Community
4 July, 2024
Vital waste project delayed
THE completion of the Port Hinchinbrook sewerage treatment plant (STP) at Cardwell has been pushed back until November this year due to international conflicts and associated impacts to shipping logistics.
A Cassowary Coast Regional Council spokesman said there were delays in the delivery of pumps and mechanical equipment vital to commissioning and handover of the plant.
“Aside from this delay, the project is tracking well with works onsite continuing largely on-program as construction moves from civil phase to the mechanical and commissioning phase,” he said.
Latest updates:
Installation of the recycled water tank has started
Decanter has arrived onsite for installation
Roofing to structures has been installed
Mechanical Installations subject to delay.
“The normalisation of Port Hinchinbrook is expected to cost $19.3 million with $12.3m provided by the Australian and state governments, resulting in a funding shortfall of $7m,” the spokesman saod.
“Council has resolved that the shortfall would be funded by borrowings as well as repayments made by those who benefit from the scheme. This project will not be funded by the broader ratepayer base.
“To help ease the financial burden of the funding shortfall to Port Hinchinbrook residents who are beneficiaries of the STP, council has joined with the Cardwell Chamber of Commerce to advocate for further funding support from the Queensland Government.
“The funding shortfall was recently discussed at a meeting held by Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto in Cairns. Attending from council was Mayor Teresa Millwood with Councillor Peter Reed (Div. 1) and chief executive officer Andrew Graffen alongside operational staff. From the state government, representatives from Economic Development Queensland and the Premier and Cabinet were in attendance”.
The spokesman said the council had confirmed it was willing to play a part with the state to develop a long-term strategy for dredging at Port Hinchinbrook and finalising the normalisation process of the development, while also attracting investment.
Economic Development Queensland is to examine possible options to add value and de-risk the project for a potential future developer of the marina.
