Watercare taps into growth

As Franklin’s population booms, there have been fears that the pipes might bust. However, a recently completed upgrade is intended to support development while improving
wastewater treatment and registering ecological gains along the way.

Thanks to upgrades, the Clarks Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant can support a population of up to 6000 people. This effort will turn on the tap for additional development in the area, Franklin Ward Councillor, Andy Baker expects.

“Not only will the upgraded plant deliver high-quality treatment, helping to protect the health of the Manukau Harbour, it will also help to kickstart the long-term development of the Clarks Beach and Glenbrook Beach communities,” he says.

“This infrastructure is not just about immediate benefits, but ensuring future generations can continue to call Clarks Beach and Glenbrook Beach home.”

The upgrade is the first project completed under Watercare’s $500 million wastewater programme for Auckland’s southwest.

It has not come cheap, requiring $3.8 million per day, but this is not a case of money going down the drain, Watercare’s Priyan Perera contends.

“Clarks Beach and Glenbrook Beach have capacity to support planned growth and these updates provide greater clarity for communities and developers. Greater certainty and coordination up front helps improve efficiency and affordability, benefiting Auckland now and into the future.”

Regular updates help ensure stakeholders have access to the most up-to-date information, he adds.

“All applications are assessed based on their size, likely demand and timing and we encourage developers to engage with us early on, to understand any potential impacts, and plan projects effectively.”