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."