By Michael Burt
Major construction is underway on the second stage of a $38 million project that will extend Bellingen Shire’s sewerage network to Mylestom and Raliegh.
Ledonne Construction has now commenced work on Phase 2, including the under-bore of the Bellinger River, in preparation for 226 connections in Mylestom and Raleigh to the Urunga Sewage Treatment Plant.
The Sewering Coastal Villages Project is funded thanks to more than $11 million from the NSW Government’s Safe and Secure Program and over $27 million from Bellingen Shire Council.
“This is one of the biggest investments in sewage services for Bellingen Shire, and connecting Mylestom and Raleigh to the sewage network is great news for residents,” said NSW DCCEEW Executive Director of Infrastructure Development Lisa Hingerty.
“Many locals in these coastal villages are reliant on smelly and expensive private septic tanks for their wastewater disposal, which is why getting them hooked up to the upgraded wastewater treatment plant will be a game changer.”
Ms Hingerty said the project will also have environmental benefits by reducing the risk from on-site septic tanks contaminating the Kalang and Bellinger Rivers.
Bellingen Shire Council Mayor Steve Allan said the installation of pipelines through major town infrastructure marks the most significant milestone yet for the project.
“Contamination in the Bellinger and Kalang Rivers can potentially impact public health, wetlands and local businesses which is why we’re transforming the wastewater system here to reduce that risk and keep these waterways beautiful,” Cr Allan said.
“We’re focused on working hand-in-hand with the NSW Government to get these significant upgrades done and we’ll continue to keep the community informed with updates as construction continues to progress.”
Work on upgrading the Urunga wastewater plant began last year to double its capacity to cater for up to 10,000 people and increase the facility’s lifespan by 30 years.
Work on the plant is expected to be completed later this year, while the rollout of the sewage network is on track to be finished by early 2026.
