Public Works Committee: Western Adelaide Wastewater Network Upgrade

Ms DIGANCE (Elder) (11:06): I move:

That the 558^th report of the committee, entitled Western Adelaide Wastewater Network Upgrade, be noted.

SA Water has identified that the Western Adelaide Wastewater Network, which services around 75 per cent of the Adelaide CBD and a large portion of the south-eastern suburbs, is experiencing increased demand leading to hydraulic restrictions and surcharging, as well as odour due to its turbulence. The increase in demand is due to residential infill in the south-eastern suburbs and significant development within the CBD.

To address this, SA Water will install approximately 1.8 kilometres of large diameter pipework from West Terrace to a connection on War Memorial Drive in North Adelaide, bypassing the section of the network that is at or near capacity. This will include open excavation and trenching to ensure hydraulic grades are maintained. However, trenchless technology will be utilised at major road, rail and river crossings to minimise disruptions to commuters and the impact on these key pieces of infrastructure, including West Terrace and Port Road.

The committee was informed that SA Water has undertaken consultation to ensure that environmental and community impacts are minimised and that public amenity is retained where possible. Native title may still exist over some of the alignment and, as such, SA Water has provided notice pursuant to the Native Title Act 1994 and will continue to consult with the Kaurna people, the traditional owners of the land.

The cost of the new sewer network is $11.385 million (GST exclusive). Works commenced over the Christmas period to take advantage of less traffic on West Terrace, with the Adelaide High School students being on holiday and less commuter traffic. Over the past few weeks, people may have noticed some of the works being undertaken along West Terrace. Weather permitting, the project should be completed by the middle of this year. Given this, and pursuant to section 12C of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1991, the Public Works Committee reports to parliament that it recommends the proposed public works.

Mr PENGILLY (Finniss) (11:08): This is an important part of Adelaide's water infrastructure. It is just a pity that it has taken so long to do any of it, quite frankly. However, that said, any improvement to the system which reticulates water around Adelaide, whether it be good water, wastewater or whatever, is supported by us.

Ms DIGANCE (Elder) (11:09): I propose that the report be noted.

Motion carried.