Aquatec Maxcon, along with McMahon Services has been selected by Mount Barker District Council to deliver the wastewater treatment process solution for the Laratinga Water Recovery Plant (LWRP) following a comprehensive Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) phase. MSA has been appointed as the Principal Contractor for the Project.
The ECI phase enabled close collaboration between MBDC (now GMB Water), McMahon Services and Aquatec Maxcon to optimise the treatment solution, de-risk delivery and confirm a technically robust and cost‑effective approach prior to final project commitment. This process supported informed decision‑making around process selection, constructability, staging and long‑term operational performance.
The LWRP will incorporate Nereda® aerobic granular sludge technology, delivering a high‑performance biological treatment process capable of meeting effluent quality requirements while optimising energy, chemical and operational efficiency. The plant is designed for 30,000EP (Equivalent Population) and a plan for 60,000EP based on the projected growth within the region.
As Australia’s exclusive Nereda | by Haskoning® license partner, Aquatec Maxcon will provide the process design, equipment supply and specialist support for the Nereda® system. The adoption of Nereda® technology at the LWRP provides a number of technical and operational benefits, including:
- High‑level nutrient removal performance under variable influent conditions
- Reduced aeration energy demand through efficient oxygen transfer
- Lower chemical consumption for nutrient removal processes
- Compact reactor configuration, reducing civil infrastructure requirements
- Operational flexibility to accommodate future load increases and regulatory change
McMahon Services, as the Principal Contractor, will lead construction and overall project delivery, integrating Aquatec Maxcon’s process equipment, control systems and commissioning support into the upgraded facility. The collaborative ECI‑led delivery model enhances constructability outcomes and supports effective integration, commissioning and long‑term operability of the treatment process. Tonkins are the civil & structural designers; Waternish are the mechanical installation partners.
The LWRP project supports GMB Water’s objectives for resilient, sustainable wastewater infrastructure by delivering a technically advanced solution that balances performance, whole‑of‑life cost, and adaptability to growth.
Aquatec Maxcon is proud and excited for being selected to deliver another Nereda® Plant - 1st in S.A. and the 4th in Australia. Aquatec Maxcon's aeration (AquaBlade), Inlet Works (Band Screens & Grit Removal), Sludge Thickener and BioAir Solutions, LLC Odour Control Units will also be installed at LWRP.
Nereda®, developed by Haskoning and Delft University of Technology, over 25yrs ago with over 145 installations worldwide and 75 operational plants.
