Redland City Council will sewer 165 Dunwich properties in a long-awaited $2.7 million sewerage infrastructure upgrade.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the project would start in August and be completed in 2014-15.
“This project is great news for Dunwich residents as it will improve sewerage infrastructure and also improve property values,” Cr Williams said.
“Islanders have been calling for the upgrades for quite some time and I am happy that Council is able to deliver.
“Islanders lobbied very strongly during township meetings convened by Council last year and earlier this year and the issue was on the agenda when I introduced new Chief Executive Officer Bill Lyon to the Straddie Chamber last year.
“During these meetings residents made it clear that we needed to prioritise the upgrading of sewerage infrastructure in Dunwich. Council has listened, and has now committed the funds to deliver.
”This project addresses a long overdue community need and is a great example of Council listening to the community.”
Cr Williams said only 128 properties were currently connected to the sewerage system, with many residents relying on septic tanks or on-site treatment systems.
“This project will mean more than 75 per cent of Dunwich properties will be connected to the sewerage system, delivering benefits for residents including environmental, health and safety improvements,” she said.
“Council undertook feasibility studies to investigate the best option for residents and we are confident today’s decision is the right one.
“The studies identified properties considered as a priority for sewerage upgrades and these properties will be upgraded as part of this project. Council will then investigate upgrades to other properties as it is required in the future.”
Division two Councillor (Cleveland and North Stradbroke Island) Craig Ogilvie said the project would be completed in three stages, with repair work to existing sewers commencing in August.
“Following this repair work, properties will be connected to the existing sewerage system in two priority areas,” Cr Ogilvie said.
“Priority one will connect 73 properties and be completed in the 2013/14 financial year, while the second phase of 92 priority properties will be completed in the 2014/15 financial year.”
