Cloncurry Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade

Project Overview

Client: Cloncurry Shire Council  |  Asset Type: Sewage Treatment Plant  |  Role: Contract management, design coordination, construction oversight and commissioning support

Before rebranding as In8, Curry Project Management delivered contract management and site services for the Cloncurry Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade. The project modernised the existing facility to increase capacity, improve treatment performance and meet contemporary environmental and regulatory requirements. In8’s responsibilities spanned design development, procurement support, WHS and environmental management, civil and process construction, electrical and controls integration, and commissioning.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Managing the design process from early meetings and workshops through to preparation and submission of final For Construction documentation.
• Overseeing construction activities including WHS and environmental management plans, site establishment, traffic management and coordination of geotechnical inputs.
• Supervising installation of tertiary treatment infrastructure, sludge handling systems and recycled water assets.
• Managing electrical and control system upgrades, including integration with existing site SCADA and off-site telemetry.

Design Development and Governance

In8’s project management team oversaw the complete design development process, including:

• Coordinating initial project discussions and setting the design framework and performance objectives.
• Conducting HAZOP/CHAIR workshops to identify hazards, refine process controls and confirm operability.
• Preparing and submitting final design documentation for construction, ensuring scopes captured all works, interfaces and ancillary activities necessary for a successful upgrade.

Procurement, Delivery & Site Management

In8 developed a comprehensive Procurement Plan, reviewed council resources and identified local supply options to support cost-effective and timely delivery. The plan aligned with council procurement policies and, where relevant, DRFA-style value and governance expectations.

The team managed the tendering process, ensuring documentation included detailed specifications, quality requirements and safety standards. During delivery:

• Regular site visits and inspections verified that materials, workmanship and processes met project standards.
• Safety audits, traffic management and environmental monitoring were implemented and tracked.
• Particular attention was given to working near sensitive environmental or cultural areas, with controls embedded in Construction Environmental Management Plans.

Consistent progress updates, risk reviews and look-ahead planning supported on-schedule execution of the upgrade.

Submissions & Compliance

In8 prepared and submitted design documents, WHS plans, environmental management plans and other required protocols to secure approvals and maintain compliance. Submissions were structured to meet local council and regulatory standards, addressing:

• Environmental licensing and discharge requirements.
• Workplace Health and Safety obligations for high-risk construction activities.
• Operational and process safety for the upgraded treatment plant.

Close coordination with council and other stakeholders ensured the project remained aligned with environmental, operational and safety expectations throughout delivery.

Construction Management

In8’s construction management role ensured that all activities were delivered in accordance with contractual and regulatory requirements. This included:

• Developing and implementing WHS and Construction Environmental Management Plans to meet statutory and council standards.
• Managing site establishment, including traffic management plans, safety barriers, safe access routes and laydown areas.
• Supervising bulk earthworks, foundations, construction of new inlet works and associated civil structures, as well as demolition of redundant assets.
• Coordinating site rehabilitation and removal of temporary facilities following completion of works.

Site Services and Process Infrastructure

The team oversaw installation of key site services and process infrastructure, including:

• Potable water systems, valves and fittings for inlet and tertiary treatment facilities.
• Bulk and detailed earthworks, access roadworks and new inlet works with screenings and bypass systems.
• Installation of DAF (Dissolved Air Flotation) systems, UV disinfection units and chemical dosing facilities for tertiary treatment, ensuring seamless integration with existing process streams.

Electrical and Control Systems

Electrical and control upgrades were critical to the success of the STP upgrade. In8 managed:

• Installation of site power transformers, main switchboards and UPS systems to ensure reliable supply.
• Implementation of PLC-based control systems, SCADA, local control stations and integration with existing telemetry, enabling remote monitoring and control.
• Upgrades to the communication network and telemetry links to maintain reliable connectivity with off-site monitoring centres.

Testing, Commissioning and Documentation

The project management team coordinated:

• Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) for key process equipment, confirming performance prior to and after installation.
• Process commissioning and performance testing to demonstrate that the upgraded plant met operational and compliance targets.
• Preparation of operation and maintenance manuals, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and training sessions for council operators and maintenance staff.

Recycled Water and Sludge Management

In8 ensured effective implementation of recycled water and sludge management systems as part of the upgrade:

• Installation of recycled water storage tanks and integration of media filtration systems to support reuse.
• Installation and commissioning of DAF sludge transfer systems and associated infrastructure to improve sludge handling, storage and disposal processes.

As-Built Construction Data

Throughout the project, In8 maintained accurate as-built records documenting:

• Design variations and deviations, supported by engineering assessments.
• Survey data, equipment schedules and cable/pipe routes.
• Photographic evidence and inspection reports across civil, mechanical and electrical disciplines.

As-built information was compiled electronically and submitted to council, supporting final approvals, long-term asset management and future maintenance planning.

Outcomes

Through comprehensive oversight of design, procurement, construction, commissioning and documentation, In8 (previously Curry Project Management) delivered a modern, efficient and compliant sewage treatment facility for the Cloncurry community. The upgraded plant provides improved treatment performance, enhanced reliability and a robust platform for future population and regulatory requirements.