Six councils have united to deliver a $5.2 million project to renew sewer pipes across the Wide Bay Burnett in Queensland, helping prevent leaks, blockages and costly breakdowns.
At a meeting on Wednesday 10 December, Fraser Coast Regional Council approved a two-year contract for the Wide Bay Burnett Urban Water Alliance Sewer Relining Program 2025/26 and 2026/27, awarding the work to Interflow.
Council’s Water and Waste spokesperson, Zane O’Keefe, said the project would upgrade ageing sewer pipes in six council areas – Bundaberg, Cherbourg, Fraser Coast, Gympie, North Burnett and South Burnett.
“Many of our sewer pipes were put in the ground decades ago and are starting to show signs of deterioration,” Cr O’Keefe said.
“Instead of digging up every old pipe, specialist contractors can install a new lining inside the existing pipe.
“It’s a bit like putting a new sleeve inside an old jacket – it makes the pipe strong again, helps stop leaks and blockages, and means less digging up of streets and backyards.
“This project is about fixing small problems before they become big ones, protecting our environment and keeping essential services running for our communities.”
O’Keefe said working together through the Wide Bay Burnett Urban Water Alliance helped keep costs down.
“By joining forces, councils can buy these works in bulk under one contract and get better value for money than we would on our own,” he said.
“We have been successfully delivering this collaborative project since 2016, with more than $22 million worth of sewer relining done throughout the region.”
As the lead council for the alliance, Fraser Coast Regional Council will manage the contract and project on behalf of the other councils. Each council will pay for the work done in its own area.
The program will include:
- Cleaning sewer pipes
- Sending cameras through pipes to check their condition
- Installing new linings inside old pipes
- Reconnecting homes to the renewed pipes
- Managing any traffic changes and notifying nearby residents
- Checking and certifying the finished work
O’Keefe said work on Fraser Coast sewer pipes is planned for the 2026/27 financial year.
“Investing in maintenance like this helps us avoid major bursts, sewer overflows and emergency repairs later on, which are far more disruptive and expensive,” he said.
“It also stops groundwater and stormwater entering the sewer system, saving money on treatment and pumping costs.
“This is another way Council is working to look after the services people rely on every day, even when they’re out of sight and underground.”
