Murray Bridge
Planning has been underway since 2009 to investigate options for upgrading the Murray Bridge Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP).
Murray Bridge has grown significantly since the existing WWTP was constructed in 1960 and the plant is now near capacity. The WWTP is located at the southern edge of Murray Bridge, on the western floodplain of the Murray River and urban development has encroached to the plant boundary, with the nearest house less than 50 metres away. As a result, SA Water has identified the need to develop a new WWTP and associated infrastructure to provide a long term (25+ years) sustainable solution for Murray Bridge.
Mount Barker
To support the South Australian Government’s 30-year Plan for Greater Adelaide, SA Water is also developing a project to provide wastewater services to accommodate forecasted growth in the Mount Barker area.
Wastewater collection services are currently provided to residential, commercial and industrial premises in Mount Barker by the Council owned and operated Community Wastewater Management Scheme. New infrastructure for the management and treatment of wastewater is required for the new development in the area.
As with the Murray Bridge community, the population increases expected in Mount Barker will necessitate new facilities and infrastructure to meet long term wastewater service needs and enable growth and development of the region and community.
Wastewater solutions
With these neighbouring regional centres both requiring new infrastructure in similar time frames, there is an opportunity to consider how the wastewater solutions for both towns could work together. In order to achieve the best value for customers, SA Water has explored solutions for both areas as part of the one project.
These investigations considered a number of alternative options that could benefit both Murray Bridge and Mount Barker, with a combined WWTP servicing both townships being preferred in the longer term. This option has been discussed with members of the local communities and supports the vision for a growth corridor between the two towns.
Residential development rates have been slower than expected and current projections indicate that the existing Murray Bridge WWTP has the capacity to service Murray Bridge and associated development into the near future. Given this and similarly slow growth rates in Mount Barker, the development of a combined WWTP is considered a long-term solution that does not require immediate construction.
SA Water is committed to providing wastewater services to both Murray Bridge and Mount Barker in a timely manner, subject to ongoing discussions with stakeholders and approving bodies. The combined plant option will be developed in much greater detail over the next few years, to be delivered as demand increases.
Community considerations
SA Water has been working on this project with a range of stakeholders, including State and Local Government agencies and members of the local community. The design, construction and operation of this infrastructure will account for customers’ needs and aim to minimise adverse impacts on the community and environment.
A Community Reference Group was established to assist our decision making during the Murray Bridge Wastewater Treatment Plant Project. The Community Reference Group includes representatives from the Rural City of Murray Bridge, Regional Development Australia - Murraylands and Riverland, Mannum to Wellington Local Action Planning Committee and several other local community representatives. A similar stakeholder reference group in Mount Barker was established in late 2011.
The design, construction and operation of new infrastructure will take into account the community’s needs, and aim to minimise any adverse impacts to both the community and the environment.
SA Water is committed to keeping the community informed and we will continue to talk to you as plans progress.
Further information
For more information call us on 1800 812 362 or email project@sawater.com.au
Fact Sheet – Murray Bridge & Mount Barker Wastewater Services Project
Newsletters, Presentations and Meeting Minutes
Information on the Mount Barker Water Supply Project