Sewer and relationships building

FOUR hundred metres-worth of Ballarat Sewer Build piping has been installed by Central Highlands Water under Peel Street, replacing century-old infrastructure.

Excavation and micro-tunnelling works between Scott Parade and Little Bridge Street are done, as well as the building of three underground concrete inspection shafts.

Now over 60 per cent complete, the Build will continue up Eastwood Street to Anderson Street.

CHW’s project manager Mick Dwyer said all involved have been focused on efficiency and safety, to ensure the construction has minimal impact on surrounding businesses and residences in the centre of the city.

However, it has not been without challenges.

“This critical section through the Ballarat CBD was always going to be one of the most complex, due to the proximity of Peel Street businesses to the sewer path plus the difficult ground conditions beneath the surface,” he said.

“Our commitment has always been to keep roads open and traffic flowing for local businesses, and we are very pleased to announce that works are now finished in this area.”

CHW is grateful to nearby residents and traders impacted by Ballarat Sewer Build, for their patience, ideas and feedback.

The water utility has worked since last year to establish relationships with these individuals and enterprises, while keeping them up to date as the project progresses.

“We started interacting with traders in October of 2020, across the entire alignment. We asked each business what their daily activities look like and when their busy periods are,” Mr Dwyer said.

“From there, we built our construction program around traders’ preferred time slots, commencing at Easter. We also tweaked our program to make the most of lockdowns while businesses were closed.

“We’ve continued doorknocking, given weekly updates, utilised the radio, and used digital boards to remind people that fantastic local businesses are open and that they should continue to support them.”

The Gull Group is based on the corner of Peel and Curtis streets. Director Alistair Gull said CHW’s communication has been “excellent.”

“We’ve been made aware of all works and timing. Like any project, there’s always a bit of inconvenience, but we’re lucky because we’ve got dual access,” he said.

“With lockdowns too, not many people could visit our office anyway, so it’s been a good opportunity to get the works done.

“As developers, we have a good long-term relationship with CHW, but those relationships are something you always need to keep working at, so this project has been good.”

CHW has been collaborating with the City of Ballarat throughout the build and now that Peel Street piping is installed, the municipality is set to resurface the road.

“We’re big on presentation with all our properties, across all our businesses, so anything that improves the streetscape is a small inconvenience for a better outcome,” Mr Gull said.

“It’s good to just get it all done at a similar time. Projects always take longer, which is frustrating, but you’ve just got to make them happen, solve the problems, and work around them.”

CHW managing director Paul O’Donohue said Ballarat’s wastewater system will be secure for at least another 100 years at the end of the Sewer Build.

“This major community infrastructure project builds on the legacy of those before us,” he said.

“Its success lies not only in the construction and operation, but the ongoing collaboration between Central Highlands Water, our contractors and our local community.”

The Ballarat Sewer Build began in April. Visit chw.net.au/sewerbuild for more information.