Wulguru wastewater works kick off

Works to address ongoing Wulguru wastewater issues will be underway from next week, with Townsville City Council set to break ground on Stage One of upgrades to the troubled section of the suburb’s network thanks to the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland program.

Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto said he was eager to see excavation works begin to upgrade the gravity sewer network servicing more than 250 properties, with the end of the wet season in sight.

“This problem has been plaguing Wulguru residents for far too long,” Cr Dametto said.

“While the entire project consists of two stages, I’m pleased the first stage – a $2.2 million investment is set to begin in a matter of days – with crews mobilising to site to prepare for the wastewater network upgrade.

“Stage One, which is the Wright Street upgrade will see Council increasing the capacity of the network by installing a new larger diameter pipeline to increase the volume of wastewater that can be transported from the network above Wright Street.

“The second stage, which is the Stuart Drive upgrade, extends this new pipeline under and along Stuart Drive to the Edison Street intersection.”

Divisional councillor Brady Ellis said Stage One of the works to upgrade approximately 330 metres of underground wastewater pipe had been largely funded by the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland program through a $2 million investment.

“We’re really appreciative of State Member for Mundingburra, Janelle Poole APM MP, and the State Government for coming on board as a funding partner for this critical project through the Works for Queensland Program,” Cr Ellis said.

“Stage Two of the project is currently in design and we’ll be looking to begin construction in the coming months, so this project can be completed ahead of the next wet season.

“Addressing this issue for Division 10 residents has been a top priority of mine, and I’ll be glad to see bigger pipes going in the ground to alleviate the added pressure on the system.”

Member for Mundingburra Janelle Poole APM MP said the start of works would be welcomed by residents in the Wulguru area.

“Through the Crisafulli Government’s Works for Queensland program, we’re providing councils with the funding they need to commence these important local infrastructure upgrades,” she said.

“This project highlights the strong partnership between the State Government and local council to deliver practical infrastructure upgrades that benefit our communities.

“We understand the issues that residents have been dealing with in this area for years, and we’ve been listening to residents to ensure their concerns are heard.

“That’s why the Crisafulli Government made Works for Queensland funding permanent, so investments like these will continue to make a noticeable difference in our communities.”

Councillor Dametto said Stage One of the project had been awarded to KB Pipelines and would support local jobs.

“While we’re really glad that this project is soon to be underway, it’s great to have local contractor KB Pipelines onboard to complete the works, which are expected to support five local jobs throughout the duration of the works,” Cr Dametto said.

“There has been a lot of learnings from recent weather events, and I know as part of these works to address the issues, Council has been working to optimise current infrastructure and pump station operations.

“This project is long overdue, and I have faith that with Stage One and Two completed, it will go a long way to alleviating the anxiety and issues in the area.”

Stage One of the Wulguru Wastewater Infrastructure Resilience Program is jointly funded by the Crisafulli Government’s Works for Queensland program and the City of Townsville.

Works on Stage One of the Wulguru Wastewater Infrastructure Resilience Program will begin next week and are expected to take four months to complete.

Stage Two of the project, which involves extending a pipeline under Stuart Drive to connect with the existing larger trunk gravity sewer at the intersection of Stuart Drive and Edison Street, is in the design stage and construction is expected to begin in the coming months so the whole project can be constructed before the next wet season.

The completed project, including Stages One and Two, is expected to cost around $6 million.

For more information, visit: Wulguru Wastewater Infrastructure Resilience Program - Townsville City Council.