Local sporting clubs are not the only ones who have been affected by one of the wettest June’s on record as works on the pipeline upgrade have been delayed.
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The construction of the town’s new conveyance sewer main is well underway, but has been hampered by the recent wet weather causing the site unsuitable for work.
The 2.1 kilometre pipeline which runs up to the electricity substation at the corner of Chillingworks Road, turns right to link up with the sewerage treatment works.
The sewer main is designed to accommodate an expansion in connected properties and increased flows into the treatment plant.
Initial costing of the construction of the new pipeline stood at $5 million, but that figure may rise due to the delays.
The new pipeline replaces an 80-year-old mains which was undersized for the town’s population.
The previous pipeline, first built in 1939, was designed to cater for 4000 people, well below the current a population.
Now at nearly double that figure, the increase in numbers deemed an upgrade to the pipeline as ‘well overdue’.
Acting Director Utility Services for Hilltops Council Peter Grove said the weather has put the works well behind schedule.
“Initially the project was to be completed in late June, early July,” Mr Grove said.
“Until the ground dries out we won’t really be able to know when they will now be finished.
“At this stage we are looking at a completion date of mid to late August.
“There will also be variations to the initial costings due to the site conditions.
“Approximately 80 per cent of the works are completed.
“There are some smaller sections to be finalised as well as the low pressure pump.
“We expect due to the wet weather causing delays that some of the costings will increase.
“What the final number for the project is will depend on what we can negotiate with the contractors.
“Hopefully we can agree on a compromise which leaves everyone pleased,” he said.