LAND to accommodate 650 residential lots in South Wangaratta will soon open up new housing, thanks to $3.6 million in sewer infrastructure currently being installed.
It's a major step forward to overcome sewer capacity restrictions in Wangaratta that have stifled developers' housing plans over the last few years.
The sewer infrastructure will consist of a new pump station and underground detention tanks that are well underway near Salisbury Street in South Wangaratta.
North East Water (NEW) managing director, Jo Murdoch, said the new sewerage pump station will collect flows from future residential development, while the detention storage system will manage peak flows into the city's sewer network.
“The project is valued at about $3.6 million, with the detention tanks alone costing around $1.3 million,” Ms Murdoch said.
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“Similar works in Wangaratta's northwest development areas are expected to begin in September to support future housing development."
Rural City of Wangaratta director sustainability and culture, Stephen Swart, said council has worked with NEW to try and overcome sewerage capacity issues and this is one of the pleasing results.
"It's a great result from a council perspective because it means that one of our key growth areas, the south growth area, will be available for development in the near future," he told the Wangaratta Chronicle on Thursday.
"That growth area is 72 hectares and its totality is expected to deliver 650 new residential lots on the ground.
"The work that's been put in by North East Water, in partnership with council, is important for that outcome and it's exciting to see all of that going into the ground.
"The area is bounded by Greta Road, Clarkes Lane on the southern end and Salisbury Street to the north."
Demand to develop land has been solid and a 233-lot subdivision on Clarkes Lane has been one of the most prominent in recent times.
Mr Swart confirmed there is interest in developing parcels of land in that area and council has received applications for some parts which it is working through.
Development in the northwest growth corridor is continuing with detention tanks already installed to service some new estates off Cruse Street.
NEW will invest a total of $11.6 million in sewer and water infrastructure-related projects in Wangaratta for 2024-25, with a total investment of $30 million in the rural city over five years.
Broader master planning for Wangaratta is also nearing completion, which lays out the water and wastewater infrastructure investments over the next 50 years to continue to support new housing, ensure public health and protect the environment.
