosolids used on farms in the region, providing recycled water to local businesses and organisations and seeing the natural environment around us thrive.”
