Trenchless sewer maintenance ahead of schedule

Cr Greg Belz sees first hand the sewer relining technique used by Kembla Watertech as Andrew Ley, Alex Chanoff and Shane Lesley upgrade the sewer network at Noel Street, North Rockhampton.

Rockhampton Regional Council’s innovative trenchless sewer rehabilitation program is continuing to deliver cost effective results in upgrading the region’s sewer networks.The multi million dollar sewer relining program, now 85 per cent complete, is part of Fitzroy River Water’s (FRW) investment in building and maintaining modern, effective sewer systems across the region for current and future generations.

"The sewer relining program has proven very successful in reducing sewer main problems caused by blockages and water infiltration that contribute to sewer surcharges, with minimal disruption to residents and to the environment," said Chair of Council’s Water Committee, Councillor Greg Belz. "With continued commitment, the end to the maintenance catch up program that we started ten years ago is in sight.

"In fact we expect to complete the sewer rehabilitation program by the start of May, which is ahead of the contract completion date.This trenchless method of sewer main rehabilitation is practical and cost effective, proving best value for ratepayers and minimising the inconvenience to residents, with little need to dig up roads, footpaths and house yards."

The program initially concentrated on the 150mm pipes in the Rockhampton area, with critical pipe collapses and blockages in the Yeppoon area most recently being addressed.

"This investment is part of Fitzroy River Water’s ongoing commitment to ensure all sewer mains are maintained in a reliable and efficient operating condition, while minimising our environmental footprint," Cr Belz said.

Fitzroy River Water has also received national recognition in the publication Water Engineering Australia for its innovative work relining underground sewer mains in Rockhampton and Yeppoon.