Upgrade of the Urunga Sewage Treatment Plant

Published on 28 August 2023

During the August Ordinary Meeting of Council, a confidential matter regarding the tender applications of the Urunga Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) was discussed.

The STP is Phase 1 of the Sewering Coastal Villages Project, which will see a comprehensive upgrade of our sewer system, responding to the needs of our coastal communities as well as addressing environmental concerns of the Kalang and Bellinger River.

Several options regarding the tender process were presented in the closed meeting, with Council resolving to decline the current tender applications and enter into negotiations, under the provisions of Clause 178 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021.

In April 2023, Bellingen Shire Council received confirmation on the $11 million of State Government funding contribution for the inaugural phase of the Sewering Coastal Villages Project, which was the catalyst for initiating the tender process.

The Sewering Coastal Villages is anticipated to be delivered in three phases, including the construction of upgrades to the Urunga Sewage Treatment Plant (phase 1), along with on-site sewage treatment systems in key areas such as Raleigh, and Mylestom (phase 2). The Raleigh Industrial Estate and Repton (phase 3) will be considered as future funding options become available.

Bellingen Shire Council is dedicated to maximising project delivery efficiency through effective negotiations to maximise the output and scope of the project in the face of rising costs associated with supply chain shortages and inflation. These challenges continue to be experienced across a range of capital works projects, and Council’s steadfast commitment to Sewering Coastal Villages remains unwavering.

Although the specifics of the decisions made during this crucial phase are currently confidential, this approach is driven by the imperative to protect sensitive commercial information. Once the direct negotiations reach a conclusion, Council is committed to ensuring the community receives more detailed information on the project scope and outcome. A forthcoming report will be prepared for Council deliberation as a priority outlining the progress of these negotiations.

An interactive map has been designed to understand the phases, with information and updates on the Sewering Coastal Villages available on Council’s website.