Infrastructure limitations

It would seem that Portland is at capacity when it comes to infrastructure and cannot accommodate more residents. Water and Sewage, as well as roads are not being maintained to suit the population and growth is unsustainable at current government spending levels.

"Portland Sewage Treatment Plant has a capacity of 2,200 EP (Equivalent Persons). This plant has no residual capacity and is operating at full loading. It also requires upgrades however the NSW Minister for Water has advised that it is not possible for the Portland Plant to be included in the current round of Country Towns Water and Sewerage funding and a new round will not occur until after 2017.  The Department of Public Works will investigate on Council’s behalf options for improvements pending a plant upgrade."

This is fairly easy to understand. Population for sewage treatment is at capacity and there's no room for growth until at least 2017. There's no money being allocated for maintenance let alone improvements. It's unclear as to why, but apparently it's not wholly Council's responsibility.

"The identified residual capacity for the Fish River Water Supply Scheme 

(treated water) is an upper limit of 3,042 households or a population of 7,605."  

Water supply is not so easy to understand as Portland does not have an independent water supply. Our water comes from the Fish River Scheme which is stored in Oberon Dam. This water supply is shared with other towns. It is unclear in these documents how many households or population are currently supplied. It does appear to be inadequate, particularly during drought.

So on one hand we've got land being put aside for higher than current density housing and on the other, no plans to upgrade sewage until 2017 and inadequate water supply to urban areas.

Confuncted?

I know I am.

Let's not even think about roads at this stage.

Lot sizes for new urban residential development

Plans to develop new residential land use designations in Portland are intended to "reflect desired future character and density of residential areas". It is proposed that three categories be created:

• General Residential   600m² 

• Medium Density Residential 400m²  

• Low Density Residential 800m²

Reference: Lithgow City Council, 2011, Draft Lithgow Land Use Strategy 2010-2030, Ch 11 Action 11.3


The largest of these lots defined as "low density" at 800m2, is at the smaller end of current lot sizes in Portland. Medium density housing in Portland would look out of place and inconsistent with the character of the town.