Plans to construct a sewerage disposal system for Boyup Brook residents have been struck out by the WA Labor State Government, says Warren-Blackwood MP Terry Redman.
Plans to construct a sewerage disposal system for Boyup Brook residents have been struck out by the WA Labor State Government, says Warren-Blackwood MP Terry Redman.
Mr Redman 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 Boyup Brook 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 local 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 Boyup Brook’s Septic Tank Effluent Disposal (STED) was confirmed in the 2015-16 State Budget as part of the previous government’s Infill Sewerage Program and would have taken in dozens of lots between Jayes Road, Grover Street and Beatty Street.
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 South West Hon Colin Holt MLC said the decision to shelve Boyup Brook STED was another example of the McGowan Government focussing all its attention on funding election promises for Perth.
“Boyup Brook is one of four regional STED projects, the others being in Leonora, Bindoon and Kukerin, 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.”
For media enquiries please contact Terry Redman on 9848 3171 or email terry.redman@mp.wa.gov.au.
