Parliamentary Committees

Public Works Committee: Murray Bridge Wastewater Treatment Plant

Mr CREGAN (Kavel) (11:04): I move:

That the second report of the committee, entitled 'New Murray Bridge wastewater treatment plant project', be noted.

The existing Murray Bridge Wastewater Treatment Plant is owned and operated by SA Water and was commissioned in 1970. As a result of population growth within the area, the existing plant is now managing wastewater in excess of its original design capacity.

The new Murray Bridge wastewater treatment plant project, which is expected to deliver sufficient capacity to meet customer demand for the next 30 years, includes the following components: a new wastewater treatment plant at Brinkley, four pumping stations (two for wastewater and two for effluent), approximately nine kilometres of wastewater pipeline from the existing wastewater treatment plant to the new site, a five-megalitre lined and covered storage facility at the new wastewater treatment plant, and approximately nine kilometres of effluent pipeline that will connect with the existing pipeline.

The estimated total cost of the works is $52.54 million excluding GST. As anticipated, the project will be completed, inclusive of the defect period, and close out by March 2022. The Public Works Committee has examined written and oral evidence in relation to this project, and the committee has been assured by SA Water that acquittals have been received from the Department of Treasury and Finance, the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and the Crown Solicitor that works and procedures are lawful and necessary.

The committee is satisfied that the proposal has been subject to the appropriate agency consultation and meets the criteria for examination of projects as set out in the Parliamentary Committees Act 1991. Based on the evidence considered and pursuant to section 12C of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1991, the Public Works Committee reports to parliament that it recommends the proposed work.

Motion carried.