CHW to build sewer of the century

ALMOST one-hundred years since the city’s original sewerage system was installed, Central Highlands Water is set to build a new pipeline for the future.

On Tuesday CHW announced the largest-ever upgrade to the area’s sewerage system; the Ballarat Sewer Build project, which will see six kilometres of pipeline constructed with a ticket price of $25 million.

The sewer will be installed parallel to the pre-existing pipes which are nearing the end of their functional lives and run from Ballarat East, under the CBD, to Ballarat South.

CHW is aiming to build a system that can process the city’s wastewater for another century, and the gravity of that vision is not lost on managing director Paul O’Donohue.

“This essential community infrastructure project is part of Central Highlands Water’s regional investment, and will cater for the growing demands of Ballarat for another 100 years,” he said.

“It builds on the accomplishment of those before us, who built Ballarat’s first sewerage system, which was the best in the Commonwealth at the time, but is nearing its capacity.

“Since the original project, Ballarat’s population has grown from 22,000 to 117,000, and although the original works have performed beyond expectations, we are now building to service the next generations.”

The Ballarat Sewer Build comes under CHW’s capital works program, ensuring the water and sewerage systems can accommodate and prepare for the city’s booming population growth and land development.

But Mr O’Donohue said it’s more than just another capital works project. It’s one that workers will head into knowing they’re part of a “continuation of [a] legacy.”

“We’re ensuring we provide long-lasting infrastructure to protect our community and environmental health into the future,” he said.

The first of three stages of works will begin in March. As part of the initial phase, works will take place on Peel Street, Eastwood Street and Andersen Street East and changes traffic conditions will occur with CHW advising travellers to allow extra time to get through the CBD.

The sewer duplication project as a whole should be completed within the next three to five years.

Small repairs and pipe relining will also happen at this time. Visit chw.net.au/sewerbuild for more information.