Carterton District Council’s [CDC] Wastewater Treatment Ponds project is tracking to run $340,000 over budget, contingency-inclusive.
But, if cost recoveries from a removed contractor go in CDC’s favour, the project will track right on the council’s recent budget of $14.61 million.
CDC’s Wastewater Treatment Ponds project has had its fair share of controversy, with the main contractor removed last year after repeated delays and the discovery of damage to the lining of three new ponds.
The project also made headlines after a botched mudfish relocation exercise where almost 1000 fish were estimated to have died, likely due to poor habitat.
The budget has also been under scrutiny, with council previously projecting a $6m budget, then $12m.
CDC Chief executive Geoff Hamilton’s recent report to council, states the total project budget is about $14.61m, and the total forecast spend was $14.95m.
“However, within the total forecast budget, there are several items which may not eventuate, as well as the likelihood of
