There has been plenty happening behind the scenes on the Great Keppel Island (Woppa) Wastewater Treatment Plant project this month, with the new treatment plant edging closer to operation.

One of the project’s biggest milestones has now been achieved, with energisation of the Wastewater Treatment Plant officially complete. Main electrical components are currently undergoing commissioning, while wet commissioning has also commenced — an exciting stage that involves testing the system using live flows and ensuring all processes are operating as designed.

Adding to the momentum, Council operators are set to undertake dedicated training sessions later this month alongside project partners Pensar and MakWater, helping prepare local staff for the ongoing operation and management of the new facility.

Across the island, installation of resident pump stations has now commenced, with crews reporting strong progress and positive feedback from residents so far. Some minor adjustments to exact pump station locations have been required to best suit individual property layouts and site conditions.

There’s also been a noticeable buzz on site recently, with Council’s Safety Team visiting the project in May to undertake a site inspection and see firsthand how construction is progressing. The visit provided a great opportunity to walk through the facility, inspect works currently underway, and capture some fantastic images of the project as the plant rapidly takes shape.

Meanwhile, pressure testing of the network is underway this month, another important step in ensuring the system is operating safely and effectively before commissioning is finalised.

Looking ahead, preparations are now being made for demolition of the existing treatment plant and slab — another significant milestone as the project continues to move forward.