Construction activities commenced in March 2020 for the 9 km sewer pipeline between Donnybrook and Beveridge, with the sewer expected online by the end of the year.
The Victorian Planning Authority is predicting that by 2050 the area will be home to around 300,000 people , and the pipeline is expected to cater for this population growth.
The Lockerbie Main Sewer will collect and transfer sewage flows from a majority of the proposed new developments and communities in the Donnybrook, Beveridge and Lockerbie area.
The joint venture (JV) has engaged extensively with the Wurundjeri Woi Warring Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation to identify the potential impact excavation may have on culturally sensitive areas.
The collaboration included a 12-month cultural salvage program involving a combination of hand and mechanical archaeological digs to identify, record and preserve artefacts and ensure the area remained protected for generations to come.
Nina Braid is the Aboriginal partnerships manager at Yarra Valley Water.
“At Yarra Valley Water we are committed to reconciliation and building the trust understanding with Traditional Owners as part of our commitment to helping communities thrive,” said Braid.
Darren Wilkins is the delivery manager of capital projects and utilities with Ventia.
“This area has high level ground wanter content, so the communities traditionally used to meet in these areas,” said Wilkins.
“Before we even started onsite, those areas of potential significance were roped off – they’re no-go zones for us.”
Wilkins said that if the operators were to find anything of potential significance in areas deemed to be clear, the team must stop work immediately and notify the local elders.
The pipeline will be constructed along the western side of the Melbourne-Sydney railway line north of Minton Street, then crosses the railway line and hugs the eastern side of the rail line to its southern end in Donnybrook.
Yarra Valley Water said the Traditional Owners’ connection to country influences the way the company works and engages with the land.
Construction is expected to be completed in late 2021 and the completed Lockerbie Main Sewer will begin operating in late 2021.
For more information visit the Yarra Valley Water website.