Summary of Consultation, June 2020

We conducted community consultation regarding the draft Mount Barker Wastewater Treatment Facility Environmental Improvement Program (EIP) between 5-25 May 2020.

We received 5 submissions. Feedback received predominantly supported that the EIP was fit for purpose.

Feedback identified the following themes:

• The health of Mount Barker Creek and commitment to its restoration,
• Achieving 100% reuse of recycled water,
• Optimising the social benefits from recycled water,
• The cost of the upgrade and alternative upgrade options, and
• Future commitment to community consultation and stakeholder involvement.

As a result of the consultation, a minor change to the draft EIP has been made:

• Data was updated to reflect the current dwelling growth projections from 7,000 to 10,000.

The EIP is a regulatory requirement of the EPA to address the impacts from the wastewater treatment plant to the environment. Seeking community feedback on the draft EIP was the purpose of the consultation however the overall health of Mount Barker Creek featured often in the community response. Whilst this is not within the scope of the EIP, council will be meeting with the EPA and the Landscape Board shortly to discuss broader environmental needs and how we can facilitate improved outcomes for the Mount Barker Creek into the future.

Related files:

• A summary of consultation providing council’s response to each issue raised
• Council Agenda, 12.9: Wastewater draft Environmental Improvement Plan – results of community consultation (page 125)