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 the needs of 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 maximise the benefits achieved from innovation, SA Water is not pre-empting the form the wastewater service solutions may take for either area.

SA Water is arranging a collaborative industry partnership strategy to develop and deliver innovative wastewater solutions to accommodate forecasted growth in Mount Barker and Murray Bridge in a manner that embraces affordability, community expectations and environmental sustainability.

The combined Murray Bridge and Mount Barker Wastewater Project is in the early concept development phase. SA Water is aiming to complete the project with the ability to service the new Mount Barker development by 2014 and Murray Bridge by 2016.

Investigations into wastewater services for Murray Bridge commenced in 2009 and the local community has been providing feedback since this time. We are now inviting Mount Barker stakeholders to become involved in the process.

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. We will establish a similar group for Mount Barker and consider how the groups can work together.

In addition to the local community, SA Water is working with Councils, Government agencies and other stakeholders on the possible solutions.

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 seeking input from the community and other stakeholders so their ideas for the projet can be accounted for in the development of any wastewater solution.

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 murraybridgetp@sawater.com.au or mountbarkerwastewater@sawater.com.au.

Fact Sheet – Murray Bridge & Mount Barker Wastewater Services Project

Community Meetings Presentations and Meeting Minutes