New Jones Hill Water Treatment Plant

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The Jones Hill Water Treatment Plant is a critical part of Council’s water supply network, providing safe and reliable drinking water to Gympie and surrounding communities. 

The existing plant is comprised of a range of historic or ageing assets including but not limited to a 120-year-old intake pump station and a 1960s filtration plant. The facility is in significant need of replacement, and as such, is identified as a priority in Gympie's Water Security Strategy.

Through the Water Alliance arrangement between Gympie Regional Council, SRG Global Utilities, and WSP Australia Pty Ltd, Council is delivering a multi-year, phased upgrade program, subject to future approvals and funding. The program will address ageing infrastructure, which has reached the end of its serviceable life.

The Jones Hill Water Treatment Plant Project, including the new sedimentation infrastructure, is funded with the support of the Queensland Government in association with Gympie Regional Council.

Project Stages

Stage 1: New sedimentation tank infrastructure

  • Site Preparation – In progress 

This stage focuses on preparing the site for the construction of new sedimentation tanks and future water treatment infrastructure. Works include but aren't limited to: 

  • Tree removal 
  • Retaining works 
  • Drainage and erosion control 
  • Earthworks 

This stage is expected to be completed by October 2026. 

Stage 2: Construction 

This stage will include design and construction of a range of critical treatment plant infrastructure:

  • Raw water intake 
  • Pumps 
  • Rising water main 
  • Filters
  • Disinfection systems 

Stage 3: Testing and connection 

Stage 4: Project Completion 

More information on each stage will be provided once confirmed. 

FAQs

Details

Why are these works needed?

The existing sedimentation infrastructure at Jones Hill Water Treatment Plant has reached the end of its serviceable life. Temporary work and monitoring have helped manage the asset in the short term, but new sedimentation tank infrastructure is needed to improve reliability and resilience to support the growing Gympie region.

Following works to install sedimentation tank infrastructure, a new Water Treatment Plant (WTP) will be installed on the site to replace the existing Jones Hill Water Treatment Plant (WTP).

When will construction start?

Construction timing will depend on the individual project, including design progress, approvals, funding, procurement, weather and other delivery requirements. Council will provide more information when timing is confirmed.

How long will construction take?

Timeframes will vary depending on the size and complexity of each project. Council will provide more specific information to affected stakeholders before construction begins.

What happens if the project is delayed?

Delays can occur due to weather, approvals, ground conditions, design changes, supply issues or construction constraints. Council will provide updates where delays affect timing, access, services or community impacts.

 

Construction

What will the completed site look like?

The project design is being developed in stages, and some details of the completed site are still being finalised. As the design progresses, further information will be provided about the final layout, infrastructure, landscaping and ongoing operation of the site.

Why are excavation and site preparation underway when the final design has not yet been completed?

Some early works can begin before the full design is complete. These include site establishment, initial clearing and geotechnical investigations. The geotechnical investigation works were required to provide information to help inform the design.

The design is being developed and delivered in stages. The first design package covers the main earthworks required for the clarifiers and is expected to be completed in early September. Once this design is finalised, these earthworks can begin.

This staged approach allows the project to progress safely and efficiently while the remaining design is completed.

What is the excavation methodology?

The final reports from the geotechnical investigation are expected in early September. The findings will help determine the most appropriate and safe excavation methodology for the site. At this current stage, blasting is not anticipated.

How will environmental impacts be considered?

Environmental matters will be considered through planning, approvals and delivery. This may include vegetation, waterways, habitat, erosion and sediment control, and any relevant environmental approvals or management requirements.

Where will the new sedimentation tank infrastructure be located?

The new infrastructure will be located within the existing Jones Hill Water Treatment Plant site.

Will roads stay open during construction?

Where possible, roads will remain open with traffic management in place. Temporary changes, delays, detours or short closures may be required at times for safety or construction reasons.

What impacts can the community expect during construction?

Impacts may include temporary noise, dust, vibration, traffic changes, access impacts, vegetation clearing, increased truck movements or works near private property. These impacts will vary depending on the project and location.

Will construction be noisy?

Some construction activities may be noisy. Council and the Alliance will aim to manage noise where possible and provide advance notice for particularly disruptive activities.

Will there be dust or vibration?

Some works may create dust or vibration, depending on the activity and ground conditions. Management measures will be used where appropriate and directly affected stakeholders will be informed where higher-impact activities are expected.

Will there be screening or visual mitigation?

Council will consider reasonable visual mitigation, such as screening or finish treatments, where practical and where not constrained by safety, operations, maintenance, budget or technical requirements.

For residents

Will access to homes and businesses be maintained?

Council and the Alliance will aim to maintain property access where possible. If temporary access changes are required, affected property owners or businesses will be contacted directly.

What happens if construction causes damage to my property?

If a property owner believes damage has occurred as a result of project works, they should contact the project team so the matter can be assessed. For some higher-risk works, pre-construction condition assessments or dilapidation reports may be considered.

Will my water supply be interrupted?

Where water supply interruptions are required, we will provide advance notice to affected customers wherever possible. Unplanned interruptions will be managed as quickly as practicable.

Will private property be affected?

Some projects may involve works near or on private property, depending on the final design and alignment. Directly affected property owners will be contacted personally and as early as possible.

Will Council acquire land or easements?

Some projects may require land access, easements or property agreements. Where this applies, Council will work directly with affected property owners and follow the required legal and procedural processes.

Can property owners provide feedback on access or property impacts?

Yes. Council encourages directly affected property owners to raise access needs, property constraints or local issues early so they can be considered during planning and delivery.

Will Council need access to private property?

In some cases, access to private property may be required for investigations, design or construction planning. Where this is needed, Council or the Alliance will contact property owners directly to discuss what is required.

Does investigation work mean my property will be directly impacted by construction?

Not necessarily. Investigation work helps Council better understand the area and confirm options. It does not always mean a final alignment, design or construction approach has been confirmed.

 

Contact

Who do residents contact if they have concerns?

How will complaints be managed?

Complaints and concerns will be recorded, assessed and responded to through the appropriate project or Council process. Emerging issues will also be monitored to identify trends and inform future communication or mitigation measures.