East Gippsland Water has commenced works that will improve the capacity of Paynesville Water Recycling Facility to manage extended wet weather periods and the forecast population growth of the district.
The $8 million project involves construction of a 300 megalitre water storage lagoon and associated infrastructure.
The Paynesville Water Recycling Facility treats sewage from:
- Paynesville
- Newlands Arm
- Eagle Point
- Banksia Peninsula
- Raymond Island.
General Manager Sustainability and Infrastructure Neville Pearce said the work will be undertaken by Max Bright and Sons.
“Our contractor has recently completed a similar project for another Victorian water corporation. They will also be using local suppliers and services, which will benefit the local economy. There will also be local job opportunities available throughout the project,” Mr Pearce said.
“Currently, the facility can store 160 million litres (ML). This project will almost triple the facilities storage capacity, which will provide a safe, controlled area for additional storage and lower the risk of environmental impacts from extended wet periods. It will also support population growth in the popular coastal towns south of Bairnsdale,” Mr Pearce said.
As the new winter storage lagoon will be 2 km from the existing water recycling lagoon, the project includes infrastructure to transfer water to the new storage and the paddocks where treated wastewater is irrigated.
“The earthworks will be confined to our property and we expect minimal impact to neighbouring properties or the public.
“We have put steps in place to minimise the impact of this construction project on neighbouring properties. However, people may experience some noise, dust and an increase in traffic around the site access on Peecks Road, Forge Creek,” Mr Pearce said.
The project is expected to be completed by March 2026 in time for winter.
Setting up the Paynesville Water Recycling Plant for a major construction project are East Gippsland Water team members and its contractors, GHD and Max Bright and Sons.