Sewer upgrades: Silver lining in stinky job

An “odour” is expected in some parts of the Coast as about 15km of sewer network is relined over the next seven months. It’s hoped the reek will be worth the result.

“Odour” is expected as about 15km of Fraser Coast sewers will be relined over the next seven months. However, the reek will be worth the result.

Noise, traffic and an odour is expected in some parts of the Fraser Coast as work begins on sewers in a bid to maintain and improve the region’s wastewater network.

The works will be spread across the next seven months with an expected completion date in mid-December.

14.2km of Fraser Coast sewers will be revamped.

The sewer mains in Torquay, Pialba, Urangan, Maryborough and Burrum Heads will be relined from this week.

“There will be some noise, traffic management and odour for short periods when the work is being done,” Councillor David Lee said.

Traffic management will be in place as the works are done from May until December, 2021.

The region’s sewers have breaks, cracks and leaks, which were identified using remotely operated cameras, and need restoration, Cr Lee said.

“The majority of the work in Hervey Bay is being done in areas near the beach to reduce the amount of salt water entering the pipes through cracks and leaking joints.

“This is particularly important as the salt water affects the ability for treated effluent to be used for the irrigation of cane fields, turf farms and hardwood plantations.

The sewer relining is said to ensure quality sewerage water for the Fraser Coast.

“All up about 14.2 kilometres, or about two per cent of Council’s 674 kilometres of gravity sewers … are being lined … Relining via existing manholes allows council to repair the sewers quickly.”

Originally published as Sewer upgrades: Silver lining in stinky job