Addressing Wulguru's long-standing sewerage issues remains a priority for Townsville City Council, with the first stage of the suburb's Wastewater Infrastructure Resilience Program now complete.
The on-schedule completion of Stage 1 significantly increases the volume of wastewater that can be transported from the network above Wright Street and paves the way for essential Stage 2 work to start next week.
Stage 2 involves extending a pipeline under Stuart Drive to connect with an existing larger trunk gravity sewer located at the intersection of Stuart Drive and Edison Street.
Around 600m of pipe will be installed, including a 45m trenchless section under Stuart Drive, bringing the total amount of pipe laid across both stages to almost one kilometre.
Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto said he had been carefully monitoring progress at Wulguru over the past few months, and was pleased Council and its contractors, KB Pipelines, were powering towards a December completion date for the two-stage project.
"Wulguru residents have put up with this problem for too long, and I acknowledge how difficult this issue has been for them – one of Council's main priorities is ensuring that our critical infrastructure is upgraded to be fit-for-purpose," Cr Dametto said.
"More than $6 million has been invested in this project by both Council and the State Government through the Works for Queensland Program.
"This significant commitment reflects our renewed Back to Basics focus – delivering a reliable wastewater system that meets community needs and doesn't fail after a medium amount of rainfall is essential."
State Member for Mundingburra Janelle Poole APM MP said the Crisafulli Government was proud to support Stage 1 of the project through Works for Queensland, while backing councils with long-term funding certainty.
"State funding helped get this project off the ground, and it's great to see Council continuing that work to deliver a long-term solution for Wulguru residents," Ms Poole said.
"By making Works for Queensland permanent, the Crisafulli Government is giving councils the certainty they need to plan ahead and deliver the infrastructure their communities rely on."
Divisional councillor Brady Ellis said he was relieved the project was due to be completed before the next wet season.
"This issue has caused a lot of angst for residents in Division 10 over the years and, since being elected, I have made addressing it one of my top priorities," Cr Ellis said.
"Once again, I want to acknowledge the work and support of State Member for Mundingburra, Janelle Poole APM MP, and the Crisafulli Government for coming on board as a funding partner for the first stage of this critical project through the Works for Queensland Program.
"It has been great to work with them to deliver this project that will make a huge difference to hundreds of homes in Wulguru."
Stage 1 of the Wulguru Wastewater Infrastructure Resilience Program cost $2.2 million and was jointly funded by the Queensland Government's Works for Queensland Program and Council.
Stage 2 of the program will cost approximately $4.5 million, to be entirely funded by Council.
