Construction works have resumed on a new reticulated sewerage system for Belgrave and Selby.
South East Water General Manager for Asset Creation Charlie Littlefair said local residents may see more work crews in the neighbourhood as part of the $20 million project aimed at protecting public health and the environment from the risks associated with poorly maintained septic tanks.
“In late 2012 we were in Belgrave laying part of a main sewerage pipe for the area. We were able to go into Belgrave ahead of the original schedule and make a head start on laying the main spine of the network,” said Mr Littlefair.
“We’re now continuing these works in Belgrave and Selby and hope to have the reticulated system completed within the next six to eight months. We expect to be in a position to undertake individual property connections from early 2014.
“Our ongoing project to connect households with individual septic tanks to the reticulated system provides enormous environmental and public health benefits to communities across Melbourne’s south east.
“More than 500 households in Belgrave Heights have already connected to the system and are actively protecting their local environment for future generations. We’re committed to ensuring this same outcome for a further 700 households in Belgrave and Selby.
“Once the connections schedule is confirmed we will hold a community information session within the Belgrave and Selby communities to speak with residents and businesses about how they can connect to the new system.
“The local community may notice an increase in the number of work crews on site in Belgrave and Selby over the coming months. We’ll be working with Yarra Ranges Council to ensure the local community is kept up to date throughout the project and minimise construction impacts where possible. We’d like to thank the Belgraveand Selby communities for their patience during these important works,” concluded Mr Littlefair.
Yarra Ranges Councillor Samantha Dunn said: “it’s terrific to see the works re-commence. The construction of a reticulated sewerage system in Belgrave and Selby has immense benefits for the environment and our local waterways.
“The community is very positive about the works. There’s been a recognition of the problem of failing septic systems for a long time and, in an area which values the environment, locals are keenly aware and supportive of the environmental benefits of a sewer connection,” concluded Cr Dunn.
More information about the Belgrave and Selby Sewerage Scheme can be found at southeastwater.com.au
