A major $6 million wastewater infrastructure upgrade in Wulguru is now in service, delivering a more resilient sewer network for residents ahead of future wet seasons.
The two-stage Wulguru Wastewater Infrastructure Resilience Program upgrade, jointly funded by Townsville City Council and the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland Program, has significantly improved capacity for more than 250 properties across the suburb.
Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto said delivery of the project, on-time and under-budget, marked an important step towards addressing long-standing wastewater issues in the area.
“For far too long, Wulguru residents have been plagued by the effects of excess rainwater overloading the sewerage system,” Cr Dametto said.
“I stood with those residents during my mayoral campaign, as they described the angst and anxiety this caused each time the skies darkened, so delivering this upgrade has been a major priority.
“The project has installed around 1km of new gravity sewer pipeline and 15 maintenance holes, significantly increasing the network’s capacity and resilience.
“This is exactly the type of infrastructure investment that makes a real difference for residents and an example of Council’s ongoing focus on getting the basics right.
“Residents can help to support this work by ensuring their gutters are cleared and draining into storm water and not into the sewer ahead of the severe weather season.”
Division 10 Councillor Brady Ellis said reaching the project milestone was the culmination of months of construction and planning.
“Addressing Wulguru’s wastewater issues has been a top priority of mine since first elected, and I’m pleased to see this project finally operational and delivering increased sewerage capacity for the residents of Division 10,” Cr Ellis said.
“The completion of these works means residents can have greater confidence in the network, particularly during significant rainfall events when the system has historically been overloaded and overflowed.
“I want to thank residents for their patience throughout construction and acknowledge the contribution of the Queensland Government and the efforts of Council staff, contractors and everyone involved in delivering this complex project.”
Member for Mundingburra Janelle Poole APM MP welcomed the project’s completion and said she was proud the Crisafulli State Government had collaborated with Council to address Wulguru’s ongoing wastewater issues.
“For me, this is what happens when you have two levels of government working together to actually deliver,” Mrs Poole said.
“This issue has impacted the residents of Wulguru each wet season and they have lived with the anxiety of wondering, every time it rains, what is going to happen.
“We are proud as a government that we have been able to fund a portion of this project and see it through to fruition.”
The Wulguru Wastewater Infrastructure Resilience Program was delivered in two stages, with Stage 1 underway in March and concluding in June.
Stage 2 commenced shortly after, and included using specialist microtunnelling equipment to install 44-metres of sewer beneath Stuart Drive, allowing this critical sewer infrastructure to be installed without excavating the roadway and minimising disruption to traffic.
It was completed last week.
The project was delivered at a total cost of $6 million, including $1.5 million for Stage One jointly funded by Council and the Queensland Government, and $4.5 million for Stage Two, funded by Council.
