Council offers new service for developers

Council has endorsed a proposal to provide an on-site sewerage design service for commercial and private developments in the Region.

The new service will be offered from the start of next month and will aim to reduce some of the development costs and make it more attractive to build here.

Until now, anyone needing on-site sewerage design currently must look to qualified personnel based outside of the Region in locations like Townsville.

Deputy Mayor Sonia Bennetto, whose portfolio includes Town Planning, said it can be a significant development cost.

“Having someone based in Charters Towers also makes it easier for systems to be designed for specific parcels of land rather than a generic design,” she said.

“Developers are still able to use commercial design services outside of Charters Towers if they choose.

“However, the in-house service will provide another and potentially more convenient option for anyone wanting to build in the Region.

On-site sewerage systems treat all domestic liquid waste and dispose of it without allowing it to leave the property.

They are used when there is no connection available to an authority or service provider’s sewerage system.

Cr Bennetto said this is another step Council has taken to make the Region more attractive to developers.

“There’s a lot of excitement and confidence around Charters Towers’ economic future,” she said.

“Earlier this year Council launched its industrial land prospectus to help investors identify parcels of land ready for development.

“Steps like these are proving we are a desirable place to invest and develop, and we have seen development application growth in the past two successive quarters.

To find out more information about the service call Council’s Regional Development team on 4761 5300 or email them at mail@charterstowers.qld.gov.au.