Funding secured to improve Yass wastewater services

Yass is moving towards the development of a major upgrade of its sewage treatment plant thanks to $275,000 being invested by the NSW Government and Yass Valley Council to look at ways to improve its wastewater service.

The Safe and Secure Water Program is providing $165,000 and combined with $110,000 from council will deliver an options study and concept design exploring ways to improve and expand the current treatment facility.

The existing facility was built in 1935 and underwent its last upgrade in 2010 to support the town’s 6,800 residents but is now at full capacity, triggering the need for a more modern facility that meets current and future population demands.

The new funding builds on more than $20 million from the NSW Government towards upgrading Yass’ water infrastructure to help deliver better quality water for the local community.

Just up the road, the NSW Government has also provided $412,500 to Hilltops Council to bring the Harden to Boorowa Pipeline to tender ready phase which after construction will further drought proof this region. The Safe and Secure Water Program is supporting over $1 billion worth of projects across the state, with more than 260 in various stages of delivery.

Quotes attributable to Lisa Hingerty, Acting Executive Director of Development, NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water:

“We’re stepping up our support for the region to ensure residents and businesses have a reliable and robust wastewater management facility which is crucial for a growing population.

“We know there’s increasing pressure on the existing infrastructure in Yass which is why the NSW Government is coming to the table with significant funds to ensure the town is better equipped to support the region’s growth and unlock future development opportunities.

“The money will enable a thorough investigation of the best options to cater for future population growth and increased operational efficiency.

“It’s an important step that provides the basis for the design of new sewage infrastructure and will move the project closer to shovels in the ground."

Quotes attributable to Allan McGrath, Mayor of Yass Valley Council:

“It’s great to see this partnership between state and local government putting the wheels in motion to ensure our community has the infrastructure it needs to support Yass’ growth for generations to come.

“This is an important step in the right direction in ensuring we’re delivering the best outcome for our residents, businesses and the environment.

“But it’s always important that we’re ticking all the right boxes and doing our due diligence first to ensure that whatever design we come up with will set us up for the future.”