5 August 2008
City West Water is investing more than $4 million this year to upgrade its Five Mile Creek sewer, which serves areas of Essendon North, Essendon and Strathmore.
The works involve relining 1.5 kilometres of the existing sewer and constructing a new, two kilometre sewer pipe which will increase capacity, especially during wet weather.
City West Water’s Managing Director, Anne Barker, said the sewer runs through Woodlands Park and Salmon Reserve, two well used community recreation spaces.
“The existing sewer has come under increasing demand, and we are seeing more sewer overflows during heavy rain,” Ms Barker said.
“These vital works will significantly reduce the number of overflows and provide better infrastructure for the community and a major boost to the local environment.”
Lining of the existing sewer was completed in June, and involved threading through the new, flexible PVC pipe through the existing pipe, which limited disruptions to local residents.
Work to lay the new pipe in Salmon Reserve and Woodlands Park is due to start in September and is expected to take up to six months.
Much of the new sewer will be constructed using trenchless technology, which will see the sewer line bored underground so that trees in the park are not disturbed.
Some parts of the works running through Salmon Reserve and Woodlands Park will involve traditional open cut trenching, meaning small areas will be unavailable to the public during works.
“We know Salmon Reserve and Woodlands Park are two well loved community facilities with local historical significance, so we’re making every effort to minimise disruption,” Ms Barker said.
“We very much appreciate the patience of local residents and park users as we carry out these important works.”
City West Water maintains almost 3,500 kilometres of sewer mains, and the upgrade is part of its multi-million dollar program to ensure the system continues to meet the community’s needs
It is also investing around $2 million this year to replace several major water mains serving the Moonee Valley, including Ascot Vale Road, Ascot Vale and Epsom Road, Flemington.
Residents who would like to be kept updated with information on the project can email their details to communications@citywestwater.com.au