Two of Parkes Shire Council’s major projects, the new Water Treatment Plant (WTP) and Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) - valued at more than $70 million - have commenced construction.
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This follows a ground-breaking ceremony on Tuesday in which State Member for Orange, Andrew Gee and Mayor Ken Keith were joined by Lachlan Marks (John Holland Pre-Contract Manager) in turning the first sod on both projects.
Construction of the new WTP is taking place in Webb Street while the STP is on Akuna Road (off the Eugowra Road).
As Mr Gee said in his address during the brief sod turning ceremony: “Today is about setting up Parkes for future growth.”
John Holland Pty Ltd has been appointed to construct both the WTP and STP concurrently - the largest infrastructure project in Parkes’ history.
The company has committed to more than 30 per cent local content in their construction which is expected to be completed in 2017.
During the symbolic ceremony, Cr Keith expressed his thanks to the State Government Minister for Primary Industries and Minister for Lands and Water Niall Blair, and Mr Gee, for their continued support and financial assistance for both projects.
“Today’s sod turning marks a significant milestone in the history of the Parkes Shire,” Cr Keith said.
“It highlights the progressive and significant investment planned for the continued growth of our great shire.”
He said council had been planning and saving for the projects for the best part of 20 years.
“The financial assistance from the state government has been welcomed with approximately $18 million for the Water Treatment Plant which represents about 45 per cent of the cost of the project.
“Just over $9 million or 38 per cent of the cost of the Sewerage Treatment Plant has also been forthcoming from the State Government,” Cr Keith said.
Meanwhile, John Holland Regional General Manager for NSW/ACT, Mr Scott Olsen said he was proud the company was delivering the new works on behalf of Parkes Shire Council.
“These two new facilities will provide long term reliable and robust water and wastewater treatment for residents well into the future,” Mr Olsen said.
“The first activities local residents will observe on the site will be earth works, with excavation and fill work carried out to prepare the site for future construction.”
