Elster Creek Sewer Upgrade

The population in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs is growing, placing pressure on the current sewerage system. These works will upgrade the capacity of the existing Elster Creek sewer, so that future growth can be met.

 The works will: 
• Improve service reliability into the future.
• Future proof the sewer network.
• Reduce ongoing maintenance and repair costs. 

Construction works first commenced in late November 2022, continuing in various stages of the project throughout 2023 and 2024. Works are currently paused whilst we work through planning and approvals for the final phase of the project. We’ll let you know when works resume, with the final phase expected to take 6 – 8 weeks to complete.

We’ve now installed relief sewer pipes and new concrete manholes along Ellen Street, Malane Street, Charles Street, Daphne Street and Laurel Street, Bentleigh East. The installation of relief pipes was done through a process called underground micro tunnelling. This involved excavating multiple access shafts in stages along each of the streets listed above.

We renewed the sewer pipeline in sections of approximately 100 metres at a time. The works zones involved some road closures, temporary fencing and water barriers to ensure the safety of nearby residents and the local community.  

Construction hours will continue to be Monday to Friday between 7am and 5pm. If Saturday works are necessary, they will take place between 8am and 5pm. On the odd occasion, we might need to work at other times for safety, technical or permit reasons.

Works are currently paused whilst we work through planning and approvals for the final phase of the project. We’ll let you know when works resume, with the final phase expected to take 6 – 8 weeks to complete. We'll keep affected residents updated.

South East Water and their appointed contractor ZJW (Zinfra, Jaydo, WSP Joint Venture) will keep you informed about the project and construction in your area. We'll also keep this webpage up to date.

Sections of the road along the works alignment will be closed for up to six to eight weeks at a time. Vehicle access to driveways in these sections of the road may be temporarily blocked. Pedestrian access to properties however will be maintained. The project team will notify affected properties in advance and advise of alternative parking arrangements. The crew will also be available to assist residents where possible. We’re sorry for the inconvenience and will work to make sure this is for as short a time as possible.  

During the works ZJW will have a site compound in McKinnon Reserve carpark. This location has been approved by council. The compound will be secure and adhere to strict safety requirements. 

The construction methods chosen are not likely to cause high levels of dust and vibration. The project team will carry out regular site area inspections during high volumes of work to monitor for the safety and comfort of local residents and the community.  There will be periods of noise from machinery and drilling rigs. The crew will try to keep noisier works to a minimum between 7 am and 9 am. 

If you require property access due to a medical condition, please contact the ZJW Project Manager, Paul Glynn immediately on 0421 624 776 or pglynn@jaydo.com.au

No. If you experience any disruption to your water or sewerage services please call our 24/7 Faults and Emergencies team on 13 28 12.

There is no cost to the property owner for these works. 

When we’ve finished the job, we’ll leave things how we found them and make sure we return any areas we’ve impacted as close as possible to their original condition.