The Western Australian Government has announced two shortlisted proponents to deliver a suite of major projects to improve and secure vital wastewater infrastructure in the Pilbara region.

 

State Water Minister Bill Marmion said Tenix and a joint venture partnership between Thiess and Black & Veatch were the successful final two proponents which would now work closely with the Water Corporation in an alliance development phase. The final proponent will be selected in mid-year to form the Pilbara Wastewater Alliance.


“The works package covers the upgrade of the existing South Hedland and Karratha wastewater treatment plants which are scheduled to be completed by mid-2014,” Mr Marmion said.


“The upgrade of the South Hedland site will enable the Port Hedland Wastewater Treatment Plant relocation works. The $106 million relocation, which will be funded through the Water Corporation’s capital works program and Royalties for Regions, will free up much needed land for about 2,500 residential dwellings.


“The relocation is also important because recent floodplain mapping by the Department of Water showed the existing Port Hedland plant was at risk of flooding. This data will be used to help protect the new wastewater treatment plant.”

 

The Minister said the $10 million Port Hedland infill sewerage program was progressing well and would provide wastewater services to 240 residential blocks.


“The infill works started in October 2011 and more than 1.4 kilometres of the 7.5 kilometre total has already been installed, with the project on track to be completed by March 2013,” he said.


“This is good news for the community of Port Hedland. Delivery of this basic infrastructure is vital to ongoing State Government efforts to unlock the growth of Karratha and Port Hedland into Pilbara cities, and provide more land and housing to address significant housing demand and affordability challenges in the region.”