Reliable and efficient water provision has been secured for 14,000 properties in the Kew to Balwyn area in Victoria following the completion of the Kew-Balwyn water main upgrade — a once-in-100-years project delivered by Yarra Valley Water.
Yarra Valley Water Managing Director Pat McCafferty said the $15.1 million water main upgrade is significant as it is the primary source of water supply in the area.
“The pipework we’ve replaced was installed over a century ago during the height of World War I and was nearing the end of its life,” he said.
“This is a popular area for home-buyers, renters and businesses and it’s going to keep on growing. These works will ensure we’re able to keep up with demand and deliver a great service for years to come.”
The project was completed in two stages over four years. The first stage involved constructing almost three kilometres of pipeline beneath the road surface from Denmark Street along Wellington Road, and Sackville Street to Kew Reservoir.
The second stage involved constructing a new 1.5 kilometre water main from Kew Reservoir, along Mont Victor Road and Parkhill Road, connecting to the existing network at Adeney Avenue.
Yarra Valley Water and its project partner, MFJ Constructions, worked closely with residents, businesses and local schools to minimise disruption.
Yarra Valley Water Kew-Balwyn Project Manager Nick Coull said keeping the community’s needs in mind was integral to the project’s successful completion, especially considering the density of housing and roads in the area.
“Our community focus along with MFJ Constructions’ extensive knowledge and experience enabled us to construct a new water supply pipeline down the middle of busy, suburban streets, and to stay engaged with the community so they knew what was involved and what to expect,” Coull said.
Onsite work crews monitored their activities to ensure residents had access to driveways, as well as to ensure that noise and inconvenience was minimised for residents during home hours.
by Cecilia Harris
