As we finalise the design and start moving towards construction of the new sewerage system, we'd like to invite local traders to attend our engagement session.

We're conscious Olinda retailers are dependent on visitors and tourists to the area, so we'd like to provide you with information about how we’ll manage the sewerage project. We’d also like you to share your perspectives, ideas and concerns.

WHAT:    Information and consultation about the upcoming sewerage project
DATE: Monday 2 September 2024
TIME:      9 - 10 am
WHERE: Olinda Community House, 79-81 Olinda Monbulk Road (next to Olinda swimming pool)

Olinda traders minutes 2 September 2024

Click on the image for more information:

Our recent information sessions were well attended and generated some great questions. If you were unable to attend and are interested to learn more about the Community Sewerage Program and what it means for you in Olinda, you can catch up with a video recording of a webinar session here:

Learn about the Community Sewerage Program, how it works and what you need to do to connect

You’re invited to attend an online or in-person information session. Ask questions and get the right information you need to make the switch from septic to sewer.

Webinars

Register, selecting your preferred session, at: yvw.info/olinda-webinar

• Tuesday 28 February, 5 to 6 pm, or
• Wednesday 1 March, 12:30 to 1:30 pm

In-person at our shop at 74 Main Road, Monbulk

Register, selecting your preferred session, at: yvw.info/in-person-session

• Tuesday 28 February, 7 to 8 pm, or
• Thursday 2 March, 9:30 to 10:30 am

Learn about:

• Pressure sewer systems – the type of sewerage system we’re building for Olinda.
• How we’ll construct the system and what this means for you.
• Who pays for what.
• What you need to do to connect.

What's happening in Olinda?

We're conducting investigation works for this project which will allow us to refine our engineering designs for the sewerage system. 

Will I be receiving a sewerage service?

The design process determines the feasibility of where we can install pipes and takes into account many factors including topography, ecological impact, distance to existing infrastructure and hydraulics.

In the coming months, we’ll be in touch directly with property owners who will be receiving a sewerage service with more information.

What investigation works are taking place?

Between now and the mid-2023, our specialist contractors will be be surveying and investigating local conditions, including:

• Geotechnical sampling – small bore holes are drilled in different areas and soil and rock samples are analysed to help determine the best location for the sewerage pipes.
• Cultural heritage investigation – to assess the potential impact of a proposed activity on Aboriginal cultural heritage. These investigations are part of a Cultural Heritage Management Plan required under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 and involve digging small holes in different parts of the project area. The results will be available before the end of the year.
• Ecological surveying – required to help inform the route of our pipelines, reduce the need to disturb vegetation and to protect the environment.
• Service proving – using ‘non-destructive digging’ to verify infrastructure locations. The ‘digging’ involves using high pressure water to dislodge soil in road reserves and pathways. Using this equipment minimises the risk of causing damage to existing pipes and infrastructure, as well as tree roots and vegetation.

Septic tanks work by gradually releasing wastewater so that it's absorbed by the soil and plants on your property. If they're old and beyond their service life, fail or aren’t maintained properly, they can create unpleasant smells and boggy areas. They can leak waste onto other properties, or the wastewater can flow into local drains and waterways. Sometimes properties are too small to contain the waste, or the land might be steep, so the waste runs off before it is absorbed.

Also, many properties have split systems where toilet water is treated by the septic tank and the wastewater from the kitchen, shower and laundry flows into the stormwater system. This waste is not treated and flows into our creeks, rivers and bay, polluting our waterways.