Why the upgrade was needed
Wodonga’s population is expected to double in the coming decades. With the existing wastewater treatment plant nearing capacity in 2018, new infrastructure was needed to meet growing demand and provide more treatment capacity for the future.
The upgrade also provided an opportunity to reduce the plant’s carbon footprint and support our goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2035.
Planning the upgrade
Planning began in 2018. North East Water assessed future treatment needs, compared design options and completed technical, environmental and cultural heritage studies.
The final design allowed the existing plant to keep operating during construction. The nearby solar farm was developed first to reduce the plant’s use of electricity from the grid.
Project partners
After an open expression of interest and tender process, North East Water appointed Icon SI (Aust) Pty Ltd as the principal contractor for the upgrade project.
Icon worked with CCB Envico Pty Ltd and several other sub-contractors who provided specialist design and construction expertise.
Protecting cultural heritage
North East Water worked with First Nations Peoples to identify and protect areas of cultural importance near the new industrial wastewater plant.
During a cultural heritage assessment, First Nations artefacts were discovered and a protected area established to preserve this cultural heritage for future generations.
