Residents and businesses on Phillip Island and San Remo now have improved water services following a major upgrade to water pipelines under the San Remo - Phillip Island Bridge.
Westernport Water has completed the $5.9 million project which involved the full refurbishment of drinking water and wastewater pipelines under the bridge to Philip Island.
The works have been completed over the past year, with suspended scaffolding used under the bridge so workers could safely access the pipes while minimising impacts to traffic and the community.
The underbridge pipelines are a critical piece of water infrastructure, supplying drinking water to Phillip Island, and transporting wastewater from San Remo to the Cowes Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The first drinking water pipe was installed in 1969 during construction of the San Remo - Phillip Island Bridge.
In the early 1990s, Westernport Water added a second, smaller water pipeline as well as a sewer pipe to transport sewerage from San Remo to the wastewater treatment plant on Phillip Island.
Due to their exposure to the harsh coastal environment, the brackets, fixtures and fittings connecting the pipelines to the underside of the bridge were in need of repair.
Significant stakeholder consultation, planning and approval took place to minimise impacts to water customers, visitors, the economy and the local environment.
As stated by Minister for Water Gayle Tierney
"As communities grow, this vital upgrade will make sure that water and wastewater service can meet growing demand, improving the quality of life for residents and businesses."
"This project was one of Westernport Water's most complex projects to date, and its success is a testament to the skills and expertise of everyone involved."
As stated by Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale
"This upgrade will ensure our community has access to clean, healthy drinking water and reliable sewerage systems, improving our health and quality of life on Philip Island."
As stated by Managing Director Westernport Water Dona Tantirimudalige
"We would like to thank the local community for their support throughout this project, which has secured reliable water and wastewater services into the future."
