Castlemaine open day gives community a look behind the curtain
Coliban Water welcomed the community to a free open day on Saturday, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the planned upgrades to the Castlemaine Water Reclamation Plant (WRP), as well as celebrating partnerships with local community groups.
The Castlemaine WRP upgrade is part of our Big Water Build, an ongoing program of large-scale infrastructure projects to tackle climate change, ageing assets and population growth.
Executive Manager Major Projects Ross Campbell said keeping connected to the community is extremely valuable and Coliban Water is committed to strengthening relationships with local community groups.
“This plant is unique because of its proximity to the neighbouring community and Campbells Creek,” he said. “That’s why we want to keep a strong relationship with community groups and residents who use the area and have cared for the creek alongside us for many years.
“Our open day highlighted the strong support we have from the community for our planned upgrades but also showcased the valuable volunteer work that is taking place.
Friends of Campbells Creek, Castlemaine Pioneers and Old Residents Association, Bird Life Castlemaine, McKenzie Hill Action and Landcare Group and North Central Catchment Management Authority all showcased their work during the day at the Cemetery Reserve that sits next to the Castlemaine plant in Langslow Street.
As well as speaking with community groups about their projects, people were able to enjoy water-themed games and activities, explore our new bird hide, and enjoy a sausage thanks to the Castlemaine Lions Club.
“People everywhere rely on the dedication and generosity of community groups to take care of parts of our towns we really value. The open day was about recognising some of these groups and the outstanding projects they complete,” Mr Campbell said.
The day also included a guided tour from Coliban Water staff and community group leaders to educate participants on how the plant processes sewage, where the new plant will be built, how Campbells Creek and the local flora and fauna – including the platypus population – benefits from the plant.
“We want to keep people updated on the plant upgrade, which will support the needs of the Castlemaine and surrounding communities for the next 25 years. The Mount Alexander Shire area is growing, and our plant has a role to play in sustaining that,” Mr Campbell said.
When complete, the upgraded Castlemaine Water Reclamation Plant will unveil a new plant with expanded treatment capacity and more resilient sewerage services on the existing 12-hectare site in Langslow Street. There will also be reduced potential for odour and noise, improved quality of biosolids and recycled water.
“We currently treat an average of 3.5 megalitres of sewage each day from Castlemaine and surrounding towns,” Mr Campbell said. “From that wastewater we currently produce about 1,400 megalitres of recycled water each year, with about 1,350 megalitres released to Campbells Creek.
“The platypus population and habitat in Campbells Creek benefits from the recycled water we release into the creek, and we plan to maintain those recycled water flows in the future.”