Water main upgrades on the cards for 2017

Following the replacement of water mains in Wakaden Street, which were budgeted and planned after an increase of pipe bursts, Griffith City Council has revealed plans for more mains to be replaced. 

“Other ageing water mains in the system have been identified and are included in the list of replacements for future budgets,” Council Director of Utilities Graham Gordon said.

Many of the pipes in Griffith’s water reticulation system are original cast iron pipes and date back to the 1930s.

Mr Gordon said the trunk main in Willandra Avenue is set to be replaced in the New Year allowing for reliable water supply to residents on Willandra Avenue and Sidlow road.

Traffic to Willandra Avenue is not expected to be impacted during the maintenance period.

Council has also budgeted and planned for the replacement of a raw-water main on Blumer Avenue, adjacent to the cemetery, in the 2016/17 financial year. 

The replacement of Yambil Street’s plagued pipes, which is no stranger to burst water mains, is high on council’s list of priorities. 

“The water main in the median of Yambil Street is on the short list for replacement,” Mr Gordon said.

“This mains upgrade will be scheduled to coincide with the planned project to upgrade Yambil Street.”

Under the CBD Strategy Yambil Street will see upgrades and repairs to the road, nature strip and streetscape.

Mr Gordon said the location of the replacement main will be heavily influenced by the designs for the drainage, road, kerbs and streetscape. 

While replacing Griffith's ageing infrastructure is a case of time and efficiency there is a positive outlook for future and ongoing works, Mr Gordon said.

“This year's budget for potable main replacements is over $480,000 compared to a budget of $276,000. for new potable mains, this replacement schedule will continue into the future and is reflected in the longer term budgets.”

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