30/8/00
By June 2001, the suburb of Morley will have undergone a major transformation with the changeover from septic tanks to reticulated sewerage.
Water Resources Minister Dr Kim Hames said the multi-million dollar investment would boost the suburb's residential property values by making it a more desirable place to live.
"Over the past five years, the State Government's $800 million Infill Sewerage Program has provided a major boost to many city and country areas by protecting the local environment and the health of the community," the Minister said.
"Morley is one of those areas where the impact is most obvious because of the suburb's previous heavy reliance on septic tanks.
"Now we're beginning to see the major contribution which the program has made to the area's general amenity and the convenience of householders.
"While reticulated sewerage stops nutrients and harmful bacteria entering the ecosystem, residents immediately notice the benefits in other ways like a system that's virtually maintenance-free and has greater development potential."
Dr Hames said two major projects had just commenced and work was scheduled to be finished by June 2001.
A $2.2 million project will enable 420 properties in an area mainly bounded by Hamersley Place, Alfreda Avenue, Deschamp Road and Belfast Street to connect to the sewerage system. Experienced Infill Sewerage Program contractor, Foothills Drainage Pty Ltd, will carry out construction work.
Experienced contractor, D J and M B MacCormick has commenced the other project to service another 462 properties. These are bounded by Delphine Avenue, Homer Street, Elsegood Street and Grand Promenade. The project also includes a pump station in Homer Street and almost 500m of pressure main.
Dr Hames said this project was currently four months ahead of schedule as a result of improving efficiencies in the program.
"It's also very pleasing that the Water Corporation has been able to include a significant proportion of microtunnelling in both projects to reduce disruption as much as possible," he said.
Around 15 per cent of the total sewer main will be laid using the environmentally friendly technology.
Dr Hames said every care would be taken to minimise the nuisance to motorists and residents from deep excavations and dewatering which would be needed to complete construction during the later project.
"In both cases, the Water Corporation has timetabled the work to be finished by June next year so householders can connect before the real onset of winter," the Minister said.
"I'd urge householders in both of these project areas to make the connection as soon as they can to start enjoying the benefits of this important program."
Media contact: Sandy Gater 9424 7450
