New sewerage investigation

By Lachlan Ellis

Central Highlands Water (CHW) has announced a $15 million project in Ballarat, but Bungaree and Wallace residents will have to keep waiting for a much-needed sewerage connection.

CHW announced construction of the $15 million Stage 2 Ballarat Sewer Build program this month, which will commence works in January 2023.

The company said the project was part of the biggest upgrade to Ballarat’s sewerage system in almost 100 years – however, when asked about progress on Bungaree and Wallace’s requests for sewerage, a CHW spokesperson said plans were in very early stages.

“Central Highlands Water continues to work with customers, community, and stakeholders to provide high quality and safe water and wastewater services. Preliminary investigations are underway into the potential to provide sewerage to Wallace and Bungaree,” CHW’s spokesperson told the Moorabool News.

“This process will involve a number of studies, relating to planning and engineering, to determine viability, as well as community engagement to determine the level of community support. No commitments have been made from any parties at this time to progress past the investigation stage.”

A sewer system in the growing towns is a priority for Council, with current estimates at $10 million for the project with Council investing $1 million, and other entities such as CHW hoped to provide the remaining $9 million.