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 to be delivered followed by the Mount Barker CBD (currently under construction), and then the Central and Eastern Stage Two projects.

The CBD Sewer Trunk Main project is nearing the finish line, with most sections along the route completed and reopened, including several sections of the linear trail footpath. Progress slowed in some locations during winter due to persistent wet weather and unexpected ground conditions. For instance, reinstatement and reopening of a section of the linear trail footpath behind the Homemaker Centre was delayed by wet ground conditions however, with drier conditions ahead, the team expects to complete final connections and reinstatement activities for the CBD project in the coming weeks.

The Linear Trail footpath behind the Homemaker Centre will be temporarily closed between Wednesday 8 and Friday 10 October 2025, and for half a day on Friday 17 October. The closure will extend from the rail bridge near St Frances through to MacFarlane Terrace. A signed detour will be in place to guide pedestrians along safe alternative routes. This closure is required to enable final reinstatement and completion of the footpath, weather permitting. Final connection and reinstatement will also take place on MacFarlane Terrace during nightshifts on the nights of Thursday 9 and Friday 10 October. MacFarlane Terrace will be closed overnight only. During the day, traffic management and reduced speed limits will be in place. As a result, workers, machinery and vehicles will be active in the area, and speed restrictions, road and footpath closures, and pedestrian detours will be in effect during day and night shifts. Construction noise may be noticeable at times during these works. Crews will aim to complete noisier activities earlier in the night with quieter tasks scheduled for early morning hours, where possible.

The temporary use of Dunn Park Oval as a laydown area has now finished, with all materials and equipment removed from the site. The area has now been tidied and reinstated, including levelling, applying topsoil, and hydroseeding to re-estbalish grass. These works will be undertaken once the ground has dried sufficiently and will be completed before summer to give the new grass the best chance to take hold.

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.

Projects and works

We’re continually working to future-proof your water and wastewater services. We are committed to investing in major infrastructure projects across our service area. Through our capital and minor works programs, we’re addressing growing demand and securing water supplies. This includes constructing new infrastructure and upgrading existing assets—renewing water and sewer pipelines and enhancing treatment plants. Investing in infrastructure is vital to maintaining reliable services for our communities today and for generations to come. As we plan for future growth, we’re also progressing toward our goal of 100% reuse. By embracing innovative technologies and sustainable practices, we’re improving plant efficiency, enhancing water quality, and delivering better environmental outcomes.