A multi-million dollar sewer system built at North Bega started flowing on Wednesday, February 21, bringing promise and potential for the industrial corner of Bega.
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The project was switched on by a joint funding effort from Bega Valley Shire Council, Bega Cheese and a grant from the Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure & Regional Development’s National Stronger Regions Fund, totalling $2.33 million.
The sewer will provide a more efficient waste management system to industrial sites in North Bega, notably Bega Cheese.
An upcoming second stage of the project will extend the sewer, offering connection to residential properties in the area.
Bega Valley Shire Mayor Kristy McBain said it was a great day for Bega, particularly North Bega.
“This will really help us to develop our local economy as a whole,” she said.
“It also gives options other than septic tanks for people in North Bega, so it allows for further growth in our region.”
RD Miller Earthmoving & Excavations was contracted by council to build the sewer as the only local contractor to put forward a tender on the job.
Project manager Tim Harrison managed a team of up to 10 builders to lay five kilometres of pipeline over a nine month period.
“At the moment only Bega Cheese is connected to this sewer, but it can easily cater for all of North Bega,” he said.
“The sooner that can happen the better.”
The sewer’s design reduces impact on the existing environment using a “trenchless” system.
The technique minimises disruption to the public and is more cost-effective compared to traditional open trenching methods.
It also virtually eliminates environmental impacts and the project’s carbon footprint, and improves safety during construction.
Bega Cheese Chief Financial Officer Colin Griffin said the sewer was an investment in the region, as well as a waste management solution.
“The benefit will go beyond the Bega Cheese industrial effort, it will benefit the community and local residents,” he said.
“We hope it will also give council the opportunity to think about further industrial potential of this area.
Commencement of stage two of the project is yet to be determined. The new sewer connects to Bega’s existing sewerage treatment facility.
