Lismore City Council has delivered a $2.78 million sewer relining program to improve vital wastewater infrastructure for Lismore homes and businesses across four key locations.
More than 5 kilometres of sewer mains and 1.4 kilometres of laterals were upgraded in Union Street, Bruxner Crescent, the Lismore Base Hospital precinct and Heritage Park, most with minimal disruption to the community.
While trenchless technology was used for most of the program, some areas required excavation due to pipe condition. In locations where trenchless methods were viable, Council crews and contractors strengthened ageing pipes without the need to dig up roads, footpaths or landscaping. Lateral pipes were lined using a resin-coated liner inserted and cured in place, while the larger reticulation mains were lined using a spiral wound method.
This involves mechanically winding a continuous PVC strip into the host pipe through existing manholes, forming a new pipe inside the old one. The liner interlocks to match the shape and diameter of the original pipe, with ends sealed to prevent infiltration. Service connections are reopened using robotic cutters. Both methods improve hydraulic performance, minimise environmental impact and significantly extend the life of the asset.
Mayor Steve Krieg said the works are a smart long-term investment in the city's infrastructure.
"Relining means fewer blockages, fewer emergency callouts and less disruption for residents and businesses, plus it also protects our environment by reducing the risk of overflows," he said.
"This is about doing the job once, being innovative in how we work and doing it properly, so our sewer network is safer, stronger and better for the next 50 years."
"Underground projects like this are not flashy, not generally visible and not something the public really notice.
"But it is important to call out these investments into our long-term sustainability and to recognise that this work is critical for maintaining basic services for our community."
While trenchless methods were used in most locations, traditional excavation was still necessary in areas where the infrastructure was too damaged for relining. In South Lismore, a significant pipe displacement beneath Norco's delivery driveway meant a 5.5-metre dig was needed before relining could proceed. Council worked with Norco to time the works and maintain access throughout the process.
At Heritage Park, extra care was taken to manage site safety around the popular toddler play areas, and the popular train ride. Despite ongoing wet weather, Council worked closely with local contractors Interflow to remediate dig-up areas and complete the job with restoration works that improved the space for park users.
Capital Works Project Officer Joe Morrissey said relining has clear advantages over traditional maintenance practices, particularly when dealing with root intrusion.
"Tree roots are a major cause of blockages in our network," he said.
"We normally use high-pressure water jetting every six months to clear them out, but this can damage old pipes, and the roots just grow back.
Relining permanently seals the pipe and prevents roots from getting in. It's a smarter, longer-lasting solution with a 50-year service life."
The delivery of this program reflects Council's commitment to essential infrastructure and its community-first approach.
