Ashbourne Independent Wastewater Utility
True Water provides Independent Water Utility Sewage Scheme to new community in NSW growth area
PROJECT DETAILS
Location:
Moss Vale, NSW
Product:
Kubota MBBR
Capability:
Independent Water Utility - Sewage Scheme
The Ashbourne Independent Water Utility (IWU) – Sewage Scheme is Australia’s newest Independent Water Utility. Spanning more than 125 hectares, the project will see the construction of more than 1,400 homes. However, the site is not serviced by the municipal sewage network and was once considered undevelopable.
Initially, the Government Water Utility advised that the connection to the municipal sewage network would not be available for 15-to-20 years. Additionally, the nearby Moss Vale Sewage Treatment Plant, last upgraded in 1996, operates at full capacity and requires significant upgrades. However, when the upgrades will be complete is unknown.
In 2021, property group NOVM Pty Ltd engaged True Water as a specialist consultant. True Water was tasked with the job of designing and delivering an Independent Water Utility – Sewage Scheme. A sewage scheme would allow the project to proceed without relying on the municipal sewage network.
The sewage infrastructure for this master-planned residential development is designed and delivered by True Water. Our ability to satisfy strict New South Wales (NSW) State Government requirements, and achieve Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) licence, resulted in an Independent Water Utility – Sewage Scheme being approved for operation. The formation of Australia’s newest Independent Water Utility has cleared the path for the development to progress.
Pre manufactured Kubota modules are delivered to site ready to be installed and integrated into the scheme's treatment solution.
The modular wastewater treatment plants are premanufactured to ensure quality and consistency.
Preparation of the site for the underground installation is precise and carefully planned for efficient install.
The premanufactured modules are delivered to site ready to be installed as part of the scheme's treatment chain.
The premanufacted sewage plants provide biological treatment using systems developed by Kubota over 40 years of research and development.
True Water is the licenced independant Water Utility for the project and ensured that the site was run in accordance with their ISO accrediation.
The sewage scheme compound is located close to the new community but will remain out of site, sound and mind due to the unique design and underground installation.
Attention to detail throughout the delivery phase ensured an effiencent and precise installation of the infrastructure.
The independant Water Utility will service the new community in Moss Vale as it expands.
The independant Water Utility will service the new community in Moss Vale as it expands.
True Water licensed as an Independent Water Utility
True Water was engaged to deliver an Independent Water Utility – Sewage Scheme for Ashbourne in Moss Vale, NSW. The intention of this wastewater infrastructure was to service all lots developed prior to the upgrade and expansion of the Moss Vale municipal sewage network.
Following a detailed planning and design process for the Ashbourne Sewage Scheme, True Water submitted an application to IPART. This was done under the Water Industry and Competition Act 2006 (WIC Act). The WIC Act is designed to promote competition and innovation within the water industry. Licenses required to operate an Independent Water Utility are granted by IPART and the NSW State Government Minister for Water. However, these licences are only granted if the Minister is satisfied the applicant will maintain sufficient organisational, technical, and financial capacity.
The IPART assessment process includes public consultation and was completed by True Water in less than 12 months. The application was then presented to the Minister for final approval and granting of the IWU licence(s). The Honourable Rose Jackson, MLC, NSW Minister for Water, licensed True Water as an Independent Water Utility.
Efficient delivery of independent Water Utility Sewage Scheme
The Kubota Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) servicing the site uses a highly efficient and robust MBBR treatment method developed by the Japanese over 40 years. This method is so refined and advantageous that it is the only one allowed by the Government of Japan for small-to-medium-scale Sewage Treatment Plants.
Manufactured under ISO:14001 and ISO:9001 certifications, the WWTP is designed to meet economic, social, and environmental best practices while delivering capital benefits. In partnership with Kubota Corporation, True Water Community provides essential wastewater infrastructure for communities of up to 5,000 people.
Our innovative technology delivers services faster than traditional infrastructure, reducing both capital and operational costs while offering environmental benefits. Leveraging 15 years of continuous research and development, True Water worked with the developers to ensure the Ashbourne Sewage Scheme would satisfy all of their needs.
Reliable asset management for Ashbourne Sewage Scheme
Certified True Water technicians manage all servicing, maintenance, and management tasks. True Water’s Integrated Environmental Management System (IEMS) is used to guide all management activities throughout the infrastructure’s lifecycle. With a conclusive framework, operators and managers can be confident that compliance will be secured and stakeholder objectives delivered.
True Water has developed an affordable and quality remote-monitoring platform. Our advanced telemetry software allows operators to make informed decisions regarding scheduled and proactive maintenance. It is supported by an online portal that provides day-to-day asset management and monitoring. It is accurate, immediate, real-time data.
The sewage scheme servicing the Ashbourne development enabled new land releases before traditional municiapl infrastructure was available. True Water’s technology addressed delays related to conventional sewage systems, supporting community growth and development while ensuring regulatory compliance and facilitating land release.
Delivering sewage infrastructure for regional development
The rapid growth of regional towns and communities demands affordable and sustainable wastewater management solutions. As an approved IWU, True Water provides sewage infrastructure for small to medium-scale community projects (200 to 3,000 lots).
In partnership with Kubota, we deliver various wastewater infrastructure models, including lot-by-lot, semi-decentralised, and centralised options. We work closely with developers, regulators, and stakeholders to expedite projects compared to traditional municipal timelines.
True Water oversees projects from concept to commissioning, expertly managing regulatory approvals, budgetary constraints, and delivery deadlines. Additionally, True Water’s infrastructure models rely on the Kubota treatment system as a key asset. This innovative technology is specifically designed to achieve economic, social, and environmental best practices while ensuring capital benefits.