South East Water is undertaking a huge sewer upgrade project.
A major upgrade to parts of the Port Melbourne sewer network is underway, as South East Water looks to support population growth as part of Australia’s largest urban renewal project, Fishermans Bend.
The $40 million critical infrastructure works involve extending the current sewer network to facilitate the future relocation of a major sewer pump station on Salmon Street, Port Melbourne.
The crews are using innovative methods like microtunnelling to install new pipes deep underground, minimising community disruption and keeping traffic flowing above while we work below.
This three-stage project includes relocating a 100-year-old pump station currently sitting in a traffic island and extending the sewer network to support over 80,000 future residents by 2050.
South East Water’s industry partner Beca, Fulton Hogan, and Interflow Joint Venture (BFHI) is undertaking the works which will be delivered in three stages.
Stage 1 is nearing completion with the installation of new sewerage pipes.
South East Water General Manager Charlie Littlefair said the upgrades were essential to keep up with future demand on the sewerage network in the area.
“By 2050, Fishermans Bend is expected to house around 80,000 people, so renewal projects are essential to increase the capacity of the sewerage system to take away more waste for more people.
“Our crews are now excavating shafts and installing pipes using a process called microtunnelling.
“The machine is lifted into the ground and pushes so slowly that it can barely be seen to be moving – all while Salmon Street traffic is flowing above.”
South East Water expects Stage 1 to be complete in early 2026.
Stage 2, which includes building the new pump station, is in the design phase. Stage 3 will involve decommissioning the old infrastructure.
The Salmon Street project will continue into 2027 when the current pump station is decommissioned.