A large concrete water reservoir being built in Nelligen in June 2023. Work has only continued since then. Image: Eurobodalla Shire Council.
Water infrastructure in Nelligen and Akolele has progressed as Eurobodalla’s water and sewerage services move to the next stage.
In Nelligen, the contract to build a high-quality water reticulation and pressure sewerage system has been awarded to Ledonne Constructions Pty Ltd after a tender process, and two new 880-kilolitre reservoirs have been completed.
The works are being done as part of the Nelligen Water Supply and Sewerage Scheme, which will connect properties in the South Coast village to modern water supply and sewerage services for the first time.
The NSW Government has contributed $3.5 million from the government’s Safe and Secure Water Program, while Eurobodalla Shire Council is covering the remaining cost.
Up to 30 full-time and part-time equivalent jobs are being created thanks to the project, which is expected to be completed by December 2024.
It follows the Akolele Sewerage Scheme switching on in time for Christmas, which saw 57 properties connected to the Bermagui Sewage Treatment Plant.
According to Council’s website, $762,000 in funding was provided by the NSW Government and $2.3 million came from Eurobodalla Shire Council.
Akolele was also the last village around Wallaga Lake to be linked to the Bermagui sewerage system, bringing first-rate sewerage services to the entire area.
Eurobodalla Shire Mayor Mathew Hatcher said the infrastructure projects in the shire would benefit residents of all kinds.
“Water is our most precious resource, so delivering a more secure and reliable supply to Nelligen households that helps reduce dependence on rainwater tanks and water carting during dry times, as well as boosting firefighting capability makes sense on all fronts,” he said.
“The sewerage upgrades for both towns will also assist in protecting the beautiful local environment from the risk of contamination because having fewer septic tanks reduces the likelihood of system failures, which is good news for everyone.”
Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland said the new infrastructure in Nelligen and Akolele would have a flow-on effect.
“Now that Akolele has a modern sewerage system in place we’re getting on with the job of getting the same outcome for Nelligen as well as delivering high quality, potable water straight to the taps of residents and businesses,” he said.
“Investing in these services and utilities not only builds thriving communities but it provides a much-needed boost to the local economy thanks to the jobs created and flow-on effects throughout the region.”
Dr Holland said the projects materialised as more people looked to the South Coast.
“The South Coast is one of the fastest growing regions in our state and the NSW Government wants to ensure smaller communities such as Nelligen and Akolele are equipped with the best possible infrastructure to encourage people to live there and stay longer,” he said.
“Collecting and storing enough rainwater can be hard, especially with another El Nino upon us and in a changing climate.
“We also know many properties in this area don’t have suitable space or proper soil for their own on-site sewage disposal.”
Further information on the Akolele Sewerage Scheme and the Nelligen Water Supply and Sewerage Scheme can be found on Eurobodalla Shire Council’s website.
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