Multi-million dollar wastewater upgrade to better support coastal community

A $3.14 million grant has enabled the expansion of Port Broughton’s wastewater system to link to Fisherman Bay, where residents now have access to a communal wastewater service rather than relying on individual properties’ septic tanks.

Each of the 403 existing Fisherman Bay homes are being retrofitted to use the new system and decommission non-compliant septic tanks, which are often decades old and no longer fit for purpose.

Wastewater from Fisherman Bay will be processed at neighbouring Port Broughton’s treatment plant, streamlining services while alleviating community concerns over health and environmental impacts caused by ageing septic tanks.

The major Government investment through the CWMS Funding Deed – managed by the Local Government Association – is part of a $9.34 million upgrade to the recently completed Port Broughton site, in partnership with Barunga West Council.

The joint state-local government initiative is set to deliver long-term certainty for property owners and businesses in the iconic coastal town while generating ongoing benefits for the wider Yorke Peninsula region.

It follows the Minister for Local Government, Geoff Brock, seeing first-hand the growing infrastructure needs of Fisherman Bay, as part of the Government’s Country Cabinet to the region earlier this year.

This project is part of a $23 million transformation of Fisherman Bay that includes a new stormwater system, coastal protection measures and road infrastructure.

Modelling shows the Fisherman Bay redevelopment will support 230 full-time equivalent jobs and inject more than $25 million into the regional economy as the transformation takes shape over the next five years.

The completion of the Port Broughton CWMS project comes as nearly $1.85 million has been allocated through the CWMS Funding Deed to replace Freeling’s Wastewater Treatment Plant in the Light Regional Council area, north of Adelaide.

Quotes attributable to Local Government Minister Geoff Brock

This Government is committed to investing in our regions and ensuring South Australians have the right infrastructure in place to support their needs.

These new services provide Fisherman Bay shack and business owners with the modern amenities they require to live, work and play.

It’s a great example of state and local governments working together to facilitate new housing and attract more investment in an area that’s continuing to grow.

Quotes attributable to LGA President, Mayor Dean Johnson

The LGA is proud to partner alongside the Barunga West Council and State Government to help deliver this important expansion for the Port Broughton and Fisherman Bay communities.

The project provides essential health and environmental services for local residents and businesses by removing non-compliant septic systems and replacing them with new, advanced systems.

The impact this can have on regional communities is profound as putting in place appropriate infrastructure, like a CWMS, can have positive flow on effects and unlock new economic opportunities and investment.

Quotes attributable to Barunga West Council Mayor Leonie Kerley

The completion of the Port Broughton CWMS is a crucial step towards making the vision for Fisherman Bay a reality.

The works currently underway in what is one of South Australia’s most iconic shack communities will put in place all the necessary infrastructure to enable the area to grow and attract further investment.