Central Sector Sewer Trunk Main

The Central Sewer Trunk Main project will enhance the wastewater network along the rail corridor between Hampden Road through to Heysen Boulevard. The project involves the installation of approximately 2.4km of new sewer pipe, along with maintenance and flushing points for future connections. Ageing pipes along the route will also be replaced, ensuring wastewater infrastructure can meet current and future demands while safeguarding the environment. The Central Project is expected to finish in February 2026.

The construction of four new or upgraded wastewater trunk sewers in the Mount Barker area is required so the collection network has the required capacity to cater for growth. The trunk sewers are required to enable the provision of an essential public health service and to satisfy legal obligations entered into with a number of developers in the Mount Barker growth area to supply development sites with a sewer service.  The Nairne trunk sewer, completed in April 2025, was the first of the sewer trunk main projects to be delivered followed by the CBD sewer trunk mains (currently under construction), and then the Central and Eastern Stage Two projects.

The Sewer Trunk Main Program of Works brings multiple benefits to the Mount Barker community, including:

• Increased Capacity: Enhanced capacity for existing wastewater flows and future growth, ensuring reliable service for residents and businesses.
• Improved Environmental Protection: Minimised risks of leaks and overflows, protecting local waterways and natural areas.
• Reduced Service Disruptions: Modern infrastructure requiring less maintenance, leading to fewer interruptions for households and businesses.

You may notice some activity in your area. Workers, machinery and vehicles will be active in the area, and temporary crossing and footpath closures with pedestrian/cyclist detours will be in place. Traffic speed restrictions may also be in place where required. Some noise can be expected while works are completed. Pumps or vacuum trucks may be louder at times, depending on weather and ground conditions. Measures like street sweepers, mats and ballasts will be implemented where required to help reduce mud on roads and impacts to softer surfaces. Some properties may have short-term restricted driveway or parking access changes. Affected residents will be contacted directly and in advance. Tree trimming will only occur if required and always undertaken with Council Arborist oversight. Overnight pumping: dewatering pumps may run overnight during wet weather to help keep the project on schedule and reduce how long the community is affected by works. These will operate on low settings to reduce noise.

Once construction is complete, all disturbed areas will be reinstated, restoring roads, footpaths and land to their original or better condition.

Hurling Drive will be closed (local access only) on Wednesday, 8 October between Victoria Road and Albert Road from 9am to 5pm. Location map can be found here.

Works in the rail corridor between Hurling Drive and Heysen Boulevard is now underway. Soft ground and excess water continue to make conditions challenging on the path between Kirtlington Court/Wycombe Drive and Kennebec Court, delaying progress of pipeline installations. Construction vehicles and equipment operating in this location means it remains unsafe for pedestrians to use the crossing or footpath, requiring the temporary closure to remain in place until December 2025 when works in this area are expected to be complete. A detour will be in place to guide pedestrians around the area and along safer routes. 

The Contractor responsible for installing the pipes is BMD Construction, and they have appointed Andrea Shaw of CPR Communications to assist with community and stakeholder relations, and to keep directly impacted parties informed about the works.