Some concerns have been raised over what the partnership between Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council and Icon Water could mean for the future of sewage treatment in the city.
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The council and Icon Water announced last week their partnership to explore options for a new sewage treatment plant (STP) in Queanbeyan.
The proposed plant would replace the current STP which is at capacity and could service up to 90,000 people in both Queanbeyan and the ACT.
Councillor Kenrick Winchester supported the plan to partner with Icon Water to further explore the possibility of a regional sewage treatment plant.
It passed the council unanimously.
However speaking to the Queanbeyan Age, Cr Winchester did raise some concerns over the future of the facility that he said would need to be addressed.
He questioned what would happen to the current staff employed at the Queanbeyan STP if the plant became an asset controlled by Icon Water.
He also said council could end up in the position of having to pay a third party to provide a service it currently controls.
A spokesman for the council said the current partnership was solely to investigate options for the new facility.
“Any operating or commercial relationship beyond this work is still to be determined by both Icon Water and Council,” he said.
“These matters will be considered as the planning and approvals process progresses.”
Icon Water provided the same response and would not comment further if the company had any plans to expand its operations in Queanbeyan.
The company currently provides bulk water to the council.
The planning stage will be funded jointly between the council and Icon.
The council spokesman confirmed the larger regional plant would include a requirement to be delivered within five years.
Mayor Tim Overall committed in May last year to a five year time frame to upgrade or replace the Queanbeyan facility.