Unitywater, QLD will soon begin a fire hydrant replacement program in the Bribie Island suburbs of Woorim, Bongaree and Bellara to ensure that the areas’ fire safety systems are accessible and fully functioning.
Throughout March, Unitywater’s authorised contractors will be replacing hydrants and valves in Woorim.
The local program is part of an annual infrastructure maintenance project to replace old cast iron fire hydrants and valves in the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay regions with new, long lasting equipment that offers improved flow rates.
Unitywater’s Executive Manager Infrastructure Planning and Capital Delivery, Simon Taylor said these vital works were needed to ensure that emergency services personnel had easy access to hydrants and sufficient water pressure and flow rates to fight fires.
Residents and businesses may experience brief water supply outages while this program is carried out, with works conducted on a street-by-street basis to minimise disruption.
Unitywater will notify affected residents at least two weeks prior to works taking place, providing further information about the work; and will also drop water supply interruption notices in letterboxes at least 48 hours before any planned outages to water supply.
While Unitywater will endeavour to return nature strips to their previous condition following fire hydrant replacement, in some instances this may not be possible.
“For safety reasons, where landscaping or other structures inhibit access to a fire hydrant, we will not be replacing these features. Access to fire hydrants on council-owned land is the number one priority in the case of emergency,” Mr Taylor said.
“We appreciate the community’s support and understanding as we carry out this critical community service,” he said.
In order to contribute to safer, more responsive emergency services, Unitywater also provides water at no cost to the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service and the Rural Fire Service Queensland for both training and fire fighting exercises.
