Work has begun on the refurbishment of an almost two and a half kilometre stretch of ageing sewerage mains in Warwick in a bid to boost reliability of the town’s wastewater network
As part of the $1.5 million project, funded in part by the Queensland government, Southern Downs Regional Council will replace pipes which run between Market Square and the Warwick Sewerage Treatment Plant.
According to the council, maintenance on the existing pipes had become too expensive due to its age.
The upgrades, which are scheduled for completion in September 2024, will increase the capacity of the sewerage network as well as improve its reliability, a statement to the media said.
Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi said the project complemented previous onsite upgrades to ensure resilience of essential sewerage services.
“Council is committed to addressing ageing infrastructure,” Mayor Pennisi said.
“The existing mains have been showing signs of deterioration,” he said.
“Ongoing repairs to ageing assets and overflow clean-ups are costly, with potential environmental impacts and compliance penalties from the Department of Environment and Science.
“Council has already delivered the Market Square pump station upgrade, and this next stage of renewing the sewer mains will complete the works to improve reliable operation and delivery of essential sewerage services to the community.”
The new mains will be constructed entirely within road reserves owned by the Southern Downs Regional Council.
It is understood the section of existing mains located in the middle of private property will be relocated to the road reserve.
