Plans for Bega Sewage Treatment Plant upgrade

An upgrade to Bega’s ageing sewage treatment plant is in the works following a $200,000 NSW Government investment to kickstart the design and planning stages.

The initial work will weigh up what the best options are to increase the plant’s capacity, improve efficiency and boost environmental outcomes for the Bega River which flows into the ocean at Tathra.

Some of the infrastructure work being considered includes new chemical dosing and disinfection systems, an increase to inlets and pipework.

The site was opened in the 1970s and refurbished in 2007 with the current plant struggling to keep up with demand pressures, especially after wet weather events and periods of high flow.

The NSW Government is now looking at what more can be done to extend the plant’s life to service a growing region which is currently home to more than 35,000 people.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year and is co-funded by the NSW Government’s Safe and Secure Water Program and Bega Valley Shire Council.

The Safe and Secure Water Program is supporting over $1 billion worth of projects with more than 270 projects in various stages of delivery.

Quotes attributable to the Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland:

"We want to make sure councils like Bega Valley Shire get the support they need to provide, modern sewerage services and provide greater protection for the environment.

“That is why we have put money on the table to get the ball rolling on a project which ticks all the boxes from improving efficiency to supporting a growing region and maintaining healthy waterways.

“I look forward to seeing the completion of the design work and watching the next stages of the project take shape.”

Quotes attributable to Mayor of Bega Valley Shire Council, Russell Fitzpatrick:

“We live in a beautiful and environmentally diverse region, so that is why we are prioritising this investment to ensure our sewage system is more sustainable to protect our surroundings while improving services for residents.

“Overhauling our sewage treatment plant means we’re safeguarding our future by ensuring it’s equipped to handle any additional pressures from a growing population while strengthening environmental outcomes.

“It is great to have the support of the NSW Government as we start our journey to improved wastewater services.”