Works to improve Gympie’s sewer network is underway

Gympie Regional Council has initiated a $287,000 investment into sewer infrastructure aimed at addressing identified issues in Gympie and Southside.

The program involves extending the life of the current network through relining sewer pipes and refurbishing manholes.

Gympie Regional Council Water Manager, Emma Fisher explained the process, stating,

“During major weather events, stormwater enters the network which builds pressure and can cause cracks, breaks and leaks.

“Council’s crews identify these defects through inspections using remotely operated cameras or smoke testing which involves pumping smoke into the system and monitoring where it escapes revealing the problem.

“The program will rectify these defects by applying new liners, which are inserted into the sewer main and set in place using steam from a truck-mounted steam boiler,” she said.

The project also includes other maintenance works such as blockage removal and grinding of intruding root systems from trees. Contractors commenced the program in early April and will progressively cover 1.6 kilometres of the sewer network by end of May.

Gympie Regional Council Mayor Glen Hartwig highlights the benefits of relining rather than replacing the pipes,

“It might sound like a temporary fix but it’s a clever technique used by many councils which extends the pipes' lifespan by an additional 10-15 years.

“It proves to be highly cost-effective, costing a fraction of what it would to excavate and replace the pipes, with minimal disruption to the community,” he said.