Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Unitywater replacing the roof of the reservoir?
The original roof structure was over 30 years old and in poor condition, increasing the risk of corrosion and other defects that could affect water quality. The new roof structure will be corrosion resistant aluminum, improving structural integrity and protecting the valuable drinking water inside.
Why are you using a helicopter to delivery roof material?
Access to the Buderim Reservoir site is very narrow and steep. The length of roof sheets means that the existing vehicle access would not be big enough to cart the sheets into site. If we were to deliver the sheets by vehicle, we would have needed to construct a temporary haul road, requiring the removal of a large number of trees from the neighbouring environmental reserve.
Airlifting the material to site protects our valuable environment, reduces impact on residents and is a much more cost-effective solution.
How does the airlift work?
An airlift involves specially fitted helicopters lifting and transporting construction materials and equipment into remote site areas that are difficult to access. The helicopter is fitted with specialist lifting and rigging equipment, allowing it to lift and place the loads much faster than a crane, with great precision, leaving no footprint.
What are the impacts to residents?
The airlift reduces the extent of impact on local residents, when compared with moving the construction material by road.
The short-term impact will be a few hours of helicopter noise on Wednesday 27 March 2024 from 7am to 1pm and a small exclusion zone under the flight path.
There will be a traffic control at the end of Grant Street, restricting traffic movements while the helicopter flies overhead.
This includes closing the majority of Eric Joseph Foote War Memorial Park, except for the Botanic Track, which will remain open and accessible from Park Lane. Signs will be installed and each entrance to the park will be staffed during the airlift.