By Parker McKenzie
Monbulk residents are now able to connect to a new sewerage system which replaced 900 septic tanks.
Yarra Valley Water’s community sewerage program delivered the new sewerage system ahead of a roll-out to Kallista, The Patch and Sherbrooke in 2023.
YVW managing director Pat McCafferty said seeing the network live in Monbulk was an important milestone in the project.
“We’re very excited to announce our Monbulk sewerage network is now complete and available to eligible property owners to connect, this will make a huge difference to the local environment,” he said.
“There are a lot of leaking septic tanks in the area that could be affecting local waterways. The new system will help to prevent sewage run-off, helping to improve Monbulk’s beautiful environment.”
Yarra Valley Water said eligible properties have been contacted to let them know they can connect to the new network, with some being able to choose to keep their septic system.
Monbulk MP James Merlino said the new sewerage system is great news for families within the town..
“Connection to a modern sewerage system will improve environmental outcomes for the area and get rid of their septic tanks,” he said.
“The Community Sewerage Program will be delivered to other parts of the Dandenong Ranges in the near future including Kallista and Sherbrooke.”
Construction is expected to begin in Sassafras next year while the system roll-out in Olinda is currently being designed. The construction involves trenchless methods of drilling and pressure sewer technologies, aiming to reduce disruption to the community and the environment.
Mr McCafferty said the easier and more convenient system took a huge amount of work to design and construct.
“We’ve opened a shopfront in Monbulk where our team are available to talk to customers about how our Pressure Sewer System works and the process for connecting,” he said.
The shop front is located at 74 Main Road, Monbulk and is open on Mondays between 10am and 4pm.
The Monbulk and District Community Opportunities Working Group was contacted for comment.
