Some projects, Yass Valley Mayor Jasmin Jones says, take years of detailed planning before you can see the first shovel go into the ground.
The condition of Yass’s Water Treatment Plan has been a major point of concern for many residents, and it seems there is hope on the horizon as construction sets its sights on March 2027.
“Reliable, good-quality water is something our community has pushed as a priority for decades,” says Mayor Jones.
“While we have some of the most skilled technicians working hard to ensure our water is safe to drink – Yass Valley knows there are rare times that this isn’t possible due to ageing infrastructure that is unable to cope with treating to the national standard during significant storm events as an example.
“At other time, water colour and odour can be less than desirable despite meeting safe potable water standards.”
Council’s $38 million grant funded upgrade, Mayor Jones says, is a “complex but exciting project”.
“For many years now, Council has been working towards securing the right water infrastructure for Yass…not just for us, but for the generations who will call our valley home,” she says.
“I’m very pleased to share that this important project is continuing to move forward and remains on track for construction to commence in March 2027.”
The upgrade will be funded by more than $38 million from federal and state funding in a commitment towards the plant upgrade, and associated water reticulation improvements.
“That is a significant investment in the future of our town and village communities,” says Mayor Jones.
“There is still important work to be done between now and construction. Council is progressing the final approvals, tendering and contractor processes, while also continuing work on major watermain upgrades across Yass.
“These things take time because we want to get them right so the infrastructure will reliably support current residents, new homes, local businesses, families and the continued growth of Yass.
“There is something quite special – and equally frustrating about watching a long-held plan slowly become real.”
Despite this, Mayor Jones assures residents “it will be worth the wait!”
Preparations to upgrade the Water Treatment Plant commenced in November 2019, and the project isn’t expected to be complete until November 2028. Nearly 10 years after plans were announced.
Currently Council has amassed three grant funds through the Housing Infrastructure Fund for $6,600,000, the NSW Ad Hoc Election Fund for $13,550,000 and the National Water Grid Fund for $18,100,000.
An additional $972,000 through the NSW Health Flouridation Grant is being sought.
For now, Mayor Jones says much of the work still remains behind the scenes.
“[It’s] in engineering drawings, environmental assessments, approvals, tender documents and meetings,” she says.
“But soon enough, those plans will become machinery, earthworks and, finally, a new chapter in Yass’s water story.
“We are getting closer.”
For now, residents can stay updated on progress through Council’s website. Bio-monthly updates are provided in the Council Meetings and are available to view at https://www.yassvalley.nsw.gov.au/Our-Council/Council-Meetings/Agendas-and-Minutes
More information about the next steps for the plant can be found on Council’s website at https://www.yassvalley.nsw.gov.au/Our-Services/Water-and-Wastewater/Water-and-wastewater-projects/Yass-Water-Treatment-Plant-Upgrade
“Securing funding to invest in water infrastructure, is investing in our children’s future in Yass Valley,” says Mayor Jones.
Elizabeth Kovacs
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