The turning of a sod marked the start of work on the Advanced Water Recycling Fa- cility (AWRF) in Parkes.
Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack joined Mayor Ken Keith, Parkes Shire Councillors and representatives from John Holland and the Parkes Shire Council for the ceremony on Wednesday.
The new facility will supply recycled water to irrigate the golf course and racecourse, and will later provide water to sporting fields and parks around town. It is expected to be completed by November 2017.
The AWRF is jointly funded by the Federal Government and Parkes Shire Council, who have each contributed $8.725 million towards the project.
“This is a great investment that builds com- munity capacity and provides water security in the dry times,” Michael McCormack said.
“Projects like this show that Parkes really is a can do community. It’s a progressive town that gets things done.”
The Mayor was full of praise for the project. “We’re absolutely delighted that the federal government partnered with Parkes Shire Council to enable this water recycling system to be built,” he said. “The scheme complements the new water treatment plant and sewage treatment plant beautifully and will position Parkes Shire well into the future.”
The sod-turning wasn’t the only symbolic gesture of the day. Michael McCormack selected a blue and brown striped tie for the occasion, telling the attendees that it was the most appropriate attire. “It represents the project; turning brown water into blue,” he joked.
By Raen Fraser