Eastern Sector Sewer Trunk Main Upgrades
Construction of the new Eastern Sector Sewer Trunk Main (STM) has commenced, which involves the installation of around 2.1 km of new sewer pipeline, starting at the Laratinga Wastewater Treatment Plant and finishing at Emerald Way.
Where we’re working
Works will take place across the following areas:
- Laratinga Wastewater Treatment Plant
- Parkview Drive
- Bald Hills Road
- Aston Hills Golf Course
- Hartman Road to Emerald Way
Eastern Sector Sewer Trunk Main Map
When we’re working
Construction timeframe: February 2026 to January 2027
Standard hours
- Day works: Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm
- Night works (Bald Hills Road only): Sunday to Thursday, 7pm to 5am
Works won’t occur on weekends or public holidays unless required and approved by GMB Water, or during extreme weather.
Why we’re doing it
This upgrade will help deliver:
- Increased capacity for current wastewater needs and future growth
- Improved environmental protection by reducing the risk of leaks and overflows
- Fewer service disruptions over time through modern, lower-maintenance infrastructure
What you may notice during works
As construction progresses, you may see:
- Construction activity including workers, machinery and vehicles.
- Temporary laydown area and construction compound in the reserve on Parkview Drive (between Scarborough Way and Melville Street). Having this area close to the construction works reduces the need for plant, equipment and materials to travel longer distances through Mount Barker. This helps lower vehicle movements and emissions, reduces noise and impacts on local roads, and supports safer, more efficient construction with less disruption to the community.
- Traffic and pedestrian management such as reduced speeds, temporary footpath/lane/road closures, and detours (please follow signs and traffic controllers)
- Noise, dust and minor vibration at times (vacuum trucks can be especially noisy). Dust and noise controls (including water trucks) will be used where possible.
- Vegetation removal where required, undertaken only when necessary and in consultation with Council’s Urban Forest Officer. Some sections along Parkview Drive have been redesigned to retain native vegetation where practicable.
How we’re building the new pipeline
Two construction methods are being used:
- Open trenching (main method)
A long, narrow trench is excavated to lay the pipe. Once installed, the trench is backfilled, compacted, and the surface restored (road, footpath or vegetation). - Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) – beneath the golf course (Stage 3)
Pipe sections are welded and pulled through a pre-drilled underground path, using an entry and exit pit. HDD is being used under the golf course to reduce surface disturbance and minimise vegetation and tree removal.
Keeping things safe and tidy
Safety is built into every stage. Traffic controls, barriers and signage will be used where needed, and measures will be staged to reduce disruption as much as possible while maintaining access.
Once construction is complete, disturbed areas will be reinstated to their original condition (or better).