In this section:

Archived Media Releases

Waterproofing Whyalla's future

19 September 2011

The City of Whyalla will extend its wastewater and stormwater reuse scheme following a $1.05 million grant awarded to the Council through the State Government’s Regional Development Infrastructure Fund.

The grant will go towards enabling the Whyalla Council to expand its existing stormwater reuse scheme to capture, store and re-use 380 mega litres of water per year.

They will also extend their existing wastewater reuse scheme to irrigate two additional ovals with 40 mega litres of water per year.

This will deliver significant community and environmental benefits to the greater Whyalla region.

The improvements in water infrastructure will reduce demand on the River Murray as a source of potable water by up to 420 mega litres a year, which is fantastic for the future of the River.

The Council also expects the project will help reduce pollution and flood impacts from the peak stormwater flows.

The State Government grant would fund the installation of water pipelines to deliver recycled effluent to open space areas and median areas along major city roads.

Beyond the obvious community benefits, the project will also have a positive environmental impact because we will be reducing the level of untreated water that would otherwise run into the Spencer Gulf.

It will also increase education and public awareness of water conservation issues.

The total cost of the project is about $4.5 million, covered by Council, State and Federal Government funding. It is due for completion by July 2012.

The Regional Development Infrastructure Fund plays an important role in the implementation of South Australia’s Strategic Plan by helping to meet a number of targets for regional jobs, investment and export earnings.

It aims to encourage a strategic approach to regional infrastructure development. Grants are available for up to 50 per cent of eligible infrastructure costs and are awarded through a competitive merit-based application process.

For more information on the Fund visit the Regional Development Infrastructure Fund web page.