9/8/00
Broome's water and sewerage services are set to receive a major boost with today’s announcement of two projects totalling $5.5 million.
Water Resources Minister Dr Kim Hames said the size of the projects highlighted the State Government's significant commitment to improving key services in regional areas.
The larger project is a $4.8 million upgrade of the town's water supply.
It consists of a new 15,000 cubic meter concrete storage tank, a transfer pump station and 3.8km of steel water main from the tank to the Broome townsite.
"Broome is a rapidly growing regional and tourist centre,” Dr Hames said.
“This upgrade will enable that growth to continue uninterrupted with a high quality water supply to meet residential, business and tourism needs.”
The new ground level tank will be constructed next to an existing high level tank on the Water Corporation’s compound in Blackman Street.
The tank will be 56m in diameter and 6.5m high.
The water main will be constructed from the tank along Blackman, Guy and Herbert Streets to join the existing water supply main in Napier Terrace.
"Another advantage of the upgrade is that it will ultimately allow the Water Corporation to decommission two existing water tanks at Lookout Hill," Dr Hames said.
Work is expected to begin on site within two weeks.
"The project should be fully operational by the end of March next year," he said.
Dr Hames said other minor improvements were also planned to improve water pressure in localised areas of the existing reticulation system.
Broome will also benefit from a $630,000 project through the State Government's ongoing Infill Sewerage Program.
The project will connect about 73 lots in small pockets scattered throughout the old Broome area that are currently unsewered.
"The Water Corporation is aiming to connect all of these older properties on small blocks to the existing reticulated sewerage system," Dr Hames said.
"As we've found throughout the State, the new system will open up development potential, as well as providing a far more convenient, low maintenance option for householders."
The project will be constructed by local contractor, G and B Drainage, and is set to start in late July and finish by Christmas.
Media contacts:
Mike Groves, Minister’s Office 9424 7450
Water Corporation Project Manager Phil Davidson 9420 2303
