A new $18 million water-treatment plant in Whangarei has been given the green light, subject to public consultation.
Whangarei District councillors voted unanimously yesterday to consider the construction of a new plant in the long-term plan process, rather than upgrading the current one at a cost of $12.75 million.
A new plant would still be needed in 25 years, bringing the total long-term cost of the second option closer to $30 million, according to council staff.
"Instead of upgrading we are using common sense. We are going to build something that is going to last three times as long," councillor Sue Glen said.
Councillor Greg Innes described the choice as a "cost-effective allocation of resources. I think it's a robust way to move forward."
Councillor John Williamson described the project as "an example of extremely good planning by our infrastructure team".
Before the meeting, district council water-services manager Andrew Venmore said benefits of building a new plant over upgrading the existing one included being able to meet 100 per cent of earthquake standards (rather than 67 per cent, the maximum an upgrade would achieve), more space and the ability to increase capacity.
Other benefits included the fact a new plant would incorporate new and current best industry-process design, while moving out of the urban site to a less constrained one would enable safer storage of chemicals, as well as increase accessibility for maintenance.
During a feasibility study last month, staff looked at the council-owned property at 213 Whau Valley Rd, currently a vacant paddock, as a potential site.
The study found the site could achieve the technical and functional requirements of the project, but Mr Venmore said staff would also be looking at other options.
Once the site was chosen, staff would have to go through the resource-consent process, as well as public consultation.
If the project were to go ahead, the existing plant would probably be sold.