Project underway to improve Tea Gardens’ sewer network

Published on 28 April 2021

Concept planning will begin soon for a project that will ensure Tea Gardens’ sewer network can continue to meet the growing needs of the community.

The project includes a proposal to construct a rising main from Tea Gardens to the Hawks Nest Sewage Treatment Plant, which is also set for a major overhaul. A new transfer pump station will also be constructed to redirect sewage from the existing network into the new main.

“We know the sewer network in Tea Gardens is reaching capacity in terms of the volume of sewage it can pump and treat. With considerable residential development expected to occur in the area, the population is only going to increase,” said Council’s Director of Infrastructure and Engineering Services, Rob Scott.

“This project will ensure the sewer network can cater for the community as it grows and also reduce the risk of any issues occurring, such as sewer overflows during wet weather events.”

Tenders have been called for the concept design phase of the project, with a successful consultant expected to be appointed in May.

Mr Scott said an important part of the concept design would be establishing the best route for the rising main.

“At the moment there are several routes we’re looking at, with the option to either run the main under the Myall River or across the Singing Bridge, like the existing main,” he said.

“The preferred route will be selected based on a range of factors, including stakeholder input and environmental regulations.”

It is anticipated the concept design will take around six months to complete, with detailed design due to start in early 2022.

The project is expected to be completed by late 2023.

To find out more about the project, visit www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/teagardensrisingmain

For more on the Hawks Nest Sewage Treatment Plant upgrade, visit www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/hawksneststp