Plans to construct a sewerage disposal system for Bindoon residents have been struck out by the WA Labor State Government, says Member for Moore Shane Love MLA.
Mr Love said he learned the sewerage upgrade would not proceed after a number of regional projects were reviewed and wiped from Water Corporation’s forward works planning by the State Government.
“Funding had already been confirmed for the Bindoon Septic Tank Effluent Disposal project, which would have greatly improved environmental outcomes and development opportunities in the town,” he said.
“Now the project has been scrapped, leaving Bindoon residents and the Shire with no modern central sewerage system and a risk to nearby waterways.
“Instead of substituting city projects at the expense of the regions, Mr McGowan’s Government should focus on adopting The Nationals’ Special Lease Rental policy, which would fix the State’s budget black hole and not compromise regional development.”
Funding for Bindoon’s Septic Tank Effluent Disposal (STED) was confirmed in the 2015-16 State Budget as part of the previous government’s Infill Sewerage Program, with plans to connect 120 lots.
Water Corporation first trialled STED in Hyden in 2014, with results proving the hybrid sewerage system was a viable alternative to traditional infill sewerage works, which are generally more disruptive and expensive.
Member for the Agricultural Region Hon Martin Aldridge MLC said the decision to shelve Bindoon STED was another example of the McGowan Government focussing all its attention on funding election promises for Perth.
“Bindoon is one of four regional STED projects, the others being in Boyup Brook, Kukerin and Leonora, that have now been abandoned by the State Government,” he said.
“Mr McGowan’s Government seems happy to let public health and environmental improvement opportunities in regional WA slip so they can pump as much money as possible into their own Perth electorates
“The list of regional projects on the chopping block keeps growing under this Government, which West Australians cannot trust when it comes to regional investment or development.”