EVALUATION COMPLETE
Upgrades to wastewater infrastructure to meet contemporary standards, protect waterway health and support housing development is a national priority. The Bolivar Wastewater Treatment Plant (BWTP) serves 80% of Adelaide’s population and is already operating above its design capacity, limiting housing development and increasing risks of health and environmental impacts from sewage overflow. Increasing wastewater treatment capacity within the catchment will directly support population growth north of Adelaide and align with the National Housing Accord target to achieve the construction of 37,000 additional new homes across metropolitan Adelaide.
PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION
The South Australian Government forecasts that the population of Adelaide will grow by approximately 600,000 people over the next 30 years, with the largest growth occurring in the northern areas of Adelaide.
The proposal involves undertaking strategic planning to identify the most efficient wastewater solution that would address capacity issues at BWTP and enable housing development.
INVESTMENT RECOMMENDATION
The Australian Government should consider prioritising the proposal for planning investment, supporting investigations for identifying a wastewater solution for northern Adelaide.
The Australian Government previously committed $2.5 million in planning funding to investigate options to augment the BWTP, which led to subsequent investment in the related Northern Adelaide Irrigation Scheme project.
OPPORTUNITIES AND OUTCOMES
This proposal has the potential to:
- Improve health and environmental outcomes – upgrades to wastewater treatment would support compliance with discharge standards and enhance water quality in the St Vincent Gulf marine environment.
- Support water security – wastewater treatment enhancements would support existing recycled water production, elevating recycled water availability to water dependent industry and agriculture.
- Support liveability – improved wastewater treatment and enhanced water quality in the St Vincent Gulf marine environment would support liveability outcomes and provide additional recreational benefits for the community.
- Support housing supply – providing wastewater treatment capacity to service population growth would create certainty and confidence for housing development, supporting National Housing Accord targets.
NEXT STEPS
Proponent to undertake planning activities (in line with Infrastructure Australia’s Assessment Framework).